JP7490702B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing games.

Examples of gaming machines include slot machines, in which a predetermined bet amount is set and multiple types of identification information are variably displayed based on the start operation being performed, and pachinko gaming machines, in which gaming media such as gaming balls are launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and multiple types of identification information are variably displayed when the gaming media enters a starting area such as a winning hole provided in the gaming area.

One such gaming machine that has been proposed is a slot machine that displays the word "CHANCE" in a continuous performance, encouraging players to expect that they have internally won a special role (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5947755

However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a suggestive display is performed by displaying the word "CHANCE" in a continuous performance, suggesting that a special combination will be won and a bonus will be awarded, but no consideration is given to executing the suggestive display outside of the continuous performance. In other words, when suggestive displays are performed in various types of performance, there is a possibility that the suggestive display will be performed in a manner that makes it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the display is a suggestive display.

This invention was conceived in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that allows the player to easily recognize that a suggestive display is being executed when suggestive displays are displayed in different types of presentations, regardless of which presentation the suggestive display is displayed in.

(A) a gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A suggestion display means capable of suggesting a benefit by displaying an image;
A sound output means for outputting a sound;
A performance execution means capable of executing any one of a plurality of types of performances including a first performance and a second performance,
The first performance is started in a display mode of a first aspect, proceeds in a manner related to the first aspect, and uses a first character image;
During the first performance, a performance sound corresponding to the first performance is output by the sound output means,
The second performance is started in a display mode of a second aspect, proceeds in a manner related to the second aspect, and uses a second character image;
During the second performance, a performance sound corresponding to the second performance is output by the sound output means,
The performance execution means includes:
When notifying that a benefit will be given by executing the first performance, the first performance is executed so as to display the first character image and the image in a development related to the first mode during the first performance;
When notifying that a benefit will be awarded by executing the second performance, the second performance is executed so as to display the second character image and the image in a development related to the second mode during the second performance;
The image displayed during the first performance and the image displayed during the second performance are a common image and are displayed at the same position;
The image displayed during the first performance and the image displayed during the second performance are displayed with a common highlight image;
The same suggestive display sound is output by the sound output means when the image is displayed during the first performance and when the image is displayed during the second performance;
When the suggestive display sound is output, the sound output means is controlled so that the suggestive display sound is easily recognized;
The performance execution means includes:
During the execution of the first performance, before the image is displayed, a pre-stage performance related to the first performance can be executed;
During the execution of the second performance, before the image is displayed, a pre-stage performance related to the second performance can be executed;
In both the first and second effects, the expectation of the special benefit is higher when the first effect is executed than when the first effect is not executed (FIGS. 13 and 14) .
The performance execution means includes:
A predetermined performance or a specific performance can be executed before the execution of the first performance and before the execution of the second performance,
In the predetermined performance, a development suggestion display can be displayed which suggests that the performance will develop into the first performance or the second performance in a development different from the specific performance,
In the specific performance, the development suggestion display can be displayed in a development different from the predetermined performance,
The sound output means outputs a common development suggestion display corresponding sound when the development suggestion display is displayed in the predetermined performance and when the development suggestion display is displayed in the specific performance.

FIG. 1A is a front view of a slot machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the main internal configuration of the slot machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a winning combination. This is a diagram to explain reel control when a push order role is won. 13 is a diagram for explaining the symbol combinations of transition results. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of the game state. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the role to be selected by lottery. A figure showing an AT/CZ lottery table. A figure showing an AT lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a premonition effect. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing commonalities and differences between various icons. A figure showing an example of the first continuous performance. A figure showing an example of a second continuous performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a continuous performance determination table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cut-in effect determination table. A figure showing a premonition effect determination table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a premonition period determination table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an icon determination table.

The following describes a form for implementing a gaming machine according to the present invention based on an embodiment. In the following embodiment, an example of the present invention applied to a slot machine is described.

[Slot Machine Configuration]
Fig. 1(a) is a front view of the slot machine according to this embodiment, and Fig. 1(b) is a diagram showing an example of the main internal configuration of the slot machine 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. As shown in Fig. 1(a), the slot machine 1 is provided with a liquid crystal display 51 on the front door 1b, and reels 2L, 2C, and 2R arranged side by side inside the housing 1a can be seen through a see-through window 3. As shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of types of symbols that are identifiable are arranged in a predetermined order on each reel.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), the front door 1b is provided with, as examples of operating means, a MAXBET switch 6 that is operated to set a prescribed number of bets determined according to the game status within the range of credits stored as the gaming value (number of medals) owned by the player, a settlement switch 10 that is operated to settle the medals stored as credits and the medals used to set the bet number (returning the medals used to set the credits and the bet number), a start switch 7 that is operated to start the game, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R that are operated to stop the rotation of the reels, and a performance switch 56 that is used for performance.

The front door 1b is provided with a game display unit 13 that displays information related to the game as an example of a notification means. The game display unit 13 includes a credit indicator 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, a game support indicator 12 that displays the number of medals to be paid out and an error code when an error occurs, a 1BET LED 14, a 2BET LED 15, and a 3BET LED 16 that display the set bet number, an insertion request LED 17 that displays that it is possible to insert medals, a start valid LED 18 that displays that it is possible to start the game by operating the start switch 7, a waiting LED 19 that displays that the game is waiting after the operation of the start switch 7 (a state in which the game is waiting for the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R to start spinning because a certain period of time has not passed since the start of the previous game), and a replay LED 20 that displays that a replay game is being played after a replay win.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), inside the slot machine 1, there are provided a game control board 40 that controls the progress of the game and outputs various commands according to the progress of the game, and a performance control board 90 that controls predetermined performances according to the commands. The game control board 40 performs processing related to the progress of the game and includes a main control unit 41 that controls the configuration mounted on or connected to the game control board 40. The performance control board 90 receives commands sent from the game control board 40 and performs processing to perform performances, and includes a sub-control unit 91 that controls the configuration mounted on or connected to the performance control board 90.

The main control unit 41 is made up of a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a RAM 41c used as a work memory and a main CPU 41a that performs control operations according to a program. It performs processing related to the progress of the game and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40. When the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and the settlement switch 10 are operated, a detection signal for detecting the operation is input to the main control unit 41. The main control unit 41 detects the operation of these various switches based on the detection signals from these various switches. The main control unit 41 outputs a control signal to the game display unit 13 for controlling the lighting or display of various indicators included in the game display unit 13. The various indicators included in the game display unit 13 light up or display predetermined information based on the control signal from the main control unit 41.

The sub-controller 91 is configured with a one-chip microcomputer like the main controller 41, and includes a RAM 91c used as a work memory and a sub-CPU 91a that performs control operations according to a program. It performs various controls for performing effects and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90. When the effect switch 56 is operated, a detection signal for detecting the operation is input to the sub-controller 91. The sub-controller 91 detects the operation of the effect switch 56 based on the detection signal from the effect switch 56. The sub-controller 91 outputs control signals for controlling the liquid crystal display 51 and the speakers 53 and 54 to the liquid crystal display 51 and the speakers 53 and 54. The liquid crystal display 51 displays predetermined information based on the control signal from the sub-controller 91. The speakers 53 and 54 output sound based on the control signal from the sub-controller 91. Note that FIG. 1(b) is merely an example, and other configurations are also provided inside the slot machine 1.

[Outline of slot machine games]
When playing a game on the slot machine 1, first, a specified bet number (for example, 3) is set by inserting medals into the medal insertion portion 4 or by operating the MAXBET switch 6. This activates the pay line LN and also activates operation of the start switch 7, making it possible to start the game. If medals are inserted after the bet number has been set, the amount is added to the credits.

The winning line is a line for determining whether the combination of symbols displayed in the viewing window 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning combination of symbols. In this embodiment, an example in which only one winning line LN is provided will be described, but multiple winning lines may be provided. In addition, invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are provided to make it easier to recognize that the combination of symbols that constitute a winning prize is lined up on the winning line LN.

When the start switch 7 is operated when the game is ready to start, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated to display a changing pattern, and when the stop switch 8L, 8C, and 8R is operated, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped, and three patterns are derived and displayed as display results in the upper, middle, and lower sections of the see-through window 3. When a winning pattern combination stops on the winning line LN and a win occurs, a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player according to the win, and credits are added, or medals are paid out from the medal payout outlet 9 if the credits reach the upper limit (50).

In this embodiment, operating the start switch 7 to rotate the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is also referred to as "lever on." Furthermore, of the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that have started to rotate, the first reel to stop is referred to as the first stopped reel, and its stop is referred to as the first stop. Similarly, the second reel to stop is referred to as the second stopped reel, and its stop is referred to as the second stop, and the third reel to stop is referred to as the third stopped reel, and its stop is referred to as the third or final stop.

In addition, in the narrow sense, a "game" on the slot machine 1 refers to the period from when the start switch 7 is operated until the reels 2L to 2R stop, but in the broad sense, the "game" also includes the bet amount setting before the start switch 7 is operated, and the payout of medals and the transition of the game state after the reels 2L to 2R stop.

[Winning Role]
Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining winning combinations. The name column in Fig. 3 shows the name of the winning combination, and the symbol combination column shows the symbol combination that will win the winning combination. The symbol combination column for symbols aligned on an invalid line shows the symbol combination that will stop on an invalid line when the winning symbol combination stops on the winning line and is easy for the player to recognize. The award column shows the value (medal payout, replay award, etc.) that will be awarded when winning.

BB1 and BB2 are winning roles that accompany a transition to a favorable state known as a bonus. The payout number columns for BB1 and BB2 show the conditions under which the bonus transition occurs upon winning. Each bonus ends when a predetermined number of medals or more have been paid out. For example, the bonus controlled by winning BB1 ends in a game in which the number of medals paid out during that bonus reaches 351 or more.

Note that "/" means "or." For example, for a Fall Replay, the symbol combination is "Bell - Replay - Bell," and the value awarded is a replay. Also, when the symbol combination of a Fall Replay stops on a winning line, "Replay/Plum - Replay - Replay/Plum" stops on an invalid line.

The replay role is a role that grants a replay. Here, replay means that the next game can be played without using the game value (e.g., credits) owned by the player. In other words, replay means that the variable display section can be variably displayed without using the game value owned by the player. In this embodiment, when a replay role is won, it wins regardless of the operation mode (also called the operation procedure) of the derivation operation means (at least one of the operation sequence and operation timing). As a variant, even if a replay role is won, it may be a role that does not win (i.e., a role with a miss) depending on the operation mode of the derivation operation means.

[Role to be selected]
Next, the lottery target role will be described. The lottery target role is a role that is the subject of an internal lottery executed by the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 determines the winning role that is allowed to occur by conducting an internal lottery. As shown in the "Lottery Target Role" column and the "Winning Role Combination" column of FIG. 7, in the internal lottery, by winning one lottery target role, it is possible to win multiple winning roles at the same time. Specifically, when a weak watermelon is won, the right-downward watermelon, the upper watermelon, and the middle watermelon are allowed to win. In other words, when a weak watermelon is won in the internal lottery, it means that the right-downward watermelon, the upper watermelon, and the middle watermelon are won simultaneously.

[Reel control when multiple winning combinations are won simultaneously]
Using FIG. 4, the reel control when multiple winning combinations are simultaneously won will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the reel control when the push order combination is won. The winning combination column shows the winning lottery target combination. The push order column shows the order in which the stop switches 8L to 8R are operated. For example, "left, middle, right" means that the left stop switch 8L, the middle stop switch 8C, and the right stop switch 8R are operated in this order to stop the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, and the right reel 2R in this order. Also, "left first stop" means that the left stop switch 8L is operated first, and the operation sequence thereafter does not matter. The stopped symbol combination column shows the winning combination that occurs when the stop operation is performed in the push order shown in the push order column.

In this embodiment, a push order role is provided as a role in which the display result differs depending on the operation mode (operation procedure) of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. The operation mode includes the operation sequence (the order in which the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, also called the push order) and the operation timing (the timing of operating each of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R). The push order role includes a push order bell and a push order replay.

As shown in FIG. 4, the push order bells include left bells 1-4, middle bells 1-4, and right bells 1-4. When any of the left bells 1-4 is won, if the push order is the first stop on the left, a symbol combination constituting the right downward bell is derived so that the right downward bell wins, and if the push order is other than the first stop on the left, a symbol combination constituting the upper bell is derived so that the upper bell wins, or a transition result shown in FIG. 5 is derived. The transition result is a so-called losing result, which is a symbol combination that does not result in any win. Although the transition result is a losing result, it is allowed to be derived only when the push order replay is won, and if the slot machine 1 does not win any of the lottery target roles in the internal lottery, a losing result different from the transition result is derived. Here, when the slot machine 1 does not win any of the lottery target roles in the internal lottery, it is also called losing the internal lottery.

Here, the operating procedure for deriving a display result that is advantageous to the player in a game in which the push order bell is won is also referred to as the correct procedure. In the case of the push order bell, the procedure in which the main role (the role that increases the net increase in number of coins) wins, in other words, the procedure in which the transition result cannot be derived, is the correct procedure. For example, in the case of the left bell, the procedure of first operating the left stop switch 8L is the correct procedure. Also, the procedure in which the transition result can be derived is also referred to as the incorrect procedure. Note that the correct procedure for the push order bell is not limited to the push order, but may be the operation timing, or a combination of the push order and the operation timing.

In a game where the push order bell is won, the role that increases the net increase in coins when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the correct sequence (downward-right bell, middle bell) is called the main role. On the other hand, in a game where the push order bell is won, the role that can be derived when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in the incorrect sequence (upper bell) is called the sub role.

As shown in FIG. 4, the push order replay includes replay GR 1-6, replay GR 11-13, and replay GR 21-23. In replay GR 1-6 and replay GR 21-23, the correct operation procedure is one that derives a display result that is advantageous to the player, such as promotion replay 1 or 2 or a special replay. On the other hand, in replay GR 11-13, the correct operation procedure is one that does not derive a display result that is disadvantageous to the player, such as a fall replay. Note that the correct operation procedure corresponding to a push order replay is not limited to the push order, but may be the operation timing, or a combination of the push order and the operation timing.

When a simultaneous winning combination that simultaneously wins multiple winning combinations is won among the combinations to be drawn, reel control may be performed differently from when the simultaneous winning combination is not won. For example, when a weak watermelon is won, reel control is performed to pull the watermelon that slopes to the right or the watermelon that is in the top row onto the winning line in preference to the watermelon that slopes to the middle row, whereas when a strong watermelon is won, reel control is performed to pull the watermelon that slopes to the right onto the winning line in preference to the watermelon that slopes to the right or the watermelon that is in the top row. When a weak cherry or strong cherry is won, reel control is performed to pull the cherry that is in the bottom row onto the winning line, and when a middle cherry is won, reel control is performed to pull the cherry that is in the middle row onto the winning line. This allows the combination of symbols when reels 2L to 2R stop to be used to estimate whether it is a cherry or watermelon, whether it is weak or strong, or whether it is a middle cherry or not.

[Game Status]
The game states controlled by the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the transition of game states. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an outline of game states. As shown in Figure 6, the slot machine 1 is controlled to one of a plurality of game states including RT0 to RT4 in which a replay is won with a predetermined winning probability (see the numerical value in the replay role column in Figure 7(a)), and a bonus in which the winning probability of a small role is improved compared to when it is in RT0 to RT4 (see the winning role or the result shown along the arrow in Figure 6, see the start condition/end condition column in Figure 7(a)).

Of RT1 to RT4, RT1 and RT3 are both game states that are unfavorable to players with a low medal payout rate. In contrast, RT0 and RT2 are both game states that are favorable to players with a high medal payout rate. In particular, RT2 has a higher medal payout rate than RT0, making it a more favorable game state for players. RT4 is the game state to which a player transitions when a bonus is won. In RT0 to RT4, the probability of winning a minor role that is a role subject to lottery other than the replay role is set to remain unchanged.

When either BB1 or BB2 is won, the game is controlled to RT4. The winning flag that is set when either BB1 or BB2 is won is carried over until the winning BB occurs. In addition, RT4 is also controlled continuously from the BB winning to the BB winning. In RT4, the probability of winning a replay is lower than in RT0 and RT2, and is the same as in RT1 and RT3 (see the numerical value in the replay role column in FIG. 7(a)). Note that the replay probability in RT4 is set to a probability that the payout rate does not exceed 1 even if the winning small role is won without missing. In other words, the replay probability in RT4 is set to a probability that the total number of medals paid out when the winning small role is won without missing during RT4 does not exceed the total number of medals used to set the medal or credit bet during RT4, and the medals do not increase. If a BB win occurs during RT4, the game will switch to a bonus, and if more than the number of medals explained using FIG. 3 are paid out, the bonus will end and the game will switch to RT3. The type of replay that is internally selected is determined for each type of RT (the circles in FIG. 7(b) indicate the replays that are selected).

If BB is won simultaneously with another lottery eligible role, the reels are controlled so that the other lottery eligible roles are given priority. Therefore, if the probability of winning a small role or a replay role is high in RT4, it is difficult for BB to be won, and it is difficult to transition to a bonus. Therefore, in RT4, the probability of winning a replay role is set to be lower than in RT0 or RT2 (see Figure 7(a)). This makes it easier to win BB alone in RT4, making it less likely that you will never be able to transition to a bonus.

As shown in Figure 6, transitions between RT0 and RT3 are determined by the dice results. The game state immediately after completing the setting changes to set the winning probability of the winning combination is RT3. A transition from RT3 to RT1 is determined by the derivation of the transition dice results. The transition dice results are the dice that line up on the winning line LN when the push order bell shown in Figure 4 is won, a reel other than the one that meets the winning conditions for the downward right bell or middle bell is the first stop, and the winning upper bell is missed.

A transition from RT1 to RT0 occurs when a promotion replay is won. A transition from RT0 to RT2 occurs when a special replay is won. If a transition result is rolled in RT2, the game returns to RT1. Also, if a transition result is rolled or a fall replay is won in RT0, the game returns to RT1. Promotion replays and special replays are won when replay GRs 1-6 or replay GRs 21-23 shown in Figure 4 are won and the buttons are pressed in the order shown in Figure 4. Also, a fall replay is won when replay GRs 11-13 shown in Figure 4 are won and the first stop is on a reel other than the reel that is the winning condition for a normal replay.

Therefore, the player needs to pay attention to the results in order to remain in the current advantageous game state or to move to a more advantageous state. However, whether a promotion replay, a special replay, or a fall replay is derived depends not only on the internal winning situation but also on the stopping order of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. In other words, whether the player can remain in the current advantageous game state, move to a more advantageous state, or fall to an unfavorable game state depends on the pressing order of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. The slot machine according to this embodiment has a function of notifying the player of the correct procedure that is advantageous to the player. The presentation for such a presentation is called a navigation presentation. The period during which the navigation presentation is performed is called an assist time (AT).

When a certain condition is met, the AT is activated. During the AT, when a push order role is won, the correct procedure for the winning push order role is announced. As a result, when a push order bell is won, it is possible to win a downward right bell or a middle bell without deriving a transition result, allowing medals to be won and preventing control to RT1, which has a low payout rate, being prevented. Also, when a push order replay is won, it is possible to win a promotion replay or special replay, so that a transition to RT2 can be made, and in RT2, it is possible to avoid winning a fall replay, so that it is possible to remain in RT2.

[Role to be read out for each game state]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the lottery target roles. The lottery target role column shows the name of the lottery target role, and the game state column shows the lottery target role with a circle for each type of RT, and the judgment value number related to the winning probability with the number under the circle. As shown in FIG. 8, the lottery target role read out for each game state is different. For example, a bell is a lottery target role that wins with a 360/65536 chance in any of RT0 to RT3. During RT4, a bonus is not drawn, but an internal lottery is performed for the simultaneous winning roles of bell and weak watermelon with the judgment value number shown in parentheses so that the winning probability of a winning role that can be won simultaneously with a bonus (hereinafter also referred to as a simultaneous winning role) is the same as during other RTs.

During a bonus, for example, the middle bell is set as the role to be selected, and is set to have an extremely high probability of winning (64,000/65,536). The middle bell is also a role that can result in a win regardless of the operation timing. Therefore, during a bonus, there is an extremely high probability of a middle bell winning, regardless of the operation timing or operation order. Therefore, during a bonus, the number of medals can be increased efficiently, and the bonus is an advantageous state for the player.

As shown in FIG. 8, for example, a weak cherry is a bottom row cherry. Weak watermelon includes a watermelon dipping downward to the right, a watermelon dipping upward to the top row, and a watermelon dipping downward to the middle row. Therefore, when a weak watermelon is won in the internal lottery, it means that the watermelon dipping downward to the right, a watermelon dipping downward to the top row, and a watermelon dipping downward to the middle row are also won.

Of the roles that can be selected, Bonus 2 to Bonus 6 and Bonus 8 to Bonus 12 are roles that can be won when BB1 or BB2 and a specific winning role such as a weak cherry or bell are read out at the same time. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, different judgment values are set for Bonus 2 to Bonus 6 and Bonus 8 to Bonus 12. For this reason, the judgment values are set so that the degree of advantage for the player, that is, the rate at which BB1 or BB2 actually wins simultaneously when a simultaneous winning role is won (hereinafter also referred to as reliability), is highest for the middle cherry included in Bonus 6 and 12, followed by strong cherry, strong watermelon, and weak cherry, with weak watermelon being the lowest.

[Advantageous state]
In this embodiment, an advantageous state other than the controlled bonus will be described. In this embodiment, regardless of whether or not the bonus is in progress, the main control unit 41 controls to one of the challenge zone (CZ), AT, and non-CZ. Here, non-CZ means a normal state that is not controlled to any of the CZ, AT, and bonus states. Also, CZ is an advantageous state in which the degree of advantage regarding control to the AT is higher than normal (non-CZ). Here, the section controlled by the AT having the performance related to the instruction function of instructing the player on the operation mode (push order, operation timing) of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R and the section controlled by the CZ are also called advantageous sections. Also, the section controlled by the non-CZ that does not have the performance related to the instruction function of instructing the player on the operation mode (push order, operation timing) of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R other than the advantageous section is also called normal section.

The main control unit 41 executes an AT lottery regarding the awarding of AT games that will be the right to control the AT. For example, the main control unit 41 determines in the AT lottery whether or not to award an AT game, and the number of AT games to be awarded (number of AT games) if an AT game is awarded. Note that a decision to award an AT game in the AT lottery is referred to as an AT win, and a decision not to award an AT game in the AT lottery is referred to as a non-AT win.

The main control unit 41 also executes a CZ lottery regarding the awarding of CZ games, which are the right to control the CZ. For example, the main control unit 41 determines in the CZ lottery whether or not to award CZ games, and the number of CZ games to be awarded (number of CZ games) if CZ games are awarded. Note that a decision to award CZ games in the CZ lottery is referred to as a CZ win, and a decision not to award CZ games in the CZ lottery is referred to as a non-CZ win.

If the CZ is won during a non-CZ, the next game will be controlled to CZ. During the CZ, the degree of advantage regarding control over the AT will be higher than usual (during non-CZ). Specifically, during the CZ, the probability of winning the AT will be higher than during non-CZ, and the number of AT games awarded when the AT is won will be greater. Also, during the CZ, a navigation effect that generates a prize that gives the maximum payout number will be executed at least once. Specifically, when the push order bell is won, a navigation effect that notifies the correct procedure will be executed. The number of CZ games awarded when the CZ is won is subtracted for each game controlled by the CZ, and when the number of CZ games becomes 0 without winning the AT, the control over the CZ will end and the control will be controlled to a non-CZ. If the AT is won during the CZ, the next game will be controlled to AT. In addition, an additional lottery may be performed to award the number of CZ games by adding it to the number of CZ games remaining in the CZ. Also, even if the AT is won during the CZ, control may continue to the CZ, and control may be changed to the AT when the number of CZ games reaches 0.

Note that the CZ only needs to be advantageous to the player in that a navigation effect that results in a winning combination that provides the maximum payout number is executed at least once, and the degree of advantage in terms of control over the AT may be the same as normal. Of course, the CZ may also be advantageous to the player in that a navigation effect that results in a winning combination that provides the maximum payout number is executed at least once, and the degree of advantage in terms of control over the AT is higher than normal. Furthermore, the number of CZs is not limited to one, and multiple types may be provided. In this case, the degree of advantage in terms of control over the AT is higher than normal in all CZs, but the degree of advantage may be different depending on the type of CZ.

When the AT is won during a non-CZ or CZ, the AT is controlled. During the AT, a navigation effect is performed to notify the player of the correct procedure that is advantageous to the player. The number of AT games granted when the AT is won is subtracted each time one game is controlled to the AT, and when the number of AT games becomes 0, the control of the AT ends and the player is controlled to a non-CZ. An additional lottery may be held to add an AT game number to the number of AT games remaining in the AT. There may be multiple types of ATs, not just one. In this case, the degree of advantage regarding the control of the AT may be made different depending on the type of AT. Specifically, the probability of winning the additional lottery may be made different, or the number of AT games obtained when the additional lottery is won may be made different.

However, if in RT0-3, you win an AT or CZ at the same time as a bonus during a non-CZ, you will start to be controlled to the AT or CZ when you transition to the bonus state. For example, if you win a bonus and a CZ during RT0, but do not win a bonus in that game, you will be controlled to RT4 and non-CZ from the next game. After that, you will be controlled to a bonus and CZ from the game following the game in which you won a bonus. The period controlled to RT4 and non-CZ is also called the standby period, and during the standby period, neither AT nor CZ lotteries are held.

[Game Processing]
The main control unit 41 performs a game control process to control one game. In the game control process, first, a bet amount setting and a bet process for credit settlement and bet amount settlement are performed.

After the bet amount is set, when the start switch 7 is operated, the main control unit 41 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not to allow a winning combination. For example, a random number circuit (not shown) provided in the main control unit 41 updates a judgment value belonging to a predetermined range (1 to 65536) according to a predetermined update rule. The main control unit 41 extracts the judgment value updated by the random number circuit when the start switch 7 is operated. If the extracted judgment value corresponds to a judgment value belonging to a predetermined range that is predetermined for each lottery target role, the main control unit 41 determines that the corresponding lottery target role is a winning combination. When a lottery target role is won in the internal lottery, a winning flag for the winning combination included in the lottery target role is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when BB1 is won, the BB1 winning flag is set, and when a strong cherry is won, the winning flag for the lower cherry and the winning flag for the 1-piece role are set. The winning flag for BB is carried over until the winning BB is won, while the winning flags for winning combinations other than BB are erased when the winning game ends, regardless of whether or not a win occurs.

When the internal lottery process is completed, lotteries related to CZ and AT, such as CZ lottery and AT lottery, are conducted based on the internal lottery results. After that, the reel rotation process is performed. In the reel rotation process, on the condition that a predetermined time (e.g., 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the start of reel rotation in the previous game, the rotation of reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is started, and then stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are enabled and the rotation of the reels is stopped in response to the stop operation (see Figure 4).

When a specific freeze condition is met during reel spinning, the system executes a freeze effect process to execute a freeze effect that delays game progress for a specific period of time (delays the activation of the stop operation of each of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R), and then activates the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R to transition to the normal game.

When reels 2L, 2C, and 2R come to a halt and the reel rotation process is completed, a prize determination process (see FIG. 3) is performed to determine whether or not a win has occurred based on the symbol combination on the winning line. In addition, control is performed to the state shown in FIG. 6 according to the symbol combination on the winning line.

When the winning determination process is completed, the payout process is carried out. In the payout process, medals are paid out or credits are added depending on the occurrence of a winning, and various processes that are not related to winning are carried out (for example, counting the number of medals paid out during the bonus and processing related to the end of the bonus, erasing winning flags that do not carry over (winning flags for minor winnings, replay winnings, etc.)).

When it is determined that either BB1 or BB2 has been won, the winning flag for the winning BB is cleared. In the game end process, a process is executed to set the game state in preparation for the next game (see Figures 6 and 7). This ends the game control process for one game, and the game control process for the next game begins.

[CZ lottery, AT lottery]
The CZ lottery and the AT lottery executed by the main control unit 41 will be described in detail. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an AT/CZ lottery table. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an AT lottery table. The winning combination in the figure is the lottery target combination that was won in the internal lottery.

When a specific lottery target role is won, the main control unit 41 performs an AT/CZ lottery during non-CZ, and performs an AT lottery during CZ. Here, an AT/CZ lottery means a lottery in which lotteries related to AT and CZ are performed together. Specifically, it is a lottery that determines whether to award an AT game number, a CZ game number, or nothing (a miss).

If you win a middle cherry, strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry or weak watermelon during a non-CZ, you will win the AT or CZ with the probability shown in the AT/CZ lottery table shown in Figure 9. For example, if you win a middle cherry, there is a 70% probability of winning the CZ and a 30% probability of winning the AT. Here, as shown in Figure 9, the probability of winning either the AT or CZ is set to increase in the order of weak cherry or weak watermelon, strong cherry or strong watermelon, and middle cherry. Also, the probability of winning the AT is set to increase in the order of weak cherry or weak watermelon, strong cherry or strong watermelon, and middle cherry. Also, during a non-CZ, the probability of winning the CZ is set to be higher than the AT.

If you win a middle cherry, strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry or weak watermelon during the CZ, you will win the AT with the probability shown in the AT lottery table shown in Figure 10. For example, if you win a middle cherry, there is a 100% probability of winning the AT. Here, as shown in Figure 10, the probability of winning the AT is set to increase in the order of weak cherry or weak watermelon, strong cherry or strong watermelon, and middle cherry.

Here, if a weak cherry, weak watermelon, strong cherry, strong watermelon or middle cherry, which triggers the AT/CZ lottery and the AT lottery, is won, there is a possibility that a bonus will also be won at the same time (see Figure 8). Therefore, in this embodiment, if a weak cherry, weak watermelon, strong cherry, strong watermelon or middle cherry is won, the game is designed so that the player can have a sense of expectation that they will be controlled by either a bonus, AT or CZ.

[Various commands]
The main control unit 41 transmits commands capable of identifying the progress of the game and the processing results in accordance with the execution of the above-mentioned processes to the sub-control unit 91. The sub-control unit 91 performs various processes based on the commands from the main control unit 41.

In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 transmits multiple types of commands to the sub-control unit 91, including internal winning commands, push order commands, stop switch and start switch operation commands, game status commands, AT/CZ lottery commands, CZ commands, AT lottery commands, and AT commands.

The internal win command is a command that can identify the group to which a lottery target role that has been won according to the results of the internal lottery belongs. The internal win command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game. By receiving the internal win command, the sub-control unit 91 can identify the operation of the start switch 7 and the group to which the winning lottery target role belongs. Furthermore, if the internal lottery is unsuccessful, a command that can identify the loss is transmitted as an internal win command. Here, lottery target roles that give an advantage or disadvantage to the player depending on the press order are grouped so that it is not possible to determine which lottery target role has been won.

The push order command is a command that can identify the operation procedure (correct procedure) for stopping a symbol combination that is advantageous to the player, depending on the lottery target role that was won in the internal lottery. The push order command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game during the CZ or AT. For example, during the AT, a push order command that can identify the correct procedure is transmitted, and during non-AT, a push order command that can identify the correct procedure is not transmitted. Therefore, while the sub-control unit 91 can identify the correct procedure by receiving a push order command during the AT, it cannot identify the correct procedure during non-AT. Note that during non-AT, where no navigation performance is performed, a push order command that can identify a predetermined standard procedure (for example, first stop on the left) is transmitted.

The stop switch and start switch operation commands indicate that the stop switch and start switch have been operated, and are sent when each switch is operated. The game state command is sent when the game state changes. Specifically, it is sent when the RT changes or when control is entered into a bonus.

The AT/CZ lottery command is a command that can specify the results of the AT/CZ lottery and the start timing of the AT or CZ.

CZ commands are sent when a game starts and can identify whether the game is in a CZ or not, and the number of remaining CZ games.

The AT lottery command is a command that can identify the results of the AT lottery and the timing of the AT start.

An AT command is sent when a game starts and can specify whether the game is in the AT or not, and the number of remaining AT games.

[Grouping Commands]
The internal winning command includes a grouping command as a command to be sent when a navigation target role such as a push order bell or a push order replay is won. The main control unit 41 transmits the grouping command to the sub-control unit 91 by executing the following process.

First, each lottery target role is assigned a role number that can identify the type of role. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, left bells 1-4 are assigned role numbers from "14" to "17", middle bells 1-4 are assigned role numbers from "18" to "21", and right bells 1-4 are assigned role numbers from "22" to "25". Replay GRs 1-6 are assigned role numbers from "32" to "37", replay GRs 11-13 are assigned role numbers from "38" to "40", and replay GRs 21-23 are assigned role numbers from "41" to "43".

Each lottery target role is grouped with other roles that have the same function or role, and a group number is assigned to each role. For example, left bells 1-4, middle bells 1-4, and right bells 1-4 are push order bells that have the function of winning the main role (role that increases the net increase in number of coins) according to the operation procedure, and therefore are grouped together as a push order bell group. In other words, each of the push order bells corresponding to role numbers "14" to "25" is grouped together as a push order bell group. In addition, replay GRs 1-6, replay GRs 11-13, and replay GRs 21-23 are push order replays that have the function of winning a role that is advantageous to the player (for example, a promotion replay, a normal replay, a special replay, etc.) according to the operation procedure, and therefore are grouped together as a push order replay group. In other words, each of the push order replays corresponding to role numbers "32" to "43" is grouped together as a push order replay group.

When one of the lottery target roles is won by the internal lottery, the main control unit 41 identifies the role number corresponding to the winning role. The main control unit 41 performs main side processing such as reel control using the identified role number. The main control unit 41 also identifies the group to which the role belongs based on the identified role number. The main control unit 41 then sends a grouping command capable of identifying the identified group to the sub-control unit 91. For example, if the identified group is a push order bell group, the main control unit 41 includes information of "14" as a role number capable of identifying the push order bell group in the grouping command. Alternatively, if the identified group is a push order replay group, the main control unit 41 includes information of "32" as a role number capable of identifying the push order replay group in the grouping command.

As an example, when the middle bell 2 is selected by the internal lottery, the main control unit 41 identifies the role number "19" corresponding to the middle bell 2. The main control unit 41 performs main side processing such as reel control using the identified role number "19". The main control unit 41 also sequentially determines which group the identified role number "19" belongs to for each group. When the main control unit 41 determines whether the identified role number "19" belongs to the role numbers "14" to "25" corresponding to the push order bell group, it identifies the role number "19" as belonging to the role numbers "14" to "25" corresponding to the push order bell group. The main control unit 41 then includes information on "14" as a role number that can identify the push order bell group in the grouping command and transmits the grouping command to the sub-control unit 91.

The grouping command described above is a command that can identify the group to which the winning role belongs, but is a command that cannot identify the specific type of role. Therefore, even if the sub-control unit 91 receives a grouping command from the main control unit 41, it cannot identify the operation procedure (correct procedure), and cannot notify the correct procedure through the navigation presentation.

Therefore, the main control unit 41 sends commands as described below when an internal lottery is executed in a normal zone (non-CZ, non-AT) and when an internal lottery is executed in an advantageous zone (CZ, AT).

For example, when the main control unit 41 wins a certain role in an internal lottery executed in a normal zone (non-CZ, non-AT), it sends a grouping command to the sub-control unit 91, but does not send a push order command that can identify the operation procedure (correct procedure) to the sub-control unit 91. Therefore, in the normal zone, the sub-control unit 91 can identify the group to which the winning role belongs based on the grouping command, but cannot identify the operation procedure (correct procedure), and cannot notify the correct procedure through the navigation presentation. In this way, the sub-control unit 91 is not able to notify the operation procedure (correct procedure) based on the command sent from the main control unit 41. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation procedure (correct procedure) from being notified through the navigation presentation even in a normal zone by controlling the sub-control unit 91 fraudulently.

On the other hand, when the main control unit 41 wins any role in the internal lottery executed in the advantageous zone (during CZ, AT), it sends a grouping command to the sub-control unit 91, and also sends a push order command that can identify the operation procedure (correct procedure) when performing navigation notification using the game aid display 12 to the sub-control unit 91. Therefore, in the advantageous zone, the sub-control unit 91 can identify the group to which the winning role belongs based on the grouping command, and can also identify the operation procedure (correct procedure) based on the push order command, and can notify the correct procedure by the navigation performance. In this way, the sub-control unit 91 is able to notify the operation procedure (correct procedure) based on the command sent from the main control unit 41. In this way, the main control unit 41 manages the notification of the operation procedure (correct procedure) in the advantageous zone.

Also, as mentioned above, the main control unit 41 sends a grouping command to the sub-control unit 91 regardless of whether it is in a normal zone or an advantageous zone, and only sends a push order command to the sub-control unit 91 if it is in an advantageous zone (during CZ or AT), so the processing for sending the grouping command can be standardized between normal zones and advantageous zones.

In addition, without being limited to the above example, in the normal section, the main control unit 41 may transmit a push order command that can specify a predetermined standard procedure (for example, the first stop on the left) together with the grouping command.

In addition, without being limited to the above example, in an advantageous zone, the main control unit 41 may not send a push order command, but may send a command including a role number that can individually identify each winning role instead of a grouping command.

Rare roles such as cherries and watermelons may also be grouped, and when a cherry, watermelon, or the like is won, the main control unit 41 may send a grouping command to the sub-control unit 91 that can identify the group to which the winning role belongs.

For example, weak cherries and weak watermelons may belong to the same group as rare roles with the "weak" suffix. If the sub-control unit 91 is capable of executing the same performance for winning a weak rare role regardless of whether a weak cherry or a weak watermelon is won, it can execute the performance for winning a weak rare role if it can identify that a weak rare role has been won based on the grouping command. Similarly, strong cherries and strong watermelons may belong to the same group as rare roles with the "strong" suffix. If the sub-control unit 91 is capable of executing the same performance for winning a strong rare role regardless of whether a strong cherry or a strong watermelon is won, it can execute the performance for winning a strong rare role if it can identify that a strong rare role has been won based on the grouping command.

For example, a weak cherry and a strong cherry may belong to the same group as a "cherry" role. If the sub-control unit 91 is capable of executing the same cherry winning performance regardless of whether a weak cherry or a strong cherry is won, it can execute the cherry winning performance if it can identify that the cherry role has won based on the grouping command. Similarly, a weak watermelon and a strong watermelon may belong to the same group as a "watermelon" role. If the sub-control unit 91 is capable of executing the same watermelon winning performance regardless of whether a weak watermelon or a strong watermelon is won, it can execute the watermelon winning performance if it can identify that the watermelon role has won based on the grouping command.

For example, if the weak cherry is divided into weak cherry 1 and weak cherry 2, weak cherry 1 and weak cherry 2 may belong to the same group as the "weak cherry" role. Also, if the strong cherry is divided into strong cherry 1 and strong cherry 2, strong cherry 1 and strong cherry 2 may belong to the same group as the "strong cherry" role. If the sub-control unit 91 executes the same weak cherry winning performance regardless of whether weak cherry 1 or weak cherry 2 is won, it can execute the weak cherry winning performance if it can identify that the weak cherry role has been won based on the grouping command. Also, if the sub-control unit 91 executes the same strong cherry winning performance regardless of whether strong cherry 1 or strong cherry 2 is won, it can execute the strong cherry winning performance if it can identify that the strong cherry role has been won based on the grouping command. The same can be said about the watermelon role as the cherry role by dividing the group into weak watermelon role and strong watermelon role.

Special roles such as bonuses may also be grouped, and when a bonus or the like is won, the main control unit 41 may send to the sub-control unit 91 a grouping command capable of identifying the group to which the winning role belongs. For example, all bonuses may be grouped together and a common grouping command may be sent when any bonus is won. Alternatively, if the sub-control unit 91 executes different effects or navigation effects depending on the type of bonus, the main control unit 41 may group bonuses according to the type of bonus and send a grouping command capable of identifying the type of bonus.

The sub-controller 91 controls the output of various performance devices, such as the liquid crystal display 51, the performance effect LEDs 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LEDs 55, based on commands received from the main controller 41. The various performances executed by the sub-controller 91 are described in detail below.

[Performance during CZ]
When an AT lottery is performed during a CZ, the sub-control unit 91 executes an effect suggesting that the AT or the bonus has been won. Specifically, the sub-control unit 91 executes at least one of a premonition effect executed over 1 to 3 games and a continuous effect executed over 2 to 4 games.

Premonition effects are effects that display suggestive images (hereafter also referred to as icons) for each game to give hints about benefits that are advantageous to the player, such as AT or bonuses. Premonition effects include treasure chest effects (also referred to as first premonition effects) that display suggestions by having a character appear and open a treasure chest, and curtain effects (also referred to as second premonition effects) that display suggestions by opening a curtain.

In this embodiment, when premonition effects are executed across multiple games, premonition effects that display a suggestion every game are executed. Furthermore, when premonition effects are executed across multiple games, the same type of premonition effect is executed every game. This causes the same premonition effect to be repeated multiple times, making it easier to understand that premonition effects are being executed consecutively. Note that, when premonition effects are executed across multiple games, instead of executing the same type of premonition effect every game, the type of premonition effect may be changed every game. In this way, the same premonition effect is not executed multiple times, and it is possible to prevent players from getting tired of seeing the premonition effect.

The consecutive performances are performed for a predetermined period (number of games), and at the end of the period, notify the player of whether or not a special benefit such as an AT or a bonus has been granted. The consecutive performances include a battle performance (also called a first consecutive performance) in which an ally character (a warrior character in FIG. 13) and an enemy character (a devil character shown in FIG. 13) fight, and notify the player of whether or not a special benefit has been granted based on the outcome of the battle, and a mission performance (also called a second consecutive performance) in which the character aims for a castle and notifies the player of whether or not a special benefit has been granted based on whether or not the character has accomplished the mission of arriving at the castle.

[Premonition]
The effects executed during the premonition effect will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the premonition effect. FIGS. 11(a), (b), and (c) shown on the left side of FIG. 11 are diagrams showing an example of the first premonition effect, which is a treasure chest effect. FIGS. 11(a'), (b'), and (c') shown on the right side of FIG. 11 are diagrams showing an example of the second premonition effect, which is a curtain effect. Of the first premonition effect and the second premonition effect shown in FIG. 11, both effects are effects that are executed before the continuous effect when the continuous effect is executed.

The first premonition performance will be described in detail with reference to Figures 11(a) to (c). In the first premonition performance, as shown in Figure 11(a), when the lever is turned on, images of three types of treasure chests A to C are displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. At this time, music A begins to be output from speakers 53 and 54 as background music related to the first premonition performance, and continues to be output until the first premonition performance ends. After that, when the first stop occurs, as shown in Figure 11(b), an image of a character appearing and selecting one of treasure chests A to C is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Then, when the third stop occurs, an image of a treasure chest opening and a development icon coming out of the treasure chest, indicating a transition to a continuous performance, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, and an icon display sound is output from speakers 53 and 54.

Next, the second premonition performance will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 11 (a') to (c'). In the second premonition performance, as shown in Fig. 11 (a'), when the lever is turned on, an image showing the curtain being closed is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. At this time, music B starts to be output from the speakers 53 and 54 as background music related to the second premonition performance, and continues to be output until the second premonition performance ends. After that, when the first stop occurs, as shown in Fig. 11 (b'), an image showing the curtain being slightly open is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Then, when the third stop occurs, the curtain opens completely, and an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 in which the entire development icon, which indicates that the performance will move to a continuous performance that was covered by the curtain, is visible, and the same icon display sound as the sound output when the development icon is displayed in the first premonition performance is output from the speakers 53 and 54. In other words, when the third stop occurs, a suggestion display is made to display the development icon.

The consecutive performance is more likely to be executed when a bonus has been won (see Figure 15). In other words, the fact that the development icon indicates a transition to consecutive performance can be said to be an icon suggesting that a bonus benefit has been granted, and the display of the development icon can be said to be a hint regarding the benefit.

As shown in Figures 11(c) and (c'), when a suggestive display is made, an icon display sound is output from speakers 53, 54 regardless of whether it is the first or second premonition display. In other words, whether it is the first or second premonition display, the sound output from speakers 53, 54 in conjunction with the suggestive display is a common sound, the icon display sound, so the player can easily recognize that a suggestive display has been made. In addition, since suggestive displays can be made in any of the different types of displays, various displays can be executed as displays that make the suggestive display, which results in increased interest in the game.

As shown in Figures 11(c) and (c'), in a presentation such as the first premonition presentation in which other images such as characters and treasure chests are displayed in addition to the icon image suggesting a special bonus, the icon image suggesting a special bonus is smaller than in a presentation such as the second premonition presentation in which the curtain is opened and only the icon image suggesting a special bonus is shown to the player. Specifically, the proportion of the specific area in which the icon image is displayed to the display area of the liquid crystal display 51 is less than 1/2 in the first premonition presentation, whereas it is 1/2 or more in the second premonition presentation. Note that the proportion of the specific area to the display area of the liquid crystal display 51 is only an example, and a predetermined value may be used as the standard.

In this way, the size of the development icon displayed in the first premonition effect can be made different from the size of the development icon displayed in the second premonition effect, so images that suggest benefits can be used in various effects, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

In addition, in the first premonition effect, in addition to the icon image that suggests a bonus, the type of character displayed may also suggest a bonus, and the size of the icon image displayed in the first premonition effect may be made smaller than the icon image displayed in the second premonition effect. In this way, in the first premonition effect where multiple types of images are used to suggest a bonus, it is possible to draw the player's attention to images other than those common to the second premonition effect.

As shown in Figures 11(c) and (c'), the position where the development icon is displayed in the first premonition effect is above the center of the LCD display 51, whereas the position where the development icon is displayed in the second premonition effect is the center of the LCD display 51. In this way, the position where the development icon is displayed in the first premonition effect and the position where the development icon is displayed in the second premonition effect can be made different, so that images that suggest benefits can be used in various effects, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

For example, in a first premonition effect where other images such as characters or treasure chests are displayed in addition to the icon image suggesting a bonus, the development icon suggesting a bonus is displayed in a position that does not overlap with the other images. In contrast, in a second premonition effect where a curtain is opened to show the player only the icon image suggesting a bonus, the development icon suggesting a bonus can be displayed in a prominent central position to draw the player's attention to the icon image suggesting a bonus.

As shown in Figures 11(c) and (c'), whether it is the first or second premonition effect, the timing at which the suggestive display is made is when the reel reaches the third stop in both effects. In other words, in both the first and second premonition effects, the suggestive display is made at the third stop. Therefore, the player can recognize that the display made at the specified time, the third stop, is a suggestive display to give a hint about a bonus, and in cases where a suggestive display is made in two or more different effects, the player can easily recognize that a suggestive display has been made. In addition, the player can recognize that the suggestive display is made at the specified time, the third stop, and as a result, the player can have a sense of anticipation for the display on the liquid crystal display 51 at the specified time.

As shown in FIG. 11, during the first premonition effect, music A is output from speakers 53, 54, and during the second premonition effect, music B is output from speakers 53, 54. On the other hand, when a suggestive display is performed, regardless of whether it is the first premonition effect or the second premonition effect, an icon display sound is output from speakers 53, 54. In this way, although the sound output when a suggestive display is executed is the same regardless of the type of effect, the sound can be changed depending on the type of effect, which increases the excitement of the game.

In this embodiment, the music A and music B (also called BGM) are output until the premonition effect ends. In other words, the icon display sound is output so as to overlap with the BGM. At this time, the icon display sound may be output so that its volume is louder than the BGM volume. As a method for increasing the volume, the icon display sound may be made louder than the BGM volume without changing the BGM volume, or the volume of the BGM may be made larger by decreasing the BGM volume. In this way, it is possible to make the player more easily aware of the sound of the icon display sound. If the BGM volume is decreased, the volume may be returned to the original volume when the output of the icon display sound is stopped.

Also, when the icon display sound is output, the output of background music may be stopped. In other words, when an icon is displayed, the sound may be switched from background music to the icon display sound. This makes it easier for the player to recognize the sound of the icon display sound, and also makes it easier for the player to recognize that the result of the premonition effect has been displayed, or that the premonition effect has ended.

[Icon (image) displayed in suggestion display]
The icon displayed in the suggestion display will be explained in detail. The development icon, which is a type of icon, is an image with the word "development" written inside a green cloud. In other words, the development icon is composed of the word "development" and a design part that combines the shape and color of a green cloud. As the icon is composed of the word part and the design part, the icon is easy to understand and it is possible to recognize at a glance that a suggestion display has been made.

In this embodiment, the design part is defined as a combination of the shape and color of a green cloud, but it can be any shape, pattern, color, or combination of these that evokes a sense of beauty through the eyes, other than a part that can be recognized as a letter.

In FIG. 11, a development icon is shown as an example of an icon displayed in the suggestion display. However, the types of icons displayed in the suggestion display performed during the premonition performance are not limited to development icons, and multiple types are provided. Here, FIG. 12 will be used to explain the types of icons displayed in the suggestion display performed during the premonition performance. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing common parts and different parts of various icons. FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing common parts of various icons. FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing different parts of various icons.

As shown in FIG. 12(b), there are multiple types of icons, including a development icon, a WIN icon, a hot icon, a CHANCE icon, a ... icon, and a ? ? icon. Which of these icons is displayed depends on whether or not a special benefit such as a bonus or AT that is advantageous to the player has been granted (see FIG. 19), so it can be said that displaying these icons provides a hint regarding the special benefit.

As shown in Figures 11(c) and (c'), the icon is composed of a cloud-like design, letters written inside the cloud, and the color of the cloud. As shown in Figure 12(a), each of the multiple types of icons has the same shape, and all of the icons have a cloud-like design. Also, as shown in Figure 12(b), each of the multiple types of icons has different letters written inside the cloud and different colors of the cloud. For example, the super hot icon is an icon with the letters "super hot" written inside a red cloud, and the CHANCE icon is an icon with the letters "CHANCE" written inside a yellow cloud.

In this way, by providing multiple types of icons to be displayed in the suggestion display, and when multiple types of suggestion displays with different execution modes are executed, making the shape of each icon the same makes it easy to tell that they are icons displayed in the suggestion display, even when different types of suggestion displays are executed, and the player can easily recognize that a suggestion display has been performed. Also, by making the text and color portions of each icon different, the variety in the execution modes of the suggestion displays can be increased, improving the enjoyment of the game.

In this embodiment, for each icon, one character is associated with one color, but colors do not have to be associated with characters. For example, as an icon depicting the character "development," multiple types of icons may be provided, such as a green cloud icon, a rainbow icon, and a red icon. In this way, multiple types of icons may be provided by changing the combination of characters and colors. In such a case, three types of icon data may be prepared: data on shape, data on characters, and data on color, and each data may be combined to create one icon data. In this way, the data capacity of the icon data can be reduced and multiple types of icons can be displayed.

In addition, during both the first and second premonition effects, development icons and the like may be displayed. In other words, suggestive displays may be executed in the same manner. In this way, suggestive displays are executed in the same manner during both premonition effects, so that the player can easily recognize that a suggestive display has been executed, regardless of which premonition effect the suggestive display is executed during.

In addition, whether the icon is a development icon, a super hot icon, a CHANCE icon, a ... icon, or a ? ? icon, the sound output from speakers 53, 54 when the icon is displayed is the same icon display sound. In other words, regardless of the type of suggestion display, the sound output from speakers 53, 54 when a suggestion display is executed is the same icon display sound. Therefore, because the same icon display sound is output regardless of the type of suggestion display, it is easy for the player to recognize that a suggestion display has been executed.

[Continuous performance]
The effects executed during the consecutive effects will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a first consecutive effect which is a battle effect. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a second consecutive effect which is a mission effect.

The first consecutive performance will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13. The first consecutive performance is a battle performance that is executed over four games. In the first consecutive performance, as shown in FIG. 13(a), when the lever is turned on, the words "Battle Begins" are displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. At this time, music C starts to be output from the speakers 53 and 54 as background music related to the first consecutive performance, and continues to be output until the first consecutive performance ends. Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 13(b), an image of a warrior character, who is an ally character, and a devil character, who is an enemy character, facing each other is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. After that, as shown in FIG. 13(c), an image of the warrior character and the devil character fighting is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, and even in the second game and after, an image of the warrior character and the devil character fighting is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

When the third stop of the third game occurs after the first consecutive performance has started, a cut-in performance may or may not occur, as shown in Figures 13(d) and (d'). A cut-in performance is a performance in which a different performance image is suddenly displayed over the currently running performance. In the first consecutive performance, as shown in Figure 13(d), a cut-in performance is a performance in which an image consisting of the words "Chance!" and a warrior character (also called a cut-in image) is displayed over the currently running performance.

As shown in FIG. 13(d), when a cut-in effect is performed, a chance sound is output from speakers 53, 54. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13(d'), when a cut-in effect is not performed, no chance sound is output. After the third stop of the third game, when the lever is turned on for the fourth game, an image of a warrior character fighting a devil character is displayed again on the LCD display 51.

When the third stop of the fourth game is made, if at least one of the bonuses or AT has been awarded, an image of the warrior character making a peace sign is displayed together with an image of the letters "WIN" indicating that the warrior character has won, as shown in FIG. 13(e). When the image of the warrior character winning is displayed, a WIN sound indicating a win is output from speakers 53 and 54.

On the other hand, if neither a bonus nor an AT is awarded, when the third stop of the fourth game is made, an image of the warrior character being defeated is displayed and the background becomes dark, as shown in FIG. 13(e'). When an image of the warrior character being defeated is displayed, a LOSE sound is output from speakers 53 and 54, indicating defeat.

Next, the second consecutive performance will be described in detail using FIG. 14. The second consecutive performance is a mission performance that is executed over two games. In the second consecutive performance, as shown in FIG. 14(a), when the lever is turned on, the characters indicating the mission "Reach the castle" are displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. At this time, song D begins to be output from speakers 53 and 54 as background music related to the second consecutive performance, and continues to be output until the second consecutive performance ends. Then, after a predetermined period of time has passed, an image of a character moving forward on a path is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, as shown in FIG. 14(b).

When the third stop occurs in the game (first game) in which the second consecutive performance begins, as shown in FIG. 14(c), a fork in the road is displayed, and the message "Which way?" appears on the LCD display 51, asking which of the two roads to take.

When the lever is pressed to start the second game, a cut-in effect may or may not be performed, as shown in Figures 14(d) and (d'). In the second consecutive effect, the cut-in image is an image consisting of the words "Right!" and a character, as shown in Figure 14(d).

When the first stop is made after the lever is turned on for the second game, an image of a character moving forward on a path, as shown in FIG. 14(b), is again displayed on the LCD display 51.

When the third stop of the second game is made, if at least one of the bonuses or AT has been awarded, an image of the character raising his arms is displayed together with an image of the word "WIN" indicating that the character has arrived at the castle and accomplished the mission, as shown in FIG. 14(e). When the image of the mission being accomplished is displayed, the same WIN sound is output from speakers 53 and 54 as the sound output when the image of the warrior character winning in the first consecutive performance is displayed.

On the other hand, if neither the bonus nor the AT has been awarded, when the third stop of the second game is made, as shown in FIG. 14(e'), an image is displayed indicating that the mission has not been accomplished, and the background darkens in the same way as when an image of the warrior character being defeated in the first consecutive performance is displayed. When an image indicating that the mission has not been accomplished is displayed, the same LOSE sound is output from speakers 53, 54 as the sound output when an image of the warrior character being defeated in the first consecutive performance is displayed.

The cut-in effect is more likely to be executed when a bonus has been won (see FIG. 16). Therefore, the cut-in effect can be said to be an effect that suggests a bonus, which is an advantageous benefit to the player, by displaying a cut-in image (an image consisting of characters and letters as shown in FIG. 13(d) and FIG. 14(d)).

In addition, in both the first and second consecutive performances, as shown in Figures 13(e) and 14(e), when a bonus or AT is won, a text image "WIN" is displayed. In both the first and second consecutive performances, as shown in Figures 13(e') and 14(e'), when neither a bonus nor an AT is won, the background of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 becomes dark. Therefore, by displaying the text image "WIN" or by darkening the background of the image, it can be said that a hint is given regarding benefits that are advantageous to the player, such as a bonus or an AT.

As shown in Figures 13(e) and 14(e), in both the first and second consecutive performances, the text image "WIN" is displayed in the same size at the same position, the bottom right of the LCD display 51. In other words, the position where the text image "WIN" is displayed is the same whether it is the first or second consecutive performance, so the player can easily recognize that a hint regarding a bonus has been given. Also, in all of the different types of performances, a hint regarding a bonus can be given by displaying the text image "WIN", so various effects can be executed as effects that display the text image "WIN", which results in increased interest in the game.

As shown in FIG. 13(d) and FIG. 14(d), the timing when the cut-in image is displayed in the first consecutive performance is when the third stop occurs, whereas the timing when the cut-in image is displayed in the second consecutive performance is when the lever is turned on. In other words, the cut-in performance is triggered by the third stop during the first consecutive performance, whereas it is triggered by the lever being turned on during the second consecutive performance. In addition, in both the first and second consecutive performances, when a cut-in image is displayed, a common chance sound is output from speakers 53, 54.

In other words, whether it is the first consecutive performance or the second consecutive performance, the sound output from the speakers 53, 54 in association with the cut-in performance is a common sound, the chance sound, so the player can easily recognize that a cut-in performance has been performed. In addition, since the cut-in performance can be performed in any of the different types of performances, various performances can be executed as performances that perform cut-in performances, thereby increasing the interest in the game. In addition, since the trigger for displaying the cut-in image in the first consecutive performance and the trigger for displaying the cut-in image in the second consecutive performance can be made different, it is possible to display an image that suggests a special offer according to the length and content of the performance, and as a result, images that suggest a special offer can be used in various performances, increasing the interest in the game.

In addition, the same chance sound is output when a cut-in effect is executed, whether it is a cut-in effect where a warrior character is displayed or a cut-in effect where a character is displayed. Therefore, since the same sound is output regardless of the type of cut-in effect, it is easy for the player to recognize that a cut-in effect has been executed.

As shown in Figures 13(d) and 14(d), the cut-in image is made up of a text portion and a design portion, which is a character. In this way, because the cut-in image used in the cut-in effect is made up of a text portion and a design portion, it is easy to see that a cut-in effect has been performed, and the player can recognize at a glance that a cut-in effect has been performed.

Also, as shown in Figures 13(e) and 14(e), the same text image "WIN" may be displayed during both the first and second consecutive performances. In other words, the suggestion regarding a bonus is made in the same manner. In this way, because the suggestion regarding a bonus is executed in the same manner during both consecutive performances, the player can easily recognize that the suggestion regarding a bonus is made during either consecutive performance.

Also, as shown in Figures 13(d) and 14(d), the presentation mode of the cut-in performance during the first consecutive performance differs from that during the second consecutive performance in that the warrior character displayed during the first consecutive performance is displayed during the first consecutive performance, whereas the character displayed during the second consecutive performance is displayed during the second consecutive performance. In other words, during the first consecutive performance, the cut-in performance is performed in a mode related to the first consecutive performance, and during the second consecutive performance, the cut-in performance is performed in a mode related to the second consecutive performance. In this way, by executing the cut-in performance in a mode related to the performance, it is possible to execute the cut-in performance in line with the performance, increasing the interest of the game.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, music C is output from speakers 53, 54 during the first consecutive performance, and music D is output from speakers 53, 54 during the second consecutive performance. On the other hand, when the word "WIN" is displayed, a WIN display sound is output from speakers 53, 54 regardless of whether it is the first or second consecutive performance. In this way, although the sound output when a suggestion regarding a bonus is made is the same regardless of the type of performance, the sound can be changed depending on the type of performance, which increases the excitement of the game.

In this embodiment, the songs C and D (also called BGM) are output until the continuous performance ends. In other words, the chance sound, WIN sound, and LOSE sound are output so as to overlap with the BGM. However, for the chance sound output during the continuous performance, the volume of the chance sound may be output so as to be louder than the volume of the BGM, and for the WIN sound and LOSE sound output at the end of the continuous performance, the output of the BGM may be stopped when these sounds are output. In other words, when a sound is output in conjunction with the execution of a suggestion regarding a bonus during the performance, the sound that is constantly output during the performance may not be stopped, and when a sound is output in conjunction with the execution of a suggestion regarding a bonus at the end of the performance, the sound that is constantly output during the performance may be switched to a different sound.

As a method of increasing the volume, the volume of the chance sound may be made louder than the volume of the BGM without changing the volume of the BGM, or the volume of the chance sound may be increased by decreasing the volume of the BGM. In this way, it is possible to make the player more aware of the sound of the chance sound. Also, by outputting the chance sound without stopping the output of the BGM, it is possible to execute a cut-in effect without making the player think that the continuous effect has ended, and it is possible to make the player more aware of the sound of the chance sound. If the volume of the BGM is decreased, the original volume may be restored when the output of the chance sound is stopped or when the cut-in effect ends.

In addition, when a sound related to a bonus, such as a win sound or a lose sound, is output at the end of the performance, the background music may be switched to the sound related to the bonus. This makes it easier for the player to recognize the sound related to the bonus, and also makes it easier for the player to recognize that the performance is ending.

When sounds related to special offers (such as a win sound or a lose sound) are output, instead of stopping the background music, the volume of the sounds related to special offers may be made louder than the volume of the background music.

[How to determine the effects during CZ]
The execution method of each effect that the sub-control unit 91 executes during the CZ shown in Figs. 11, 13, and 14 will be described. In this embodiment, the AT lottery is executed when a lottery target role that is won simultaneously with a bonus (specifically, a middle cherry, a strong cherry, a strong watermelon, a weak cherry, and a weak cherry) is won (see Figs. 8 and 10). Therefore, when the AT lottery is performed, there are cases in which neither the AT nor the bonus is won, only the AT is won, only the bonus is won, and both the AT and the bonus are won. The sub-control unit 91 notifies that either the AT or the bonus has been won, or that neither the AT or the bonus has been won, by executing a premonition effect and a continuous effect. In other words, the premonition effect and the continuous effect can be said to be an example of an announcement effect that notifies the player that a special benefit such as an AT or a bonus has been given.

When an AT lottery is performed during a CZ, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a continuous performance will be performed, the content of the continuous performance, whether or not an omen performance will be performed, and the content of the omen performance. The sub-control unit 91 then executes the performance across multiple games according to the determined content. As the content of the continuous performance, the sub-control unit 91 determines which of the first and second continuous performances will be executed, and whether or not a cut-in performance will be executed. As the content of the omen performance, the sub-control unit 91 determines which of the first and second omen performances will be executed, how many games (how many times) the omen performance will be executed, and the icon to be displayed in each omen performance.

The sub-control unit 91 can determine that an AT lottery has been held during a CZ based on the CZ command and the AT lottery command sent from the main control unit 41. It can then determine that either the AT or a bonus has been won based on the internal win command and the AT lottery command. The sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a continuous performance will be performed, the content of the continuous performance, whether or not a premonition performance will be performed, and the content of the premonition performance based on the internal win command and the AT lottery command.

[Continuous performance decision]
A method for determining whether or not to execute a continuous performance and the contents of the continuous performance will be described with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a continuous performance determination table. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a cut-in performance determination table. When the sub-control unit 91 receives an AT lottery command, it determines whether to not execute a continuous performance, execute a first continuous performance, or execute a second continuous performance with the probability shown in the continuous performance determination table shown in Fig. 15.

The sub-control unit 91 can determine whether or not a bonus (BB) has been won based on the internal winning command, and when a bonus has been won, it always executes a continuous performance. On the other hand, when a bonus has not been won, the sub-control unit 91 decides not to execute a continuous performance with a 70% probability. Furthermore, when a bonus has been won, the sub-control unit 91 decides to execute the first continuous performance with a higher probability than the second continuous performance, and when a bonus has not been won, it decides to execute the second continuous performance with a higher probability than the first continuous performance. In other words, when the first continuous performance is executed, there is a higher expectation of winning a bonus than when the second continuous performance is executed. Therefore, in addition to whether or not a continuous performance will be executed, the player's attention can also be drawn to which continuous performance will be executed.

In addition, when comparing the first and second consecutive performances, the second consecutive performance is executed for a longer period than the first consecutive performance. In this way, by making the period of the second consecutive performance, in which the possibility of winning a bonus is lower than that of the first consecutive performance, shorter than that of the first consecutive performance, it is possible to prevent a performance with low expectations from being executed for a long period of time.

Furthermore, when it is decided to execute a continuous performance, the sub-control unit 91 decides whether or not to execute a cut-in performance during the continuous performance in accordance with the probability shown in the cut-in performance decision table shown in FIG. 16. For example, if a bonus is won, it decides to execute a cut-in performance with an 80% probability, and decides to execute a cut-in performance with a 20% probability. As shown in FIG. 16, if a bonus is won, there is a high probability that a cut-in performance will be executed. Therefore, it is possible to draw the player's attention to whether or not a cut-in performance will be executed during the continuous performance.

[Premonition effect determination]
A method for determining whether or not to execute a premonition effect and the contents of the premonition effect will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Figure 17 is a diagram showing a premonition effect determination table. Figure 18 is a diagram showing a premonition period determination table. Figure 19 is a diagram showing an icon determination table. After making a decision regarding the continuous effects, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether to not execute a premonition effect, to execute a first premonition effect, or to execute a second premonition effect with the probability shown in the premonition effect determination table shown in Figure 17.

The sub-control unit 91 can determine whether or not the AT and BB have been won based on the AT selection command and the internal winning command. A decision regarding the execution of a premonition effect is made with different probabilities depending on whether both the AT and BB have been won, whether only the BB has been won, whether only the AT has been won, or whether neither the AT nor BB has been won. For example, if both the AT and BB have been won, the sub-control unit 91 decides not to execute a premonition effect with a 10% probability, decides to execute a first premonition effect with a 70% probability, and decides to execute a second premonition effect with a 20% probability.

As shown in FIG. 17, when either the AT or the BB is won, it is determined that either the first or the second premonition effect will be executed with a higher probability than when neither the AT nor the BB is won. This makes it possible to draw the player's attention to whether or not the premonition effect itself will be executed.

In addition, if both the AT and BB are won, the probability of the first premonition effect being executed is higher than the probability of the second premonition effect being executed, compared to when only one of them is won. Therefore, in addition to whether or not a premonition effect will be executed, the player's attention can also be drawn to which premonition effect will be executed.

When it is decided to execute the premonition effect, the sub-control unit 91 determines how many games (how many times) the premonition effect will be executed according to the probability shown in the premonition period determination table shown in FIG. 18. For example, if both the AT and BB are won, there is a 10% probability of deciding on 1 game, a 30% probability of deciding on 2 games, and a 60% probability of deciding on 3 games. As shown in FIG. 18, if neither the AT nor the BB is won, there is a higher probability of 1 game being selected as the premonition period compared to when either the AT or BB is won. Also, if the BB is won, there is a higher probability of 2 or more games being selected compared to when the AT is won, and in particular the probability of 3 games is higher compared to when the AT is won. Therefore, it is possible to draw attention to the period during which the premonition effect is executed.

The sub-control unit 91 determines the type of icon to be displayed during the premonition effect based on whether or not to execute a continuous effect, the duration of the premonition effect, and the type of bonus granted. In this embodiment, when a continuous effect is not executed, the icon to be displayed during the premonition effect is determined using the icon determination table shown in FIG. 19(a)-(c). On the other hand, when a premonition effect is executed, the icon to be displayed during the premonition effect is determined using the icon determination table shown in FIG. 19(d)-(f). Which icon determination table to use, FIG. 19(a)-(c) or FIG. 19(d)-(f), is determined based on the duration of the premonition effect. For example, when it is determined that a continuous effect is not executed and that the premonition period is set to two games, the icon to be displayed during the premonition effect is determined according to the second display icon determination table shown in FIG. 19(b).

In the display icon column in the figure, "...", "WIN", "??", "CHANCE", "Development" and "Super Hot" each refer to the icon displayed at the third stop during the premonition effect. Also, when the premonition effect is played multiple times, the icon displayed during each game is indicated by the leftmost icon being the icon displayed at the third stop of the first game, and the next icon shown via an arrow being the icon displayed at the third stop of the second game. For example, "??" → "??" → "..." indicates that the ? ? icon will be displayed at the third stop of the first game, the ? ? icon will be displayed at the third stop of the second game, and the ... icon will be displayed at the third stop of the third game.

For example, when it has been determined that consecutive effects will not be performed and that premonition effects will be performed for two games, and an AT has been won, the sub-control unit 91 will determine with a 30% probability to display a ? ? icon in the first game and a WIN icon in the second game, and will determine with a 70% probability to display a CHANCE icon in the first game and a WIN icon in the second game.

As can be seen by comparing Figures 19(a)-(c) and Figures 19(d)-(f), when a continuous effect is executed, a development icon is displayed in the final game in which the premonition effect is executed. Also, as shown in Figures 19(a)-(c), if the AT is won in the final game in which the premonition effect is executed, a WIN icon is displayed. On the other hand, if neither the AT nor the BB is won, a ... icon is displayed. In other words, the WIN icon is an icon indicating that a bonus has been awarded, and the ... icon is an icon indicating that no bonus has been awarded.

As shown in Figures 19(b), (c), (e), and (f), the probability that the CHANCE icon will be displayed is higher when at least one of the AT and BB is won than when it is lost. This allows the player to have high expectations that the CHANCE icon will be displayed.

As shown in Figures 19(e) and (f), if neither the AT nor the BB is won, the super hot icon is not displayed. In other words, the display of the super hot icon indicates that at least one of the AT and BB has been won. Also, as shown in Figures 19(e) and (f), the probability of the super hot icon being displayed is higher when both the AT and BB have been won than when only one of them has been won. This makes it possible for the player to look forward to the super hot icon being displayed.

In this way, the type of icon indicates benefits such as AT and BB. This makes it possible to draw the player's attention to the type of icon.

[Data stored by the sub-controller]
The sub-control unit 91 stores in the RAM 91c, as data related to the continuous performance, video data for making the word "WIN" shine (see FIG. 13(e) and FIG. 14(e)), image data for darkening the background (see FIG. 13(e') and FIG. 14(e')), and video data used in the cut-in performance (see FIG. 13(d) and FIG. 14(d)). In addition, as other data related to the continuous performance, video data for a performance that is common regardless of whether or not a special benefit is given (see FIG. 13(a)-(d') and FIG. 14(a)-(d')) and video data for a performance that differs depending on whether or not a special benefit is given (see FIG. 13(e), (e'), and FIG. 14(e), (e')).

The sub-controller 91 executes the continuous performances shown in Figs. 13 and 14 by combining the content of the performance determined according to the tables in Figs. 15 and 16 with various video data stored in RAM 91c. For example, if it is determined that a cut-in performance is to be executed in the first continuous performance when a bonus has been awarded, the sub-controller 91 uses, at predetermined timings, the video data of the first continuous performance that is common regardless of whether a bonus has been awarded, the video data of the cut-in performance used in the first continuous performance, the video data of the first continuous performance that is specific to when a bonus has been awarded, and the video data that makes the word "WIN" shine.

In this way, by providing video data for displaying the text image "WIN" that is executed regardless of whether it is the first or second consecutive performance, this video data can be used in common for different performances, thereby reducing the data capacity. Also, by storing video data that is used in common regardless of whether a bonus has been awarded, video data for performances that differ depending on whether a bonus has been awarded, and video data that is used in common regardless of the type of consecutive performance separately in RAM 91c and using them in combination, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is a slot machine that can provide a variety of performances while reducing the amount of video data stored.

For premonition effects, as well as for continuous effects, the sub-control unit 91 stores in RAM 91c common video data regardless of the type of icon to be displayed, as well as video data that displays the icon, and stores video data that displays the icon in RAM 91c for each type of icon.

The sub-control unit 91 determines the area in which to display the video data showing the icon and the display size of the video data based on the type of premonition effect. For example, when displaying an icon in the first premonition effect, the display size is made smaller than when displaying an icon in the second premonition effect, and the video data is output so that the icon is displayed above the center of the LCD display 51, rather than in the center.

In this way, by providing video data for displaying the icon that is executed regardless of whether it is the first premonition effect or the second premonition effect, this video data can be used in common for different effects, thereby reducing the data capacity. Also, by storing common video data regardless of the type of icon to be displayed and video data displaying the icon separately in RAM 91c and using them in combination, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is a slot machine that can perform a variety of effects while reducing the amount of video data stored.

In the present embodiment, the example of storing video data separately into data used in common and data used individually is given, but image data, sound data, etc. may also be stored separately into data used in common for each performance and data used individually for each performance.

[Modification]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Other modifications of the above-described embodiment that can be applied to the present invention will be described below.

[Common points when displaying images used to suggest benefits in different productions]
In this embodiment, when an icon, which is an image used to suggest a special offer, is displayed during the first and second premonition performances, the sound, the mode of the icon, and the trigger for displaying the icon are all common. Also, when a cut-in image, which is an image used to suggest a special offer, is displayed during the first and second consecutive performances, the sound, the size, and the position for displaying the icon are all common. Also, when a character image of "WIN", which is an image used to suggest a special offer, is displayed during the first and second consecutive performances, the sound, the size, the position, the timing, and the mode of the image are all common. However, when an image used to suggest a special offer is displayed during different performances, at least one of the sound, the mode, the position, the trigger, and the size of the image is all common to each performance.

[Images used to suggest benefits]
In this embodiment, the icon displayed in the suggestion display has a text portion as a component, such as the "development icon," but it may be an icon consisting of only a design portion without including a text portion. For example, a specific character may be used as the icon displayed in the suggestion display. In addition, in the continuous performance, a text image "WIN" is displayed, but an image consisting of only a design portion, such as a character making a V sign, may be displayed in the first continuous performance and the second continuous performance. Similarly, in the cut-in performance, an image consisting of only a design portion, a specific character, may be displayed as a cut-in image. In this way, since the image used to suggest a bonus consists of only a design portion, the image is easy to understand, and the player can recognize at a glance that a bonus suggestion has been made.

In this embodiment, the CHANCE icon or super hot icon used in the premonition effect may be used as a cut-in image during the consecutive effects. Also, instead of the text image "WIN" during the consecutive effects, a WIN icon used in the premonition effect may be used. Also, in Figures 13(e') and 14(e') where a LOSE sound is output, the ... icon used in the premonition effect may be displayed. In this way, since the image used to suggest a bonus consists of a text portion and a design portion, the image is easy to understand and the player can recognize at a glance that a bonus suggestion has been made.

In this embodiment, the same icon is displayed during both the first and second premonition effects, and the suggestive display is executed in the same manner. However, the suggestive display may be executed in a manner related to each of the first and second premonition effects. For example, in the case of opening a treasure chest as in the first premonition effect, a gold coin may be displayed to suggest that a special offer has been granted. On the other hand, in the case of opening a curtain as in the second premonition effect, the shape of a cloud may be displayed to suggest that a special offer has been granted. Even in such a case, if any one of the sound, display position, and display timing when the suggestive display is executed is the same, the player can easily recognize that it is a suggestive display. In this way, by executing the suggestive display in a manner related to the effect, the suggestive display can be executed in line with the effect, and the interest of the game is increased.

In addition, in this embodiment, the same text image "WIN" is displayed during both the first and second consecutive performances, and the image used to give a suggestion regarding a bonus is the same. However, the image may be different during the first and second consecutive performances. For example, the text image "WIN" may be displayed in association with the battle performance during the first consecutive performance, and the text image "ARRIVAL" may be displayed in association with the mission performance during the second consecutive performance. In this way, by executing the suggestion display in an aspect related to the performance, the suggestion regarding the bonus can be executed using an image in line with the performance, increasing the interest of the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the appearance of the cut-in image is different during the first consecutive performance and the second consecutive performance. However, the appearance of the cut-in image may be the same during the first consecutive performance and the second consecutive performance. For example, if an image of a specific character is used as the cut-in image, the image of the specific character may be used as the cut-in image in any consecutive performance. In this way, the cut-in performance is performed in the same manner regardless of the type of performance, so the player can easily recognize that what has been performed is a cut-in performance, regardless of which performance the cut-in performance is performed in.

In addition, in this embodiment, the cut-in image, the word image "WIN" and the icon are given as examples of images used to suggest the bonus, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, an image showing the operation mode of the derived operation means such as the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R displayed during the navigation performance may be used. In the case where the navigation is executed when the push order replay or the push order bell is won, the execution of the navigation performance suggests that the bonus of the medal payout or the replay game has been granted. In other words, by displaying an image that can identify the operation mode of the derived operation means such as the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R displayed during the navigation performance, it is suggested that the bonus of the medal payout or the replay game has been granted. In a gaming machine that can execute multiple types of performances during the navigation performance, when an image that can identify the operation mode of the operation means is displayed during any performance, at least one of the sound when the image is displayed, the trigger for displaying the image, the position where the image is displayed, and the size of the image may be the same. In addition, the mode when the image is displayed (including the sound, the mode, position, and size of the image displayed) may be changed between when the push order bell is won and when the push order replay is won.

[Sound output from speaker]
In this embodiment, the sound being common means that at least the tone and pitch are the same, and the volume may be changed. For example, the icon display sound output during the first and second consecutive performances may be at least the same tone and pitch. In a gaming machine in which the player can adjust the volume, the volume may be set to be different when the first premonition performance is performed and when the second premonition performance is performed. Even in such a case, by making the tone and pitch of the sound output when the suggestive display is performed the same, it is possible to recognize that the suggestive display is being performed.

[Sounds output for each type of image used to suggest benefits]
In this embodiment, the same icon display sound is output from the speakers 53, 54 regardless of whether the WIN icon, development icon, hot icon, CHANCE icon, ... icon, or ?? icon is displayed, but the sound output from the speakers 53, 54 may be changed depending on the type of icon displayed. Specifically, when the development icon is displayed, the icon display sound A may be output, and when the hot icon is displayed, the icon display sound B may be output. In this way, since the sound output differs for each type of suggestion display, a variety of effects can be executed, and the interest of the game is increased.

In addition, during the continuous performance, a WIN sound is output when the text image "WIN" is displayed. However, the text image "LOSE" may also be displayed in the performances of FIG. 13(e') and FIG. 14(e'), which are executed when neither the bonus nor the AT is won. In this case, the same sound may be output whether the text image "WIN" or the text image "LOSE" is displayed. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that a hint regarding a bonus has been given.

Also, in the cut-in performance, any one of a number of types of cut-in images may be displayed, and the sound output in response to the display of the cut-in image may be different for each type of cut-in image. However, if the same type of cut-in image is displayed in the first and second consecutive performances, the same sound is output from speakers 53, 54. For example, a cut-in image in which character A is displayed and a cut-in image in which character B is displayed may be provided, and chance sound A may be output when a cut-in image of character A is displayed, and chance sound B may be output when a cut-in image of character B is displayed. In this way, since the sound output differs for each type of cut-in image, a variety of performances can be executed, increasing the interest of the game.

[About the BGM]
In this embodiment, the BGM is different during the first premonition performance, the second premonition performance, the first consecutive performance, and the second consecutive performance, but the same BGM may be output during all performances. Also, instead of BGM, the voice of the character may be changed in a performance in which the character speaks.

[Occasion for displaying images used to suggest benefits]
In this embodiment, the trigger for displaying the image used to suggest the bonus is when the third stop is made or when the lever is turned on, but the trigger may be when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the continuous performance or the premonition performance. In addition, a performance that encourages the operation of the performance switch 56 may be performed, and the image used to suggest the bonus may be displayed when the performance switch 56 is operated. For example, in the first performance in which the expectation of the bonus is higher than in the second performance, the image used to suggest the bonus may be displayed when an operation of an operation means that is not related to the progress of the game, such as the performance switch 56, is performed, and in the second performance, the image used to suggest the bonus may be displayed when an operation of an operation means that is related to the progress of the game, such as the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, is performed.

[First and second performances]
In this embodiment, the first performance is the first premonition performance and the first consecutive performance, and the second performance is the second premonition performance and the second consecutive performance, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a common icon may be displayed during the premonition performance and the consecutive performance. Specifically, the WIN icon, ... icon, CHANCE icon, and super hot icon, which indicate that the AT used during the premonition performance has been won, may be used during the consecutive performance.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first and second effects are effects that suggest the same benefit, namely a bonus, like the first and second consecutive effects, respectively, but the benefits suggested by the first and second effects may be different. For example, the first effect may suggest that a bonus has been won as a benefit by displaying an image, and the second effect may suggest that a CZ has been won as a benefit by displaying an image.

In this embodiment, the indications regarding the bonus are those suggesting that the AT has been won, that the BB has been won, or that both the AT and the BB have been won, respectively. However, it may also be possible to suggest that the CZ has been won or the number of CZ games that have been awarded. It may also be possible to suggest that the AT has been won or the number of AT games that have been awarded.

In addition, in slot machines that control the game to AT or CZ from the next game if the AT or CZ is won during a non-CZ and notify the player that the game is controlled to an advantageous state such as AT or CZ, a presentation may be provided at the time of transition to the AT or CZ indicating whether the game has transitioned to AT or CZ.

[Image display position]
In this embodiment, when the position at which an image is displayed is common, an example is shown in which the size of the image is also common, as shown in Figures 13(e) and 14(e). However, even if the sizes of the images are different, they are considered to be in the same position as long as they are positioned so that the center of the image is in the same position.

[Gaming machines]
In the embodiment, a slot machine that pays out gaming media to a player when a winning prize is won has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but an enclosed type slot machine that adds gaming points (scores) without paying out gaming media to a player when a winning prize is won may also be adopted. A gaming machine may be one in which a base and a drum are available and have a common housing, and the base alone or the base and drum are referred to as a gaming machine. Alternatively, the slot machine may be one that has a gaming area in which gaming balls can be shot and played, and in which the number of bets can be set according to the passing of the gaming balls through a predetermined area provided in the gaming area.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, a slot machine was described that has a plurality of reels capable of variably displaying a plurality of identifiable patterns, derives a display result by stopping the variable display of the reels after the reels are variably displayed, and can generate a winning prize according to a combination of the display results of the plurality of reels. That is, a slot machine was described that has a plurality of variable display sections capable of variably displaying a plurality of identifiable identification information, derives a display result by stopping the variable display of the variable display sections after the variable display sections are variably displayed, and can generate a winning prize according to a combination of the display results of the plurality of variable display sections. However, as long as the slot machine has a variable display section capable of variably displaying a plurality of identifiable identification information, derives a display result by stopping the variable display of the variable display sections after the variable display sections are variably displayed, and can generate a winning prize according to the display result, it is not limited to a slot machine with three reels, and may be a slot machine with only one reel or a slot machine with multiple reels other than three.

It may also be a so-called pachinko game machine. A performance display device made of a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area of the pachinko game machine. When a game ball enters a predetermined winning hole, the special variable display device displays at least one of the special first special pattern and the second special pattern, and the performance display device displays (also called variable display, update display, or cyclic display) a performance pattern (decorative pattern) synchronized with the variable display of at least one of the first special pattern and the second special pattern. The variable display of the performance pattern is executed in various variable modes such as scroll display and on-the-spot switching display. The performance display device corresponds to a variable display device that displays the performance patterns (decorative patterns) as multiple types of identification information that can be identified. In the performance display device, a performance pattern display area that displays the performance patterns on the display screen is provided, and the performance pattern display area has a pattern display area as a display area that displays three (multiple) performance patterns, for example, "left", "middle", and "right". Each of these three performance patterns is a performance pattern that serves as multiple types of identification information that can identify each of them.

When a pachinko game machine receives a game ball in a designated winning slot but does not meet a designated start condition (when the game is not in a jackpot game and the variable display resulting from the reserved memory from the previous start winning has ended), the game machine stores the ball as reserved memory information within a designated upper limit (for example, 4 balls). Here, reserved memory information is information for specifying, for example, whether or not to control the game to a specific game state (for example, a jackpot state).

A pachinko gaming machine is equipped with a main control unit that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit that controls the presentation. In addition to a ball-hitting operation handle that shoots the ball (game ball), the pachinko gaming machine is equipped with a screen operation switch (corresponding to the screen operation switch 205), a stick controller, and a trigger button (corresponding to the presentation switch 56). The screen operation switch, stick controller, and trigger button are electrically connected to the sub-control unit so that the sub-control unit of the pachinko gaming machine can detect the operation of the screen operation switch, stick controller, and trigger button.

The liquid crystal display device (LCD) displays the effects described in Figures 11, 13, and 14 as effects suggesting a transition to a jackpot state. The trigger for displaying an image suggesting that it has been decided to control the state to a jackpot may be the passage of a predetermined period of time since the start of the variable display, or the operation of an operating means such as a screen operation switch, a stick controller, or a trigger button.

In any of the different types of presentations, when an image is displayed to indicate that the privilege of controlling the player to a jackpot state has been granted, at least one of the following needs to be common: the sound output when the image is displayed, the trigger for displaying the image, the position at which the image is displayed, and the size of the image.

[About the benefits]
In the above example, the bonuses are exemplified as values that directly affect the payout rate of medals and pachinko balls, such as winning the BB, winning the AT, and the number of AT games that can be controlled by the AT. However, the bonuses may be values that improve the degree of advantage for the player, and may be values that do not directly affect the payout rate of medals. Specifically, when a high probability state in which the AT is won is provided in the AT lottery with a higher probability than normal, the bonuses may be executed to suggest whether the current state is a high probability state or not, a premium effect (such as the appearance of a special character or the execution of a special bonus effect during the next bonus that occurs) is executed with a voice on the liquid crystal display 51, a setting value suggestion effect is executed to suggest the set value that has been set, points that can be exchanged for services determined by the gaming facility where the slot machine 1 is installed by collecting a certain number of points, and a two-dimensional code that can be downloaded from a specified website and special video and bonus information may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

In addition, the number of AT games has been given as an example of a privilege, but the privilege related to the AT is not limited to this, and for example, the privilege may be the right (navigation stock) to control the AT for a predetermined number of games (for example, 50 games). In addition, when the number of times that a navigation performance can be executed is determined, and the AT is controlled until the navigation performance is executed the determined number of times that a navigation performance can be executed, the number of times that a navigation performance can be executed may be the privilege. In addition, for example, when an upper limit amount is determined, and the AT is controlled until the granted gaming value (number of medals paid out) reaches the determined upper limit amount, the upper limit amount may be the privilege. In addition, when the AT is controlled from when a predetermined AT start condition is established until when a predetermined AT end condition is established, and a continuation lottery is held to determine whether or not to continue the AT when the AT end condition is established, the continuation probability determined to continue in the continuation lottery may be the privilege.

[About advantageous situations]
In the above example, examples of advantageous states for slot machines include big bonus (BB) and AT, which make the probability of winning a small prize higher than when the state is a specified state, but these are not limited to these as long as they are advantageous to the player, and an example of a slot machine will be explained below.

The advantageous state may be, for example, a regular bonus (RB) or replay time (RT) in which the probability of winning a predetermined winning role is high, a state of concentration of small roles, a challenge time (CT) in which the reel-in range of at least one reel is narrower than usual and all small roles are allowed to occur in every game, or a pseudo bonus that does not change the probability of winning a winning role but notifies the operation procedure for winning a winning small role for a predetermined period (for example, until 50 games are played). In addition, it may be a state in which the probability of being controlled to these advantageous states is high, or a state in which the probability of being controlled to a freeze state is high, a state in which the number of games such as the number of AT games is added with a high probability, or a state in which the number of games added to the AT is easily increased, which is different from the above embodiment, may be set. In addition, it may be a state in which the probability of achieving the conditions for obtaining a privilege on a communication line network or the conditions for executing a premium-feeling performance (freeze performance, premium performance, etc.) is high, which is a privilege that is indirectly advantageous to the player, or a state that increases the interest of the game. In addition, the means for determining whether or not to permit a transition to an advantageous state is not limited to an internal lottery process, and may be a means for making the decision independent of the winning combination.

Furthermore, an advantageous state may be, for example, a state in which at least one of the "probability of granting a bonus" and the "value of the bonus (or expected amount of bonus) granted when it is decided that a bonus will be granted" in a bonus granting lottery that determines whether or not to grant a bonus is higher than in a normal state (a state different from an advantageous state). An advantageous state may also be a state in which the number of opportunities to execute a bonus granting lottery is greater than in the normal state. An advantageous state may also be a state in which the number of games required to be played to grant a bonus is less than in the normal state.

For example, if the bonus is the number of AT games, an advantageous state may be a state in which at least one of the "probability of winning the AT in the AT lottery" and the "value of the number of AT games awarded if the AT is won in the AT lottery" is higher than in the normal state. Also, an advantageous state may be a state in which the number of triggers for the execution of the AT lottery is greater than in the normal state. For example, if the trigger for the execution of the AT lottery in the normal state is the winning of the first role and the winning of the second role, the trigger for the execution of the AT lottery in the advantageous state may be the winning of the third role in addition to the winning of the first role and the winning of the second role.

[About the production and announcements]
In the above-mentioned example, the LCD display 51 is used to perform effects and give notifications, but effects may also be performed by means other than those in the above embodiment, such as speakers 53, 54, back lamps (reel LEDs 55 in the above embodiment) arranged on the back side (inside) of the reels, a transparent LCD display arranged on the front side of the reels (an LCD display configured to allow the reels to be visually observed), lamps or LEDs attached to the front door 1b or the like, vibration of the stop switch, air blowing from around the stop switch, changes in temperature of the stop switch, etc.

[About AT]
In the above slot machine example, the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT. The control related to the AT executed by the main control unit 41 includes the execution of the AT lottery. The AT lottery may include the determination of whether the AT lottery is won or not, the determination of whether the number of AT games is stocked, the determination of the number of AT games, and the lottery for adding the number of AT games. In addition, the control related to the AT includes the control of the high probability state of the AT lottery. The control of the high probability state of the AT lottery includes the control of increasing the probability of winning the AT lottery, the control of shortening the period until the control to the AT is performed according to the result of the internal lottery, and the control of favoring the winning probability and the number of games of the additional lottery. In addition, the control related to the AT includes the control of the AT when a specified number of games are played. The time when the specified number of games are played includes the time when the ceiling number of games is reached and the time when the number of games determined by the lottery is reached. In addition, the control related to the AT includes the control of setting a premonition period. The control of setting a premonition period includes the control of performing the performance of, for example, 0 to 32 games in the premonition period before the start of the AT. Another example of the control related to AT is the control of applying a penalty. The control of applying a penalty includes the determination of the penalty content and the determination or setting of the penalty period. Another example of the control related to AT is the control performed by the main control unit 41 of turning on a lamp or LED indicating that AT is in progress.

As another example of control related to the AT, the main control unit 41 may control the lighting of lamps and LEDs for executing the navigation performance. Furthermore, the sub-control unit 91 may execute the navigation performance in conjunction with the main control unit 41 executing the navigation performance. Furthermore, when the main control unit 41 improves the lottery probability, for example when controlling the AT lottery to a high probability state, the main control unit 41 may notify this by controlling the lighting of lamps and LEDs (such as the game support display 12). More specifically, the main control unit 41 may notify the game support display 12 of the control to the high probability state of the AT lottery by executing the navigation performance a predetermined number of times. Alternatively, the main control unit 41 may notify the game support display 12 of the control to the high probability state of the AT lottery by having the sub-control unit 91 execute the navigation performance a predetermined number of times.

When the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT, it is preferable to have the processing of the main control unit 41 executed by a control unit that is subordinate to the main control unit 41 and is subordinate to the main control unit 41. For example, the reel stop control can be executed by a control unit provided on a board other than the game control board, and the main control unit 41 can transfer the operation signal of the stop switch to that control unit. In this way, by having the control of the main control unit 41 be executed by a subordinate control unit, it is possible to prevent insufficient capacity of the ROM 41b and RAM 41c and insufficient processing power of the main CPU 41a when executing control related to the AT.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT, but the sub-control unit 91 may execute the control. The sub-control unit 91 may, for example, execute an AT lottery process or an additional lottery process based on an internal winning command from the main control unit 41, and depending on the result, execute a process for controlling the AT or a process for executing a navigation effect.

[About setting change status and setting confirmation status]
The setting confirmation state may be transitioned to when the setting key switch is ON and the front door is open. This can prevent unauthorized setting confirmation when the front door is not open. Once the setting confirmation state is transitioned to, the setting confirmation state may be maintained regardless of whether the front door is open or closed until the termination condition for terminating the setting confirmation state (setting key switch being turned OFF) is met. This can prevent the setting confirmation state from ending even if the front door is closed during the setting confirmation state, thereby preventing the trouble of transitioning to the setting confirmation state again.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[Summary of the embodiment and modifications]
The gaming machines described in the above embodiment and modified examples have the following configuration.

A gaming machine (e.g., a slot machine 1) capable of playing a game,
A suggestion display means (for example, a sub-control unit 91 that displays a suggestion for displaying a development icon) for displaying a suggestion for a benefit by displaying an image (for example, a development icon shown in FIG. 11(c));
a sound output means (e.g., speakers 53, 54) for outputting sound;
a performance execution means capable of executing any one of a plurality of types of performances including a first performance and a second performance (for example, a sub-control unit 91 that executes a first premonition performance and a second premonition performance as shown in FIG. 11 );
The suggestion display means is capable of executing the suggestion display during either the first performance or the second performance (for example, as shown in FIG. 11(c) and (c'), it is possible to perform a suggestion display for displaying a development icon during either the first premonition performance or the second premonition performance);
The same sound is output by the sound output means when the suggestion display is executed during the first performance and when the suggestion display is executed during the second performance (for example, as shown in Figures 11 (c) and (c'), when a suggestion display displaying a development icon is performed during either the first premonition performance or the second premonition performance, an icon display sound is output from speakers 53, 54).

The image displayed by the suggestion display means comprises a text portion (for example, the text portion "development") and a design portion (for example, a design portion that combines the shape and color of a green cloud).

The suggestion display means executes the suggestion display by displaying the image in the same position when executing the suggestion display during the first performance and when executing the suggestion display during the second performance (for example, as shown in Figures 13(e) and 14(e), in both the first and second consecutive performances, the text image "WIN" is displayed in the same position, the bottom right of the liquid crystal display 51).

The suggestion display means executes the suggestion display at the same trigger when executing the suggestion display during the first performance and when executing the suggestion display during the second performance (for example, as shown in Figures 11(c) and (c'), the suggestion display is executed at the third stop in either the first premonition performance or the second premonition performance).

The suggestion display means executes the suggestion display by displaying the image at a different size when the suggestion display is executed during the first performance and when the suggestion display is executed during the second performance (for example, as shown in Figures 11(c) and (c'), the suggestion display is executed by changing the size of the development icon displayed in the first premonition performance and the size of the development icon displayed in the second premonition performance).

The suggestion display means executes the suggestion display by displaying the image in different positions when executing the suggestion display during the first performance and when executing the suggestion display during the second performance (for example, as shown in Figures 11 (c) and (c'), in the first premonition performance, the development icon is displayed above the center of the LCD display 51, whereas in the second premonition performance, the suggestion display is executed so that the development icon is displayed in the center of the LCD display 51).

The suggestion display means executes the suggestion display at different triggers when executing the suggestion display during the first performance and when executing the suggestion display during the second performance (for example, as shown in Figures 13(d) and 14(d), a cut-in performance is triggered by the third stop during the first consecutive performance, whereas it is triggered by lever-on during the second consecutive performance).

The image displayed by the suggestion display means consists of only the design portion (for example, a specific character listed in the "Image used to suggest benefits" column of the modified example is used as the icon displayed in the suggestion display).

The suggestion display means executes the suggestion display in the same manner during the first performance and during the second performance (for example, the same development icon is displayed during both the first premonition performance and the second premonition performance).

The suggestion display means includes:
During the first performance, the suggestion display is executed in a first manner related to the first performance;
During the second performance, the suggestion display is executed in a second manner related to the second performance (as described in the ``Images used to suggest benefits'' column of the modified example, in a treasure chest performance, a suggestion display is made by displaying gold coins, and in a curtain performance, a suggestion display is made by the shape of clouds suggesting the granting of a benefit).

The suggestion display means is capable of executing a plurality of types of suggestion displays including a first suggestion display (e.g., a suggestion display that displays a development icon) and a second suggestion display that is different in form from the first suggestion display (e.g., a suggestion display that displays a super hot icon),
The sound output means includes:
A first sound (for example, an icon display sound A described in the “Sound output for each type of image used for suggesting a benefit” column of the modified example) is output in association with the execution of the first suggestion display;
A second sound (for example, icon display sound B described in the column "Sounds output for each type of image used to suggest benefits" in the modified example) is output in conjunction with the execution of the second suggestion display.

There are multiple types of suggestion displays (for example, a suggestion display that displays a development icon and a suggestion display that displays a hot icon),
Regardless of the type of suggestive display, the sound output by the sound output means when the suggestive display is executed is the same (for example, the same icon display sound is output when an icon is displayed, regardless of the type of icon to be displayed).

It further includes a storage means (RAM 91c for storing video data for displaying icons) for storing video data for executing the suggestion display.

The suggestion display means is capable of executing a plurality of types of suggestion displays including a first suggestion display (e.g., the WIN icon in FIG. 12 ) and a second suggestion display having a different aspect from the first suggestion display (e.g., the … icon in FIG. 12 );
The image displayed by the suggestion display means includes a design portion including a shape portion (e.g., a cloud-like design shape) and a color portion (e.g., the color of the clouds), as well as a character portion (e.g., characters drawn in the clouds);
The first suggestion display and the second suggestion display have the shape portion of the image displayed by the suggestion display means in common, but the text portion and the color portion are different (as shown in Figure 12, the WIN icon and the ... icon have the same cloud-like design, but the color of the cloud and the text drawn within the cloud are different).

The sound output means includes:
During the first performance, a first performance sound (for example, music A) is output;
During the second performance, a second performance sound (for example, music B) is output.

1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reels, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switches, 40 game control board, 41 main control unit, 41a main CPU, 41b ROM, 41c RAM, 42 random number circuit, 43 pulse oscillator, 51 liquid crystal display, 56 performance switch, 90 performance control board, 91 sub control unit, 91a sub CPU, 91b ROM, 91c RAM.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A suggestion display means capable of suggesting a benefit by displaying an image;
A sound output means for outputting a sound;
A performance execution means capable of executing any one of a plurality of types of performances including a first performance and a second performance,
The first performance is started in a display mode of a first aspect, proceeds in a manner related to the first aspect, and uses a first character image;
During the first performance, a performance sound corresponding to the first performance is output by the sound output means,
The second performance is started in a display mode of a second aspect, proceeds in a manner related to the second aspect, and uses a second character image;
During the second performance, a performance sound corresponding to the second performance is output by the sound output means,
The performance execution means includes:
When notifying that a benefit will be given by executing the first performance, the first performance is executed so as to display the first character image and the image in a development related to the first mode during the first performance;
When notifying that a benefit will be awarded by executing the second performance, the second performance is executed so as to display the second character image and the image in a development related to the second mode during the second performance;
The image displayed during the first performance and the image displayed during the second performance are a common image and are displayed at the same position;
The image displayed during the first performance and the image displayed during the second performance are displayed with a common highlight image;
The same suggestive display sound is output by the sound output means when the image is displayed during the first performance and when the image is displayed during the second performance;
When the suggestive display sound is output, the sound output means is controlled so that the suggestive display sound is easily recognized;
The performance execution means includes:
During the execution of the first performance, before the image is displayed, a pre-stage performance related to the first performance can be executed;
During the execution of the second performance, before the image is displayed, a pre-stage performance related to the second performance can be executed;
In both the first and second effects, the expectation of the privilege is higher when the first effect is executed than when the first effect is not executed;
The performance execution means includes:
A predetermined performance or a specific performance can be executed before the execution of the first performance and before the execution of the second performance,
In the predetermined performance, a development suggestion display can be displayed which suggests that the performance will develop into the first performance or the second performance in a development different from the specific performance,
In the specific performance, the development suggestion display can be displayed in a development different from the predetermined performance,
The sound output means of the gaming machine outputs a common development suggestion display corresponding sound when the development suggestion display is displayed in the specified presentation and when the development suggestion display is displayed in the specific presentation.

Images