JP7475710B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

As an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine has been known in the past that suggests the likelihood of a reach being achieved or a jackpot being played by having a character speak a line (message) once, as described in the following Patent Document 1. In this presentation, the content of the character's claim is displayed as text on an image display device and output as sound from a speaker.

JP 2018-57883 A

However, the presentation in which a character speaks lines (messages) as described in Patent Document 1 above is now commonly seen, and there is room for improvement in the presentation format, etc., in order to provide players with more interest.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A call presentation including an icon image showing a caller and a message image showing a message sent by the caller can be displayed;
In the above-mentioned transmission performance,
Following a first transmission performance including a first icon image indicating a first sender and a first message image indicating a message sent by the first sender,
A second call performance including a second icon image indicating a second caller different from the first caller and a second message image indicating a message sent by the second caller may be displayed;
The first transmission effect is displayed near a first end of a specific display area in which the transmission effect is displayed , and the second transmission effect is displayed near a second end of the specific display area opposite to the first end.
When the second call performance is displayed following the first call performance in the call performance, the display position of the first call performance is moved in a predetermined direction when the second call performance is displayed, and the display of the first call performance is continued;
A pattern variation can be performed in which a predetermined pattern is varied and then stopped in a manner that indicates the result of a lottery on whether or not the player will be in a favorable gaming state;
As the transmission performance, a plurality of unit transmission performances including the first transmission performance and the second transmission performance can be executed one by one according to each of the successive pattern variations,
The unit transmission performance is displayed for a first time at an initial display position, which is a position where the unit transmission performance is first displayed, and is displayed for a second time longer than the first time,
This gaming machine is characterized in that the pattern change when the unit transmission performance is displayed at the initial display position for the second time period has a higher expectation of indicating that the advantageous gaming state will be attained than the pattern change when the unit transmission performance is displayed at the initial display position for the first time period .

The gaming machine of the present invention can increase the excitement of the game through new presentations.

FIG. FIG. A front view showing the second large prize device and other details. FIG. (A) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in standby state, and (B) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in operation. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. 2 is an oblique view showing the back side of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a seven-segment display. (A) is a table showing random numbers related to the general map, and (B) is a table showing random numbers related to the special map. (A) is an example of a hit determination table, (B) is an example of a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an example of an auxiliary game control table. (A) is an example of a jackpot determination table, (B) is an example of a jackpot pattern type determination table, and (C) is an example of a reach determination table. This is an example of a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table. This is an example of a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table. 13 is an example of a look-ahead determination table. 13 is an example of a jackpot game control table. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of presentation modes. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of normal fluctuations in the special chart fluctuation performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of N reach in the special chart change performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an SP reach in a special chart change performance. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a hold effect. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a movable object performance. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an operation presentation. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. This is a jackpot game control table relating to a characteristic part of the pachinko game machine PY1. This is a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for the non-time-saving state related to the characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1. This is a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table for the time-saving state related to the characteristic part of the pachinko game machine PY1. This is a lottery table for determining whether or not a dialogue performance is to be performed. 13 is a table for selecting the mode of character movement dialogue presentation. 13 is a mode selection table for horizontally written dialogue presentation. 13 is a mode selection table for vertically written dialogue presentation. This is a special chart 2 pre-reading judgment table for the time-saving state related to the characteristic part of the pachinko game machine PY1. 4A is a lottery table for selecting a style of the pre-reading dialogue effect; This is a timing chart for explaining the execution timing of character movement dialogue effects, horizontally written dialogue effects, and vertically written dialogue effects. This is a table for explaining the contents of horizontally written dialogue presentation and vertically written dialogue presentation. A figure showing a specific example of a character movement dialogue presentation. This figure shows a specific example of a character movement dialogue presentation, and is a continuation of Figure 41. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of horizontally written dialogue presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of vertically written dialogue presentation. 13 is a timing chart for explaining the execution timing of the pre-reading line performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of a pre-reading dialogue presentation. This figure shows a specific example of a pre-reading dialogue presentation, and is a continuation of Figure 46.

Below, an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations of the same parts will be omitted as a general rule. In this specification, for the sake of simplicity, a symbol or code referring to information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. may be written, and the name of the information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. corresponding to the symbol or code may be omitted or abbreviated. In addition, in any of the flowcharts described below, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistency occurs in the process content.

1. Structure of the gaming machine The pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the first embodiment will be described. First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. In the following description, the left, right, up and down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 refer to the left, right, up and down directions (as viewed from the front) of a player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1. In addition, "forward" refers to the direction approaching the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and "rearward" refers to the direction approaching the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine PY1 has a game machine frame 2. The game machine frame 2 has a game board mounting frame 2A to which a game board unit YU (described later) is attached, and a front frame 23m that is rotatably supported on the game board mounting frame 2A via a hinge 2B. The front frame 23m can be opened and closed relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. A transparent plate 23t is attached to the front frame 23m. When the front frame 23m is closed, the game board 1 attached to the game board mounting frame 2A and the transparent plate 23t face each other. Therefore, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is installed in a game arcade, a player in front of the pachinko game machine PY1 can see the game area 6 formed on the game board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t can be a transparent glass plate, a transparent synthetic resin plate, or the like. The transparent plate 23t needs only to allow the playing area 6 to be visible from the front of the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

At the lower right of the front of the front frame 23m, a handle 72k is provided that can be rotated to launch the game balls. The amount by which the handle 72k is operated (rotation angle) corresponds to the magnitude (launch strength) of the force (the amount by which the launching device 72 described below drives the launch solenoid) applied to the game balls to launch them. Thus, the game balls are launched with a launch strength that corresponds to the rotation of the handle 72k. At the lower center of the front of the front frame 23m, a lower decorative body 36 that protrudes significantly forward is provided. An upper tray 34 is formed on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36 for storing the game balls supplied to the handle 72k. At the lower center of the front of the lower decorative body 36, a lower tray 35 is provided for storing surplus game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper tray 34.

A first input device (hereinafter, "normal button") 40 that can be pressed downward is provided on the front side of the upper tray 34 on the upper surface of the lower decorative body 36. In addition, a second input device (hereinafter, "special button") 41 that can be pressed downward is provided on the right decorative body 32 that is formed by protruding forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m. The normal button 40 is configured to be vibrated. That is, the normal button 40 has a built-in vibration mechanism for vibrating the normal button 40, and when a vibration motor included in this vibration mechanism is driven, the normal button 40 vibrates so that it can be visually recognized by the player. Note that a known configuration can be appropriately adopted for the vibration mechanism for vibrating the normal button 40. The normal button 40 is an example of an operation unit and an example of a vibrating body.

A speaker 52 capable of outputting sound is provided on the bottom surface of the upper decorative body 31, which is formed by protruding forward from the top of the surface of the front frame 23m. The speaker 52 consists of a left speaker 52L located on the left side and a right speaker 52R located on the right side. Furthermore, frame lamps 53 capable of emitting light are provided on the right edge of the front frame 23m and on the left and right sides of the lower plate 35 on the front of the lower decorative body 36. Furthermore, a movable frame movable device 58 is attached to the upper side of the left and right edges of the front frame 23m as a performance device aimed at increasing interest in the game. The frame movable device 58 consists of a left frame movable device 58L located on the left side and a right frame movable device 58R located on the right side.

The positions and number of components and devices installed in the gaming machine frame 2 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Next, the game board unit YU will be described mainly with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The game board unit YU has a game board 1 and a presentation unit 1U attached to the back side of the game board 1. First, the game board 1 will be described. The game board 1 is made of a transparent synthetic resin plate. An opening 1A that is roughly circular when viewed from the front is formed in roughly the center of the game board 1. A roughly ring-shaped inner wall portion 1B is formed to protrude forward along the opening 1A for partitioning a game area 6 into which game balls can flow. In addition, a roughly ring-shaped outer wall portion 1C is formed to protrude forward on the outside of the inner wall portion 1B for partitioning the game area 6.

A play area 6 surrounded by an inner wall portion 1B, an outer wall portion 1C, etc. is formed on the front side of the play board 1. In other words, the front side of the play board 1 is divided by the inner wall portion 1B and the outer wall portion 1C into the play area 6 and the rest of the area.

The play area 6 is an area where game balls released by operating the handle 72k can flow down, and is provided for playing on the pachinko game machine PY1. Note that a large number of game nails (not shown) are protruding from the play area 6. The game nails form a path that appropriately guides game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the play area 6 to the first start gate 11, the second start gate 12, the general winning gate 10, the gate 13, the first large winning gate 14, and the second large winning gate 15, which will be described later. Note that the start gates such as the first start gate 11 and the second start gate 12 are referred to as ball entry gates, the large winning gates such as the first large winning gate 14 and the second large winning gate 15 are referred to as special winning gates or specific winning gates, and the gates can be referred to as pass gates or pass areas.

A center frame (center ornament) 61 that decorates the periphery of the opening 1A is provided near the center of the game area 6. The center frame 61 is provided with a stage that can guide the game ball to the first starting hole 11 (described below), and a warp that can guide the game ball to the stage.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first start winning device 11D having a first start hole 11 through which the game ball can enter, and a second start winning device (a so-called "electric chute") 12D that allows or prevents the ball from entering the second start hole 12.

The first start winning device 11D is stationary. Therefore, the ease with which the game ball can enter the first start hole 11 remains constant (unchanging). The entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 1") (obtaining and determining a random number related to Special Symbol 1, described below; hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 1 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 1. In addition, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11, a predetermined number of game balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening/closing member 12k. The electric chute opening/closing member 12k is usually (in a normal state) in a closed position that prevents the game ball from entering the second starting hole 12. Then, when a special state is entered, it moves to an open position that allows the game ball to enter the second starting hole 12. In this way, the movement of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k to the open position is also called the "open state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D, and the game ball can enter the second starting hole 12 only when it is in the open state. On the other hand, the electric chute opening/closing member 12k in the closed position is also called the "closed state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D. In addition, the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D being in the "open state" is also called "the electric chute 12D is open," and the electric chute 12D being in the "closed state" is also called "the electric chute 12D is closed."

The entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2") (obtaining and determining a Special Symbol 2 related random number described below: hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 2 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2. In addition, when a game ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of game balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls. In addition, a guide stage 12g that guides the game ball to the second starting hole 12 is provided in the game area 6.

The game area 6 is also provided with a general winning opening (normal winning opening) 10 through which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 10, a predetermined number of game balls (three in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a gate 13 through which the game ball can pass. The passage of the game ball through the gate 13 triggers the drawing of a regular symbol (hereinafter referred to as a "regular symbol") (i.e., obtaining and determining a regular symbol random number: hereinafter referred to as a "regular symbol drawing") and the variable display of the regular symbol. The electric chute 12D is opened by the execution of the auxiliary game. In other words, the auxiliary game is a game that involves the opening of the electric chute 12D.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first large prize winning device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D") in which a first large prize winning opening 14 through which a game ball can enter is formed. The first large prize winning device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening and closing member 14k that can be operated in an open state and a closed state. The first large prize winning opening 14 is opened and closed by the operation of the normal AT opening and closing member 14k. The normal AT opening and closing member 14k is normally in a closed state that blocks the first large prize winning opening 14, and it is impossible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. When the normal AT opening and closing member 14k operates in an open state, it becomes possible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. In this way, the game ball can enter the first large prize winning opening 14 only when the normal AT opening and closing member 14k is in an open state. When a game ball enters the first large prize winning opening 14, a predetermined number of game balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a second large prize winning device 15D (hereinafter also referred to as "VAT 15D") in which a second large prize winning opening 15 through which a game ball can enter is formed. The second large prize winning device 15D is provided with an operable VAT opening/closing member 15k. The VAT opening/closing member 15k normally blocks the second large prize winning opening 15. The VAT opening/closing member 15k can be in an open state. A game ball can enter the second large prize winning opening 15 only when the VAT opening/closing member 15k is in an open state. On the other hand, the state in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k blocks the second large prize winning opening 15 is also referred to as a "closed state." In this way, the second large prize winning opening 15 is opened and closed by the operation of the VAT opening/closing member 15k. When a game ball enters the second large prize winning opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The second large prize winning device 15D will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Inside the second large prize winning device 15D, a gate-shaped second large prize winning port sensor 15a is provided that can detect a game ball that has entered the second large prize winning port 15 and allow the game ball to pass downward.

In the downstream area of the second large prize opening sensor 15a, there are a specific area 16 and a non-specific area 17 through which game balls can pass (enter). Game balls that pass through the second large prize opening sensor 15a are sorted by a sorting device 16D into the specific area 16 or the non-specific area 17. The sorting device 16D is equipped with a sorting member 16k made of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and a sorting solenoid 16s that drives the sorting member 16k. The sorting member 16k is configured to be slidable left and right by the drive of the sorting solenoid 16s.

When the distribution solenoid 16s is not energized, the distribution member 16k is in a first state (passage prevention state: in a front view of FIG. 3(A), the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the right of the left end of the specific area 16, and the distribution member 16k covers the specific area 16 directly above) that prevents the game ball from passing through to the specific area 16. When the distribution member 16k is in the first state, after a game ball enters the second large prize opening 15 passes through the second large prize opening sensor 15a, it cannot pass through the specific area 16, and passes through the non-specific area 17. The route of the game ball flowing down from the second large prize opening 15 to the non-specific area 17 is called the first route.

On the other hand, when the distribution solenoid 16s is energized, the distribution member 16k is in a second state that allows the game ball to pass (enter) the specific area 16 (passage-allowing state: when viewed from the front in FIG. 3(B), the left end of the distribution member 16k is located slightly to the left of the right end of the specific area 16, the distribution member 16k does not cover the specific area 16 directly above, and the area directly above the specific area 16 is open). When the distribution member 16k is in the second state, a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 15 can easily pass through the specific area 16 after passing through the second large prize opening sensor 15a. The route of the game ball that flows down from the second large prize opening 15 to the specific area 16 is called the second route.

In addition, the distribution member 16k is basically held in the first state. In other words, the first state can be said to be the normal state of the distribution member 16k. Then, only during a specified round of play (e.g., 16R), the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the state can change to the second state. Note that the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be changed as appropriate.

Specific area 16 and non-specific area 17 are provided with specific area sensors 16a and non-specific area sensors 17a that detect game balls that pass through (enter) each area 16, 17 and allow the game balls to pass downward.

It is possible to provide only one of the first large prize winning device 14D and the second large prize winning device 15D, as long as it does not interfere with the game. Also, depending on the gameplay, it is possible to provide two large prize winning devices, such as the first large prize winning device 14D, that do not have a specific area or a distribution device. Also, although the first large prize winning device 14D and the second large prize winning device 15D are provided, it is possible to use only the first large prize winning device 14D or only the second large prize winning device 15D, depending on the gameplay. Note that if only the first large prize winning device 14D is used, processing related to the second large prize winning device 15D is not performed, and if only the second large prize winning device 15D is used, processing related to the first large prize winning device 14D is not performed.

As shown in FIG. 2, two outlets 19 are provided at the bottom of the game area 6 to discharge game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not won in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 6. The game board 1 is also provided with an illuminating board lamp 54.

The game area 6 through which the game balls can flow can be divided into a left game area 6A (first game area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 6B (second game area) on the right side. The operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the left game area 6A is called "left hit". On the other hand, the operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the right game area 6B is called "right hit". In the pachinko game machine PY1, the flow path through which the game ball can flow when launched by left hit is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball can flow when launched by right hit is called the second flow path R2. The first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 are also composed of a large number of game nails, etc.

On the first flow path R1, there is a first start port 11 and two general winning ports 10. Therefore, a player can aim to win at the first start port 11 or the general winning port 10 by hitting the game ball from the left so that it flows down the first flow path R1. On the other hand, on the second flow path R2, there are a second start port 12, a general winning port 10, a gate 13, a first large winning port 14, and a second large winning port 15. Therefore, a player can aim to pass through the gate 13 or win at the second start port 12, the general winning port 10, the first large winning port 14, or the second large winning port 15 by hitting the game ball from the right so that it flows down the second flow path R2.

In addition, game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes (first starting hole 11, second starting hole 12, general winning hole 10, first large winning hole 14, and second large winning hole 15) are guided to the outlet hole 19 and discharged. In addition, the number of winning balls that enter each winning hole can be set appropriately.

In addition, displays 8 are arranged to the lower left of the play area 6 formed on the front of the game board 1 (part other than the play area 6). As shown in FIG. 4, the displays 8 include a special chart 1 display 81a that variably displays special chart 1, a special chart 2 display 81b that variably displays special chart 2, and a general chart display 82 that variably displays general charts. The displays 8 also include a special chart 1 reserved display 83a that displays the special chart 1 reserved number (U1: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 1 by the special chart 1 display 81a) described below, and a special chart 2 reserved display 83b that displays the special chart 2 reserved number (U2: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 2 by the special chart 2 display 81b) described below.

The variable display of special chart 1 is executed when a special chart 1 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the first starting hole 11. The variable display of special chart 2 is executed when a special chart 2 lottery is held in response to a game ball entering the second starting hole 12. In the following explanation, special chart 1 and special chart 2 are collectively referred to as special charts or special patterns, and special chart 1 lottery and special chart 2 lottery are collectively referred to as special chart lottery. Furthermore, special chart 1 display 81a and special chart 2 display 81b are collectively referred to as special chart display 81. Furthermore, special chart 1 reserve display 83a and special chart 2 reserve display 83b are collectively referred to as special chart reserve display 83.

The variable display of the special chart notifies the result of the special chart lottery. In the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed variably and then displayed still. The special chart that is displayed still (the stopped special chart, the special pattern that is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display) is one special chart selected from multiple types of special charts by the special chart lottery. If the stopped special chart is a specific special chart (a special chart with a specific stopping mode, i.e., a jackpot pattern), a jackpot game (an example of a special game) is played in which the jackpot openings (first jackpot opening 14 and second jackpot opening 15) are opened. The game state in which the jackpot game is being played is called the jackpot game state. The jackpot game state is an example of a special game state that is advantageous to the player.

The special chart display 81 is composed of, for example, eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged side by side, and displays a special chart according to the result of the special chart lottery according to the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if the result of the special chart lottery is a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), the special chart display 81 displays a jackpot pattern consisting of the lighting of the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left, such as "□□■■□□■■" (□: lit, ■: unlit). Also, if the result of the special chart lottery is a loss, the special chart display 81 displays a loss pattern consisting of only the lighting of the rightmost LED, such as "■■■■■■■□". Note that the lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the special chart lottery is not limited and can be set appropriately. Therefore, for example, all LEDs may be turned off to represent a loss pattern.

In addition, in the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed for a predetermined variable time before the special chart is displayed in a stopped state. The mode of variable display of the special chart is, for example, a mode in which each LED lights up so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. Note that the mode of variable display of the special chart is not particularly limited, and if each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (illuminated display in a specific mode), it may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing at once.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, various random numbers (an example of judgment information) for performing a special drawing lottery, etc., may be obtained. These various random numbers are temporarily stored as special drawing reservations in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105 described below. In the following, the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the first start hole 11 are referred to as "special drawing 1 related random numbers," and the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the second start hole 12 are referred to as "special drawing 2 related random numbers." Here, the special drawing 1 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 1 reservations in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 105a in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. On the other hand, the special drawing 2 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 2 reservations in the special drawing 2 reservation memory unit 105b in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. An upper limit (four in this embodiment) is set for the number of reserved special drawings 1 (reserved special drawing number) that can be stored in the reserved special drawing 1 storage unit 105a and the number of reserved special drawings 2 (reserved special drawing number) that can be stored in the reserved special drawing 2 storage unit 105b. The upper limit for the reserved special drawing number and the reserved special drawing number can be changed as appropriate, and the upper limit may be "none." In the following, reserved special drawings 1 and reserved special drawings 2 are collectively referred to as "reserved special drawings," and the reserved special drawing number and reserved special drawing number are collectively referred to as "reserved special drawing number." In addition, the random numbers related to the special drawing 1 and the random numbers related to the special drawing 2 are collectively referred to as "random numbers related to the special drawing."

In the pachinko game machine PY1, if the variable display of the special chart is not performed immediately after the game ball enters the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, specifically, if a prize is won while the variable display of the special chart is being performed or while a jackpot game is being played, the variable display of the special chart for that prize (or the right to draw a special chart) can be reserved. The reserved special chart stored in the reserved special chart memory unit 105 is consumed when the variable display of the special chart based on that reserved special chart becomes possible. In other words, consuming the reserved special chart means determining the special chart-related random number, etc., that corresponds to that reserved special chart, and executing the variable display of the special chart to show the result of that determination.

The number of reserved special drawings is then displayed on the reserved special drawing display 83. Each of the reserved special drawing 1 display 83a and the reserved special drawing 2 display 83b is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and the number of reserved special drawings can be displayed by lighting up the LEDs in accordance with the number of reserved special drawings.

The variable display of the regular map also notifies the result of the regular map lottery. In the variable display of the regular map, the regular map is displayed variably and then stopped. The regular map that is stopped (stop regular map, regular map derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one regular map selected from multiple types of regular maps by the regular map lottery. If the regular map that is stopped is a specific regular map that has been determined in advance (a regular map with a predetermined stopping pattern, i.e. a winning pattern), an auxiliary game is played in which the second starting hole 12 (electric chute 12D) is opened.

The regular map display 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs, and displays a regular map according to the result of the regular map lottery depending on the lighting state of the LEDs. If the result of the regular map lottery is a win, the regular map display 82 displays a winning pattern consisting of both LEDs lit, such as "□□" (□: lit, ■: off). If the result of the regular map lottery is a loss, a losing pattern consisting of only the right LED lit, such as "■□". A mode in which all LEDs are off may also be adopted to represent a losing pattern. Note that the lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the regular map lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate.

In addition, before the normal map is displayed as stopped, the normal map is displayed as a variable display for a predetermined variable time. The variable display mode of the normal map is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs are alternately lit. Note that the variable display mode of the normal map is not particularly limited, and if the LEDs are not displayed as stopped (lit in a specific mode), it may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing at the same time.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when the game ball passes through the gate 13, a normal pattern random number (an example of judgment information) for performing a normal pattern lottery may be obtained. This random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 described below, provided that the variable display of the normal pattern or the auxiliary game is not being executed. The number of normal patterns reserved (normal pattern reserve number) that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 is set to an upper limit (four in this embodiment). The upper limit of the number of normal patterns reserved can be changed as appropriate, and the upper limit may be set to "none". In the following, the normal pattern random number obtained by the game ball passing through the gate 13 is also referred to as a "normal pattern related random number". In addition, in this embodiment, a normal pattern reserve display that displays the normal pattern reserve number is not provided, but a normal pattern reserve display may be added to the display unit 8. As the normal pattern reserve display, for example, one with a configuration similar to that of the special pattern reserve display 83 can be adopted.

Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the presentation unit 1U attached to the back of the game board 1. The presentation unit 1U is a unit made up of multiple devices that mainly perform presentations. The presentation unit 1U is equipped with an image display device 50, a first board movable device (hereinafter "above-board movable device") 55, and a second board movable device (hereinafter "below-board movable device") 56.

The image display device 50 is, for example, composed of a 20-inch 3D liquid crystal display, and is equipped with a display unit (display screen) 50a capable of displaying 3D images. Note that the image display device 50 may be another display device, such as one composed of multiple liquid crystal displays or one composed of an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, as long as it is capable of displaying images.

The above-board movable device 55 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated below-board movable body 56k.

Figure 5 (A) shows a schematic diagram of the above-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k being held in a normal standby state (initial position) when not in operation. When the drive source of the above-board movable device 55 is driven, the above-board movable body 55k moves downward (descends), and when the drive source of the below-board movable device 56 is driven, the below-board movable body 56k moves upward (rises). At this time, the image display device 50 is covered by the lowered above-board movable body 55k or the raised below-board movable body 56k, making the image display device 50 difficult to see.

The positions and number of components and devices installed on the game board unit YU can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

2. Electrical configuration of the gaming machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described based on Figures 6 to 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is equipped with a game control board (hereinafter referred to as the "main control board") 100 that controls game profits such as special drawing, variable display of special drawing, big win game, setting of game state to be described later, regular drawing, variable display of regular drawing, and auxiliary game (progress of game), a performance control board (hereinafter referred to as the "sub control board") 120 that controls game performances (special drawing variable performances, reserved performances, operation performances, big win game performances, etc.) according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100 and performances such as customer waiting performances, and a payout control board 170 that controls the payout of game balls, etc., on the rear side further than the image display device 50 of the game board 1. The main control board 100 can be positioned as a game control unit (main control unit) that controls the game. The sub-control board 120 can be positioned as a performance control unit (sub-control unit) that controls the performance together with the image control board 140, the lamp control circuit 151, and the sound control circuit 161 described later. The performance control unit only needs to have at least the sub-control board 120 and be capable of controlling various performances using the performance means (the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, and the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc.).

The pachinko game machine PY1 also includes a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 supplies power to the main control board 100, the sub-control board 120, and the payout control board 170, and also supplies the necessary power to other devices through these boards. The power supply board 190 is provided with a RAM clear switch 191 that can be pressed. The RAM clear switch 191 (specific operation means) is for causing the gaming CPU 102 to clear (hereinafter referred to as "RAM clear") the game information (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information such as the number of reserved special figures and the result of the jackpot judgment) stored in the gaming RAM 104 of the gaming control microcomputer 101 described later when the power is turned on. As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190 arranged on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1. Therefore, only employees of the gaming facility who can open and close the front door 23 can operate the RAM clear switch 191. In other words, the RAM clear switch 191 can be said to be an operating means that cannot be operated by the player. When the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 191 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 101. Note that in this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190, but the location of the RAM clear switch 191 can be changed as appropriate, and it may be provided, for example, on the main control board 100 or on a dedicated board.

The power supply board 190 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 192. When power is not being supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1, the backup power supply circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120, which will be described later. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine PY1 is cut off. In addition, a power switch 193 is connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is turned on and off by turning the power switch 193 on and off. Note that a backup power supply circuit for the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 may be provided on the main control board 100, and a backup power supply circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 may be provided on the sub-control board 120.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 100 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as the "microcomputer for game control") 101 that controls the progress of the game on the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The microcomputer for game control 101 includes a game ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that stores programs and tables for controlling the progress of the game, a game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 used as a work memory, and a game CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that executes the programs stored in the game ROM 103.

The game ROM 103 stores programs for performing main control processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The game ROM 103 also stores a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a look-ahead determination table, a jackpot game control table, a win determination table, a regular symbol variation pattern determination table, and an auxiliary game control table, which will be described later. The game ROM 103 may be external.

The gaming RAM 104 is also provided with the special game reserve memory section 105 and the regular game reserve memory section 106 mentioned above. The gaming RAM 104 is also provided with a non-erasable memory section 107, which is provided with a total number of winning balls memory section 107a, a total number of shot balls memory section 107b, and a difference in number of balls memory section 107c. The non-erasable memory section 107 is designed so that the gaming CPU 102 does not erase the stored contents even if a RAM clear is executed.

The game control microcomputer 101 counts the total number of winning balls at any time after the power is turned on, and the information on the counted total number of winning balls is stored in the total number of winning balls memory unit 107a. The total number of winning balls is the number of winning balls that the player acquires (is paid out to the player) in all game states (normal game state, jackpot game state, high probability high base state, low probability high base state, etc.). The game control microcomputer 101 also counts the total number of shot balls at any time after the power is turned on, and the information on the counted total number of shot balls is stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b. The total number of shot balls is the number of shot balls that the player shoots in all game states. The game control microcomputer 101 also calculates the difference in the number of balls by subtracting the total number of shot balls from the total number of winning balls at any time after the power is turned on, and the information on the calculated difference in the number of balls is stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c. The game control microcomputer 101 disables the game when the difference in number of balls (an example of a specific measured number) becomes equal to or exceeds a reference number (e.g., "80,000"). This function is called the over-award ball prevention function. The over-award ball prevention function may be activated when the maximum difference in number of balls (also called the maximum number of balls held, MY, etc.) becomes a predetermined reference number. The maximum difference in number of balls is the difference between the minimum difference in number of balls, which is the lowest value of the measured difference in number of balls, and the peak (highest value) of the difference in number of balls after the minimum difference in number of balls is measured. In this case, the maximum difference in number of balls corresponds to the specific measured number.

The main control board 100 is also provided with a 7-segment display 300, a setting key cylinder 180, and a special reset switch 181 (special operation means) (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, the 7-segment display 300 is a so-called 4-segment 7-segment display, and has a total of 32 lighted (illuminated) parts. Specifically, the 7-segment display 300 has, from left to right, a first display area 310, a second display area 320, a third display area 330, and a fourth display area 340. Each of the four display areas 310, 320, 330, and 340 has eight lighted parts (LED elements) LB1 to LB8, LB9 to LB16, LB17 to LB24, and LB25 to LB32 so that they can display the numbers "0" to "9". The display control of the 7-segment display 300 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The setting key cylinder 180 functions as an operating means when setting a setting value corresponding to the probability of determining a big win. With a setting key (not shown) inserted inside the setting key cylinder 180, it is rotated between an initial position and a rotation position. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 to the rotation position and turning on the power while pressing the RAM clear switch 191, it is possible to transition to a setting mode in which a setting value can be set. In this setting mode, the setting value can be set to "1". However, in this pachinko game machine PY1, only one setting value, "1", is provided. Therefore, the setting value cannot be changed from "1". Note that when the setting mode is set, if the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated from the rotation position to the standby position, the setting mode ends and the RAM is cleared.

The main control board 100 is also provided with a special reset switch 181 that can be pressed. As shown in FIG. 8, the special reset switch 181 is provided on the main control board 100 located on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Therefore, only arcade employees who can open and close the front door 23 can operate the special reset switch 181. In other words, the special reset switch 181 can be said to be an operating means that cannot be operated by a player. The function of the special reset switch 181 will be described in detail later. The main control board 100 is also equipped with a gaming I/O (Input/Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals.

Furthermore, various sensors MS and actuators MA are connected to the main control board 100 via a predetermined relay board (not shown). Therefore, signals output by the various sensors MS are input to the main control board 100. Furthermore, the main control board 100 outputs signals to the various actuators MA.

The various sensors MS connected to the main control board 100 include a first start port sensor 11a, a second start port sensor 12a, a general prize port sensor 10a, a gate sensor 13a, a first large prize port sensor 14a, a second large prize port sensor 15a, a specific area sensor 16a, and a non-specific area sensor 17a.

The first start opening sensor 11a detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 11. The second start opening sensor 12a detects a game ball that has entered the second start opening 12. The general winning opening sensor 10a detects a game ball that has entered the general winning opening 10. The general winning opening sensor 10a is provided for each general winning opening 10. The gate sensor 13a is provided at the gate 13 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 13. The first large winning opening sensor 14a detects a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 14. The second large winning opening sensor 15a detects a game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 15. The specific area sensor 16a detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 16 (entered the specific area 16). The non-specific area sensor 17a detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area 17 (entered the non-specific area 17). When each sensor detects a game ball, it outputs a signal according to the detection result to the main control board 100.

Although not shown in FIG. 6, the various sensors MS include an outlet sensor that detects all game balls (total number of balls fired) flowing down the game area 6. Game balls that flow down outside the game area 6 are discharged to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1 through an outlet path (not shown) provided at the bottom of the game board mounting frame 2A. For this reason, the outlet sensor is provided within the outlet path. The various sensors MS also include a magnetic sensor that detects illegal magnetism. The magnetic sensor detects the magnetic field generated when a player illegally uses a magnet or the like to cause a game ball to enter the various winning holes 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15. When each of the above-mentioned sensors detects a game ball, it outputs a signal corresponding to the detection content to the main control board 100.

The various sensors MS also include a front door open sensor that detects the opening of the front door 23 relative to the outer frame 22, and a front frame sensor that detects the opening of the front frame 23m relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. When the front door open sensor detects the opening of the front door 23, it outputs a signal according to the detection content to the main control board 100. When the front frame sensor detects the opening of the front frame 23m, it outputs a signal according to the detection content to the main control board 100. The type and number of sensors connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators MA connected to the main control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid 12s, a first large prize opening solenoid 14s, a second large prize opening solenoid 15s, and a distribution solenoid 16s. The electric chute solenoid 12s drives the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D. The first large prize opening solenoid 14s drives the normal AT opening and closing member 14k of the first large prize device 14D. The second large prize opening solenoid 15s drives the VAT opening and closing member 15k of the second large prize device 15D. The distribution solenoid 16s drives the distribution member 16k of the distribution device 16D.

The type and number of actuators connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Furthermore, displays 8 (special chart display 81, regular chart display 82, and special chart reserved display 83) are connected to the main control board 100. The display control of these displays 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The main control board 100 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 170, and receives signals from the payout control board 170 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 170 is connected to a card unit CU (installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine PY1, which enables ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card) and a prize ball payout device 73, as well as to a launching device 72 via a launch control circuit 175. The launching device 72 includes a handle 72k (see Figure 1).

Based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU, the payout control board 170 drives the prize ball motor 73m of the prize ball payout device 73 to pay out prize balls or pay out loan balls. The paid-out game balls are detected by a prize ball sensor 73a for counting, and a detection signal from the prize ball sensor 73a is output to the payout control board 170.

The launching device 72 is also provided with a touch switch 72a capable of detecting contact with the handle 72k (see FIG. 1) by a person such as a player. When the player operates the handle 72k, the touch switch 72a detects the player's contact with the handle 72k and outputs a detection signal to the payout control board 170. A launch volume knob 72b capable of detecting the rotation angle (operation amount) of the handle 72k is also connected to the launching device 72. The launching device 72 drives the launch solenoid 72s so that the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 72k detected by the launch volume knob 72b. In the pachinko game machine PY1, when the rotation operation of the handle 72k is maintained, one game ball is launched approximately every 0.6 seconds.

The payout control board 170 is also connected to the external terminal board 160. That is, the external terminal board 160 is connected to the main control board 100 via the payout control board 170. The external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal sent from the main control board 100 to an external unit GU (data counter, hall computer, etc.) provided outside the pachinko game machine PY1. Information contained in the outer end signal includes, for example, information indicating whether a jackpot has been won, information on the game status, and information indicating an error or fraud (abnormality). Note that the external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal to the external unit GU by parallel communication, but the outer end signal may also be transmitted by asynchronous serial communication (a common asynchronous serial communication port). Additionally, while the main control board 100 is connected to the external terminal board 160 via the dispensing control board 170, the main control board 100 may be connected to the external terminal board 160 via a board other than the dispensing control board 170 (e.g., a relay board), or the main control board 100 and the external terminal board 160 may be directly connected.

The main control board 100 also transmits various commands containing information related to the game to the sub-control board 120 as the game progresses. The sub-control board 120 can grasp the progress of the game (control contents of the game) by the main control board 100 based on the various commands sent from the main control board 100. The connection between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 120. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control board 120 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling presentations (hereinafter referred to as the "microcomputer for controlling presentations") 121, which controls the presentations of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The microcomputer for controlling presentations 121 includes a ROM for presentations 123 that stores programs for controlling presentations as the game progresses using the main control board 100, a RAM for presentations 124 used as a work memory, and a CPU for presentations 122 that executes the programs stored in the ROM for presentations 123.

The performance ROM 123 also stores programs for performing sub-control main processing, reception interrupt processing, 1 ms timer interrupt processing, and 10 ms timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. Note that the performance ROM 123 may be external.

The sub-control board 120 also includes an I/O port 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 139. The RTC 139 measures the current date and time. The RTC 139 operates on power when the pachinko game machine PY1 is supplied with power from a specified island power supply device (not shown), and operates on power supplied from a backup power circuit 192 provided on the power supply board 190 when power is not supplied from the island power supply device. Therefore, the RTC 139 can measure the current date and time even when the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is not turned on. A backup power circuit for the RTC 139 may be provided on the sub-control board 120. The backup power circuit may include a circuit including a capacitor and an internal battery (such as a button battery).

The image control board 140 is connected to the sub-control board 120. The performance control microcomputer 121 of the sub-control board 120 causes the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 to control the display of the image display device 50 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100. The connection between the sub-control board 120 and the image control board 140 is a two-way communication connection that allows both the transmission of signals from the sub-control board 120 to the image control board 140 and the transmission of signals from the image control board 140 to the sub-control board 120.

The image control board 140 includes an image ROM 142 that stores programs for image control, an image RAM 143 that is used as a work memory, and an image CPU 141 that executes the programs stored in the image ROM 142. The image control board 140 also includes a CGROM 145 that stores image data to be displayed on the image display device 50, a VRAM 146 that is used to expand the image data stored in the CGROM 145, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 144. Of course, all or part of these electronic components may be configured on a single chip. The CGROM 145 stores, for example, image data (still image data and video data, specifically image data of characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including performance patterns) and background images) for displaying images to be displayed on the image display device 50.

The VDP 144 reads image data from the CGROM 145 and displays it in the display area in the VRAM 146 according to a display list created by the image CPU 141 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 121. The VDP 144 then appropriately synthesizes the displayed image data to draw an image in the frame buffer in the VRAM 146. The image drawn in the frame buffer is then output to the image display device 50 as an RGB signal. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The display list is made up of a set of commands that instruct the execution of drawing on a frame-by-frame basis. The display list contains various parameter information such as the type of image to be drawn, the position at which the image is to be drawn, the display priority, the display magnification, and the transparency of the image.

The performance control microcomputer 121 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 based on commands received from the main control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100.

Audio data such as the sound output from the speaker 52 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120. The audio control circuit 161 may be a board with a CPU mounted on it. In this case, the CPU may be made to execute the audio control. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and audio data may be stored in the ROM. The speaker 52 may also be connected to the image control board 140 and the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 may be made to execute the audio control. In this case, the audio data may also be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

The sub-control board 120 is also connected to various switches that serve as input units, various actuators SA that serve as drive sources, and various lamps SL via a specified relay board (not shown). Signals output by the various switches are input to the sub-control board 120. The sub-control board 120 also outputs signals to the various actuators SA. The sub-control board 120 also controls the lighting of the various lamps SL via a lamp control circuit 151 based on commands received from the main control board 100.

The various switches connected to the sub-control board 120 include a normal button detection switch 40a and a special button detection switch 41a. The normal button detection switch 40a detects when the normal button 40 is pressed. The special button detection switch 41a detects when the special button 41 is pressed. Each detection switch 40a, 41a outputs a signal to the sub-control board 120 according to the detection content. The type and number of switches connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators SA connected to the sub-control board 120 include an upper board drive motor 55m that drives the upper board movable device 55, a lower board drive motor 56m that drives the lower board movable device 56, and a frame drive motor 58m that drives the frame movable device 58. The performance control microcomputer 121 can drive these motors to cause each movable device to perform a specified operation. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data that determines the operation mode of each movable device, and controls the operation of each movable device via the lamp control circuit 151. The sub-control board 120 is also connected to a vibration motor (not shown) for vibrating the normal button 40. The type and number of actuators connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate within the range that does not interfere with the game.

The various lamps SL connected to the sub-control board 120 include a frame lamp 53, a board lamp 54, etc. The performance control microcomputer 121 is capable of lighting up each lamp. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light pattern data (data that determines the on/off state, light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and controls the light emission of each lamp according to the light pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120 is used to create the light pattern data.

A CPU may be mounted on the lamp control circuit 151 as a circuit board. In this case, the CPU may be made to control the lighting of each lamp and the operation of each movable device. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and data relating to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM. The type and number of lamps connected to the sub-control board 120 may be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

3. Main Games Played by the Gaming Machine Next, the main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 17. The tables shown in Figures 10 to 17 are general ones for the purpose of the description of this section, and if a different table is shown in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table is used in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. However, for configurations that do not show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table shown in this section is used, and also for configurations that show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the table shown in this section can be changed to the table shown in this section.

3-1. Games related to normal figures First, a game related to normal figures will be explained. When the launched game ball passes through the gate 13, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a normal figure lottery. When the normal figure lottery is performed, the normal figure display 82 performs a variable display of the normal figure (a static display after a variable display). Here, the statically displayed normal figures include winning figures and losing figures. The losing figures of the normal figures are also called "losing normal figures" to distinguish them from the losing figures of the special figures described later. When a winning figure is statically displayed, an auxiliary game is executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. On the other hand, when a losing normal figure is statically displayed, the auxiliary game is not executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. In addition, hereinafter, the passing of the game ball through the gate 13 is referred to as "establishment of the normal figure start condition."

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (regular game lottery, variable display of regular games, auxiliary games), it acquires regular game-related random numbers when the regular game start conditions are met. The acquired regular game-related random numbers include regular game pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 10 (A). Regular game pattern random numbers are random numbers used to determine whether a win has occurred. The random numbers are also called determination information. Appropriate ranges are set for the random numbers.

3-1-1. Hit Judgment Hit judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not a win (whether or not to execute an auxiliary game) according to a hit judgment table as shown in FIG. 11 (A). The hit judgment table is associated with the game state described later. That is, the hit judgment table includes a hit judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (a hit judgment table for non-time-saving) and a hit judgment table used in a time-saving state (a hit judgment table for time-saving). In each hit judgment table, the judgment value of the normal pattern random number (normal pattern random number value) is allocated to a hit or a miss, which is the result of the hit judgment. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 judges whether the result is a hit or a miss by judging the acquired normal pattern random number according to the hit judgment table. Then, based on the result of the hit judgment, a normal pattern variation pattern judgment is performed for performing a variable display of the normal pattern. If the result of the hit judgment is a hit, a winning pattern is basically displayed in a variable display of the normal pattern. On the other hand, if the result of the hit judgment is a miss, a miss normal pattern is basically displayed in a variable display of the normal pattern. The probability of winning may be changed as appropriate. Also, the win determination table does not need to be divided for each game state.

3-1-2. Normal map fluctuation The normal map fluctuation pattern judgment is a judgment for determining the normal map fluctuation pattern according to the normal map fluctuation pattern judgment table as shown in Fig. 11 (B). The normal map fluctuation pattern is identification information regarding predetermined items related to the variable display of the normal map, such as the normal map fluctuation time.

The normal map fluctuation pattern determination table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, the normal map fluctuation pattern determination table includes a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table (non-time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table) used in the non-time-saving state and a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table (time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table) used in the time-saving state. Note that the normal map fluctuation pattern determination table does not have to be divided for each game state.

In each normal map fluctuation pattern determination table, a normal map fluctuation pattern, which is the result of the normal map fluctuation pattern determination, is stored for each normal map that is stopped. That is, the pachinko game machine PY1 can make the normal map fluctuation time different in the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. For example, in the non-time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map (losing normal map) is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 30 seconds is determined, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 30 seconds is determined. Also, in the time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 5 seconds is determined, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern in which the normal map fluctuation time is, for example, 5 seconds is determined. The variable display of the normal map corresponding to the normal map fluctuation pattern determined by this determination is performed by the normal map display device 82. In addition, the time for these map fluctuations can be changed as appropriate. In this way, hit determination and map fluctuation pattern determination are performed, and the map is displayed variably on the map display 82.

Auxiliary games are played when a winning symbol is displayed (derived) as a display result (a result of a lottery for a regular symbol) in the variable display of the regular symbol.

The elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components) include various elements such as the number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening. Each of these elements is associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The pachinko game machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game according to an auxiliary game control table such as that shown in FIG. 11 (C) based on the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The auxiliary game control table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). Auxiliary game components are stored in each auxiliary game control table. The number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening can be changed as appropriate.

In the pachinko game machine PY1, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is different between the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary game in the time-saving state. For example, in the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a first opening time (a time during which it is difficult to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 0.08 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state is also referred to as a "short opening auxiliary game". In addition, in the auxiliary game in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a second opening time longer than the first opening time (a time during which it is easy to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 3.0 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary game in the time-saving state is also referred to as a "long opening auxiliary game". Note that the opening time of the electric chute 12D may be the same between the auxiliary game in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary game in the time-saving state.

3-2. Games related to special figures Next, games related to special figures will be explained. When the launched game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special figure 1 lottery. When the special figure 1 lottery is performed, the special figure 1 display 81a performs a variable display of the special figure 1 (a stop display after performing a variable display) to notify the result of the special figure 1 lottery. Here, the special figure 1 that is stopped and displayed has a jackpot pattern and a loss pattern. In other words, the results of the special figure 1 lottery include a jackpot and a loss. When the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on the winning is ended. On the other hand, when a loss pattern is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game is not performed, and the game based on the winning is ended.

Similarly, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a special drawing for the 2nd drawing when the released game ball enters the second starting hole 12. When the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is performed, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing is variably displayed (variably displayed and then stopped) on the special drawing for the 2nd drawing device 81b to notify the result of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing. Here, the special drawing for the 2nd drawing that is stopped includes a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. In other words, the results of the special drawing for the 2nd drawing include a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. When a jackpot pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on the winning is terminated. On the other hand, when a losing pattern is stopped, a jackpot game is not performed and the game based on the winning is terminated.

In the following, the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the first start condition," and the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 12 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the second start condition." Furthermore, the "fulfillment of the first start condition" and the "fulfillment of the second start condition" are collectively referred to as the "fulfillment of the start condition." Furthermore, the losing special symbol is also referred to as the "losing special symbol" to distinguish it from the losing normal symbols described above.

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, and game state setting), it acquires special symbol-related random numbers when the start conditions are met, and performs various judgments on the random numbers. The acquired special symbol-related random numbers include special symbol random numbers (jackpot random numbers), jackpot symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special symbol change pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 10 (B). The special symbol random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot judgments. The jackpot symbol type random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot symbol type judgments. Reach random numbers are random numbers used to make reach judgments. The special symbol change pattern random numbers are random numbers used to make special symbol change pattern judgments. The random numbers are also called judgment information. An appropriate range is set for each random number.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination Jackpot determination is a determination for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed) according to a jackpot determination table as shown in FIG. 12(A). The jackpot determination table is associated with the game state, specifically, whether it is a normal probability state or a high probability state. That is, the jackpot determination table includes a jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (normal probability jackpot determination table) and a jackpot determination table used in the high probability state (high probability jackpot determination table).

In each jackpot determination table, a special symbol random number determination value (special symbol random number value) is assigned to the jackpot and miss results of the jackpot determination. The pachinko game machine PY1 determines whether the acquired special symbol random number is a jackpot or a miss by judging it according to the jackpot determination table. As shown in FIG. 12(A), the high probability jackpot determination table has more special symbol random number determination values that are determined to be a jackpot than the normal probability jackpot determination table. In addition, the probability of winning a jackpot can be changed as appropriate.

3-2-2. Jackpot symbol type determination The jackpot symbol type determination is a determination for determining the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type) according to a jackpot symbol type determination table as shown in Fig. 12 (B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. Each type of jackpot symbol is associated with the content of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot that are composed of the game benefits given to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table is associated with the type of special symbol (special symbol 1/special symbol 2) that is variably displayed, in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) where the winning that caused the jackpot symbol type determination (the winning that caused the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. That is, the jackpot symbol type determination table includes a jackpot symbol type determination table (first jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 1, and a jackpot symbol type determination table (second jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 2.

There are multiple types of jackpot symbols, and in each jackpot symbol type determination table, the determination value of the jackpot symbol type random number (jackpot symbol type random number value) is assigned to the jackpot symbol type, which is the result of the jackpot symbol type determination. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 determines the type of jackpot symbol by determining the acquired jackpot symbol type random number according to the jackpot symbol type determination table. Then, in the first jackpot symbol type determination table and the second jackpot symbol type determination table, the jackpot symbol type random number value is appropriately assigned to various jackpot symbols. The allocation rate of the jackpot symbol type can be changed as appropriate. Also, the types of jackpot symbols can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type for special chart 1 can be 50% for jackpot pattern A and 50% for jackpot pattern B, and the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type for special chart 2 can be 100% for jackpot pattern C. In this way, it is possible to make the allocation rate of the jackpot pattern type different for the special chart 1 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 11, and the special chart 2 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 12.

Reach judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not to generate a reach in the special chart variation performance described later according to a reach judgment table as shown in FIG. 12 (C) when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss.

The reach judgment table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are reach judgment tables, one for use in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving reach judgment table) and one for use in the time-saving state (time-saving reach judgment table). Note that it is not necessary to separate the reach judgment tables for each game state.

In each reach judgment table, the reach random number judgment value (reach random number value) is assigned to the reach judgment result of "reach (reach occurs)" and "no reach (reach does not occur)". Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 judges the acquired reach random number according to the reach judgment table to judge whether the reach is reached or not (whether or not the reach occurs). As shown in FIG. 12 (C), the number of reach random number values judged as "reach is reached (reach occurs)" is different between the non-time-saving reach judgment table and the time-saving reach judgment table. Note that the probability of judging as "reach is reached" can be changed as appropriate. In the following, "reach is reached (reach occurs)" which is performed on the premise that the result of the jackpot judgment is "miss" is referred to as "reach with miss" and "no reach (reach does not occur)" is also referred to as "no reach miss".

3-2-4. Special pattern change pattern determination The special pattern change pattern determination is a determination for determining the change pattern (special pattern change pattern) of the variable display of the special pattern using a special pattern change pattern determination table (special pattern change pattern determination table) as shown in Figures 13 to 14, and is performed in both cases where the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special pattern change pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items related to the special pattern change time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern change performance described later. In addition, the special pattern change pattern includes identification information related to the result of the jackpot determination and the result of the reach determination, in addition to the special pattern change time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern change performance. The identification information included in the special pattern change pattern can be changed as appropriate. In addition, it is possible to use multiple types of special pattern change patterns with different identification information as the special pattern change pattern, and the number of them can be changed as appropriate.

The special pattern variation pattern judgment table is associated with the type of special pattern (special pattern 1/special pattern 2) that performs the variable display to be judged, in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) where the winning that caused the special pattern variation pattern judgment was made. That is, the special pattern variation pattern judgment table includes a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 1 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 13) used when performing the variable display of special pattern 1, and a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 2 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 14) used when performing the variable display of special pattern 2. Note that the special pattern variation pattern judgment table does not have to be divided according to the type of special pattern (special pattern 1/special pattern 2).

And each special chart fluctuation pattern judgment table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table includes a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). On the other hand, the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table also includes a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). It is not necessary to separate the special chart fluctuation pattern judgment tables for each game state.

In addition, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state) is further associated with a jackpot determination result and a reach determination result. That is, the non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss. Similarly, the time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss. Note that the special chart fluctuation pattern determination tables do not have to be divided according to the jackpot determination result and the reach determination result.

Furthermore, each special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach is also associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, there is a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 3 to 4. Furthermore, each special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach is also associated with the reserved number of special charts. Specifically, there is a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 3 to 4. Note that the special chart variation pattern judgment table does not have to be divided according to the reserved number of special charts.

Then, the special chart display 81 performs a variable display of the special chart for the special chart variation time according to the special chart variation pattern determined by each special chart variation pattern judgment. Then, when the jackpot pattern is displayed as a static display result (the result of the special chart lottery) in the variable display of the special chart, the next variable display of the special chart is not performed immediately, and the jackpot game is executed next.

In addition, each special chart change pattern is associated with a special chart change presentation flow as shown in the second column from the right in the tables of Figures 13 and 14. Note that it is not necessary to associate a special chart change pattern with a special chart change presentation flow.

Also, as shown in the rightmost column of the tables in Figures 13 and 14, the special chart variation patterns are sometimes called by names related to the special chart (jackpot determination result) and the content of the special chart variation presentation. For example, a special chart variation pattern related to a jackpot is called a "jackpot variation," and a special chart variation pattern related to a miss is called a "miss variation." Among the jackpot variations, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called an "SP jackpot variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach is performed is called an "L jackpot variation," a special chart variation pattern in which the special chart variation presentation ends with an N reach is called an "N jackpot variation," and a special chart variation pattern in which the same numbers line up as soon as a reach is established is called an "instant jackpot variation." On the other hand, among misses with reach, the special chart change pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called "SP miss change", the special chart change pattern in which an L reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called "L miss change", the special chart change pattern in which the special chart change performance ends with an N reach, which is a type of reach, is called "N miss change", and the special chart change pattern related to misses without reach is called "normal miss change". There are three types of normal miss changes with different change times (normal A miss change, normal B miss change, normal C miss change). In addition, the special chart change pattern related to misses without reach that has a shorter change time than the "normal miss change" is called "shortened miss change". There are two types of shortened miss changes with different change times (shortened A miss change, shortened B miss change). In addition, when SP big wins and SP miss changes are collectively referred to as SP changes or SP reach changes.

3-2-5. Pre-reading judgment The pachinko game machine PY1 performs a pre-reading judgment according to a pre-reading judgment table as shown in FIG. 15 based on the acquired special symbol related random number. The pre-reading judgment is performed before the jackpot judgment (specifically, for example, at the time of winning in the start hole). The pre-reading judgment includes, for example, a judgment of whether or not the special symbol random number is judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment, a judgment of which jackpot symbol type random number is determined to be a jackpot pattern type in the jackpot symbol type judgment, and a judgment of which special symbol variation pattern random number is determined to be a special symbol variation pattern in the special symbol variation pattern judgment. The pre-reading judgment table is associated with the type of start hole (first start hole 11/second start hole 12) related to the start winning. That is, the pre-reading judgment table includes a pre-reading judgment table (first pre-reading judgment table) when the first start hole 11 is won, and a pre-reading judgment table (second pre-reading judgment table) when the second start hole 12 is won. Since the first starting hole 11 is the starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 1, the first look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 1 look-ahead judgment table. Also, since the second starting hole 12 is the starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 2, the second look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 2 look-ahead judgment table. Note that the look-ahead judgment table does not have to be divided according to the type of starting hole (first starting hole 11/second starting hole 12). Also, a starting winning is a winning at a starting hole.

The look-ahead judgment table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are look-ahead judgment tables used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving look-ahead judgment table) and look-ahead judgment tables used in the time-saving state (time-saving look-ahead judgment table).

In other words, the look-ahead judgment tables include a first look-ahead judgment table used when the time is not reduced, a second look-ahead judgment table used when the time is reduced, a second look-ahead judgment table used when the time is not reduced, and a third look-ahead judgment table used when the time is reduced. Note that the look-ahead judgment tables do not need to be separated for each game state. Also, the types of judgments to be included in the look-ahead judgment can be changed as appropriate.

3-3. Jackpot Game Next, the jackpot game will be described. The jackpot game includes multiple rounds of play accompanied by the opening and closing of the jackpot opening (first jackpot opening 14 or second jackpot opening 15), an opening (also referred to as OP) from the start of the jackpot game until the start of the first round of play, and an ending (also referred to as ED) from the end of the final round of play until the end of the jackpot game. Each round of play starts with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round of play, and ends with the start of the next round of play or the start of the ending. It is also possible not to provide an OP or an ED. In the following, a predetermined number of rounds (predetermined order) of play will simply be referred to as a "round". For example, the first (first) round of play will be referred to as "1st round (1R)", and the tenth round of play will be referred to as "10th round (10R)".

The elements that make up such a jackpot game (jackpot game components) include the number of rounds of play, the number of times the jackpot openings (first jackpot opening 14, second jackpot opening 15) are opened in each round of play, the type of jackpot opening and the opening time for each opening, the time it is closed until the next opening (closing time or interval time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time). After the special chart is stopped and displayed, the pachinko game machine PY1 controls the jackpot game in accordance with a jackpot game control table such as that shown in FIG. 16.

As shown in FIG. 16, the jackpot game control table stores jackpot game components for each jackpot game (e.g., for each jackpot game A to C). In each jackpot game, from 1R to 15R, a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds or a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds is played. Then, in 16R (the final round), a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds or a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds is played. In each round game, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) are detected by the large prize opening sensors 14a and 15a, the round game is ended even before the maximum opening time of the large prize openings 14 and 15 has elapsed.

It is possible to configure the jackpot game A shown in FIG. 16 to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern A (see FIG. 12(B)), the jackpot game B to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern B, and the jackpot game C to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot pattern is jackpot pattern C.

The number of times and the time for each jackpot game component can be changed as appropriate. The jackpot game can be played using both the first jackpot opening 14 and the second jackpot opening 15, or only one of them. In a configuration in which only the first jackpot opening 14 is used for jackpot games, or in which only the second jackpot opening 15 is used for jackpot games, the unused jackpot opening may not be provided. The number of types of jackpot games that can be played may be multiple or only one.

Now, the specific area 16 will be described in detail. The specific area 16 can be in a closed state, in which no prizes can be won, and an open state, in which prizes can be won, by the distribution member 16k, so the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be said to be the opening and closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereinafter, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k will also be referred to as the "opening and closing mode of the specific area 16". In addition, the open state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-open", and the closed state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-closed".

The distribution member 16k is controlled in a certain operating mode (i.e., the specific area 16 is controlled in a certain opening/closing mode). For example, for 15 seconds after the second large prize opening 15 starts to open, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the distribution member 16k is controlled in the second state (FIG. 3(B)). Therefore, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing at which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state makes it easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to enter the specific area 16). On the other hand, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing during which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state, it is almost impossible (difficult) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to make the game ball enter the specific area 16). In this way, by combining a certain operating mode of the distribution member 16k (a certain opening and closing mode of the specific area 16) with the opening and closing mode of the second large prize opening 15 in a jackpot game, it is possible to set the difficulty (ease) of making the game ball enter the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. The operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be changed as appropriate. If another operating mode is shown in the description of "Characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1" described later, it is assumed that the pachinko game machine PY1 adopts that operating mode.

Note that during a jackpot game, a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the first opening pattern (V-long opening pattern) in which it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "V passing") is called a "V-long jackpot", and a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the second opening pattern (V-short opening pattern) in which it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 is called a "V-short jackpot".

3-4. Game state Next, the game state will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to any one of the game states of "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state", "high probability high base game state" and "jackpot game state". The "low probability low base game state" may be abbreviated to "low probability low base state", the "low probability high base game state" to "low probability high base state", the "high probability low base game state" to "high probability low base state", and the "high probability high base game state" to "high probability high base state". The game states include a state related to the probability of being determined as a "jackpot" in the jackpot determination and a state related to the ease of opening the electric chute 12D. The former includes a normal probability state and a high probability state. On the other hand, the latter includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state.

The normal probability state is set in a "low probability low base game state" or a "low probability high base game state", and the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment is normal. The high probability state is set in a "high probability low base game state" or a "high probability high base game state", and the probability of being judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, it can be said that the high probability state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state. When the power is turned on for the first time in the pachinko game machine PY1, the normal probability state is set. Then, it is possible to switch from the normal probability state to the high probability state by winning a jackpot. For example, it is possible to switch to the high probability state by the game ball passing through the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. It is also possible to switch to the high probability state depending on the type of jackpot pattern. Whether the trigger for switching to the high probability state is V passing or the type of jackpot pattern is determined in advance according to the gameplay to be realized. In the high probability state, a certain number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning the jackpot, or it is possible to switch from the high probability state to the normal probability state by winning the next jackpot.

The non-time-saving state is set in the "low probability low base game state", "high probability low base game state" or "jackpot game state". The time-saving state is set in the "low probability high base game state" or "high probability high base game state", and is a game state in which the opening time of the electric chute 12D in one auxiliary game is likely to be longer than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is longer (e.g., 3.0 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 0.08 seconds). In addition, in the time-saving state, the special chart change pattern is determined according to a special chart change pattern determination table that is determined so that a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see Figures 13 to 14). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the special chart reservation is faster, and effective winning at the starting port (winning that can be stored as a special chart reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal map change time is more likely to be shorter than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a normal map change time (5 seconds) is determined that is shorter than the normal map change time (30 seconds) determined in the non-time-saving state (Figure 11 (B)). Therefore, in the time-saving state, the number of times the normal map lottery is executed per unit time is greater.

In addition, the time-saving state is more likely to be judged as a hit in the hit judgment than the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a hit is judged with a higher probability (e.g., 59936/65536) than the probability of a hit being judged as a hit in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 6600/65536) (Figure 11 (A)). Therefore, the time-saving state is judged as a hit more often per unit time.

In this way, in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for a longer period of time per unit time compared to the non-time-saving state, making it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 12 more frequently. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of balls fired, becomes higher. Therefore, in the time-saving state, where the base is high, it is possible to aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls in the player's possession. Therefore, it can be said that the time-saving state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the non-time-saving state.

When the pachinko game machine PY1 is first powered on, the non-time-saving state is set. Then, for example, the time-saving state can be set by winning a jackpot. In the time-saving state, a predetermined number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning a jackpot, or the time-saving state can be changed to the non-time-saving state by winning the next jackpot.

In addition, in the time-saving state, compared to the non-time-saving state, it is easier to win a prize, the normal chart change time is more likely to be shorter, and the opening time of the electric chute 12D during one auxiliary play is more likely to be longer. In other words, three points regarding the game related to the normal chart are set to be advantageous to the player. However, the points set to be advantageous to the player may only be part of these. Furthermore, the special chart change pattern determination table in the time-saving state does not have to be one in which a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is more likely to be selected than in the non-time-saving state.

After the pachinko game machine PY1 is first powered on, the game state is a "low probability, low base game state" in which the normal probability state and the non-time-saving state are set. This game state is also called the "normal game state." In the "jackpot game state," a normal drawing (a hit determination for a normal drawing) is performed but a special drawing (a hit determination) is not performed, so the non-time-saving state is set with the start of the jackpot game. In addition, it is possible to use all or some of the game states described above for the game state. In addition, it is assumed that the various game states described in this specification can be arbitrarily expressed in the form of an "nth game state" (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1). In addition, a low-probability, low-base game state (low-probability, low-base state) can be called a low-probability, non-time-saving state, a low-probability, high-base game state (low-probability, high-base state) can be called a low-probability, time-saving state, a high-probability, low-base game state (high-probability, low-base state) can be called a high-probability, non-time-saving state, and a high-probability, high-base game state (high-probability, high-base state) can be called a high-probability, time-saving state.

4. Main Effects of the Gaming Machine Next, the main effects of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

4-1. Presentation mode First, the presentation mode will be described. Presentation mode is a category of presentation (or a higher conceptual attribute). The pachinko game machine PY1 can set the following presentation modes: a customer waiting presentation mode, a normal presentation mode, a probability variation presentation mode, a time-saving presentation mode, and a big win presentation mode.

The customer waiting performance mode can be set when the special chart change performance is not being performed in the "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state" and "high probability high base game state", and is a performance mode that indicates a standby state in which the special chart change performance is not being performed. When the customer waiting performance mode is set, the customer waiting performance is performed. In the customer waiting performance, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (A-1), a customer waiting demo video G100 introducing the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed on the display unit 50a. In addition, when the normal button 40 is operated while the customer waiting demo video G100 is displayed, a setting screen G101 for setting the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed as shown in FIG. 18 (A-2). The performance settings include the volume setting of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness setting of the display unit 50a, and the frequency setting of the performance to be executed.

The normal presentation mode can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "low probability low base game state" or the "high probability low base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a non-time-saving state. The normal presentation modes include, for example, a first normal presentation mode in which a background image (daytime normal background image G102) showing a daytime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-1), a second normal presentation mode in which a background image (evening normal background image G103) showing an evening mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-2), and a third normal presentation mode in which a background image (nighttime normal background image G104) showing a nighttime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-3), and can be switched under the condition that the special chart change presentation is performed once or multiple times without winning a jackpot. Furthermore, each of the first to third normal presentation modes has a normal early presentation mode before the reach is established in the special chart variation presentation, and a normal late presentation mode after the reach is established. In the normal early presentation mode, one of the daytime normal background image G102, the evening normal background image G103, and the nighttime normal background image G104 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the normal late presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. In addition, a special presentation mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" may be provided.

The special probability mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in a "high probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the special probability mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (B-4), a background image representing space (special probability background image G105) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the special probability mode includes a special probability pre-stage presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special chart change presentation, and a special probability post-stage presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the special probability pre-stage presentation mode, the special probability background image G105 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the special probability post-stage presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The time-saving presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "low probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that the state is in the normal probability state and the time-saving state. In the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (B-5), a background image representing the sky (time-saving background image G106) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving presentation mode includes a first stage of time-saving presentation mode before a reach is established in the special chart change presentation, and a second stage of time-saving presentation mode after a reach is established. In the first stage of time-saving presentation mode, the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the second stage of time-saving presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The jackpot presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a jackpot game is being played in the "jackpot game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that a jackpot game is being played. In the jackpot presentation mode, for example, during the opening of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-1), a jackpot opening presentation is performed in which an opening image G107 suggesting the start of the jackpot game and a right-hit image G108 encouraging "right hit" are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the round of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-2), a round presentation is performed in which a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds and a prize ball number image G110 suggesting the number of prize balls paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the ending of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-3), a jackpot ending presentation is performed in which an ending image G111 suggesting the presentation mode to be set after the jackpot game and a total prize ball number image G112 suggesting the total prize ball number paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The types of presentation modes can be changed or added as appropriate.

4-2. Special chart change performance Next, the special chart change performance (also simply called "change performance") will be explained. When the pachinko game machine PY1 starts the variable display of the special chart, it executes the special chart change performance based on the special chart change pattern related to the variable display of the special chart and the special chart lottery result (the jackpot determination result, the jackpot pattern type determination result, the reach determination result, and the special chart change pattern determination result). In the special chart change performance, the display unit 50a displays the change of the performance pattern superimposed on a predetermined background image. In the change display of the performance pattern, the performance pattern stops after changing. That is, after the special chart change time and the change display of the performance pattern are performed, the change stops and the stop display of the performance pattern is performed. Then, the result of the special chart lottery is announced by the stop display of the performance pattern.

In addition to the display of the changing special symbols, other effects can be performed using various devices such as the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, normal button 40, and special button 41. In this case, other effects can be continued even after the display of the stopped symbols.

4-2-1. Display area of the effect pattern As shown in FIG. 19(A), the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a left effect pattern area 50b1, a middle effect pattern area 50b2, and a right effect pattern area 50b3 on the left side, the center, and the right side of the display unit 50a, which are divided horizontally into three approximately equal parts. The left effect pattern area 50b1 is an area that displays the left effect pattern EZ1 when the effect pattern is stopped in the special pattern change effect. Similarly, the middle effect pattern area 50b2 and the right effect pattern area 50b3 are areas that display the middle effect pattern EZ2 and the right effect pattern EZ3.

As shown in FIG. 19(A), a small pattern area 50c can be provided in one section at the left end (upper left corner) of the upper end of the display unit 50a. The small pattern area 50c is an area that variably displays the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when the special pattern is being variably displayed.

In FIG. 19(A), the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c are indicated by dashed two-dot lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed. Furthermore, the range of each area can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, not only the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3), but also the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are examples of "performance patterns" because they are patterns displayed on the display unit 50a for performance purposes.

4-2-2. Normal Variation In the special chart variation presentation, the pachinko game machine PY1 can first perform normal variation. The normal variation functions as a presentation that suggests that the variable display of the special chart has started.

When the variable display of the special chart is started, for example, as shown in Figure 19 (A), on the display unit 50a, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are displayed frozen, while the left small pattern KZ1, the middle small pattern KZ2 and the right small pattern KZ3 are displayed frozen, and the variable display of the special chart is not being performed and the state is waiting for the variable display of the special chart.As shown in Figure 19 (B), with the start of the variable display of the special chart, the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2 and EZ3 is started, and the variable display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2 and KZ3 is started. Then, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "normal miss change", as shown in FIG. 19 (C-1), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in different stop modes, and then, as shown in FIG. 19 (D), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop in a stop mode suggesting a miss (so-called spread eyes). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop all at once in a stop mode suggesting a miss. On the other hand, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, a special pattern change pattern with a reach such as "N miss change", as shown in FIG. 19 (C-2), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in the same stop mode, and a reach is established. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continue to be displayed, and a reach performance according to the special pattern change pattern is performed. The stopping order and stopping patterns of the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols can be changed as appropriate.

4-2-3. N Reach The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform N Reach when a reach is achieved in normal variation. N Reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination may be a "jackpot" and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In the N reach, as shown in FIG. 20(A), the state in which the reach is established is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and as shown in FIG. 20(B), the speed of change of the middle performance pattern EZ2 gradually slows down. Then, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "N miss change", the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a stop mode suggesting a miss (so-called spread eyes) as shown in FIG. 20(C-1). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop mode suggesting a miss. On the other hand, when the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "N jackpot change", as shown in FIG. 20(C-2), the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot (so-called double numbers). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot. In addition, the content of the N Reach effect is not limited to the middle effect pattern EZ2 gradually slowing down, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

In addition, with regard to the stopping mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that indicate a miss, the spread when the reach is not established is called a "non-reach spread" or a "non-reach miss" and the spread when the reach is established is called a "reach spread" or a "reach miss". The combination of each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the non-reach spread (for example, "2, 3, 1" or "5, 8, 6") and the combination of each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the reach spread (for example, "2, 1, 2" or "5, 4, 5") are selected by the performance control microcomputer 121. In addition, the combination of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the stopping pattern (double number) that indicates a jackpot (for example, "2-2-2" or "7-7-7") is selected by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the type of jackpot symbol that has been selected.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an SP reach after an N reach. The SP reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the jackpot determination is more likely to be a "jackpot" than the N reach, and functions as a presentation to make the player expect a jackpot.

In the SP reach, after the N reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 21(A), a background image dedicated to the SP reach (background image for the SP reach G113) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an image indicating that the SP reach has started (SP reach start title image) G1 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. After that, as shown in FIG. 21(B), a performance dedicated to the SP reach (for example, a battle performance) is performed. Then, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "SP jackpot change", a performance suggesting a jackpot (for example, a display in which the main character (one of the ally characters) has won the battle and is standing with his/her arms crossed) is performed on the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 21(C-1), and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopping state (so-called double numbers) suggesting a jackpot. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner that suggests a big win. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "SP miss variation," then as shown in FIG. 21 (C-2), a performance that suggests a miss (for example, a display of an enemy character standing with its arms crossed after winning a battle) is performed, and the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner that suggests a miss (so-called barake eyes). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner that suggests a miss. Note that the performance content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

Here, we will explain in detail the possibility (jackpot expectation) that the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 for each reach will stop in a manner indicating a jackpot. The jackpot expectation for each reach is determined by the execution probability based on the result of the jackpot determination. For example, if the execution probability of an N reach is set to 10% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 100% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," and the execution probability of an SP reach is set to 4% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 100% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot," it is possible to set the jackpot expectation for an SP reach higher than the jackpot expectation for an N reach. Furthermore, by making SP reach A and SP reach B executable as SP reaches, and setting the execution probability of SP reach A to 2% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 30% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot", and setting the execution probability of SP reach B to 2% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss" and 20% when the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot", it is possible to set the jackpot expectation of SP reach A higher than the jackpot expectation of SP reach B. In this way, it is possible to set the jackpot expectation by appropriately setting the execution probability according to the result of the jackpot determination.

4-2-5. L Reach The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an L reach after an N reach. The L reach is a performance that suggests that the possibility that the result of the special chart lottery was a "jackpot" is lower than that of the SP reach but higher than that of the N reach, and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a jackpot. The execution time of the reach performance of the L reach is shorter than that of the reach performance of the SP reach (FIGS. 13 and 14). Therefore, in the reach performance of the L reach, for example, a video shorter than that of the reach performance of the SP reach is displayed on the display unit 50a. The content of the reach performance of the L reach can be changed as appropriate. In addition, a special chart variation pattern in which the reach performance of the SP reach is executed in a developed manner after the reach performance of the L reach may be provided.

4-3. Hold icon display area The display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a hold icon display area 50d consisting of four display areas, as shown in FIG. 22 (A). The hold icon display area 50d is composed of a first display area 50d1, a second display area 50d2, a third display area 50d3, and a fourth display area 50d4, and the hold icon HA can be displayed in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, and 50d4 according to the number of reserved special figures 1 or the number of reserved special figures 2. For example, when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "1", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "2", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22(A), it is possible to provide an icon display area 50e consisting of a single display area near the reserved icon display area 50d. The icon display area 50e is capable of displaying the icon TA (also called the reserved icon TA) that is the same as the reserved icon HA in response to the start of the special chart change performance. Note that an icon different from the reserved icon HA may be displayed as the icon TA.

The number of display areas constituting the reserved icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. The reserved icon display area 50d can be a display area that displays both the reserved number of special chart 1 and the reserved number of special chart 2, or a display area that displays only one of them. It is also possible to provide the reserved icon display area 50d but not the icon display area 50e, or to provide neither.

4-3-1. Hold performance The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a hold performance in response to the game ball entering the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12. The hold performance can notify the player of the number of special chart 1 holds or special chart 2 holds.

In the reserved performance, when the number of reserved special chart 1 is "0" and a game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the special chart change performance starts, and the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e, for example, as shown in FIG. 22(B). Then, when two more game balls enter the first starting hole 11 during the special chart change performance, the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 22(C), and the player is notified that the number of reserved special chart 1 is "2". After that, when the special chart change performance ends and a new special chart change performance starts, as shown in FIG. 22(D), the reserved icon HA displayed in the first display area 50d1 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the icon display area 50e and is displayed as the icon TA, and the reserved icon HA displayed in the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the first display area 50d1 and is displayed, and the player is notified that the number of reserved special charts 1 is "1".

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a notice performance at any timing during the special chart change performance. The notice performance is a performance using the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, the movable devices 55, 56, 58, the input device (the normal button 40, the special button 41), etc., and can suggest the result of the jackpot determination or the result of the special chart change pattern determination.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a movable body effect as a preview effect using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58. The movable body effect is an effect in which the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 are operated, and functions as an effect that makes the player expect a big win.

In the movable body performance, for example, when the N reach develops into the SP reach, as shown in FIG. 23(A), the movable device on the board 55 and the movable device below the board 56 are operated, and the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k move so as to overlap on the display unit 50a, suggesting the development into the SP reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space on the display unit 50a that does not overlap with the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k. After that, as shown in FIG. 23(B), the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k return to the normal standby state (initial position) and develop into the SP reach. This movable body performance is an example of a development performance. Note that the movable body performance is not limited to the suggestion of development into the SP reach, and can be changed or added as appropriate. In addition, the operation contents of the movable device in the movable body performance can be changed or added as appropriate. In addition, the movable device operated in the movable body performance can be changed as appropriate. Also, if the performance does not progress (for example, in the case of an N miss variation), it is possible to perform a moving body performance as a so-called false performance. A moving body performance is also called a moving body drive performance.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform an operation performance as a preview performance using the normal button 40 or the special button 41. The operation performance is a performance that makes the player operate the normal button 40 or the special button 41, and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a big win.

In the operation presentation, for example, in the SP reach, a period (operation valid period) occurs during which the pressing operation of the input device (special button 41) is valid, and with the occurrence of this operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 24 (A), a presentation (operation promotion presentation) is performed to encourage the operation of the special button 41. In the operation promotion presentation, an operation promotion image G30 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The operation promotion image G30 includes an image (special button image G31) that imitates the special button 41, an image (operation method instruction image G32) that shows the operation method of the special button 41 (i.e., pressing operation), and an image (valid period image G33) that shows the remaining time of the operation valid period. The valid period image G33 is generally composed of a curved progress bar, and changes over time so that the player can easily understand the remaining time of the operation valid period. Thereafter, in response to the special button 41 being pressed during the valid operation period, or after the valid operation period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated during the valid operation period, the on-board movable device 55 is activated as shown in FIG. 24(B), and the on-board movable body 55k moves to overlap the display unit 50a, indicating the likelihood of a big win. Note that the operation presentation is not limited to the operation of the on-board movable device 55, and can be changed or added as appropriate. Also, the operation promotion presentation that encourages the operation of the operation means (operation unit) such as the special button 41 or the normal button 40 is also referred to as an operation instruction presentation.

4-4-3. Pre-reading performance The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a pre-reading performance for the special chart 1 reserve or the special chart 2 reserve for which the special chart lottery has not been performed as a notice performance. The pre-reading performance functions as a performance to suggest in advance the lottery result of the special chart lottery for the special chart 1 reserve or the special chart 2 reserve.

In the pre-reading performance, for example, if the result of the pre-reading judgment for the special chart 1 reservation is a "jackpot", the reservation icon HA, which is usually displayed as a "circle" in the reservation icon display area 50d, may be displayed as a "☆" as shown in FIG. 22 (C). Also, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss", the reservation icon HA may be displayed as a "☆" as a so-called false performance. In this way, the pre-reading performance in which the reservation icon HA or the icon TA is displayed in a special mode (for example, "☆" in this embodiment, also called a special display mode) rather than in a normal mode (in this embodiment, "circle", also called a normal display mode) is called a reservation change performance. Also, the reservation icon HA and the icon TA are collectively called a reservation display. In this embodiment, the reservation icon HA and the icon TA are displayed as a reservation display, but it is also possible to configure it so that only the reservation icon HA is displayed and the icon TA is not displayed. In addition, the timing for the special mode of the hold display in the hold change performance may be when the start winning occurs, which triggers the hold display, or when the hold display shifts (when the display area of the hold icon HA is changed), or when the special chart change (the so-called change in question) corresponding to the hold display is in progress (when it is displayed as the icon TA). Also, there may be multiple types of special modes of the hold display.

Note that the look-ahead effect can be performed on both or either of the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. Furthermore, the look-ahead effect is not limited to a change in the display mode of the reserve icon HA, but can be changed or added as appropriate. Examples of look-ahead effects other than the reserve change effect include so-called continuous previews.

5. Game control by the game control microcomputer 101 Next, the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 26. Note that counters, timers, buffers, etc. that appear in the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 described below are provided in the game RAM 104.

[1. Main control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided on the main control board 100 reads out the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 25 from the game ROM 103 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing first performs power-on processing (S001). In the power-on processing, permission settings for access to the game RAM 104, settings for the game CPU 102, settings for the SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

In the power-on process (S001), the game control microcomputer 101 executes a RAM clear when a signal based on pressing the RAM clear switch 191 is input. When a RAM clear is executed, game information stored in the game RAM 104 (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information such as the number of reserved special figures and the result of the jackpot hit/miss determination) is erased. This sets the game state to a normal game state (low probability low base state, low probability non-time-saving state). However, even if a RAM clear is executed, the information on the total number of prize balls stored in the total number of prize balls memory unit 107a, the information on the total number of shot balls stored in the total number of shot balls memory unit 107b, and the information on the difference in the number of balls stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c are not cleared.

Following the power-on process, interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 10 (A) and 10 (B) are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the counter value of each random number reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Also, at least a portion of each random number may be so-called hardware random numbers that are generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the gaming CPU 102, for example, at a 4 msec cycle. That is, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, from the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) to the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of the counter values of various random numbers by the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that, if an interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is permitted (S004).

[2. Main side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in Fig. 26, in the main timer interrupt process (S005), first, input process (S102) is executed. In the input process (S102), the game control microcomputer 101 takes in, for example, a detection signal from a lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 35 is full, and stores it in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 as lower tray full data.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is performed in the main control main process of FIG. 25. That is, the update process of the counter values of the various random numbers shown in FIG. 10 (A) and FIG. 10 (B) is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) until the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a sensor detection process (S104), then a normal action process (S105), and then a special action process (S107). The sensor detection process, normal action process, and special action process will be described later.

Following the special operation process (S107), a sorting device control process (S108) is performed to control the sorting device 16D. The sorting device 16D is operated when a special game using the second large prize device 15D is played. However, the sorting device 16D may be operated in a constant manner from the time the power is turned on.

Next, the gaming control microcomputer 101 executes an output process (S112). In the output process (S112), the commands and other information set in the output buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 of the main control board 100 in each of the above processes are output to the sub-control board 120, the payout control board 170, etc.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 executes other processes (S113) and ends the main timer interrupt process (S005). Other processes (S113) include power off monitoring process when the power is turned off and updating the timer provided in the game RAM 104. Another other process (S113) is a payout control process that pays out prize balls to the player. In the payout control process, a prize ball request signal is sent to the payout control board 170 in response to the entry of game balls into each winning slot. In other words, the payout control board 170 pays out prize balls based on the prize ball request signal.

Then, the gaming control microcomputer 101 repeatedly executes steps S002 to S004 of the main control main process (see FIG. 25) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), it again executes the main timer interrupt process (S005).

[2-1. Sensor detection process]
In the sensor detection process (S104), the general winning hole sensor process, the gate sensor process, the second starting hole sensor process, the first starting hole sensor process, the first large winning hole sensor process, the second large winning hole sensor process, the specific area sensor process, and the outlet sensor process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

The general prize opening sensor process determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the general prize opening sensor 10a. In addition, a command for the general prize opening sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

In the gate sensor process, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the gate sensor 13a. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, a normal pattern random number indicated by the counter value of the normal pattern random number counter is obtained, and the obtained normal pattern random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 provided in the gaming RAM 104. Note that if a predetermined number of normal pattern random numbers (e.g., four) are stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106, the newly obtained normal pattern random number is not stored. In addition, a command for the gate sensor is generated depending on the result of the process.

In the second start hole sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second start hole sensor 12a. When it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special pattern 2 related random number consisting of a special pattern random number counter, a jackpot pattern type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special pattern change pattern random number counter is acquired, and the acquired special pattern 2 related random number is stored in the special pattern 2 reserved memory unit 105b provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special pattern 2 reserved memory unit 105b has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special pattern 2 related random numbers are stored in order from the first area. Note that if special pattern 2 related random numbers are stored up to the nth area, the newly acquired special pattern 2 related random number is not stored. In addition, a second look-ahead judgment is performed using the acquired special pattern 2 related random number and the second look-ahead judgment table. In addition, depending on the result of the processing, a command for the second start port sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 2 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reserved number) stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a second start winning command representing the result of the second look-ahead judgment.

In the first start hole sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first start hole sensor 11a. When it is determined that a game ball has been detected, a special pattern 1 related random number consisting of a special pattern random number counter, a jackpot pattern type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special pattern change pattern random number counter is acquired, and the acquired special pattern 1 related random number is stored in the special pattern 1 reserved memory unit 105a provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special pattern 1 reserved memory unit 105a has multiple storage areas from the first area to the nth area (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special pattern 1 related random numbers are stored in order from the first area. Note that if special pattern 1 related random numbers are stored up to the nth area, the newly acquired special pattern 1 related random number is not stored. In addition, a first look-ahead judgment is performed using the acquired special pattern 1 related random number and the first look-ahead judgment table. In addition, depending on the result of the processing, a command for the first start port sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 1 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 1 related random numbers (special chart 1 reserved number) stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a first start winning command representing the result of the first pre-reading judgment.

In the first large prize opening sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first large prize opening sensor 14a. In addition, a command for the first large prize opening sensor is generated according to the results of this process.

In the second large prize opening sensor process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second large prize opening sensor 15a. In addition, a command for the second large prize opening sensor is generated according to the results of this process.

In the specific area sensor process, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 16a. In addition, a command for the specific area sensor is generated depending on the result of this process.

The outlet sensor process determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the outlet sensor.

[2-2. Normal Operation Processing]
In the normal operation process (S105), a normal symbol waiting process, a normal symbol variation process, a normal symbol determination process, and an auxiliary game control process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

The normal pattern standby process is a process that is performed during standby when no variable display of the normal pattern or auxiliary play is being performed. In the normal pattern standby process, a win determination is made based on the normal pattern random number stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106. In addition, a normal pattern change pattern is determined by making a normal pattern change pattern determination based on the current game state. Then, a normal pattern change start command is generated that includes information regarding the results of the win determination and the normal pattern change pattern. Then, the normal pattern display unit 82 is caused to start variable display of the normal pattern based on the normal pattern change time associated with the determined normal pattern change pattern.

The normal pattern change process is a process that is performed during the variable display of the normal map. In the normal pattern change process, the normal map is stopped based on the result of the hit determination as the normal map change time elapses from the start of the variable display of the normal map that is currently being executed. Then, a normal map change stop command is generated, which indicates the end of the variable display of the normal map.

The normal symbol determination process is a process that is performed when a normal symbol is displayed stationary. In the normal symbol determination process, whether or not the normal symbol displayed stationary is a winning symbol is determined depending on the lapse of a predetermined stop time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) from the start of the stationary display of the ongoing normal symbol. If a winning symbol is displayed stationary, an auxiliary game is started based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table, and an auxiliary game start command indicating the start of the auxiliary game is generated.

The auxiliary game control process is a process that is performed when an auxiliary game is being played. In the auxiliary game control process, the auxiliary game is controlled based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table. In addition, a command for controlling the auxiliary game is generated according to the result of the process.

[2-3. Special Action Processing]
In the special operation process (S107), a special symbol waiting process, a special symbol variation process, a special symbol determination process, a big win game control process, and a game state setting process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

[2-3-1. Special symbol waiting process]
The special symbol standby process is a process that is performed during standby when the special symbol is not being displayed variably, not in a jackpot game state. In the special symbol standby process, a special symbol 2 determination process and a special symbol 2 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 2 related random number stored in the special symbol 2 reserved memory unit 105b, and a special symbol 2 reserved memory unit shift process is performed. In addition, a special symbol 1 determination process and a special symbol 1 change pattern determination process are performed based on the special symbol 1 related random number stored in the special symbol 1 reserved memory unit 105a, and a special symbol 1 reserved memory unit shift process is performed.

In the special chart 2 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the result is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a jackpot determination table according to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of the jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers and the special chart 2 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated that indicates the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command that indicates a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss pattern may be determined. In this case, the pattern designation command may include information indicating the type of the miss pattern.

The special chart 2 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 2 determination process. In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 2 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reservation storage unit 105b and the special chart 2 variation pattern determination table according to the current game state. In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a reach determination is made, and the special chart 2 variation pattern is determined according to the result of the reach determination. In addition, the determination of the special chart 2 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reservation number) stored in the special chart 2 reservation storage unit 105b. Then, a special chart 2 variation start command representing the determined special chart 2 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 2 variation start command includes information that it is a special chart 2, information about the result of the jackpot determination, information about the result of the jackpot pattern type determination, information about the result of the reach determination, information about the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 2 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 2 display 81b starts variable display of the special chart 2 based on the special chart change time associated with the determined special chart 2 change pattern.

The special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 2 determination process and the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 2 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b. In this way, the special chart 2 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 2 reserved number command is generated that represents the special chart 2 reserved number after the process.

In the special chart 1 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the jackpot is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a jackpot determination table according to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of the jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers and the special chart 1 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated that indicates the determined jackpot pattern type. If the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command that indicates a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss pattern may be determined. In this case, the pattern designation command may include information indicating the type of the miss pattern.

The special chart 1 variation pattern determination process is a process performed after the special chart 1 determination process. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process, the special chart 1 variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a and the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table according to the current game state. In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a reach determination is made, and the special chart 1 variation pattern is determined according to the result of the reach determination. In addition, the determination of the special chart 1 variation pattern is also associated with the number of special chart 1 related random numbers (special chart 1 reservation number) stored in the special chart 1 reservation storage unit 105a. Then, a special chart 1 variation start command representing the determined special chart 1 variation pattern is generated. The special chart 1 variation start command includes information regarding the special chart 1, information regarding the result of the jackpot determination, information regarding the result of the jackpot pattern type determination, information regarding the result of the reach determination, information regarding the special chart variation time associated with the special chart 1 variation pattern, and the like. Then, the special chart 1 display 81a starts to display the special chart 1 in a variable manner based on the special chart change time associated with the determined special chart 1 change pattern.

The special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process is a process that is performed when the special chart 1 determination process and the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process are performed. In the special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process, the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a are shifted by one to the first area side, and the special chart 1 related random numbers in the first area are cleared from the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a. In this way, the special chart 1 related random numbers are consumed in the order in which they were obtained. Then, a special chart 1 reserved number command is generated that represents the special chart 1 reserved number after the process.

When both the number of reserved special charts 2 and the number of reserved special charts 1 are present, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority, and the variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 are not performed in parallel. In other words, when there is a reserved special chart 2, the game control microcomputer 101 will not perform the special chart 1 determination process even if there is a reserved special chart 1. The variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 may be configured to be performed in the order of winning, or to be performed simultaneously.

[2-3-2. Special symbol variation processing]
The special symbol variation process is a process performed during the variable display of the special symbol. In the special symbol variation process, as the special symbol variation time elapses, the special symbol display device 81 ends the variable display of the special symbol and stops displaying the special symbol according to the result of the jackpot determination. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and displayed, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the miss symbol indicating a miss is stopped and displayed. Then, a special symbol variation stop command indicating the end of the variable display of the special symbol is generated.

[2-3-3. Special symbol determination process]
The special pattern determination process is a process performed when the special pattern is stopped. In the special pattern determination process, if the currently stopped special pattern is a jackpot pattern, the game is transitioned to a jackpot game state. Then, an opening command indicating the start of a jackpot game is generated. The opening command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot pattern type determination. If the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the high probability state is to be terminated, a normal probability state is set. Then, a high probability end command indicating a transition to a normal probability state is generated. If the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the time-saving state is to be terminated, a non-time-saving state is set. Then, a time-saving end command indicating a transition to a non-time-saving state is generated. Note that if the currently stopped special pattern is a losing pattern and the number of reserved special patterns 2 and the number of reserved special patterns 1 are "0", a customer waiting command indicating that the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a standby state is generated.

[2-3-4. Jackpot game control process]
The jackpot game control process is a process carried out in the jackpot game state. In the jackpot game control process, a jackpot game is played according to a jackpot game control table. After transition to the jackpot game state, each round of play is started according to the passage of the opening time or closing time. Then, a round game command indicating the start of the round game is generated. Also, an ending is started according to the end of the final round game. Then, an ending command indicating the end of the jackpot game is generated. The ending command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot symbol type determination.

[2-3-5. Game status setting process]
The game state setting process is a process performed when the jackpot game state ends. In the game state setting process, when changing from a normal probability state to a high probability state, the high probability state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the high probability state, the duration of the high probability state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the high probability state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a high probability setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the high probability state. Also, when changing from a non-time-saving state to a time-saving state, the time-saving state is set when the jackpot game state ends. When limiting the duration of the time-saving state, the duration of the time-saving state (for example, the number of times the special chart can be displayed in a variable manner in which the time-saving state can continue without winning a jackpot) is also set. Then, a time-saving setting command is generated that indicates the setting of the time-saving state.

The commands generated by the game control microcomputer 101 in each process can be added or modified as appropriate.

6. Control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 Next, the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 29. Note that counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in performance RAM 124.

[1. Sub-control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the sub-control board 120 reads out the program of the sub-control main process shown in Fig. 27 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main process first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). In the power-on processing, for example, the settings of the performance CPU 122, the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and a random number update process is executed (S4003). In the random number update process (S4003), the values of various random number counters for determining various effects are updated to make decisions regarding various effects. As an example, the method of updating the random number counters for determining various effects can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of by 1. This is also the same as in the random number update process performed by the main control board 100 described above.

When the random number update process is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140 that receives the command displays an image on the display unit 50a according to the received command (executes various performances using images). In addition to the various performances performed by the image control board 140, the sub-control board 120 outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (executes various sound performances using sound), causes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 to emit light via the lamp control circuit 151 (executes various light-emitting performances using light), and operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 (executes various movable body performances using operations). In this way, various performances (special chart change performances, reserved performances, operation performances, pre-reading performances, other advance notice performances, big win game performances, customer waiting performances, control of performance modes, etc.) are realized.

The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, it becomes possible to execute reception interrupt processing (S4010), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012).

The reception interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time various commands sent from the main control board 100 are input to the performance control microcomputer 121. In the reception interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S112) of the main control board 100 in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124. This reception interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011, S4012).

[2.1 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the sub-control board 120. In the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011), as shown in Fig. 28, an input process (S4101), a light emission data output process (S4102), a movable device control process (S4103), and a watchdog timer process (S4104) are sequentially performed.

In the input process, the operation of the normal button detection switch 40a, the special button detection switch 41a, and other operation parts that can be operated by the player are detected, and commands are set and performance data is created according to the detection results. In the light emission data output process, light emission data is output to the lamp control circuit 151 to make lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 light up at a timing that matches the image performance, etc., based on the performance data created in the input process or the performance data creation process described later. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 makes the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, and other lamps light up in a predetermined light emission mode according to the light emission data. In the movable device control process, drive data is output to perform a movable body performance that operates movable devices such as the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 at a predetermined timing based on the performance data created in the input process or the performance data creation process described later. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 in a predetermined operating mode according to the drive data. In the watchdog timer process, the watchdog timer is reset.

[3. 10 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 120. In the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012), as shown in Fig. 29, a received command analysis process (S4201), a performance timer update process (S4202), a sound control process (S4203), and a performance data creation process (S4204) are sequentially performed.

In the received command analysis process, the command stored in the receive buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the receive interrupt process (S4010) is analyzed, and processing according to the command (for example, selecting a performance, setting a performance mode, setting a command, etc.) is performed. In the performance timer update process, a timer for measuring the time related to each performance is updated. For example, in the performance timer update process, the start timing and end timing of the effective operation period of the operation parts such as the normal button 40 and the special button 41 are measured. In the audio control process, audio data (data that controls the audio output from the speaker 52) is created and output to the audio control circuit 161 based on the processing results of the input process and the received command analysis process. In the performance data creation process, performance data is created based on the processing results of the received command analysis process.

Here, an example of processing when the performance control microcomputer 121 receives a command from the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The command received by the performance control microcomputer 121 is a special chart fluctuation start command (special chart 1 fluctuation start command or special chart 2 fluctuation start command). When the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in the received command analysis process (S4201) that it has received a special chart fluctuation start command, it selects a special chart fluctuation performance performance pattern (sub-fluctuation pattern) based on the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the command as a processing at the time of receiving the fluctuation start command, sets information on the sub-fluctuation pattern, and sets a fluctuation performance start command including information on the sub-fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. For example, if the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart fluctuation start command is SP fluctuation (SP big win fluctuation or SP miss fluctuation), it selects a sub-fluctuation pattern that performs SP reach, and sets a fluctuation performance start command corresponding to the sub-fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. After that, each process (such as command transmission process (S4004), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), and audio control process (S4203)) is executed to realize a special chart change effect corresponding to the selected sub-change pattern. The process flow for realizing such effects is basically the same for other effects such as big win game effects, customer waiting effects, pre-reading effects, and so-called advance notice effects associated with the change.

7. Characteristic Parts of the Pachinko Game Machine PY1 The characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described in detail below. One of the characteristics of the pachinko game machine PY1 is the dialogue presentation.

First, we will explain the jackpot games that can be executed by the game control microcomputer 101 of the pachinko game machine PY1. The game control microcomputer 101 can execute various jackpot games (jackpot games 1 to 4) shown in the jackpot game control table in Figure 30.

As shown in FIG. 30, the game control microcomputer 101 can determine either "jackpot pattern 1" or "jackpot pattern 2" in the jackpot pattern type determination in the special pattern 1 determination process (special pattern determination process based on winning the first starting hole 11). More specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 determines "jackpot pattern 1" at a rate of 60% and "jackpot pattern 2" at a rate of 40%. Also, the game control microcomputer 101 can determine either "jackpot pattern 3" or "jackpot pattern 4" in the jackpot pattern type determination in the special pattern 2 determination process (special pattern determination process based on winning the second starting hole 12). More specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 determines "jackpot pattern 3" at a rate of 60% and "jackpot pattern 4" at a rate of 40%.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a jackpot game according to the type of the determined jackpot symbol. Specifically, in "jackpot game 1" executed when "jackpot symbol 1" is determined, and in "jackpot game 2" executed when "jackpot symbol 2" is determined, 10 rounds of play are played. Then, from 1R to 4R, the first jackpot winning hole 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round play, and from 5R to 10R, the first jackpot winning hole 14 is opened for a maximum of 0.1 seconds per round play. From 5R to 10R in this jackpot game, the opening time of the first jackpot winning hole 14 is extremely short, and in reality, it is a round in which winning in the first jackpot winning hole 14 is not expected. In other words, although the total number of rounds in this jackpot game is 10, the actual number of rounds is 4.

In addition, in "jackpot game 3," which is executed when "jackpot pattern 3" is determined, and in "jackpot game 4," which is executed when "jackpot pattern 4" is determined, 10 rounds of play are played. In all of rounds 1 through 10, the first large prize opening 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round of play. In other words, the total number of rounds and the actual number of rounds of play in this jackpot game are both 10.

Therefore, it can be said that "jackpot game 3" and "jackpot game 4", which have an effective number of rounds of play of 10, are jackpot games that are more advantageous to the player than "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 2", which have an effective number of rounds of play of 4, and the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 3" or "jackpot game 4" is played is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 2" is played.

Next, the game states that can be controlled by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The game control microcomputer 101 sets the game state after a jackpot game to a time-saving state (high base state) regardless of whether a jackpot game of "jackpot game 1," "jackpot game 2," "jackpot game 3," or "jackpot game 4" is executed. In addition, when either a jackpot game of "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3" is executed, the game state after the jackpot game is set to a high probability state, whereas when either a jackpot game of "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4" is executed, the game state after the jackpot game is set to a normal probability state. In other words, after "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3", the game state is controlled to a high probability high base game state (high probability state and time-saving state), and after "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4", the game state is controlled to a low probability high base game state (normal probability state and time-saving state).

In this embodiment, when a player wins a jackpot (called a "probability jackpot") that is controlled to a high-probability, high-base game state upon the end of the jackpot game, the final stop mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the variable performance is a double number of odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), or a double number of even numbers (2, 4, 6, or 8). On the other hand, when a player wins a jackpot (called a "normal jackpot" or a "time-saving jackpot") that is controlled to a low-probability, high-base game state upon the end of the jackpot game, the final stop mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the variable performance is a double number of even numbers, and no double number of odd numbers is displayed. In other words, a double number of odd numbers confirms a probability jackpot. Therefore, odd numbers are also called probability jackpots. Also, even numbers with the same number as the previous number usually have the potential to be a jackpot. Therefore, even numbers are also called normal numbers.

In this embodiment, the "high probability high base game state" can continue until the next big win game is executed. On the other hand, the "low probability high base game state" can continue until the number of times the special chart is displayed variably reaches 100 times (a predetermined upper limit number of times it is executed).

Therefore, it can be said that "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3", in which a high probability state is subsequently set, is a jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4", in which a high probability state is not subsequently set. Also, it can be said that the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3" is executed is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game state in which "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4" is executed.

The jackpot gaming state can be said to be a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, regardless of the type of jackpot symbol. Also, the "high probability high base gaming state," which is one of the high probability states, can be said to be a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the "low probability high base gaming state," which is one of the normal probability states. In this specification, a gaming state that is advantageous to the player may be referred to as an advantageous gaming state or advantageous state.

Next, we will explain how to determine the variation pattern of special chart 1 in the non-time-saving state. In the non-time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the variation pattern of special chart 1 using the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 31.

In the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process when the non-time-saving state is set, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the special chart 1 variation pattern based on the result of the jackpot determination (special chart determination) performed in the special chart 1 determination process, the result of the reach determination, and the special chart variation pattern random number. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 31, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination, it can determine one of "THP001" to "THP005" as the special chart 1 variation pattern, regardless of whether it is "jackpot pattern 1" or "jackpot pattern 2". The special chart 1 variation pattern to be determined is determined by the special chart variation pattern random number. The distribution rate is as shown in FIG. 31. The distribution rate (selection rate) of the special chart variation pattern can be changed as appropriate within a range that does not interfere with the game. This also applies to special chart variation patterns other than "THP001" to "THP005".

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges that the jackpot is a miss and the result of the reach judgment is "reachable," it can determine the special chart 1 variation pattern to be one of "THP021" to "THP025."

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges that the jackpot has been lost and the result of the reach judgment is "no reach", it is possible to determine one of the three types of special chart 1 variation patterns, "THP041", "THP042", or "THP043", as the special chart 1 variation pattern. The number of reserved special charts 1 determines which of these three types of special chart 1 variation patterns is assigned. When the number of reserved special charts 1 is 0 to 2, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively long special chart variation time is likely to be determined, and when the number of reserved special charts 1 is 3 to 4, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively short special chart variation time is likely to be determined.

Here, the special pattern 1 variation patterns "THP001", "THP002", "THP003", "THP021", "THP022", and "THP023" are variations in which a pseudo consecutive performance is executed. A pseudo consecutive performance is a performance that makes it appear as if multiple variations are occurring in one special pattern variation display (special pattern variation), and a variation performance with a pseudo consecutive performance includes one or more re-variation displays in which all performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped and then displayed again. In this form, the results of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 related to the temporary stop display are predetermined pseudo consecutive results. Specifically, the results are the results of the middle performance pattern EZ2 as the pseudo consecutive pattern GZ, which suggests the execution of a pseudo consecutive performance (see FIG. 41 (E)). The pseudo consecutive pattern GZ is a performance pattern (icon) that includes the character "pseudo", which means a pseudo consecutive performance. The display of the pseudo consecutive symbol GZ (pseudo consecutive display) can be said to be a display indicating that the currently running effect is a pseudo consecutive effect, or a display suggesting the execution of a pseudo consecutive effect. A pseudo consecutive effect is also simply called a "pseudo consecutive effect." As will be described later, the pseudo consecutive effect is executed so that the more times it is executed, the higher the chance of winning.

Note that a provisional stop display is a state in which the speed at which the effect pattern changes is "0", but the effect pattern is changing by shaking, expanding and contracting repeatedly in the displayed position, and is not completely stopped. In contrast, a confirmed stop display (confirmed stop display) or a final stop display (final stop display) refers to a state in which the effect pattern has completely stopped. When simply referred to as a "stop display", it can refer to either a provisional stop display or a confirmed stop display.

The special chart change patterns "THP001" and "THP021" are changes that start with the display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, then go through two pseudo consecutive turns (re-changes), perform an N reach, and develop into an SP reach. The special chart change patterns "THP002" and "THP022" are changes that start with the display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, then go through one pseudo consecutive turn (re-change), perform an N reach, and develop into an SP reach. The special chart change patterns "THP003" and "THP023" are changes that start with the display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, then go through one pseudo consecutive turn (re-change), perform an N reach, but do not develop into an SP reach. A fluctuation that includes one pseudo consecutive win (re-fluctuation) is called a pseudo 2 fluctuation, and a fluctuation that includes two pseudo consecutive wins (re-fluctuations) is called a pseudo 3 fluctuation. In other words, the special chart fluctuation pattern "THP001" is a pseudo 3SP jackpot fluctuation, the special chart fluctuation pattern "THP002" is a pseudo 2SP jackpot fluctuation, and the special chart fluctuation pattern "THP003" is a pseudo 2N jackpot fluctuation. In addition, the special chart fluctuation pattern "THP021" is a pseudo 3SP miss fluctuation, the special chart fluctuation pattern "THP022" is a pseudo 2SP miss fluctuation, and the special chart fluctuation pattern "THP023" is a pseudo 2N miss fluctuation.

When a pseudo consecutive win (re-change) is performed, a pseudo consecutive win teaser is performed beforehand to tease whether or not a pseudo consecutive win will be performed. Specifically, the pseudo consecutive win teaser is a performance that is performed after the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are displayed stopped, and is a performance that teases whether or not a pseudo consecutive win pattern GZ will be displayed stopped as the middle performance pattern EZ2 (see FIG. 41 (D)). In the pseudo consecutive win teaser, the pseudo consecutive win pattern GZ, which is the middle performance pattern EZ2, is displayed moving relatively slowly toward the stopped position. This teases whether or not a pseudo consecutive win pattern GZ will be displayed stopped as the middle performance pattern EZ2. The pseudo consecutive win teaser functions as a performance that creates expectations that a pseudo consecutive win will be performed.

There are two types of pseudo consecutive flurries: a successful version in which the pseudo consecutive flurry pattern GZ is displayed as the middle performance pattern EZ2, and an unsuccessful version in which the pseudo consecutive flurry pattern GZ is not displayed as a stopped pattern. In an unsuccessful pseudo consecutive flurry, the pseudo consecutive flurry pattern GZ does not stop at the specified stop position (the stop position of the middle performance pattern EZ2) but moves and is displayed until it frames out of the display unit 50a, and a number pattern that constitutes a losing number (a scattered number) is displayed as a stopped number as the middle performance pattern EZ2.

A pseudo consecutive win (re-change) is performed through a successful pseudo consecutive win promotion (special chart change patterns "THP001", "THP002", "THP003", "THP021", "THP022", "THP023" shown in Figure 31). In contrast, when an unsuccessful pseudo consecutive win promotion is performed, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed as missing numbers. Special chart change pattern "THP041" is a change in which, after the display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts, an unsuccessful pseudo consecutive win promotion is performed, and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed as missing numbers. Special chart change pattern "THP041" is called a pseudo false change.

As shown in FIG. 31, the special chart 1 variation pattern "THP004" is an "SP jackpot variation" that develops into an SP reach without a pseudo consecutive performance, and the special chart 1 variation pattern "THP005" is an "N jackpot variation" that does not develop into an SP reach, although the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 reach without a pseudo consecutive performance.

In addition, the special chart 1 variation pattern "THP024" is an "SP miss variation" that develops into an SP reach without a pseudo consecutive performance, and the special chart 1 variation pattern "THP025" is an "N miss variation" in which the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 become a reach without a pseudo consecutive performance, but do not develop into an SP reach.

The special chart 1 variation pattern "THP042" is a "normal A miss variation" in which the variation ends in 10 seconds without the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols reaching a reach, and "THP042" is a "normal B miss variation" in which the variation ends in 5 seconds without the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols reaching a reach. A reach is a state in which there is only one remaining variation pattern among multiple variation patterns, and depending on which of the variation patterns stops and is displayed, it is a combination of patterns (for example, a "7↓7" state) that indicates a game state that is advantageous to the player (for example, a jackpot game state).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, if a jackpot is won (in the case of a jackpot fluctuation), a fluctuation presentation that develops into an SP reach is more likely to be executed than a fluctuation presentation that ends in an N reach. On the other hand, if a miss is won (in the case of a miss fluctuation), a fluctuation presentation that ends in an N reach is more likely to be executed than a fluctuation presentation that develops into an SP reach. In other words, in this embodiment, an SP reach is an effect that has a higher chance of winning than an N reach.

Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, when a jackpot is won (in the case of a jackpot fluctuation), a fluctuation including a pseudo consecutive performance (THP001-003) is more likely to be selected than a fluctuation not including a pseudo consecutive performance (THP004-005), and a pseudo 3 fluctuation (THP001) is more likely to be selected than a pseudo 2 fluctuation (THP002-003). On the other hand, when a jackpot is lost (in the case of a losing fluctuation), a fluctuation not including a pseudo consecutive performance (THP024-025) is more likely to be selected than a fluctuation including a pseudo consecutive performance (THP021-023), and a pseudo 2 fluctuation (THP022-023) is more likely to be selected than a pseudo 3 fluctuation (THP021). In other words, in this embodiment, a pseudo 3 fluctuation is a fluctuation with a higher jackpot expectation than a pseudo 2 fluctuation, and a pseudo 2 fluctuation is a fluctuation with a higher jackpot expectation than a fluctuation not including a pseudo consecutive performance.

In this embodiment, a battle reach is executed as an SP reach. A battle reach is a reach effect in which a battle takes place between a main character and an enemy character. A battle reach has a win/lose branch, and branches into a success effect (victory effect) in which the main character triumphs over the enemy character, or a failure effect (defeat effect) in which the main character is defeated by the enemy character. A success effect functions as an effect suggesting to the player that he or she has won a jackpot. A failure effect functions as an effect suggesting to the player that he or she has not won a jackpot. In this embodiment, the reach effect shown in FIG. 21 is executed as a battle reach based on the drawing of special chart 1 in the non-time-saving state. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 121 displays performance images on the display unit 50a for each performance that constitutes the special chart variation performance (normal variation, pseudo consecutive stimulation, pseudo consecutive performance, N reach, SP reach, etc.), and can execute light-emitting performances using the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54, sound performances using the speaker 52, movable body performances using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58, and operation performances using the input devices (normal button 40, special button 41), etc., depending on the display of the performance image.

Next, we will explain how to determine the variation pattern of the special chart 2 in the time-saving state (high-probability time-saving state (high probability state and time-saving state), low-probability time-saving state (normal probability state and time-saving state)). In the time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the variation pattern of the special chart 2 using the special chart 2 variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 32.

In the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process when the time-saving state is set, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the special chart 2 variation pattern based on the result of the jackpot determination (special chart determination) performed in the special chart 2 determination process, the result of the reach determination, and the special chart variation pattern random number. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination, it selects "THP051" as the special chart 2 variation pattern, even if the result of the jackpot pattern type determination is "jackpot pattern 3" or "jackpot pattern 4". In addition, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that a jackpot has been lost in the jackpot determination and the result of the reach determination is "reach available", it selects "THP061" as the special chart 2 variation pattern.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges that the jackpot has been lost in the jackpot judgment and the result of the reach judgment is "not in reach", it selects either "THP071" or "THP072" as the special chart 2 variation pattern. The allocation rate for which of these two types of special chart 2 variation patterns is selected varies depending on the number of reserved special charts 2. Specifically, when the number of reserved special charts 2 is 0 to 1, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively long special chart variation time is likely to be determined, and when the number of reserved special charts 2 is 2 to 4, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively short special chart variation time is likely to be determined.

The special chart 2 variation pattern "THP051" is a variation (SP jackpot variation) in which, when the display of the variation of the performance pattern starts, it develops into an SP reach via an N reach, and as a result of the SP reach, a successful performance (winning notification performance) is executed (SP jackpot variation). Also, the special chart 2 variation pattern "THP061" is a variation (SP miss variation) in which, when the display of the variation of the performance pattern starts, it develops into an SP reach via an N reach, and as a result of the SP reach, a failed performance (losing notification performance) is executed (SP miss variation). Also, the special chart 2 variation pattern "THP071" is a "normal C miss variation" in which the variation performance ends in 10 seconds without the performance pattern becoming a reach, and the special chart 2 variation pattern "THP072" is a "normal D miss variation" in which the variation performance ends in 3 seconds without the performance pattern becoming a reach.

Next, the execution of the dialogue presentation by the presentation control microcomputer 121 will be described. In this embodiment, the presentation control microcomputer 121 can execute a dialogue presentation as a type of so-called preview presentation in the variable presentation based on the lottery of special chart 1 during the non-time-saving state. There are multiple types of dialogue presentation. There are three types: character movement dialogue presentation, horizontal dialogue presentation, and vertical dialogue presentation. Each dialogue presentation is a presentation in which multiple characters converse (say lines to each other, send messages to each other), but the display mode of the characters, the display mode of the lines, the output mode of the sound corresponding to the lines, etc. are different.

In short, the character movement dialogue effect is a effect in which two characters move from the right end to the left end of the display unit 50a while having a conversation (see Figures 41 and 42). The horizontal dialogue effect is a effect in which a character is displayed as a still image and the lines spoken by that character are displayed in horizontal writing (see Figure 43). The vertical dialogue effect is a effect in which a character is displayed as a still image and the lines spoken by that character are displayed in vertical writing (see Figure 44). The details of each dialogue effect will be described later.

The execution of the dialogue effect is determined based on the table shown in FIG. 33. As shown in FIG. 33, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "pseudo 3SP jackpot change" (THP001), "pseudo 2SP jackpot change" (THP002), or "pseudo 2N jackpot change" (THP003), the effect control microcomputer 121 selects "character movement dialogue effect" 40% of the time, "horizontal dialogue effect" 20% of the time, and "vertical dialogue effect" 30% of the time. The percentage of times that none of the dialogue effects are executed is 10%. Note that in this form, the character movement dialogue effect, horizontal dialogue effect, and vertical dialogue effect are not executed in the same manner during one change effect.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP jackpot change" (THP004) or "N jackpot change" (THP005), the effect control microcomputer 121 selects "horizontal dialogue effect" at a rate of 20% and "vertical dialogue effect" at a rate of 30%. The rate at which neither dialogue effect is executed is 50%, and the "character movement dialogue effect" is never selected.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "pseudo 3SP miss change" (THP021), "pseudo 2SP miss change" (THP022), or "pseudo 2N miss change" (THP023), the effect control microcomputer 121 selects "character movement dialogue effect" 10% of the time, "horizontal dialogue effect" 10% of the time, and "vertical dialogue effect" 10% of the time. The percentage of times that none of the dialogue effects are executed is 70%.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP miss change" (THP024) or "N miss change" (THP025), the effect control microcomputer 121 selects "horizontal dialogue effect" at a rate of 10% and "vertical dialogue effect" at a rate of 10%. The rate at which neither dialogue effect is executed is 80%, and the "character movement dialogue effect" is never selected.

In addition, when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart 1 fluctuation start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "pseudo false fluctuation" (THP041) or "normal A miss fluctuation" (THP042), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "horizontal dialogue effect" at a rate of 5% and selects "vertical dialogue effect" at a rate of 5%. The rate at which neither dialogue effect is executed is 90%, and "character movement dialogue effect" is never selected. Note that when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart 1 fluctuation start command received by the performance control microcomputer 121 is "normal B miss fluctuation" (THP043), none of the dialogue effects are executed.

In this way, in this embodiment, all of the dialogue effects are more likely to be executed in a jackpot variation than in a miss variation. Therefore, each dialogue effect functions as an effect that creates the expectation of a jackpot. Furthermore, since the execution probability of each dialogue effect is as shown in the table in FIG. 33, the jackpot expectation of each dialogue effect is in the following relationship: character movement dialogue effect > vertical writing dialogue effect > horizontal writing dialogue effect. Furthermore, character movement dialogue effects may only be executed in variations in which pseudo consecutive effects are performed (THP001-THP003, THP021-THP023). Therefore, the character movement dialogue effect also functions as an effect that suggests the execution of a pseudo consecutive effect (in other words, an effect that suggests that the variation has a high expectation of a jackpot). Note that the character movement dialogue effect may be configured to be executed even in variations in which pseudo consecutive effects are not performed. Additionally, vertical and horizontal dialogue effects are more likely to be performed with variations that result in a reach (THP021-THP025, THP001-THP005) than with variations that do not result in a reach (THP041, THP042), so they also function as effects that build anticipation of a reach being achieved.

If the result of the dialogue effect execution lottery determines that a character movement dialogue effect, horizontal dialogue effect, or vertical dialogue effect will be executed, the mode of dialogue effect to be executed is determined. Specifically, if it is determined that a character movement dialogue effect will be executed, the mode of character movement dialogue effect is selected based on the mode selection table shown in FIG. 34. There are three modes of character movement dialogue effect ("Characters A & B and normal dialogue", "Characters A & B and special dialogue", and "Characters C & D"), and each mode differs in the type of character that speaks the dialogue and the content of the dialogue spoken by the character.

The "character A & B and normal lines" mode is a mode in which character A and character B utter normal lines (have a conversation). The "character A & B and special lines" mode is a mode in which character A and character B utter special lines (have a conversation). The "character C & D" mode is a mode in which character C and character D utter lines (have a conversation). In this embodiment, character A is a high school student character who is a pitcher in the baseball club, character B is a high school student character who is a strong hitter in the baseball club, character C is a high school student character who is a strong hitter in the baseball club of a rival school, and character D is a high school student character who is a manager in the baseball club of the rival school. The characters can be changed as appropriate to match the motif of the gaming machine. In addition, the normal lines and special lines only need to have different contents, and the contents of the lines can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the performance example described later based on Figures 41 and 42 is the "character A & B and normal lines" mode.

In the lottery for the character movement dialogue presentation shown in FIG. 34, when the special chart variation pattern indicated by the special chart 1 variation start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "pseudo 3SP jackpot variation" (THP001), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects "characters A & B and normal dialogue" at a rate of 20%, "characters A & B and special dialogue" at a rate of 30%, and "characters C & D" at a rate of 50%. Also, when the special chart variation pattern indicated by the special chart 1 variation start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "pseudo 2SP jackpot variation" (THP002), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects "characters A & B and normal dialogue" at a rate of 20%, "characters A & B and special dialogue" at a rate of 50%, and "characters C & D" at a rate of 30%. In addition, when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart 1 fluctuation start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "pseudo 2N jackpot fluctuation" (THP003), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "characters A & B and normal lines" at a rate of 40%, "characters A & B and special lines" at a rate of 30%, and "characters C & D" at a rate of 30%.

In addition, when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart 1 fluctuation start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "pseudo 3SP miss fluctuation" (THP021), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "characters A & B and normal lines" at a rate of 55%, "characters A & B and special lines" at a rate of 25%, and "characters C & D" at a rate of 20%. In addition, when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart 1 fluctuation start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "pseudo 2SP miss fluctuation" (THP022), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "characters A & B and normal lines" at a rate of 65%, "characters A & B and special lines" at a rate of 20%, and "characters C & D" at a rate of 15%. In addition, when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the special chart 1 fluctuation start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a "pseudo 2N miss fluctuation" (THP023), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "characters A & B and normal lines" at a rate of 75%, "characters A & B and special lines" at a rate of 15%, and "characters C & D" at a rate of 10%.

In this way, in this form, "character A & B and normal lines" is more likely to be selected in a losing variation than in a jackpot variation. On the other hand, "character A & B and special lines" and "character C & D" are more likely to be selected in a jackpot variation than in a losing variation. Also, "character C & D" is less likely to be selected in a losing variation than "character A & B and special lines". Therefore, in this form, the jackpot expectation rate of each aspect of the character movement line performance is in the relationship of "character A & B and normal lines" < "character A & B and special lines" < "character C & D". Also, among the jackpot variations, in the pseudo 2N jackpot variation, "character A & B and normal lines" is most likely to be selected, in the pseudo 2SP jackpot variation, "character A & B and special lines" is most likely to be selected, and in the pseudo 3SP jackpot variation, "character C & D" is most likely to be selected. Therefore, "Character C & D" functions as a production that creates the expectation that an SP reach will be executed after two pseudo consecutive wins (pseudo 3), and "Character A & B and special lines" functions as a production that creates the expectation that an SP reach will be executed after one pseudo consecutive win (pseudo 2).

Next, the selection of the mode of the horizontally written dialogue presentation will be explained. When the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in the execution lottery for the dialogue presentation that a horizontally written dialogue presentation is to be executed, it selects the mode of the horizontally written dialogue presentation based on the mode selection table shown in FIG. 35. There are three modes of horizontally written dialogue presentation ("Characters A & B, Conversation 1, Normal Frame", "Characters A & B, Conversation 2, Normal Frame", and "Characters A & B, Conversation 3, Special Frame"), and each mode has different content of the dialogue spoken by the characters (conversation content) and different modes of the frame surrounding the dialogue.

The "Character A & B, Conversation 1, Normal Frame" mode is a mode in which Character A and Character B have a conversation of one content (Conversation 1). The "Character A & B, Conversation 2, Normal Frame" mode is a mode in which Character A and Character B have a conversation of a different content (Conversation 2). The "Character A & B, Conversation 3, Special Frame" mode is a mode in which Character A and Character B have a conversation of yet another content (Conversation 3). In horizontal dialogue presentation, a frame image (frame image) is displayed that surrounds the lines spoken by each character. The lines of Conversation 1 and Conversation 2 are surrounded by a normal frame (normal frame), but Conversation 3 is surrounded by a special frame (special frame) that is different from the normal frame. In other words, in the "Characters A & B, Conversation 1, Normal Frame" and "Characters A & B, Conversation 2, Normal Frame" modes, the lines spoken by the characters are surrounded by a normal frame, and in the "Characters A & B, Conversation 3, Special Frame" mode, the lines spoken by the characters are surrounded by a special frame. Note that the normal frame and the special frame can be changed as appropriate as long as they are different frame modes. Also, the content of each conversation (the content of the lines) in the horizontally written lines performance can be changed as appropriate. Note that the performance example described later based on Figure 43 is the "Characters A & B, Conversation 1, Normal Frame" mode, and the frame image G72 and frame image G75 shown in Figure 43 are normal frames.

In the lottery for the horizontal dialogue presentation mode shown in Figure 35, if the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is a jackpot change (THP001, THP002, THP004) that develops into an SP reach, the presentation control microcontroller 121 selects "Characters A & B, Conversation 1, Regular Slot" at a rate of 15%, "Characters A & B, Conversation 2, Regular Slot" at a rate of 35%, and "Characters A & B, Conversation 3, Special Slot" at a rate of 50%. In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a jackpot change ending in an N reach (THP003, THP005), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "Character A & B, conversation 1, normal slot" at a rate of 20%, "Character A & B, conversation 2, normal slot" at a rate of 35%, and "Character A & B, conversation 3, special slot" at a rate of 45%.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is a miss change (THP021, THP022, THP024) that develops into an SP reach, the performance control microcontroller 121 selects "Character A & B, conversation 1, normal slot" at a rate of 60%, "Character A & B, conversation 2, normal slot" at a rate of 30%, and "Character A & B, conversation 3, special slot" at a rate of 10%. In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a losing change ending in an N reach (THP023, THP025), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "Character A & B, conversation 1, normal slot" at a rate of 70%, "Character A & B, conversation 2, normal slot" at a rate of 20%, and "Character A & B, conversation 3, special slot" at a rate of 10%.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a miss change (THP041, THP042) in which a reach is not achieved, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "Character A & B, conversation 1, normal slot" 95% of the time, "Character A & B, conversation 2, normal slot" 4% of the time, and "Character A & B, conversation 3, special slot" 1% of the time.

In this way, in this form, "Character A & B, Conversation 1, Normal Slot" is more likely to be selected in a losing variation than in a jackpot variation. On the other hand, "Character A & B, Conversation 2, Normal Slot" and "Character A & B, Conversation 3, Special Slot" are more likely to be selected in a jackpot variation than in a losing variation. Also, "Character A & B, Conversation 3, Special Slot" is less likely to be selected in a losing variation than "Character A & B, Conversation 2, Normal Slot", but is more likely to be selected in a jackpot variation. Therefore, in this form, the jackpot expectancy of each aspect of the horizontal dialogue performance is in the following relationship: "Character A & B, Conversation 1, Normal Slot" < "Character A & B, Conversation 2, Normal Slot" < "Character A & B, Conversation 3, Special Slot". Also, "Character A & B, Conversation 3, Special Slot" is more likely to be selected in a variation that develops into an SP reach than in a variation that ends in an N reach. Therefore, "Character A & B, Conversation 3, Special Slot" functions as a production that makes you expect it to develop into an SP reach. Also, "Character A & B, Conversation 1, Normal Slot" is more likely to be selected as a variation that ends in an N reach than a variation that develops into an SP reach. Therefore, it functions as a production that gives you a sense that it will not develop into an SP reach.

Next, the selection of the mode of vertical dialogue presentation will be explained. When the performance control microcomputer 121 determines to execute a vertical dialogue presentation in the dialogue presentation execution selection, it selects the mode of vertical dialogue presentation based on the mode selection table shown in FIG. 36. There are three modes of vertical dialogue presentation ("Character C&D, Conversation 1, Normal text color", "Character C&D, Conversation 2, Normal text color", and "Character C&D, Conversation 3, Special text color"), and each mode has different content of the lines spoken by the characters (conversation content) and different colors of the text representing the lines.

The "Character C & D, Conversation 1, Normal Text Color" mode is a mode in which Character C and Character D have a conversation of one content (Conversation 1). The "Character C & D, Conversation 2, Normal Text Color" mode is a mode in which Character C and Character D have a conversation of a different content (Conversation 2). The "Character C & D, Conversation 3, Special Text Color" mode is a mode in which Character C and Character D have a conversation of yet another content (Conversation 3). In vertical dialogue presentation, the text representing the lines spoken by each character is sometimes displayed in the normal color (normal text color) and sometimes in a special color (special text color) that is different from the normal color. The lines of Conversation 1 and Conversation 2 are displayed in the normal text color, but Conversation 3 is displayed in the special text color. In other words, the "Character C&D, Conversation 1, Normal Text Color" and "Character C&D, Conversation 2, Normal Text Color" modes are modes in which the lines spoken by the characters are displayed in the normal text color, and the "Character C&D, Conversation 3, Special Text Color" mode is a mode in which the lines spoken by the characters are displayed in the special text color. Note that the normal text color and the special text color can be set to any color as long as they are different. Also, the content of each conversation (the content of the lines) in the vertical dialogue performance can be changed as appropriate. Note that the performance example explained later based on Figure 44 is the "Character C&D, Conversation 1, Normal Text Color" mode.

In the lottery for the vertical dialogue presentation mode shown in Figure 36, if the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is a jackpot change (THP001, THP002, THP004) that develops into an SP reach, the presentation control microcontroller 121 selects "Character C&D, conversation 1, normal text color" at a rate of 10%, "Character C&D, conversation 2, normal text color" at a rate of 35%, and "Character C&D, conversation 3, special text color" at a rate of 55%. In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a jackpot change ending in an N reach (THP003, THP005), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "Character C&D, conversation 1, normal text color" at a rate of 15%, "Character C&D, conversation 2, normal text color" at a rate of 35%, and "Character C&D, conversation 3, special text color" at a rate of 50%.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is a miss change (THP021, THP022, THP024) that develops into an SP reach, the performance control microcontroller 121 selects "Character C&D, conversation 1, normal text color" at a rate of 65%, "Character C&D, conversation 2, normal text color" at a rate of 30%, and "Character C&D, conversation 3, special text color" at a rate of 5%. In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a miss change ending in an N reach (THP023, THP025), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects "Character C&D, conversation 1, normal text color" 75% of the time, "Character C&D, conversation 2, normal text color" 20% of the time, and "Character C&D, conversation 3, special text color" 5% of the time.

In addition, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart 1 change start command received from the game control microcontroller 101 is a miss change (THP041, THP042) in which a reach is not achieved, the performance control microcontroller 121 selects "Character C&D, conversation 1, normal text color" 95% of the time, "Character C&D, conversation 2, normal text color" 4% of the time, and "Character C&D, conversation 3, special text color" 1% of the time.

In this way, in this form, "Character C&D, Conversation 1, Normal Text Color" is more likely to be selected in a losing variation than in a jackpot variation. On the other hand, "Character C&D, Conversation 2, Normal Text Color" and "Character C&D, Conversation 3, Special Text Color" are more likely to be selected in a jackpot variation than in a losing variation. Also, "Character C&D, Conversation 3, Special Text Color" is less likely to be selected in a losing variation than "Character C&D, Conversation 2, Normal Text Color" and more likely to be selected in a jackpot variation. Therefore, in this form, the jackpot expectancy of each aspect of the vertical dialogue performance is in the following relationship: "Character C&D, Conversation 1, Normal Text Color" < "Character C&D, Conversation 2, Normal Text Color" < "Character C&D, Conversation 3, Special Text Color". Also, "Character C&D, Conversation 3, Special Text Color" is more likely to be selected in a variation that develops into an SP reach than in a variation that ends in an N reach. Therefore, "Character C&D, conversation 3, special text color" functions as a production that makes you expect it to develop into an SP reach. Also, "Character C&D, conversation 1, normal text color" is more likely to be selected as a variation that ends in an N reach than a variation that develops into an SP reach. Therefore, it functions as a production that gives you a sense that it will not develop into an SP reach.

Next, the look-ahead judgment regarding special symbol 2 during the time-saving state will be explained. During the time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 101 performs a look-ahead judgment regarding special symbol 2 (a look-ahead judgment based on winning at the second starting hole 12) based on the special symbol 2 look-ahead judgment table (second look-ahead judgment table) shown in FIG. 37. The look-ahead judgment during the time-saving state includes a judgment of whether the special pattern random number is judged as a "jackpot" in the jackpot judgment, a judgment of whether the reach random number is judged as "reach" or "not reach" in the reach judgment, and a judgment of which special symbol fluctuation pattern the special symbol fluctuation pattern random number is judged as in the special symbol fluctuation pattern judgment.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 generates a start winning command including information on the special chart fluctuation pattern determined by the look-ahead judgment, and sets it in the output buffer. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 37, if the look-ahead judgment result indicates that the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern is an "SP big win fluctuation", a start winning command (command 121) indicating this is generated and set in the output buffer. Also, if the look-ahead judgment result indicates that the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern is an "SP miss fluctuation", a start winning command (command 122) indicating this is generated and set in the output buffer. Also, if the look-ahead judgment result indicates that the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern is a "normal miss fluctuation" (normal C miss fluctuation or normal D miss fluctuation), a start winning command (command 123) indicating this is generated and set in the output buffer.

Next, the lottery for the look-ahead performance (performance executed based on the result of the look-ahead judgment) when the performance control microcomputer 121 receives each of the above start winning commands will be described. The pachinko game machine PY1 of this form can execute a look-ahead dialogue performance as a look-ahead performance during the time-saving state. The look-ahead dialogue performance is a dialogue performance executed over one or multiple consecutive special chart changes based on the result of the look-ahead judgment, and is a performance in which the exchange of lines (messages) by multiple characters is performed at a pace of one per change (see Figures 46 and 47). The special chart reservation that triggers the execution of the look-ahead performance is called the target reservation. In other words, the look-ahead dialogue performance can be said to be a performance that can be executed over multiple consecutive change performances from the change performance based on the special chart reservation stored before the target reservation to the change performance based on the target reservation. The above-mentioned dialogue performances (character movement dialogue performance, horizontal writing dialogue performance, vertical writing dialogue performance) are also called change-time dialogue performances in order to distinguish them from the look-ahead dialogue performance. In this specification, the term "dialogue performance" may refer only to dialogue performance during changes, or may refer collectively to both pre-reading dialogue performance and dialogue performance during changes.

The lottery for executing the pre-reading dialogue performance is executed based on the table shown in FIG. 38(A). As shown in FIG. 38(A), when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP big win fluctuation", the performance control microcomputer 121 decides to execute the pre-reading dialogue performance 50% of the time, and decides not to execute the pre-reading dialogue performance 50% of the time. Also, when the special chart fluctuation pattern indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP miss fluctuation", the performance control microcomputer 121 decides to execute the pre-reading dialogue performance 25% of the time, and decides not to execute the pre-reading dialogue performance 75% of the time. In addition, when the special chart variation pattern indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a "normal miss variation," the presentation control microcomputer 121 decides to execute the pre-reading dialogue presentation with a probability of 3% and decides not to execute the pre-reading dialogue presentation with a probability of 97%.

In this way, in this embodiment, the look-ahead dialogue performance is more likely to be executed when the look-ahead judgment result is a jackpot win than when the look-ahead judgment result is a miss. Therefore, the look-ahead dialogue performance functions as a performance that creates anticipation of a jackpot win. Also, the look-ahead dialogue performance is more likely to be executed when the look-ahead judgment result is that the game will develop into an SP reach than when the look-ahead judgment result is a normal miss that will not develop into an SP reach. Therefore, the look-ahead dialogue performance also functions as a performance that creates anticipation of the execution of an SP reach.

When the microcomputer 121 for controlling the performance decides to execute the pre-reading dialogue performance as a result of the execution lottery shown in FIG. 38 (A), if there is no special chart reserved stored before the start winning (target reserved) related to the decision (i.e., if the target reserved is stored as the first special chart reserved), the microcomputer 121 displays the dialogue (message) as the pre-reading dialogue performance only in the variation performance based on the target reserved. Also, if the target reserved is stored as the second special chart reserved, the dialogue is displayed in the variation performance based on the special chart reserved stored one before the target reserved and in the variation performance based on the target reserved. Also, if the target reserved is stored as the third special chart reserved, and if it is stored as the fourth special chart reserved, the dialogue is displayed in the variation performance based on the special chart reserved stored two before the target reserved, the variation performance based on the special chart reserved stored one before the target reserved, and the variation performance based on the target reserved. In other words, the pre-reading dialogue performance is a so-called continuous notice that can be performed continuously for a maximum of three variations.

When it is determined that the pre-reading dialogue performance is to be executed as a result of the execution lottery, the performance control microcomputer 121 subsequently selects the mode of the pre-reading dialogue performance based on the mode selection table shown in FIG. 38(B). The mode of the pre-reading dialogue performance refers to the final mode (final mode) of the image of the frame (frame image) surrounding the dialogue (message) in the pre-reading dialogue performance, and the final mode refers to the mode of the frame image in the display of the dialogue (message) based on the target reservation. The final mode of the frame image in the pre-reading dialogue performance includes a "blue frame" in which the frame portion is displayed in blue, and a "red frame" in which the frame portion is displayed in red. Note that when multiple modes are provided for the pre-reading dialogue performance, it is possible to appropriately change which part is provided with which mode. The performance example described later based on FIG. 46 and FIG. 47 is an example in which the final mode of the frame image in the pre-reading dialogue performance is a "red frame".

As shown in FIG. 38(B), in the lottery for the pre-reading dialogue presentation, when the special chart change pattern indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP big win change", the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the blue frame 30% of the time and the red frame 70% of the time. When the special chart change pattern indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "SP miss change", the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the blue frame 70% of the time and the red frame 30% of the time. When the special chart change pattern indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is "normal miss change", the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the blue frame 100% of the time and does not select the red frame.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the pre-reading dialogue effect in which the final state of the frame image is a red frame is more likely to be executed when the pre-reading judgment result is a jackpot win than when the pre-reading judgment result is a miss. Therefore, the pre-reading dialogue effect in which the final state of the frame image is a red frame functions as an effect suggesting a high likelihood of a jackpot. Furthermore, the pre-reading dialogue effect in which the final state of the frame image is a red frame is executed only when the pre-reading judgment result is that the game will develop into an SP reach, and is not executed when the pre-reading judgment result is a normal miss that will not develop into an SP reach. Therefore, the pre-reading dialogue effect in which the final state of the frame image is a red frame also functions as an effect suggesting the execution of an SP reach.

Next, we will explain examples of various dialogue effects in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Note that in the following explanation, illustrations of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 may be omitted. Also, the background images of the town shown in Figures 41 to 44 are background images corresponding to one of the effect modes set in the normal game state.

Figure 39 is a timing chart that explains the execution timing of each change-time dialogue effect (character movement dialogue effect, horizontal dialogue effect, vertical dialogue effect). Figure 39 (A) shows a change effect, (B) shows a character movement dialogue effect, (C) shows a horizontal dialogue effect, and (D) shows a vertical dialogue effect.

<Character Movement Dialogue Performance> As shown in Fig. 39 (A) (B), the character movement dialogue performance is executed across pseudo consecutive (re-change) in the change performance accompanied by the pseudo consecutive performance. Specifically, the character movement dialogue performance starts shortly after the change display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts. As shown in Fig. 41 (A) (B), in the character movement dialogue performance (here, the "character A & B and normal dialogue" mode), first, character A (character A image G50) and character B (character B image G52) are displayed at the bottom right edge of the display unit 50a. This character movement dialogue performance is a performance in which character A and character B move leftward across the bottom of the display unit 50a while talking (Fig. 41 (C) to (F), Fig. 42 (A) to (B)). In the character movement dialogue performance, character A and character B finally frame out to the left edge of the display unit 50a (Fig. 42 (B) to (C)).

As shown in Figure 39 (B), in the character movement dialogue performance, character A (Character A) and character B (Character B) alternate speaking lines. That is, when character A speaks his first line (Character A's line 1), character B responds by speaking his first line (Character B's line 1). Then, in response to this, character A speaks his second line (Character A's line 2), and character B responds by speaking his second line (Character B's line 2). Then, in response to this, character A speaks his third line (Character A's line 3), and character B responds by speaking his third line (Character B's line 3). This concludes the conversation between the two characters. In addition, in a fluctuation that involves a pseudo consecutive performance, character A's line 1 to character A's line 2 are performed during the section from the start of the fluctuation to the pseudo consecutive (initial fluctuation section), and character B's line 2 to character B's line 3 are performed during the section from the first pseudo consecutive (re-fluctuation) to the reach (pseudo 2 fluctuation section) (see Figures 39 (A) and (B)). Because the character movement dialogue performance is performed across pseudo consecutives, it is a performance that takes longer than the horizontal and vertical dialogue performances.

Specifically, in the character movement dialogue performance, first, as shown in Figures 41 (B) and (C), character A's line "You're doing well!" (character A's line 1, character A's line 1 image G53) is displayed, followed by character B's line "The match is coming up soon!" (character B's line 1, character B's line 1 image G54) as shown in Figure 41 (D). The combination of lines 1 of characters A and B constitutes one unit dialogue performance. Here, when character B's line is displayed, the line of character A that was displayed before it is hidden. In this way, in the character movement dialogue performance, the preceding line is hidden before the subsequent line is displayed. This prevents the dialogue display from becoming cluttered, even in a performance in which multiple characters move and each character speaks multiple lines.

After that, when character B's line 1 is made invisible, character A's line "We have to try our best!" (character A's line 2, character A's line 2 image G55) is displayed as shown in FIG. 41 (E), and then when character A's line 2 is made invisible, character B's line "Let's aim for a home run!" (character B's line 2, character B's line 2 image G56) is displayed as shown in FIG. 41 (F). At this point, characters A and B have moved to a position to the left of the center of the display section 50a. The combination of lines 2 of characters A and B constitutes one unit line performance.

Furthermore, when character B's line 2 is hidden, character A's line "It's burning!" (character A's line 3, character A's line 3 image G57) is displayed as shown in FIG. 42(A), and when character A's line 3 is hidden, character B's line "It's hot!" (character B's line 3, character B's line 3 image G58) is displayed as shown in FIG. 42(B). In character B's line 3, the character "hot" is displayed more emphasized than the other characters. This makes it easy for the player to understand that there is a high probability of a big win. Shortly after character B's line 3 is displayed, character B also frames out to the left edge of the display unit 50a. This ends the character movement line performance. After that, for example, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 form a reach, and reach performances such as N reach and SP reach are performed (FIG. 42(C)). The combination of each line 3 of character A and character B constitutes one unit line performance.

Here, in the character movement dialogue performance, although the text representing the lines spoken by each character is displayed, no sound corresponding to those lines is output (see Figure 39 (B)). This is for the following reason. That is, the character movement dialogue performance is executed over a long performance time that spans a pseudo-consecutive (re-change). During this time, various sounds (performance sounds) related to the change performance are output from speaker 52. Specifically, the following are output from the speaker 52: background music (FIG. 41(A)), sound effects when the change performance starts (FIG. 41(B)(F)), sound effects when the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopped state (FIG. 41(C), FIG. 42(A)), sound effects informing the player whether the pseudo consecutive pattern GZ will be displayed as the middle performance symbol EZ2 (FIG. 41(D)), sound effects when the pseudo consecutive pattern GZ is displayed as the middle performance symbol EZ2 (when the pseudo consecutive teasing is successful) (FIG. 41(E)), and sound effects and sounds when a reach is achieved (FIG. 42(C)). If sounds corresponding to the lines are output in the character movement dialogue performance, there is a risk that the sounds related to these change performances (change performances involving pseudo consecutive) will be difficult to hear. Therefore, in this embodiment, sounds corresponding to the lines are not output in the character movement dialogue performance, so that the sounds related to the change performance are not difficult to hear.

In addition, in the character movement dialogue presentation, the lines of each character are displayed in a speech bubble. In other words, text images (G53-G58) representing the lines are displayed inside speech bubble images (speech bubble image G60 surrounding character A's lines, speech bubble image G62 surrounding character B's lines) (see Figures 41 and 42). This allows the player to easily recognize that each character is talking, even if the voice of each character is not output. Also, when the character movement dialogue presentation mode is "Character C & D", character C is displayed in place of character A, and character D is displayed in place of character B, and these characters move from the right end to the left end of the display section 50a while having a predetermined conversation.

<Horizontal dialogue performance> Next, the horizontal dialogue performance will be explained. As shown in FIG. 39 (A) (C), the horizontal dialogue performance is not performed across pseudo consecutive wins in the variation performance, but is performed within a unit variation period such as the period from the start of the variation to the re-variation, or the period from the start of the variation to the establishment of a reach. Specifically, the horizontal dialogue performance starts shortly after the variation display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 begins. As shown in FIG. 43 (A) (B), in the horizontal dialogue performance, first, an icon representing character A (character A icon image G70) is displayed at the bottom left edge of the display unit 50a. Next, as shown in FIG. 43 (C), characters representing the lines of character A (character A dialogue image G71) are displayed horizontally to the right of the character A icon image G70, and the sound corresponding to the lines of character A is output from the speaker 52.

After that, as shown in FIG. 43(D), while the character A icon image G70 and the character A line image G71 are still displayed, an icon (character B icon image G73) representing character B, who is the conversation partner of character A, is displayed at the upper right end of the display unit 50a. Next, as shown in FIG. 43(E), the characters representing the lines of character B (character B line image G74) are displayed horizontally to the left of the character B icon image G73, and the sound corresponding to the lines of character B is output from the speaker 52. In this way, character A and character B each say one line, and the horizontal line performance ends. When the horizontal line performance ends, it is teased whether a reach will be established, for example, as shown in FIG. 43(F). Then, if a reach is established, it develops into a reach performance, and if a reach is not established, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are stopped and displayed as a miss, and the variable performance ends.

Here, the types of lines (conversations) in the horizontal dialogue presentation will be explained with reference to FIG. 40. As described above, in this embodiment, there are three types of lines in the horizontal dialogue presentation (conversations 1 to 3, see FIG. 35). As shown in FIG. 40, the length of the lines in the horizontal dialogue presentation is longer than the length of the lines in the vertical dialogue presentation (described later), regardless of the type of conversation. Specifically, in conversation 1 in the horizontal dialogue presentation, character A utters a 32-character line, "It looks like the weather will be sunny tomorrow, so we should be able to play the baseball game as planned," and character B utters a 27-character line, "I'm looking forward to it! I'm going to hit two home runs off pitcher XX!" In conversation 2 in the horizontal dialogue production, character A utters the 25-character line, "The new training menu the coach came up with is too tough," and character B utters the 30-character line, "But if we practice hard, we could probably beat XX High School in a game." In conversation 3 in the horizontal dialogue production, character A utters the 29-character line, "I hear the pitcher from XX High School broke his arm during practice," and character B utters the 20-character line, "I wonder who'll be the pitcher in the next game?"

In this way, in this embodiment, in any conversation in the horizontal dialogue presentation, the lines of character A and character B are long (the number of characters making up the lines is large). Therefore, in the horizontal dialogue presentation, the characters representing character A's lines (character A dialogue image G71) are surrounded by a frame image (frame image G72) that surrounds the characters representing the lines (Figures 43 (C) to (E)), and the characters representing character B's lines (character B dialogue image G74) are surrounded by a frame image (frame image G75) that surrounds the characters representing the lines (Figure 43 (E)). This makes it possible for the player to clearly recognize the range of the lines even if the lines spoken by each character are long. This is a major difference from the vertical dialogue presentation described in detail later.

In addition, in the horizontal dialogue performance, the lines of each character are output as audio, but the horizontal dialogue performance is a performance that does not span across pseudo-consecutive (re-change) performances, i.e., it is a dialogue performance with a shorter performance time compared to the character movement dialogue performance described above, so even if audio corresponding to the lines is output, it does not interfere with the change performance.

<Vertical Dialogue Presentation> Next, the vertical dialogue presentation will be explained. As shown in Fig. 39 (A) (D), the vertical dialogue presentation is not executed across pseudo consecutive wins in the variation presentation, but is executed within a unit variation section such as the section from the start of the variation to the re-variation, or the section from the start of the variation to the establishment of a reach, similar to the horizontal dialogue presentation described above (Fig. 39 (C)). Specifically, the vertical dialogue presentation starts shortly after the variation display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts. As shown in Fig. 44 (A) (B), in the vertical dialogue presentation, first, an icon representing character C (character C icon image G80) is displayed on the left side of the display unit 50a, and an icon representing character D (character D icon image G83) is displayed on the right side of the display unit 50a.

After that, as shown in Figure 44 (C), while the character C icon image G80 and the character D icon image G83 are still displayed, characters representing the lines of character C (character C line image G81) are displayed vertically to the right of the character C icon image G80, and sound corresponding to the lines of character C is output from the speaker 52. Then, while the character C line image G81 is still displayed, characters representing the lines of character D (character D line image G84) are displayed vertically to the left of the character D icon image G83, and sound corresponding to the lines of character D is output from the speaker 52, as shown in Figure 44 (D).

In this way, character C and character D each speak one line, and the vertical dialogue performance ends. When the vertical dialogue performance ends, for example as shown in FIG. 44(E), it is suggested whether a reach will be achieved. If a reach is achieved, the performance progresses to a reach performance, and if a reach is not achieved, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed as missing numbers and the variable performance ends.

Here, the types of lines (conversations) in the vertical dialogue production will be described with reference to FIG. 40. As described above, in this embodiment, there are three types of lines in the vertical dialogue production (conversations 1 to 3, see FIG. 36). As shown in FIG. 40, the length of the lines in the vertical dialogue production is shorter than the length of the lines in the horizontal dialogue production described above, regardless of the type of conversation. Specifically, in conversation 1 in the vertical dialogue production, character C utters a line consisting of eight characters, "Take the bat!", and character D utters a line consisting of three characters, "OK!". Also, in conversation 2 in the vertical dialogue production, character C utters a line consisting of nine characters, "Your glove is torn!", and character D utters a line consisting of four characters, "I'll fix it!". In conversation 3, which is a vertical dialogue production, character C says "Did you bring your lunch?", which is an eight-letter line, and character D says "Of course!", which is a five-letter line.

In this manner, in the present embodiment, in each conversation in the vertical dialogue performance, the lines of character C and character D are short (the number of characters that make up the lines is small). Therefore, even if the lines of each character are not surrounded by a frame in the vertical dialogue performance, the range of the lines is not difficult for the player to understand. Therefore, in the vertical dialogue performance, the lines are displayed without being surrounded by a frame, as shown in FIG. 44 (C) (D). This is a major difference from the horizontal dialogue performance described above. In other words, the horizontal dialogue performance and the vertical dialogue performance differ not only in the display direction of the characters representing the lines, which are left to right (horizontal writing) and up to down (vertical writing), but also in whether or not the characters representing the lines are surrounded by a frame. Therefore, even if a single gaming machine is configured to be able to execute multiple dialogue performances (horizontal writing, vertical writing) as appropriate, the player can easily recognize that each dialogue performance is a different type of performance.

In this embodiment, in the vertical dialogue presentation, the letters representing the lines spoken by the characters are not surrounded by a frame image, but the character C icon (character C icon image G80) is surrounded by a frame image (frame image G82), and the character D icon (character D icon image G83) is also surrounded by a frame image (frame image G85) (see Figures 44 (B) to (D)). This also differs from the horizontal dialogue presentation (Figure 43) in which the character icons (character A icon image G70, character B icon image G73) are not surrounded by a frame image, making it easier to distinguish between the two dialogue presentations.

In addition, in vertical dialogue effects, like horizontal dialogue effects, the lines of each character are output as audio, but vertical dialogue effects are effects that do not span pseudo-consecutive (re-changes), meaning that they are shorter in duration than the character movement dialogue effects described above, so even if audio corresponding to the lines is output, it does not interfere with the change effects.

<Preview dialogue performance> Next, the preview dialogue performance will be explained. Figure 45 is a timing chart explaining the execution timing of the preview dialogue performance. Figure 45 (A) shows the change performance, and (B) shows the preview dialogue performance. As mentioned above, the preview dialogue performance will be executed continuously for a maximum of three consecutive special chart changes.

Figure 45 shows a case where the look-ahead dialogue performance is continuously executed over three consecutive special chart changes. As shown in Figure 45, at the start of a change performance based on a special chart hold stored two times before the target hold (the special chart hold corresponding to the starting winning that triggered the execution of the look-ahead dialogue performance), a look-ahead dialogue performance is executed first in which character A speaks line 1. Character A's line 1 is displayed at a specific position on the display unit 50a (within the first display area 50x shown in Figure 46 (A)) and is output as sound from the speaker 52. The first display area 50x is also referred to as the initial display area, and the specific position is also referred to as the initial display position.

Next, at the start of a variable performance based on the special chart reservation stored one before the target reservation, a look-ahead line performance is executed in which character B speaks line 2. When this second consecutive look-ahead line performance is executed, character A's line 1 is moved from a specific position to the first movement position (within the second display area 50y shown in FIG. 46(B)), and character B's line 2 is displayed in the specific position (within the first display area 50x) vacated by this movement. In addition, as character B's line 2 is displayed, audio corresponding to this line is output from speaker 52. The second display area 50y is also referred to as the first movement display area.

Next, when the variable performance based on the target reservation starts, a look-ahead line performance is executed in which character A speaks line 3. When this third consecutive look-ahead line performance is executed, character A's line 1 is moved from the first movement position to the second movement position (within the third display area 50z shown in FIG. 47(A)), and character B's line 2 is moved from a specific position to the first movement position (within the second display area 50y). Then, character A's line 3 is displayed in the specific position (within the first display area 50x) that is vacated by these movements. Also, as character A's line 3 is displayed, a sound corresponding to this line is output from speaker 52. The third display area 50z is also referred to as the second movement display area.

In this way, in a look-ahead line performance, each previously displayed line continues to be displayed while changing its display position until the execution of the look-ahead line performance based on the target reservation is completed. This is a major difference from the above-mentioned various change-time line performances (character movement line performance, horizontally written line performance, vertically written line performance). Note that in various line performances, the character displayed first is called the preceding character, and the character displayed subsequently is called the subsequent character. Also, a look-ahead line performance is an example of a transmission performance, and "display of character A's line 1," "display of character B's line 2," and "display of character C's line 3" in a look-ahead line performance are examples of unit transmission performances.

Next, a specific example of the execution of the look-ahead dialogue performance will be described. Figures 46 and 47 show an example in which the look-ahead dialogue performance is executed over three consecutive special chart changes. In the first of the special chart changes in which the look-ahead dialogue performance is executed (the change based on the special chart reservation two before the target reservation), character A's line 1 is displayed on display unit 50a as the first look-ahead dialogue performance, as shown in Figure 46 (A).

In this embodiment, the pre-reading dialogue is not displayed on the entire display unit 50a, but on a specific display area 50f that is a part of the display unit 50a. The specific display area 50f is the display area excluding the left and right ends of the display unit 50a, and is about 3/5 of the total width of the display unit 50a.

In the first look-ahead line performance, character A's line 1 is displayed in a first display area 50x in a specific display area 50f. The inside of the first display area 50x corresponds to a specific position (initial display position). The display of character A's line 1 includes an icon representing character A (character A icon image G90), text representing character A's line 1 (character A line 1 image G91), and a frame image (frame image G92) surrounding the character A icon image G90 and the character A line 1 image G91. The frame image G92 has a predetermined design (shape, pattern, etc.) as shown in FIG. 46(A). The image displayed in the first look-ahead line performance, including the character A icon image G90, the character A line 1 image G91, and the frame image G92, is called the first line image G94.

In the first dialogue image G94, the character A icon image G90 is located on the left side as seen by the player, and the character A dialogue 1 image G91 is located on the right side as seen by the player. The first dialogue image G94 is displayed along the left edge 50fl of the specific display area 50f. Because the left-right width dimension of the first dialogue image G94 is shorter than the left-right width dimension of the specific display area 50f, the right edge of the first dialogue image G94 is located away from the right edge 50fr of the specific display area 50f, and the character A icon image G90 is located near the left edge 50fl of the specific display area 50f.

In addition, in this example of the performance, character A delivers the line (message) "Don't try to do it all by yourself" as line 1. Then, in conjunction with the display of this line 1, a voice corresponding to line 1 (the voice saying "Don't try to do it all by yourself") is output from speaker 52.

Next, the second pre-reading dialogue performance associated with the next variation performance (variation performance based on the special chart reservation one before the target reservation) will be described. In the second pre-reading dialogue performance, as shown in FIG. 46 (B), the character B's dialogue 2 is newly displayed on the display unit 50a. When displaying the character B's dialogue 2, the first dialogue image G94 is moved from the first display area 50x to the second display area 50y above the first display area 50x, and the character B's dialogue 2 is displayed in the first display area 50x that is now empty. The inside of the second display area 50y corresponds to the first moving position. The display of the character B's dialogue 2 includes an icon representing the character B (character B icon image G95), characters representing the character B's dialogue 2 (character B dialogue 2 image G96), and an image of a frame surrounding the character B icon image G95 and the character B dialogue 2 image G96 (frame image G97). The image displayed in the second pre-reading dialogue performance, which includes the character B icon image G95, the character B dialogue 2 image G96, and the frame image G97, is called the second dialogue image G99.

Here, the design of the frame image G97 in the second dialogue image G99 is symmetrical (linear symmetry with a line drawn vertically through the center of the specific display area 50f in the horizontal direction as the axis of symmetry) with the frame image G92 in the first dialogue image G94. In the second dialogue image G99, the character B icon image G95 is located on the right side as seen by the player, and the character B dialogue 2 image G96 is located on the left side as seen by the player. In addition, the second dialogue image G99 is displayed along the right edge 50fr of the specific display area 50f. Since the horizontal width dimension of the second dialogue image G99 is shorter than the horizontal width dimension of the specific display area 50f, the left edge of the second dialogue image G99 is located away from the left edge 50fl of the specific display area 50f, and the character B icon image G95 is located near the right edge 50fr of the specific display area 50f. In addition, in the pre-reading dialogue performance, the characters representing the dialogue (message) for both character A's dialogue (character A dialogue 1 image G91) and character B's dialogue (character B dialogue 2 image G96) are displayed left-justified within the frame. Therefore, in the display area of the dialogue surrounded by a frame, there is a margin to the right of the dialogue.

In addition, in this example of presentation, character B utters the line (message) "Can I rely on you?" as line 2. Then, as line 2 is displayed, a voice corresponding to line 2 (the voice saying "Can I rely on you?") is output from speaker 52. Line 2 is a response to line 1.

Next, the third look-ahead dialogue performance associated with the next change performance (change performance based on target reservation) will be described. In the third look-ahead dialogue performance, as shown in FIG. 47 (A), character A's dialogue 3 is newly displayed on the display unit 50a. When displaying character A's dialogue 3, the first dialogue image G94 is moved from the second display area 50y to the third display area 50z above the second display area 50y, and the second dialogue image G99 is moved from the first display area 50x to the second display area 50y, and character A's dialogue 3 is displayed in the first display area 50x that is now vacant. The inside of the third display area 50z corresponds to the second movement position. The display of character A's lines 3 includes an icon representing character A (character A icon image G190), text representing character A's lines 3 (character A line 3 image G191), and a frame image (frame image G192) surrounding the character A icon image G190 and the character A line 3 image G191. The image displayed in the third pre-reading line performance, including the character A icon image G190, the character A line 3 image G191, and the frame image G192, is called the third line image G194.

Here, the character A icon image G190 in the third dialogue image G194 is the same image as the character A icon image G90 in the first dialogue image G94. Also, the frame image G192 in the third dialogue image G194 and the frame image G92 in the first dialogue image G94 have the same shape and pattern, but are different in color. Specifically, the frame color of the frame image G92 in the first dialogue image G94 is blue, but the frame color of the frame image G192 in the third dialogue image G194 is red. As described above, the read-ahead dialogue performance has a higher chance of winning when the final state of the frame image is a red frame than when it is a blue frame (see FIG. 38 (B)). The performance examples shown in FIG. 46 and FIG. 47 are performance examples in which the final state of the frame image is a red frame.

In the third dialogue image G194, the character A icon image G190 is located on the left side as seen by the player, and the character A dialogue 3 image G191 is located on the right side as seen by the player. The third dialogue image G194 is also displayed along the left edge 50fl of the specific display area 50f. Because the left-right width dimension of the third dialogue image G194 is shorter than the left-right width dimension of the specific display area 50f, the right edge of the third dialogue image G194 is located away from the right edge 50fr of the specific display area 50f, and the character A icon image G190 is located near the left edge 50fl of the specific display area 50f. These are similar to the first dialogue image G94.

In addition, in this example of the performance, character A utters the line (message) "Leave it to me" as line 3. Then, as line 3 is displayed, a voice corresponding to line 3 (the voice saying "Leave it to me") is output from speaker 52. Line 3 is a response to line 2.

In this way, the pre-reading dialogue performance is executed over three consecutive special chart changes. When the last pre-reading dialogue performance (the pre-reading dialogue performance for the third change) ends, all the dialogue images (the first dialogue image G94, the second dialogue image G99, and the third dialogue image G194) are hidden, and then, for example, as shown in FIG. 47 (B), it is instructed whether a reach will be established. If a reach is established, it progresses to a reach performance, and if a reach is not established, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are stopped and displayed as a miss, and the variation performance ends. In this embodiment, during the execution of the pre-reading dialogue performance, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are not displayed, and only the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed, but the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 and the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 may be displayed.

The time during which the third line image G194 relating to the third variation's look-ahead line performance is displayed in the first display area 50x is 10 seconds (an example of the "second time"), and the time during which the first line image G94 relating to the first variation's look-ahead line performance is displayed in the first display area 50x and the time during which the second line image G99 relating to the second variation's look-ahead line performance is displayed in the first display area 50x are 3 seconds (an example of the "first time") (see FIG. 45). That is, the time during which the third line image G194 relating to the third variation's look-ahead line performance is displayed in the first display area 50x is longer than the time during which the first line image G94 relating to the first variation's look-ahead line performance is displayed in the first display area 50x and the time during which the second line image G99 relating to the second variation's look-ahead line performance is displayed in the first display area 50x. This is because the third variation is a special chart variation based on the target reservation, and the first and second variations are special chart variations based on the special chart reservation stored before the target reservation. That is, in this embodiment, as the special chart variation based on the target reservation, a special chart variation pattern (a special chart variation pattern with a relatively long variation time) that develops into an SP reach is likely to be selected, and as the special chart variation based on the special chart reservation stored before the target reservation, a special chart variation pattern (a special chart variation pattern with a relatively short variation time) that ends without the reach being established is likely to be selected (see Figures 32 and 38). As shown in Figure 45, the time during which the third dialogue image G194 related to the pre-reading dialogue performance of the third variation is displayed in the first display area 50x is likely to be longer than the time during which the first dialogue image G94 related to the pre-reading dialogue performance of the first variation is displayed in the first display area 50x, or the time during which the second dialogue image G99 related to the pre-reading dialogue performance of the second variation is displayed in the first display area 50x. In other words, in this embodiment, the special chart change when the dialogue image is displayed in the first display area 50x for a long period of time has a higher chance of winning than the special chart change when the dialogue image is displayed in the first display area 50x for a short period of time.

As explained above, in the look-ahead dialogue performance, the previously displayed dialogue image (first dialogue image G94 or second dialogue image G99) changes its display position and continues to be displayed in the specific display area 50f even after the subsequent dialogue image (second dialogue image G99 or third dialogue image G194) is displayed. In particular, in this form, each time a special chart change is performed, one dialogue image (first dialogue image G94, second dialogue image G99, third dialogue image G194) is added. This makes it easy for the player to recognize that the reserved special chart is being consumed, and also makes it easy for the player to recognize how many consecutive looks-ahead dialogue performances have been performed.

In addition, in the pre-reading dialogue presentation, the dialogue (message) spoken by one character (character A) is displayed close to the left edge 50fl of a specific display area 50f, and the dialogue (message) spoken by another character (character B) is displayed close to the right edge 50fr of the specific display area 50f. This makes it easy for the player to recognize that the sender of the preceding dialogue is different from the sender of the next dialogue.

8. Effects of the embodiment As described above in detail, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, not only is a horizontally written dialogue performance (FIG. 43) in which multiple characters (character A, character B) each speak one line, but also a character movement dialogue performance (FIGS. 41 and 42) in which multiple characters (e.g., character A, character B) each speak multiple lines may be executed, so that the performance is diversified and the interest in the game can be increased.

In addition, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, the character movement dialogue effect, which has a higher frequency of dialogue occurrence than the horizontally written dialogue effect, takes longer to execute than the horizontally written dialogue effect (see Figures 39 (B) and (C)). This allows the player to fully enjoy the character movement dialogue effect, and is expected to increase the player's interest in the effect.

The character movement dialogue effect has a longer duration than the horizontally written dialogue effect, but with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, unlike the horizontally written dialogue effect, in the character movement dialogue effect the lines spoken by the character disappear before the next line (see Figures 41 (C) and (D)). Therefore, even if a character movement dialogue effect with a relatively long duration is executed during the execution of a variable effect involving a pseudo consecutive effect, it is unlikely to interfere with the variable effect. This prevents the effect as a whole from becoming cumbersome, and makes it possible to maintain a high level of interest in the effect.

In addition, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, not only is a horizontally written dialogue effect (Figure 43) performed in which the character speaking the lines (character A, character B) is stationary, but a character movement dialogue effect in which the character speaking the lines (e.g. character A, character B) moves can also be performed, which diversifies the effects and can increase interest in the game.

In addition, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, the character movement dialogue effect, in which the character speaks lines while moving, takes longer to execute than the horizontal dialogue effect, in which the character speaks lines while standing still (see Figures 39 (B) and (C)). This allows players to fully enjoy the innovative character movement dialogue effect, in which the character moves, and is expected to increase interest through the effect.

In the character movement dialogue effect, the character speaks lines as it moves, but according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this form, in the character movement dialogue effect, unlike the horizontal writing dialogue effect, the lines spoken by the character disappear before the next line, so even if a character movement dialogue effect in which the character speaks lines as it moves is executed during the execution of a variable effect, it is unlikely to interfere with the variable effect. This prevents the effect as a whole from becoming cumbersome, and makes it possible to maintain a high level of interest in the effect. However, if the dialogue were configured to move and be displayed as the character moves, or if the dialogue were configured to remain in the position where it was originally displayed, the displayed content would become cumbersome and there is a possibility that interest in playing the effect would decrease.

In addition, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, not only is a horizontally written line effect (Figure 43) executed in which a certain line (character A's line) remains even after the next line (character B's line) is produced, but a character movement line effect (Figures 41 and 42) can also be executed in which a certain line (e.g., character A's line 1) disappears before the next line (e.g., character B's line 1) is produced, which diversifies the effects and increases interest in the game.

The character movement dialogue performance has a longer performance time than the horizontally written dialogue performance, but according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the character movement dialogue performance does not include the output of sound corresponding to the dialogue, unlike the horizontally written dialogue performance (see FIG. 39 (B)). Therefore, even if a character movement dialogue performance with a relatively long performance time is executed during the execution of the variation performance, the predetermined performance sound (such as BGM and sound effects, see FIG. 41 and FIG. 42) related to the variation performance is not difficult to hear. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the interest of the variation performance from being reduced by the character movement dialogue performance. In other words, in this embodiment, the horizontally written dialogue performance (FIG. 43) has a relatively short performance time and includes the output of sound corresponding to the character's lines, while the character movement dialogue performance (FIG. 41 and FIG. 42) has a relatively long performance time but does not include the output of sound corresponding to the character's lines (see FIG. 39 (B) (C)). Therefore, even if a character movement dialogue performance is executed during the execution of the variation performance, the performance sound of the variation performance is not difficult to hear. This makes it possible to prevent the interest of the character movement effects from being diminished by the dialogue effects.

In addition, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, not only is a horizontally written dialogue effect (Fig. 43) that includes the output of audio corresponding to the lines of the characters (character A, character B) executed, but a character movement dialogue effect (Figs. 41 and 42) that does not include the output of audio corresponding to the lines of the characters (e.g., character A, character B) may also be executed, which diversifies the effects and increases interest in the game.

In addition, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, in the character movement dialogue presentation (Fig. 41, Fig. 42), dialogue exchanges between character A (first character) and character B (second character) are repeated multiple times. This results in a novel dialogue presentation, which is expected to increase interest in the game.

In particular, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the character movement dialogue performance (Fig. 41, Fig. 42) continues the dialogue exchange across the pseudo consecutive hits. This results in an innovative dialogue performance, which is expected to increase the interest in the game. Note that the variable performance accompanied by the pseudo consecutive hit performance can be said to include multiple pattern changes (variable display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3).

Furthermore, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, in the character movement dialogue performance, dialogue exchange continues across pseudo consecutive wins, but the preceding dialogue is hidden before the following dialogue is displayed (see Figures 41 and 42). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which dialogue that has been displayed once continues to be displayed until the end of the dialogue performance, it is possible to prevent the display content from becoming cumbersome and to prevent a decrease in interest due to the performance.

In addition, the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment can perform a novel pre-reading dialogue presentation (FIGS. 46 and 47) in which the dialogue of the preceding character is moved and then the dialogue of the succeeding character is displayed in the same display area (first display area 50x) in which the dialogue of the preceding character was displayed, thereby increasing the interest in the game. In addition, the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment fixes the display position of the new dialogue to a specific position (within the first display area 50x), so that the appearance of all the dialogue can be confirmed by focusing on the specific position. Therefore, it is difficult for interest to decrease due to missing the dialogue. In addition, the first display area 50x in which the new dialogue is displayed is closer to the display position of the icon TA than the second display area 50y or the third display area 50z, which also makes it difficult to miss the new dialogue.

In addition, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, it is possible to execute a pre-reading dialogue performance over multiple consecutive special chart changes based on the results of the pre-reading judgment (see FIG. 45). This allows the player to fully enjoy the pre-reading dialogue performance over multiple special chart changes, which is expected to increase the player's interest in the game.

In addition, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, the look-ahead dialogue performance is executed so that one line is spoken each time the special chart changes (see Figures 45 to 47). In this look-ahead dialogue performance, when the subsequent line is displayed, the preceding line moves to a different position. This makes it easy for the player to recognize that the so-called reserved consumption is progressing.

In addition, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, it is possible to execute a horizontally written dialogue effect (Figure 43) in which the lines of the subsequent character are displayed in a different position from the lines of the preceding character, and it is also possible to execute a look-ahead dialogue effect (Figures 46 and 47) in which the lines of the preceding character are moved to display the lines of the subsequent character in the same display area (first display area 50x) in which the lines of the preceding character were displayed, thereby diversifying the effects and increasing interest in the game.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, in the look-ahead dialogue performance (Figs. 46 and 47), the second dialogue image G99 (second transmission performance) of the following character B is displayed closer to the opposite end (the right end 50fr of the specific display area 50f) to the first dialogue image G94 (first transmission performance) of the preceding character A (see Figs. 46 (A) and (B)). This makes it easier for the player to recognize that the sender of the dialogue has changed from character A (first sender) to character B (second sender). This makes the look-ahead dialogue performance (transmission performance) easier to understand, which is expected to increase interest.

In addition, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, the design of the frame image G92 in the preceding first line image G94 (first transmission effect) and the design of the frame image G97 in the following second line image G99 (second transmission effect) are symmetrical (see FIG. 46(B)). Therefore, it is easy to see that the following line is from a different sender than the preceding line.

Furthermore, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, the character B icon image G95 representing the sender of the lines in the following second line image G99 (second transmission effect) is displayed at the opposite end (right end 50fr in the specific display area 50f) from the display position (left end 50fl in the specific display area 50f) of the character A icon image G90 representing the sender of the lines in the preceding first line image G94 (first transmission effect) (see FIG. 46 (B)). In other words, the position where the icon image indicating the sender is displayed changes to the opposite end between the first transmission effect and the second transmission effect. Therefore, it is easier to understand that the two transmission effects are from different senders.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, the preceding first line image G94 (first transmission effect) continues to be displayed even after the subsequent second line image G99 (second transmission effect) is displayed. Therefore, the player can see at once (see FIG. 46(B)) that both transmission effects are displayed close to different ends (left end 50fl, right end 50fr of a specific display area 50f), and it is easy to understand that there is an exchange of lines (messages) between multiple senders (character A, character B).

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the expectation of a jackpot is higher in a variable presentation in which the newly displayed dialogue image is displayed in the first display area 50x (specific position) for a long period of time in the look-ahead dialogue presentation than in which the variable presentation is displayed for a short period of time (see Figures 32, 38, and 45). This makes it possible to draw attention to the length of time that the newly displayed dialogue image is displayed in the first display area 50x (specific position), thereby increasing the interest of the look-ahead dialogue presentation.

In addition, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, not only is a horizontally written dialogue effect (FIG. 43) in which the characters representing the lines of the character are displayed in the left-right direction (first direction) executed, but also a vertically written dialogue effect (FIG. 44) in which the characters representing the lines of the character are displayed in the up-down direction (second direction) may be executed, so that the effects are diversified and the interest in the game can be increased. Also, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, the display direction of the characters representing the lines is different between the horizontally written dialogue effect and the vertically written dialogue effect, so it is easy for the player to understand that the two dialogue effects are different types of dialogue effects. Note that, since gaming machines actually manufactured are often equipped with a wide variety of preview effects in addition to the dialogue effects, when a plurality of types of dialogue effects are configured to be executable as in this embodiment, it is desirable to make it easy for the player to recognize the difference between the types of dialogue effects.

In addition, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, in the horizontal dialogue effect, a frame (frame image G72, frame image G75) is displayed surrounding the characters that represent the lines of the character (see FIG. 43), but in the vertical dialogue effect, a frame is not displayed surrounding the characters that represent the lines of the character (see FIG. 44). Therefore, it is easier to understand that the two dialogue effects are different types of dialogue effects.

In addition, in this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the lines in the horizontally written dialogue effect are longer than those in the vertically written dialogue effect (see FIG. 40), but the lines in the horizontally written dialogue effect are surrounded by a frame (frame image G72, frame image G75) (see FIG. 43). Therefore, it is possible to make the range of the lines easy to understand even for long lines. Also, in the vertically written dialogue effect where the lines are not surrounded by a frame, the lines are short (see FIG. 40). Therefore, even if a frame is not displayed surrounding the lines, it is difficult for the range of the lines to become unclear (see FIG. 44). Therefore, in this form, it is possible for the player to easily recognize the range of the lines in either type of dialogue effect.

9. Modifications The following describes modifications of the pachinko game machine PY1. Of course, the configurations of the modifications may be combined as appropriate. In addition, the technical features in the above embodiment and the following modifications may be deleted as appropriate unless they are described as essential in this specification.

In the above embodiment, various dialogue effects are executed during the variable effects, but they may be executed during effects other than the variable effects, such as jackpot effects or operation effects. In this case, the jackpot effects, operation effects, and other effects correspond to "other effects."

In the above embodiment, the look-ahead dialogue performance (see Figures 46 and 47) is configured to be executed as a so-called continuous preview that can be executed over multiple consecutive special chart changes, but the look-ahead dialogue performance (a dialogue performance in the same form as the look-ahead dialogue performance) may be executed as a performance that is completed within one change performance. In other words, it may be a performance that is executed based on a judgment at the start of the change rather than a look-ahead judgment. In this case, in a change performance with a pseudo consecutive performance, it may be executed so that one line is displayed for each unit change, or it may be executed so that multiple lines are displayed within one unit change. Note that a unit change refers to the change from when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 start to be displayed to when they are temporarily stopped. It can be said that a change performance with a pseudo consecutive performance includes multiple unit changes.

In the above-mentioned forms, in a horizontally written dialogue presentation (Figure 43), the display direction (writing direction) of the dialogue characters may be tilted slightly as long as it is roughly horizontal (left-right). In other words, even if it is tilted diagonally, it is considered to be included in "display along the first direction." In addition, in a vertically written dialogue presentation (Figure 44), the display direction (writing direction) of the dialogue characters may be tilted slightly as long as it is roughly vertical (up-down). In other words, even if it is tilted diagonally, it is considered to be included in "display along the second direction."

In the above embodiment, all of the lines in conversations 1 to 3 in the horizontal dialogue presentation are composed of lines with a relatively large number of characters (long lines) of 20 or more characters, and all of the lines in conversations 1 to 3 in the vertical dialogue presentation are composed of lines with a relatively small number of characters (short lines) of 9 or less characters (see Figure 40). On the other hand, if the horizontal dialogue presentation is configured to make it easier to select longer lines than the vertical dialogue presentation, the horizontal dialogue presentation may include types of conversation with a relatively small number of characters, and the vertical dialogue presentation may include types of conversation with a relatively large number of characters. Also, there may be no difference in the tendency between the length of lines that can be selected in the vertical dialogue presentation and the length of lines that can be selected in the horizontal dialogue presentation.

In the above embodiment, the look-ahead dialogue performance is configured as a look-ahead performance that can be executed in conjunction with the change of the special chart 2 in the high probability time-saving state, but it may also be configured as a look-ahead performance that can be executed in the normal game state. In this case, it may be configured as a look-ahead performance that can be executed in conjunction with the change of the special chart 1. In this case, it is preferable to configure it so that the dialogue performance at the time of change (character movement dialogue performance, horizontal writing dialogue performance, vertical writing dialogue performance) is not executed during the execution of the look-ahead dialogue performance. This is because if multiple types of dialogue performances are configured to be executed simultaneously, the performance may become complicated and interest in the game may decrease. In addition, it is preferable to configure it so that the probability of a big win when the look-ahead dialogue performance is executed is higher than the probability of a big win for each of the dialogue performances at the time of change (character movement dialogue performance, horizontal writing dialogue performance, vertical writing dialogue performance). This is because it is possible to give a special feeling to the look-ahead dialogue performance. In addition, the probability of winning when the pre-reading dialogue effect is executed can be changed as appropriate, for example, to be lower than the probability of winning for the character movement dialogue effect but higher than the probability of winning for the horizontal dialogue effect or the vertical dialogue effect, unless it is the same as the probability of winning for each of the dialogue effects during the change (character movement dialogue effect, horizontal dialogue effect, vertical dialogue effect).

In addition, in the above embodiment, two or more of the character movement dialogue performance, horizontal dialogue performance, and vertical dialogue performance are not performed during one change performance, but multiple types of dialogue performance may be executed during one change performance. In this case, it is preferable to shift the execution timing of each dialogue performance during the change performance so that multiple types of dialogue performance are not executed in an overlapping manner (executed simultaneously).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the dialogue image (e.g., the first dialogue image G94 displayed in the second display area 50y) after movement in the pre-reading dialogue performance (Figures 46 and 47) may be displayed in a manner that is more difficult for the player to recognize than when it was displayed in the initial display position (within the first display area 50x). In other words, the dialogue image displayed in the initial display position may be displayed more prominently than the dialogue images displayed in the first movement position (within the second display area 50y) or the second movement position (within the third display area 50z). Specifically, for example, the dialogue image after movement in the pre-reading dialogue performance may be displayed more faintly than when it was displayed in the initial display position.

In addition, in the above-mentioned form of the pre-reading dialogue presentation, the dialogue is displayed left to right (horizontal writing), and the preceding dialogue image (e.g., first dialogue image G94) is moved upward before the following dialogue image (e.g., second dialogue image G99) is displayed, but the dialogue may be displayed up to down (vertical writing), and the preceding dialogue image may be moved right or left before the following dialogue image is displayed.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the pre-reading dialogue performance is configured to be executed for a maximum of three consecutive special chart changes, but the maximum number of consecutive pre-reading dialogue performances can be changed as appropriate.

In addition, in the pre-reading dialogue performance, the frame image (e.g., frame image G92) is configured to surround not only the characters representing the dialogue (e.g., character A dialogue 1 image G91) but also the character's icon (e.g., character A icon image G90), but the frame image may be configured to surround the characters representing the dialogue but not the character's icon.

In the above embodiment, in the character movement dialogue performance (Figures 41 and 42), character A speaks a line, followed by character B speaking a line, and this exchange is performed a total of three times, but the number of times the conversation is repeated can be changed as appropriate as long as it is multiple times. Also, in the character movement dialogue performance, the dialogue exchange between character A and character B is always performed multiple times, but it may be performed multiple times or only once. Also, when it is performed multiple times, it may be performed not only three times, but also two or four or more times.

In the above embodiment, the character movement dialogue performance (Fig. 41, Fig. 42) is configured to be executed across pseudo consecutive hits in a variation performance accompanied by a pseudo consecutive hit performance, but it may be configured to be executed across multiple special chart changes as a continuous performance based on a look-ahead judgment. In this case, it is preferable to configure it so that the character movement dialogue performance ends during the variation performance based on the target hold and can develop into a reach performance.

In the above embodiment, the icon images (character A icon image G90, character B icon image G95, etc.) showing the characters who will speak the lines (messages) in the pre-reading dialogue performance are displayed, but the icon images such as the character A icon image G90 and the character B icon image G95 may not be displayed in the pre-reading dialogue performance. In this case, the icon image may not be displayed only for character A, or only for character B. In addition, in the pre-reading dialogue performance, a time image showing the time when the lines (messages) were spoken may be included and displayed in each line image (first line image G94, second line image G99, third line image G194). With such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the realism of the exchange of lines (messages).

In the above embodiment, the lottery probability for each of the dialogue effects (character movement dialogue effect, horizontal dialogue effect, vertical dialogue effect, and pre-reading dialogue effect) can be changed as appropriate without impairing the desired effect. The content of each of the dialogue effects can be changed as appropriate without impairing the desired effect. Specifically, for example, in the above embodiment, the horizontal dialogue effect and the pre-reading dialogue effect are effects in which characters A and B appear, but they may also be effects in which characters other than characters A and B speak, such as when characters C and D appear. In the above embodiment, the vertical dialogue effect is effects in which characters C and D appear, but they may also be effects in which characters other than characters C and D speak, such as when characters A and B appear. In the above embodiment, the character movement dialogue performance is a performance in which characters A and B appear and characters C and D appear, but it may be a performance in which only one of the two cases is present. Also, the types of aspects to be provided in the various dialogue performances can be changed as appropriate.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the various dialogue effects are configured to be performed before the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 effect patterns form a reach in the variable performance, but all or part of the various dialogue effects may be configured to be executed as effects that give the player hope of entering a favorable gaming state (such as a jackpot gaming state) after the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 effect patterns form a reach in the variable performance.

In the above embodiment, the display direction of the characters representing the lines in the horizontally written dialogue performance (first dialogue performance) shown in FIG. 43 is left-right (an example of the first direction), but it may be a direction other than left-right. In addition, the display direction of the characters representing the lines in the vertically written dialogue performance (second dialogue performance) shown in FIG. 44 is up-down (an example of the second direction), but it may be a direction other than up-down as long as it is different from the display direction of the characters in the first dialogue performance.

In the above embodiment, the character movement dialogue performance in which character A and character B each speak three lines has a longer presentation time than the horizontally written dialogue performance in which character A and character B each speak one line. In contrast, the presentation time of the dialogue performance in which character A and character B each speak one line may be the same as the presentation time of the dialogue performance in which character A and character B each speak three lines. In this case, the latter dialogue performance may be configured to have a faster conversation tempo than the former dialogue performance. Also, the presentation time of the dialogue performance in which character A and character B each speak one line may be longer than the presentation time of the dialogue performance in which character A and character B each speak three lines.

In addition, in the character movement dialogue performance, the preceding lines are hidden before the following lines are displayed, but if the display content becomes too cluttered, the preceding lines can be left displayed while the following lines are displayed.

In addition, during character movement dialogue effects, audio corresponding to the dialogue is not output, but if it is acceptable that the sound of the character movement effects may be difficult to hear, audio corresponding to the dialogue may be output.

In the above embodiment, a total of four types of dialogue effects (character movement dialogue effects, horizontal dialogue effects, vertical dialogue effects, and look-ahead dialogue effects) are executable, but the types of dialogue effects that can be executed can be changed as appropriate depending on the effect that is to be achieved. For example, it may be possible to execute two types of dialogue effects, character movement dialogue effects and horizontal dialogue effects, or two types of dialogue effects, horizontal dialogue effects and vertical dialogue effects, or two types of dialogue effects, horizontal dialogue effects and look-ahead dialogue effects, or to execute only character movement dialogue effects, or to execute only look-ahead dialogue effects. Also, it may be possible to execute any three types of dialogue effects out of the total four types.

In addition, in the pre-reading dialogue performance, the frame image G92 relating to character A and the frame image G97 relating to character B are configured to have a symmetrical design, but the designs of the two images do not have to be symmetrical and may be the same.

In addition, in the pre-reading dialogue performance, the character A icon image G90 in the first dialogue image G94 is displayed toward the left end 50fl of the specific display area 50f, and the character B icon image G95 in the second dialogue image G99 is displayed toward the right end 50fr of the specific display area 50f, but both icon images may be displayed toward the same end of the specific display area 50f. For example, a dialogue image for the subsequent character B may be adopted in which the dialogue is located to the right of the icon image, and both the dialogue images for character A and character B may be displayed toward the left end 50fl of the specific display area 50f.

In addition, the look-ahead dialogue presentation is an innovative dialogue presentation in which the image related to the previously displayed dialogue (message) is moved when the subsequent dialogue (message) is displayed, but if this innovativeness is not taken into consideration, the previously displayed dialogue may continue to be displayed without being moved, or may be hidden when the subsequent dialogue is displayed.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the variable performance in which the time for which the dialogue image is displayed at the initial display position (within the first display area 50x) in the pre-reading dialogue performance is long is more likely to notify a jackpot win than a variable performance in which the time is short. In contrast, the variable performance in which the time for which the dialogue image is displayed at the initial display position (within the first display area 50x) in the pre-reading dialogue performance is short may be configured to be more likely to notify a jackpot win than a variable performance in which the time is long, or the expectation of a jackpot may be changed even if the time for which the dialogue image is displayed at the initial display position (within the first display area 50x) in the pre-reading dialogue performance does not change.

In addition, in the vertical dialogue presentation, no frame (or speech bubble) is displayed surrounding the dialogue spoken by the character, but it may be configured to surround the dialogue with a frame, as in the horizontal dialogue presentation.

In addition, in the character movement dialogue performance (FIGS. 41 and 42), a certain character may be configured to utter a line multiple times in succession. In this case, the image of the speech bubble surrounding the line may be displayed continuously for multiple lines. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 41(C), as the first line of character A, the character A line 1 image G53 of "You look good!" and the speech bubble image G60 surrounding it are displayed, and then, while keeping the speech bubble image G60 displayed, the character A line 1 image G53 is hidden, and as the second line of character A, the line image of "I can feel your motivation!" is displayed. Then, after the line image of "I can feel your motivation!" and the speech bubble image G60 are hidden, as shown in FIG. 41(D), the line of character B, "The match is coming up soon!" (character B line 1 image G54) and the speech bubble image G62 are displayed. In this way, for a certain character, a configuration in which the previously displayed line is erased and the subsequent line is displayed while the speech bubble image (frame image) surrounding the line is still displayed is also considered to be included in "speaking lines multiple times." Note that this also applies to line effects other than character movement line effects.

Also, in the look-ahead dialogue performance (Figs. 46 and 47), a certain character may utter a line multiple times as a line during one special chart change. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 47(A), as a line during a special chart change based on a reserved target, character A's line "Leave it to me" (character A line 3 image G191) may be displayed, and then this may be made non-display and character A's line "I'm in great shape" may be displayed within frame image G192. In this case, the display of the lines "Leave it to me" and "I'm in great shape" constitute one unit transmission performance.

In addition, the design (shape, pattern, color, size, etc.) of the frame image (frame image G92, frame image G97, frame image G192) in the pre-reading dialogue performance (Figures 46 and 47) can be changed as appropriate. Specifically, for example, the frame surrounding the dialogue may be oval, have a dot pattern, a checkered pattern, or be plain.

In this specification, each dialogue performance can be appropriately expressed as the "nth dialogue performance" (where n is a positive integer). Furthermore, each character (such as characters A through D) displayed in each dialogue performance can be appropriately expressed as the "nth character" (where n is a positive integer).

In addition, in this specification, character movement dialogue effects, horizontally written dialogue effects, vertically written dialogue effects, and look-ahead dialogue effects are referred to as different types of dialogue effects. Furthermore, when a certain type of dialogue effect (either character movement dialogue effects, horizontally written dialogue effects, vertically written dialogue effects, or look-ahead dialogue effects) refers to multiple patterns that differ in the content of the dialogue (content of the conversation), the type of character, the color of the frame surrounding the dialogue, the color of the letters representing the dialogue, etc., they are referred to as having different aspects.

In addition, in this specification, even if the position where the preceding character's lines are displayed in the look-ahead dialogue performance does not exactly match the position where the following character's lines are displayed, as long as they are displayed within the range of the first display area 50x as shown in Figures 46 and 47, each line is said to be "displayed at a specific position." In other words, "displayed at a specific position" includes not only displaying at the exact same position as the preceding character's lines were displayed, but also displaying at a position close to the exact same position as the preceding character's lines, including a part of the exact same position as the preceding character's lines were displayed.

In the above embodiment, a first starting hole 11 (fixed starting hole) in which the ease of entry of the game ball does not change, and a second starting hole 12 (variable starting hole, starting hole related to the electric chute 12D) in which the ease of entry of the game ball can change are provided, but only one of them may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority over the special chart 1 determination process (the change display of special chart 2 is performed with priority over the change display of special chart 1), but the special chart 1 determination process may be performed with priority over the special chart 2 determination process (the change display of special chart 1 is performed with priority over the change display of special chart 2). In this case, it is preferable to make the special chart 1 lottery a lottery that is more likely to win a jackpot than the special chart 2 lottery.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine, but it can also be applied to other pinball game machines such as an arrange ball machine and a mahjong ball game machine. When the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine, the game characteristics of the game machine can be changed as appropriate without interfering with the game. In other words, the present invention can be appropriately adopted in so-called pattern probability change machines (game machines in which a transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of winning pattern), so-called V-certain machines (game machines that control the high probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) in the large prize opening), so-called probability change loop type game machines (game machines that, once controlled to a high probability state, continue to be controlled to the high probability state until the start of the next big win game), so-called ST machines (game machines with a limited number of probability changes), so-called type 1 and type 2 mixed machines, and swing-type game machines, etc., as long as it does not interfere with the game.

In the above embodiment, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed in a variable manner in approximately sync with the variable display of the special symbols. However, instead of being composed of three symbols like the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3, they may be composed of two symbols other than three. For example, two symbols may be provided, one for special symbol 1 and one for special symbol 2. Also, one symbol common to special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 may be provided. In these cases, the display may be displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50, and the sub-control board 120 may control it. Also, an LED device that displays the symbols may be provided in an area other than the play area 6 of the game board 1. In this case, the LED device may be controlled by the main control board 100 or the sub-control board 120.

In the above embodiment, the main control board 100 performs basic control over the progress of the game, and the sub-control board 120 performs basic control over the progress of the presentation according to the progress of the game (game control), so that game control and presentation control are performed on different boards, but they may also be configured to be performed on a single board. In this case, the image control board 140 may be included in that single board, or may be provided separately from that single board.

When referring to a "state advantageous to the player (advantageous game state, advantageous state, or special game state)," it is not necessary that all jackpot game states correspond to this configuration. For example, a jackpot game state that is scheduled to be controlled to a high probability state afterwards may be configured to correspond to a "state advantageous to the player," or a jackpot game state in which a relatively large number of prize balls can be obtained, such as 10R, may be configured to correspond to a "state advantageous to the player." In addition, the "state advantageous to the player" may not refer to a jackpot game state, but may also refer to a high probability state or a high base state (time-saving state). When the "state advantageous to the player" refers to a high probability state or a high base state (time-saving state), various effects that give the player hope for a "state advantageous to the player" may not be limited to effects during the variable display of special symbols, but may also be effects performed at other times, such as effects during a jackpot game.

10. Inventions shown in the embodiments and their modifications The above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications show the inventions of the following means. In the explanation of the means described below, the corresponding component names and expressions in the above-mentioned embodiments and the like, and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions. Note that Means A is a general term for the following means A1 to A3. Means B is a general term for the following means B1 to B3. Means C is a general term for the following means C1 to C3. Means D is a general term for the following means D1 to D4. Means E is a general term for the following means E1 to E5. Means F is a general term for the following means F1 to F3. Means G is a general term for the following means G1 to G3. Means H is a general term for the following means H1 to H2.

Means A1:
A first dialogue effect (horizontal dialogue effect, FIG. 43) for displaying the dialogue of a character;
A second dialogue production (character movement dialogue production, FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 ) that is different from the first dialogue production and displays the dialogue of the character can be executed;
In the first dialogue production, each of the plurality of characters speaks a line once;
In the second dialogue presentation, each of the multiple characters speaks a line multiple times (three times in this embodiment).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, not only is a first dialogue presentation in which multiple characters each speak one line executed, but a second dialogue presentation in which multiple characters each speak multiple lines may also be executed, diversifying the presentation and increasing interest in the game.

Means A2:
A gaming machine according to the means A1,
A gaming machine characterized in that the second dialogue presentation has a longer presentation time than the first dialogue presentation (see Figures 39 (B) and (C)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the second dialogue performance, which has a greater number of lines than the first dialogue performance, takes longer to execute than the first dialogue performance, allowing the player to fully enjoy the second dialogue performance and increasing the player's interest in the performance.

Means A3:
A gaming machine according to means A2,
Executing the first dialogue performance during execution of another performance (variable performance) different from the first dialogue performance and the second dialogue performance;
During the execution of the other performance, the second dialogue performance is executed;
In the first dialogue production, when a line (character B's line) following a certain line (character A's line) is displayed, the display of the certain line remains (see FIG. 43(C) and (E)),
In the second line presentation, a gaming machine is characterized in that when the next line (character B's line 1) of a certain line (character A's line 1) is displayed, the display of the certain line disappears (see Figures 41 (C) and (D)).

The second dialogue performance has a longer duration than the first dialogue performance, but with a gaming machine of this configuration, unlike the first dialogue performance, in the second dialogue performance the lines spoken by the character disappear before the next line, so even if the second dialogue performance, which has a relatively long duration, is executed while another performance is being executed, it is unlikely to interfere with the other performance. This prevents the performance as a whole from becoming cumbersome, and makes it possible to maintain a high level of interest in the performance.

Means B1:
A first dialogue effect (horizontal dialogue effect, FIG. 43) for displaying the dialogue of a character;
A second dialogue production (character movement dialogue production, FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 ) that is different from the first dialogue production and displays the dialogue of the character can be executed;
In the first dialogue production, a character image (character A icon image G70, character B icon image G73, see FIG. 43) in which the character who is speaking is stationary is displayed;
In the second dialogue presentation, a character image (character A image G50, character B image G52, see Figure 41) of a moving character speaking a line is displayed.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, not only is a first dialogue presentation in which the character speaking the lines remains stationary executed, but a second dialogue presentation in which the character speaking the lines moves may also be executed, diversifying the presentation and increasing interest in the game.

Means B2:
A gaming machine according to the means B1,
A gaming machine characterized in that the second dialogue presentation has a longer presentation time than the first dialogue presentation (see Figures 39 (B) and (C)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the second dialogue performance, in which the character speaks lines while moving, takes longer to execute than the first dialogue performance, in which the character speaks lines while standing still, allowing the player to fully enjoy the innovative second dialogue performance, in which the character moves, and is expected to increase the player's interest through the performance.

Means B3:
A gaming machine according to the invention,
Executing the first dialogue performance during execution of another performance (variable performance) different from the first dialogue performance and the second dialogue performance;
During the execution of the other performance, the second dialogue performance is executed;
In the first dialogue production, when a line (character B's line) following a certain line (character A's line) is displayed, the display of the certain line remains (see FIG. 43(C) and (E)),
In the second line presentation, a gaming machine is characterized in that when the next line (character B's line 1) of a certain line (character A's line 1) is displayed, the display of the certain line disappears (see Figures 41 (C) and (D)).

In the second dialogue performance, the character speaks lines while moving, but with a gaming machine of this configuration, unlike the first dialogue performance, the lines spoken by the character in the second dialogue performance disappear before the next line, so even if the second dialogue performance in which the character speaks lines while moving is executed while another performance is being executed, it is unlikely to interfere with the other performance. This prevents the performance as a whole from becoming cumbersome, and makes it possible to maintain a high level of interest in the performance.

Means C1:
A first dialogue effect (horizontal dialogue effect, FIG. 43) for displaying the dialogue of a character;
A second dialogue production (character movement dialogue production, FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 ) that is different from the first dialogue production and displays the dialogue of the character can be executed;
In the first dialogue production, when a line (character B's line) following a certain line (character A's line) is displayed, the display of the certain line remains (see FIG. 43(C) and (E)),
In the second line presentation, a gaming machine is characterized in that when the next line (character B's line 1) of a certain line (character A's line 1) is displayed, the display of the certain line disappears (see Figures 41 (C) and (D)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, not only is a first line effect executed in which a line remains even after the next line is produced, but a second line effect may also be executed in which a line disappears before the next line is produced, resulting in a more diverse presentation and increased interest in the game.

Means C2:
A gaming machine according to means C1,
The first dialogue performance and the second dialogue performance are performances that are executed during the execution of another performance (variable performance) that is different from the first dialogue performance and the second dialogue performance,
A gaming machine characterized in that the second dialogue presentation has a longer presentation time than the first dialogue presentation (see Figures 39 (B) and (C)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the second dialogue performance has a longer performance time than the first dialogue performance, but unlike the first dialogue performance, in the second dialogue performance the lines spoken by the character disappear before the next line, so even if the second dialogue performance, which has a relatively long performance time, is executed while another performance is being executed, it is unlikely to interfere with the other performance. This prevents the performance as a whole from becoming cumbersome, and makes it possible to maintain a high level of interest in the performance.

Means C3:
A gaming machine according to the means C2,
The other effects include predetermined sound effects (such as background music and sound effects, see FIG. 41 );
The first dialogue presentation includes outputting a voice corresponding to the character's dialogue (see FIG. 39(C) );
A gaming machine characterized in that the second dialogue presentation does not include output of sound corresponding to the character's dialogue (see Figure 39 (B)).

The second dialogue performance has a longer duration than the first dialogue performance, but with this gaming machine configuration, unlike the first dialogue performance, the second dialogue performance does not include the output of sound corresponding to the dialogue, so even if the second dialogue performance, which has a relatively long duration, is executed while another performance is being executed, the sound of the other performance is not difficult to hear. This makes it possible to prevent the second dialogue performance from reducing the interest of the other performance.

Means D1:
It is possible to execute a dialogue effect (preview dialogue effect, FIG. 46 and FIG. 47) that displays the lines of a character;
In the dialogue presentation, the dialogue of the preceding character is displayed in a first display area (first display area 50x), and then the dialogue is moved to a second display area (second display area 50y) different from the first display area, and the dialogue of the succeeding character who will speak next after the preceding character is displayed in the first display area (see Figures 46 (A) and (B)).

A gaming machine with this configuration can perform an innovative dialogue presentation in which the preceding character's lines are moved and then the following character's lines are displayed in the same display area as the preceding character's lines, thereby increasing interest in the game. Also, with a gaming machine with this configuration, the display position of new lines is fixed in the first display area, so if you pay attention to the first display area, you can see all the lines. Therefore, interest is less likely to decrease due to lines being missed.

Means D2:
A gaming machine according to means D1,
It is possible to execute a pattern change (variable performance) that changes and displays the performance pattern (performance pattern EZ1, EZ2, EZ3, or small pattern KZ1, KZ2, KZ3),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the dialogue presentation may be executed over a plurality of symbol changes.

A gaming machine with this configuration allows players to fully enjoy the dialogue presentation across multiple symbol changes, which is expected to increase interest in the game.

Means D3:
A gaming machine according to means D2,
An acquisition means (processing related to the acquisition of special chart-related random numbers by the game control microcomputer 101) capable of acquiring judgment information (special chart-related random numbers) based on the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition (start winning);
A determination means (processing related to the determination of a jackpot by the game control microcomputer 101) for determining whether or not to put the player in an advantageous gaming state (jackpot gaming state) based on the determination information acquired by the acquisition means;
A look-ahead determination means (processing related to look-ahead determination by the game control microcomputer 101) for performing a look-ahead determination as to whether the advantageous game state will be entered before the determination by the determination means based on the determination information acquired by the acquisition means;
A holding means for holding the judgment by the judgment means (a process for holding the execution of the judgment of the big win by the game control microcomputer 101),
The pattern variation can be performed based on the result of the judgment by the judgment means,
The dialogue effect is an effect that is executed based on a result of the look-ahead determination,
The gaming machine is characterized in that in the dialogue presentation, at least one line is displayed for each pattern change from a pattern change prior to a specific pattern change based on specific judgment information (target hold) acquired by the acquisition means to the specific pattern change (see Figures 46 and 47).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the dialogue presentation is based on a look-ahead judgment, and is executed so that a new line is spoken for each pattern change from the pattern change preceding a specific pattern change to the specific pattern change. In this dialogue presentation, when the subsequent line is displayed, the preceding line moves to a different display area. This makes it easy for the player to recognize that a pattern change based on one judgment information has ended and a new pattern change based on another judgment information is taking place (so-called reserved consumption is progressing).

Means D4:
A gaming machine according to means D2 or D3,
Another dialogue effect (horizontal dialogue effect, FIG. 43) that is different from the dialogue effect and displays the character's dialogue can be executed during one of the pattern changes,
In the other line presentation, the lines of the preceding character are displayed at a predetermined position (the display position of the character A line image G71 in Figure 43 (C)), and then the lines are left at the predetermined position, and the lines of the subsequent character who will speak next after the preceding character are displayed at a position different from the predetermined position (the display position of the character B line image G74 in Figure 43 (E)).

A gaming machine with this configuration can execute "other dialogue effects" in which the lines of the following character are displayed in a different position from the lines of the preceding character, and can also execute "dialogue effects" in which the lines of the preceding character are moved and then the lines of the following character are displayed in the same display area as the lines of the preceding character, resulting in a more diverse presentation and increased interest in the game.

Means E1:
A call presentation (preview speech presentation, FIG. 46 and FIG. 47) including an icon image showing a caller and a message image showing a message sent by the caller can be displayed.
In the above-mentioned transmission performance,
Following the first transmission performance (first variation of the pre-reading dialogue performance shown in FIG. 46(A)) including a first icon image (character A icon image G90) indicating a first sender (character A) and a first message image (character A dialogue 1 image G91) indicating a message sent by the first sender,
A second icon image (character B icon image G95) showing a second sender (character B) different from the first sender, and a second message image (character B dialogue 2 image G96) showing a message sent by the second sender may be displayed as a second transmission effect (a second variation of a pre-reading dialogue effect shown in FIG. 46(B)).
A gaming machine characterized in that the first call effect is displayed close to a first end (left end 50fl) of a specific display area (specific display area 50f) in which the call effect is displayed, and the second call effect is displayed close to a second end (right end 50fr) opposite the first end of the specific display area (see Figure 46 (B)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the second call effect is displayed at a different end from the first call effect, making it easier for the player to recognize that the caller has changed to someone different from the first caller. This makes the call effect easier to understand, which is expected to increase interest.

Means E2:
A gaming machine according to means E1,
In the call transmission performance, a frame image is displayed surrounding the message image,
A gaming machine characterized in that the frame image in the second transmission performance (frame image G97 in the second dialogue image G99) is displayed symmetrically to the frame image in the first transmission performance (frame image G92 in the first dialogue image G94) (see Figure 46 (B)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the frame images surrounding the message images are displayed symmetrically in the first and second transmission effects, making it easy to see that the messages in both transmission effects are from different senders.

Means E3:
A gaming machine according to means E2,
In the first outgoing performance, the first icon image (character A icon image G90) is displayed along the first edge (left edge 50fl) in the specific display area (specific display area 50f),
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the second call performance, the second icon image (character B icon image G95) is displayed along the second end (right end 50fr) of the specific display area (specific display area 50f) (see Figure 46 (B)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the icon image showing the caller is displayed at opposite ends in the first and second call effects, making it easier to see that the two call effects are from different callers.

Means E4:
A gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E3,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the second calling effect is displayed following the first calling effect in the calling effect, when the second calling effect is displayed, the display position of the first calling effect is moved in a predetermined direction (upward) and the display of the first calling effect continues (see Figures 46 (A) and (B)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the first transmission effect remains even after the second transmission effect is displayed, so the player can see at once that both transmission effects are displayed at different ends, making it easy to understand that messages are being exchanged between multiple senders.

Means E5:
A gaming machine according to means E4,
It is possible to execute a pattern change (special pattern change) in which a predetermined pattern (for example, a special pattern) is changed and then stopped in a manner that indicates the result of a lottery on whether or not the player will enter a favorable game state (jackpot game state),
As the transmission performance, a plurality of unit transmission performances including the first transmission performance and the second transmission performance can be executed one by one according to each of the successive pattern variations (see Figures 45 to 47),
The unit transmission performance may be displayed for a first time (e.g., 3 seconds) at an initial display position (a specific position, within the first display area 50x) that is a position where the unit transmission performance is first displayed, or may be displayed for a second time (e.g., 10 seconds) that is longer than the first time (see FIG. 45 ).
A gaming machine characterized in that the pattern change when the unit transmission performance is displayed at the initial display position for the second time period (for example, the third special pattern change shown in Figure 45, i.e., a change based on a target reservation) has a higher expectation of indicating that the advantageous gaming state will be entered than the pattern change when the unit transmission performance is displayed at the initial display position for the first time period (for example, the first or second special pattern change shown in Figure 45, i.e., a change based on a special pattern reservation stored before the target reservation) (see Figures 32 and 38).

A gaming machine with this configuration can draw attention to the length of time that the unit transmission effect remains displayed in the initial display position, making the transmission effect more interesting.

Means F1:
A first dialogue effect (horizontal dialogue effect, FIG. 43) for displaying the dialogue of a character;
A second dialogue effect (vertical dialogue effect, FIG. 44 ) that is different from the first dialogue effect and displays the character's dialogue is executable;
In the first dialogue presentation, characters representing the dialogue of the character are displayed along a first direction (left-right direction);
In the second dialogue presentation, the characters representing the lines of the character are displayed along a second direction (up and down) different from the first direction.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, not only is a first dialogue effect executed in which the characters representing the lines of a character are displayed along a first direction, but a second dialogue effect may also be executed in which the characters representing the lines of a character are displayed along a second direction, which diversifies the effects and increases the interest in the game. Also, with a gaming machine of this configuration, the display direction of the characters representing the lines differs between the first dialogue effect and the second dialogue effect, making it easy for the player to understand that they are different types of dialogue effects.

Means F2:
A gaming machine according to the means F1,
The first dialogue effect (horizontal dialogue effect) includes displaying characters representing the character's dialogue (for example, displaying a character A dialogue image G71) and displaying a frame surrounding the character (for example, displaying a frame image G72) (see FIG. 43),
The second dialogue presentation (vertical dialogue presentation) is a gaming machine characterized in that it includes the display of characters representing the character's dialogue (for example, the display of character C dialogue image G81), but does not include the display of a frame surrounding the characters (see Figure 44).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the first dialogue effect and the second dialogue effect differ in whether or not the characters representing the dialogue are surrounded by a frame, making it easier to understand that they are different types of dialogue effects.

Means F3:
A gaming machine according to means F2,
A gaming machine characterized in that the lines in the first line presentation (horizontal line presentation) are often longer than the lines in the second line presentation (vertical line presentation) (see Figure 40).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, in the first dialogue presentation, which has a relatively large number of long lines, the lines are surrounded by a frame, making it possible to make the range of the lines appear easy to understand. In addition, in the second dialogue presentation, which does not have lines surrounded by a frame, there are relatively few long lines, making it difficult to make out the range of the lines. Therefore, in either dialogue presentation, it is possible for the player to easily recognize the range of the lines.

Means G1:
It is possible to execute a dialogue performance (character movement dialogue performance, Figs. 41 and 42) including a first performance (performances shown in Figs. 41(C), 41(E), and 42(A)) including the display of a first character (character A) and the lines of the first character, and a second performance (performances shown in Figs. 41(D), 41(F), and 42(B)) including the display of a second character (character B) different from the first character and the lines of the second character,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the dialogue presentation may repeat a unit dialogue presentation (the presentation shown in Figures 41 (C) and (D), the presentation shown in Figures 41 (E) and (F), and the presentation shown in Figures 42 (A) and (B)) multiple times (for example, three times) in which a first presentation is executed followed by a second presentation.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the dialogue between the first character and the second character is repeated multiple times, resulting in a novel dialogue presentation that is expected to increase interest in the game.

Means G2:
A gaming machine according to the means G1,
It is possible to execute a pattern change that changes and displays the performance patterns (performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3),
A gaming machine characterized in that the dialogue effect continues to be displayed over multiple pattern changes (the first change display in a change display accompanied by a pseudo consecutive display, and the change display as a second change) (see Figures 39 (A) and (B)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, dialogue continues over multiple symbol changes, resulting in a novel dialogue presentation that is expected to increase interest in the game.

Means G3:
A gaming machine according to the means G2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, in the dialogue presentation, the dialogue of the first character is made non-display and then the dialogue of the second character is displayed (see Figures 41 and 42).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the dialogue effect continues to be displayed over multiple pattern changes, but the lines of the first character are hidden before the lines of the second character are displayed. This prevents the displayed content from becoming too cluttered and prevents a decline in interest from the effect, compared to a configuration in which the lines displayed once continue to be displayed until the end of the dialogue effect.

Means H1:
A first dialogue effect (horizontal dialogue effect, FIG. 43) for displaying the dialogue of a character;
A second dialogue production (character movement dialogue production, FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 ) that is different from the first dialogue production and displays the dialogue of the character can be executed;
The first dialogue production includes displaying a character image (character A dialogue image G71, character B dialogue image G74) representing the character's dialogue and outputting a sound corresponding to the dialogue,
The second line presentation includes the display of text images representing the character's lines (Character A Line 1 Image G53, Character B Line 1 Image G54, etc.), but does not include the output of audio corresponding to the lines (see Figures 39 (B) and (C)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, not only is a first dialogue presentation that includes the output of a voice corresponding to the character's lines executed, but a second dialogue presentation that does not include the output of a voice corresponding to the character's lines may also be executed, resulting in a more diverse presentation and increased interest in the game.

Means H2:
A gaming machine according to the invention,
The first dialogue performance and the second dialogue performance are performances that are executed during the execution of another performance (variable performance) that is different from the first dialogue performance and the second dialogue performance,
The other effects include predetermined sound effects (such as background music and sound effects, see FIG. 41 );
A gaming machine characterized in that the second dialogue presentation has a longer presentation time than the first dialogue presentation (see Figures 39 (B) and (C)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the second dialogue performance has a longer performance time than the first dialogue performance, but unlike the first dialogue performance, the second dialogue performance does not include the output of sound corresponding to the dialogue. Therefore, even if the second dialogue performance, which has a relatively long performance time, is executed while another performance is being executed, the performance sound of the other performance is not difficult to hear. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both increasing interest through the second dialogue performance and preventing a decrease in interest in the other performances.

As an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine has been known in the past that suggests the likelihood of a reach being achieved or a jackpot being played by having a character speak a line (message) once, as described in JP2018-57883A. In this effect, the content of the character's claim is displayed as text on an image display device and output as sound from a speaker. However, the effect of a character speaking a line (message) as described in JP2018-57883A is now commonly seen, and there is room for improvement in the form of the effect in order to provide interest to players.

The above-mentioned means A differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2018-57883 A in that "in the first dialogue presentation, each of the multiple characters speaks a line once, and in the second dialogue presentation, each of the multiple characters speaks a line multiple times." Also, the above-mentioned means B differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2018-57883 A in that "in the first dialogue presentation, a character image of a character speaking a line that is stationary is displayed, and in the second dialogue presentation, a character image of a character speaking a line that is moving is displayed." In addition, the above-mentioned means C differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2018-57883 A in that "in the first line presentation, when the next line of a certain line is displayed, the display of the certain line remains, and in the second line presentation, when the next line of a certain line is displayed, the display of the certain line disappears." In addition, the above-mentioned means D differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2018-57883 A in that "in the line presentation, after the line of the preceding character is displayed in the first display area, the line is moved to a second display area different from the first display area, and the line of the subsequent character who will speak the line next to the preceding character is displayed in the first display area." In addition, the above-mentioned means E differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2018-57883 A in that "in the transmission performance, a first icon image indicating a first sender and a first message image indicating a message sent by the first sender are followed by a second icon image indicating a second sender different from the first sender and a second message image indicating a message sent by the second sender, and the first transmission performance is displayed near the first end of the specific display area in which the transmission performance is displayed, and the second transmission performance is displayed near the second end opposite to the first end of the specific display area." In addition, the above-mentioned means F differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2018-57883 A in that "in the first dialogue performance, characters representing the character's dialogue are displayed along a first direction, and in the second dialogue performance, characters representing the character's dialogue are displayed along a second direction different from the first direction." In addition, the above-mentioned means G differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2018-57883 A in that "in the dialogue presentation, a unit dialogue presentation in which a first presentation including the display of a first character and its dialogue is executed, and then a second presentation including the display of a second character and its dialogue is executed may be repeated multiple times." In addition, the above-mentioned means H differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2018-57883 A in that "the first dialogue presentation includes the display of a text image representing the character's dialogue and the output of a sound corresponding to the dialogue, and the second dialogue presentation includes the display of a text image representing the character's dialogue, but does not include the output of a sound corresponding to the dialogue." As a result, the inventions of means A to H can solve the problem of "improving the interest of the game" (achieve the effect of doing so).

PY1... Pachinko gaming machine 50... Image display device 50a... Display unit 50f... Specific display area 50fl... Left end (first end)
50fr...Right end (second end)
50x...first display area 50y...second display area 50z...third display area 101...game control microcomputer 121...performance control microcomputer G50...character A image G52...character B image G53...character A dialogue 1 image G54...character B dialogue 1 image G55...character A dialogue 2 image G56...character B dialogue 2 image G57...character A dialogue 3 image G58...character B dialogue 3 image G60...speech bubble image G62...speech bubble image G70...character A icon image G71...character A dialogue image G72...frame image G73...character B icon image G74...character B dialogue image G75...frame image G80...character C icon image G81...character C dialogue image G82...frame image G83...character D icon image G84...character D dialogue image G85...frame image G90...character A icon image (first icon image)
G91...Character A's dialogue 1 image (first message image)
G92: Frame image G94: First dialogue image G95: Character B icon image (second icon image)
G96...Character B's dialogue 2 image (second message image)
G97...frame image G99...second dialogue image G190...character A icon image G191...character A dialogue 3 image G192...frame image G194...third dialogue image EZ1...left performance pattern EZ2...middle performance pattern EZ3...right performance pattern KZ1...left small pattern (performance pattern)
KZ2... Small and medium-sized patterns (performance patterns)
KZ3... Right small pattern (performance pattern)

Claims (1)

A call presentation including an icon image showing a caller and a message image showing a message sent by the caller can be displayed;
In the above-mentioned transmission performance,
Following a first transmission performance including a first icon image indicating a first sender and a first message image indicating a message sent by the first sender,
A second call performance including a second icon image indicating a second caller different from the first caller and a second message image indicating a message sent by the second caller may be displayed;
The first transmission effect is displayed near a first end of a specific display area in which the transmission effect is displayed , and the second transmission effect is displayed near a second end of the specific display area opposite to the first end.
When the second call performance is displayed following the first call performance in the call performance, the display position of the first call performance is moved in a predetermined direction when the second call performance is displayed, and the display of the first call performance is continued;
A pattern change can be performed in which a predetermined pattern is changed and then stopped in a manner that indicates the result of a lottery on whether or not the player will be in a favorable gaming state,
As the transmission performance, a plurality of unit transmission performances including the first transmission performance and the second transmission performance can be executed one by one according to each of the successive pattern variations,
The unit transmission performance is displayed for a first time at an initial display position, which is a position where the unit transmission performance is first displayed, and is displayed for a second time longer than the first time,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the pattern change when the unit transmission performance is displayed at the initial display position for the second time period has a higher expectation of indicating that the advantageous gaming state will be achieved than the pattern change when the unit transmission performance is displayed at the initial display position for the first time period .

Images