JP7633674B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Gaming machines that allow customization of the probability of an effect occurring are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Special issue No. 2021-062293

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the convenience of giving priority to preferred effects.

The gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problem, is a gaming machine in which one of multiple types of target effects is executed when a predetermined condition is met, and the target effect control modes are a normal mode in which the type of the target effect executed when the predetermined condition is met can change, and a fixed mode in which one of the multiple types of target effects is a fixed effect, the target effect that is the fixed effect is executed when the predetermined condition is met, and other types of target effects are not executed, and when the normal mode is set and a mode change condition is met while one of the multiple types of target effects is being executed, the target effect being executed is changed to the fixed mode in which the fixed effect is the fixed effect.

The present invention makes it possible to improve the convenience of giving priority to preferred effects.

1 is an overall view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. (a) is a diagram for explaining the game state and type of jackpot (transition of game state according to type of jackpot), and (b) is a diagram for explaining the allocation of jackpots when the first win/lose lottery is won and when the second win/lose lottery is won. A diagram to explain special effects (types of special effects). This is a diagram to explain that a specific type of presentation that occurs during a jackpot fluctuation in a reference special game state is considered to be a good model in a target special game state. A diagram showing the standard reliability and opportunity reliability of various specific effects. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-7. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-8. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a performance image. A diagram to explain the composite presentation of the basic aspect. A diagram to explain a special type of composite presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-2. FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining specific example 2-3. FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining specific example 2-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-4. A diagram for explaining the target period (a) and the target performance (b). (a) is a diagram explaining normal mode and fixed mode, (b) is a diagram explaining that when the conditions for changing from normal mode to fixed mode are met, the target performance currently being executed becomes a fixed performance, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of an operation performance that occurs during the target period. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5. FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining specific example 3-6. FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining specific example 3-6.

1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine Hereinafter, one embodiment of the gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 1. In the following description, when referring to an image without going into detail, it includes not only a still image but also a moving image.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of a substantially square piece of plywood, and includes a guide rail 903 that is provided in a substantially arc-shaped configuration and that forms a path for guiding gaming balls launched by operating a launching device 908 (launching handle) to a gaming area 902.

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

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

Note that we will not explain components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays that store the gaming balls. These components can be of the same structure as known gaming machines.

The lottery for the big win is executed by a winning/losing lottery means provided on a control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the starting area 904. In this embodiment, a first starting area 904a (the so-called "special chart 1" starting area) and a second starting area 904b (the so-called "special chart 2" starting area) are provided as the starting area 904. When a game ball enters the starting area 904, a number (winning/losing lottery information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the number is the same as the predetermined winning number, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss. In this embodiment, the notification of the winning/losing lottery result is started in the order in which the number is obtained (the during-variation performance described later is started), but if there is winning/losing lottery information for which the notification of the winning/losing lottery result has not yet been completed, the newly obtained winning/losing lottery information is stored as reserved information (strictly speaking, pre-variation reserved information described later) in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown). As with known gaming machines, the type of effect to be executed as part of the variable effect is determined by a lottery based on a random number obtained according to the result of a win/lose lottery (a lottery that references one or more effect tables, not shown).

In this embodiment, as the reserved pattern 70, a reserved pattern 71 (a pattern indicating the existence of the so-called "reserved change") corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the reserved information during change) in which the during-change performance (from the start of the change of the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) to the complete stop of the combination indicating the winning/losing lottery result, which is the so-called performance during one change. Hereinafter, it may be simply referred to as "change" or "rotation") that notifies the winning/losing lottery result has started, but the notification of the winning/losing lottery result has not been completed, and a reserved pattern 72 before the change corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the reserved information before the change) in which the during-change performance that notifies the winning/losing lottery result has not started (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the reserved pattern 71 during the change is displayed larger than the reserved pattern before the change, but the basic form of both is the same. The basic form of the reserved pattern 71 during the change and the reserved pattern before the change may be completely different. Also, the pending pattern 71 during the change may not be displayed. The order in which the winning/losing lottery results corresponding to the pending pattern 72 before the change are notified (the so-called pending "consumption order") is earlier for the pattern located to the right.

The maximum number of pre-change reserved information is set to an upper limit. In this embodiment, the maximum number of first pre-change reserved information (special chart 1 reserved) obtained by winning the first starting area 904a is four, and the maximum number of second pre-change reserved information (special chart 2 reserved) obtained by winning the second starting area 904b is four. Therefore, with respect to the reserved pattern 70 corresponding to one of the special charts 1 and 2, one reserved pattern 71 during change and up to four pre-change reserved patterns 72 may be displayed (see FIG. 2). The pre-change reserved pattern 72 is set so that if the game ball should be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a (normal game state described later), the first pre-change reserved information (special chart 1 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 72, and if the game ball should be launched aiming at the second starting area 904b (special game state described later), the second pre-change reserved information (special chart 2 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 72. Regardless of the game state, the pre-change reserved pattern 72 corresponding to both the first pre-change reserved information and the second pre-change reserved information stored in the storage means may be displayed (up to eight pre-change reserved patterns 72 may be displayed).

In this embodiment, as in known gaming machines, the result of the lottery is notified to the player by the combination of decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, decorative symbol groups 80g (left decorative symbol group 80gL, center decorative symbol group 80gC, right decorative symbol group 80gR) including multiple types of decorative symbols 80 start to change, and finally one decorative symbol 80 is selected from each decorative symbol group 80g and stops. If a jackpot is won, the combination of decorative symbols 80 selected from each decorative symbol group 80g and stopped will be a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same decorative symbol 80). If a jackpot is lost, the combination will be something other than that (a combination other than the jackpot combination). The decorative symbols 80 may be a combination of numbers and characters, etc.

In addition, images (such as so-called "small symbols") showing various information may be displayed unobtrusively near the outer edge of the display area 911 (illustration of such images is omitted in each figure). The player can enjoy the game without being aware of this type of image. In other words, it is basically possible to understand the results of the lottery by looking at the decorative symbols 80.

If the winning/losing lottery results in a jackpot, a jackpot game is executed in which the jackpot area 906 is opened (the player is given a "privilege" called a jackpot game). The jackpot game includes one or more unit games (each "round" game. Hereinafter, the unit game that is the xth unit game after the jackpot game has started may be referred to as x round (game)). In the unit game, the jackpot area 906 is opened until a predetermined closing condition is met. In this embodiment, the closing condition is met when either C game balls win or a predetermined time has passed since the jackpot area 906 was opened. Basically, if game balls are continuously shot toward the jackpot area 906, C game balls will enter the jackpot area 906 before the predetermined time has passed. In other words, the player can enjoy the benefit of at least C game balls winning the jackpot area 906. In this embodiment, C=10. Also, when one game ball enters the big prize area 906, 10 prize balls are paid out.

2) Game state The game state in which the player plays to win a jackpot is roughly divided into a normal game state and a special game state (see FIG. 3(a)). The special game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The normal game state is a low probability state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a low base state (low probability, no time reduction) in which the game ball is unlikely to enter the starting area 904. As the special game state, a first special game state and a second special game state are set. The first special game state is a high probability state (probability variable state) in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high, and is a high base state (high probability, time reduction) in which the game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904. The second special game state is a low probability state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a high base state (low probability, time reduction) in which the game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904.

The average length of time required for the fluctuation performance (fluctuation time) is shorter in a high base state than in a low base state. In other words, the results of the win/lose lottery are announced at a faster pace in a high base state than in a low base state.

In the normal game state, the player launches the game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a (the so-called special chart 1 starting area). In this embodiment, the so-called "left hit" is performed. Since the first winning/losing lottery information is acquired by the game ball entering the first starting area 904a, the normal game state is a game state in which the player plays with the aim of winning the jackpot through a winning/losing lottery based on the first winning/losing lottery information (the so-called special chart 1 lottery; hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first winning/losing lottery). On the other hand, in the special game state, the player launches the game ball aiming at the second starting area 904b (the so-called special chart 2 starting area). In this embodiment, the so-called "right hit" is performed. Since the second winning/losing lottery information is acquired by the game ball entering the second starting area 904b, the special game state is a game state in which the player plays with the aim of winning the jackpot through a winning/losing lottery based on the second winning/losing lottery information (the so-called special chart 2 lottery; hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second winning/losing lottery). The special game state is a state in which it is easy to win the lottery to open the second starting area 904b triggered by the game ball entering the normal starting area 905, so the game ball enters the second starting area 904b relatively easily. Note that any setting regarding the transition of the game state may be used, so an explanation is omitted. Also, the game state set as described above is merely an example.

The gaming machine 1 in this embodiment is a so-called "ST machine" of the "V-type". A normal jackpot and a special jackpot are set as jackpots. After winning a normal jackpot, the machine transitions to a second special gaming state (low probability, time-saving) after the jackpot game ends. The second special gaming state continues a predetermined number of times in succession until the winning/losing lottery result is a loss (in the following explanation, the number of losses from the start of a certain gaming state until the end of that gaming state without winning a jackpot is sometimes referred to as the "continuation number"). The number of times the second special gaming state continues (the so-called time-saving number of times) in this embodiment is 100 times. After winning a special jackpot, the machine transitions to a first special gaming state (high probability, time-saving) after the jackpot game ends. The number of times the first special gaming state continues (the so-called ST number (=M)) in this embodiment is 150 times.

The jackpot (jackpot allocation) won in the first winning/losing lottery (special drawing 1 lottery) is 50% normal jackpot and 50% special jackpot (so-called probability rate is 50%). The jackpot (jackpot allocation) won in the second winning/losing lottery (special drawing 2) is 100% special jackpot (so-called probability rate is 100%) (see Figure 3 (b)). When a special jackpot is won, the so-called V area (not shown) is opened in the jackpot game (if the game ball is fired aiming at the V area, it is opened for a time when the game ball will almost certainly enter), and the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a special game state, provided that the game ball enters the V area. On the other hand, when a normal jackpot is won, the V area is not opened, or is opened to the extent that it is practically impossible for the game ball to enter, so the game ball will not enter the V area, and the game state after the jackpot game ends will be a normal game state.

As described above, in this embodiment, the jackpot (jackpot allocation) won in the first winning/losing lottery (special chart 1 lottery) is 50% a normal jackpot and 50% a special jackpot (so-called probability rate is 50%), but it may also be set to 100% a special jackpot (no normal jackpot is set).

Note that the above-mentioned "V-type" "ST machine" is merely one example. Unless otherwise specified in the following explanation, it is also acceptable to have a configuration in which the probability of the first winning/losing lottery and the second winning/losing lottery are the same, rather than a "V-type", and also to have a so-called "probability loop machine" rather than an "ST" machine. It is also acceptable to have a gaming machine with so-called "two-type" functions (such as a "type one two-type mixed machine"). Also, the gameplay characteristics, such as the distribution of jackpots, can be changed as appropriate.

In this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot in a low probability state (normal game state, second special game state) of the winning/losing lottery is approximately 1/319, and the probability of winning a jackpot in a high probability state (first special game state) is approximately 1/70. Note that the specific value of the jackpot probability can be changed as appropriate.

The number of unit games (number of rounds) that make up a jackpot game can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the jackpot won by the first winning/losing lottery (special drawing 1 lottery) is 4 rounds regardless of whether it is a normal jackpot or a special jackpot, and 50% of the jackpots (special jackpots) won by the second winning/losing lottery (special drawing 2 lottery) are 4 rounds and 50% are 10 rounds (see Figure 3 (b)).

3) Specific Effects The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing a plurality of types of specific effects as effects constituting the effect during variation. As long as the player can understand that the various specific effects are different types of effects, the specific effects may be of any specific form. In this embodiment, five types of specific effects, a first specific effect to a fifth specific effect, can occur (see FIG. 4). The first specific effect to the fifth specific effect are effects based on different characters (characters A to E) from each other. That is, the player can distinguish the type of specific effect by the type of character (corresponding character) that appears (the type of character displayed as the main character in the display area 911). In short, it can be said that the various specific effects are different types of effect images 30 (characters in this embodiment) displayed during the effect. Note that "characters" include not only people and animals, but also products (things sold as products). For example, the difference in the type of product, such as "car", "bicycle", "airplane", and "ship", may be set as an element for distinguishing the difference in the type of effect image 30. In addition, this includes not only imaginary characters and animals that appear in anime, novels, etc., but also real people and animals.

Although not shown, a title according to the type of special effect is displayed at the beginning of the special effect, so the type of special effect can also be determined by the title. In this embodiment, special effects do not occur more than twice in one variable effect. In other words, the various special effects are positioned at the same hierarchical level as components of a variable effect, and are not related in such a way that after a certain type of special effect is executed, it develops into the execution of a different type of special effect.

The various special effects in this embodiment are so-called reach effects. Each type of special effect ends in a favorable ending (see FIG. 4(b-1)) or a failure ending (see FIG. 4(b-2)). When the result of the winning/losing lottery corresponding to the variable effect including the special effect is a big win, the special effect ends in a favorable ending, and when it is a loss, the special effect ends in a failure. From this, it can be said that the various special effects can occur as a part including the ending of the variable effect. The favorable ending includes a so-called reversal pattern (revival pattern) in which a failure ending appears to have been reached but is then reversed. In the various special effects in this embodiment, the corresponding character challenges a mission and clears it (succeeds), and the failure is set as an unfavorable ending. The mission may be different depending on the character (i.e., the basic structure of the effect may be different depending on the character). The various special effects may be so-called battle effects, and the corresponding character's victory is set as an advantageous ending, and his defeat is set as an unfavorable ending.

In this embodiment, since a jackpot obtained in a special game state (first special game state or second special game state) is a special jackpot, the game state will transition to the special game state (first special game state) again after the jackpot game ends (see FIG. 3(a)). The special game state before a certain jackpot game starts is the "reference special game state", and the special game state after the certain jackpot game ends is the "target special game state" (there is one jackpot game between the "reference special game state" and the "target special game state") (see FIG. 5). The relationship between the "reference special game state" and the "target special game state" refers to the relationship between two consecutive special game states with a jackpot game in between (the period from the end of the special jackpot game to the winning of the special jackpot is one special game state). For example, if a special game state occurs three times in succession with a jackpot game in between, the second special game state of the three special game states is a "target special game state" in the relationship between the first special game state and the second special game state, but the second special game state is a "reference special game state" in the relationship between the second special game state and the third special game state.

Let us say that a jackpot is announced after one of a number of specific effects occurs in the standard special game state. In other words, let us say that one of a number of specific effects (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the standard specific effect) occurs during a certain fluctuating effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the standard fluctuating effect) in the standard special game state, and the standard specific effect ends in a favorable way, announcing a jackpot. For example, let us say that a second specific effect (character B's effect) occurs as the standard specific effect (see FIG. 5(a)).

The special game state after the end of the jackpot game notified in the standard variable effect is the target special game state. In the target special game state, the probability that the result of the winning/losing lottery will be a jackpot (jackpot reliability) is set to be higher when the type of specific effect that occurred as the above-mentioned standard specific effect occurs than when other types of specific effects occur. In other words, the jackpot reliability is higher (the probability of the event of "winning a jackpot", which is advantageous to the player, occurring is higher) when the type of specific effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target specific effect) that occurs in the target special game state is a matching mode that is the same type as the standard specific effect that notified the jackpot in the standard special game state than when the type is a mismatch mode that is different from the standard specific effect. For example, as described above, when the second specific effect occurs as the reference specific effect, the reliability of a big win when the second specific effect occurs in the target special game state (when a matching pattern occurs) is higher than the reliability of a big win when the first specific effect or any of the third to fifth specific effects occurs in the target special game state (when a mismatch occurs) (see FIG. 5(b)). In other words, in the target special game state, the second specific effect becomes a "chance up" (hereinafter, the type that becomes the "chance up" may also be referred to as a "good machine").

In addition, in the case of a mismatch mode, the jackpot reliability may be set to be different depending on the type of specific effect that occurs, or the jackpot reliability may be set to be constant regardless of the type of specific effect that occurs. The jackpot reliability when the "type of reference specific effect = type of target specific effect" (match mode) is set to be higher than either of the cases when the "type of reference specific effect ≠ type of target specific effect" (mismatch mode). In this embodiment, for each type of specific effect, a standard reliability, which is the default jackpot reliability, and an opportunity reliability, which is the jackpot reliability when the machine is determined to be a good machine, are set. In other words, the reliability when a certain type of specific effect occurs as a mismatch mode is the standard reliability, and the reliability when it occurs as a match mode is the opportunity reliability. Regardless of the type of specific effect, the opportunity reliability when it occurs as a match mode is higher than the standard reliability when other types of specific effects occur as a mismatch mode (see FIG. 6).

In this embodiment, the chance reliability of any type of specific presentation is less than 100% (see FIG. 6). That is, even if a matching pattern occurs, there is a possibility of a big win when a matching pattern occurs. However, the jackpot reliability when a matching pattern occurs may be 100%. Also, the standard reliability of any type of specific presentation is not 0% (see FIG. 6). That is, even if a mismatching pattern occurs, it is considered that there is a possibility of a big win (occurrence of a mismatching pattern is not considered to be a guaranteed miss). Therefore, in a consecutive win state in which a big win game and a special game state alternate, the good machine may change during the game. That is, if a certain type of specific presentation that is a mismatching pattern occurs and a big win is announced, that certain type of specific presentation will be the good machine in the next special game state (target special game state).

A specific effect of the same type as the standard specific effect that occurs during a winning fluctuation in the standard special game state is considered to be a good machine from the start to the end of the target special game state. The target special game state (first special game state) ends with the next big win (special big win) or 150 consecutive misses, and the occurrence of a specific effect of the same type as the good machine until the end of the target special game state is a matching pattern (chance up). If a big win is announced during a fluctuation that causes a matching pattern in the target special game state, the same type of specific effect will be considered to be a good machine in the next special game state. If there are 150 consecutive misses in the target special game state and the game returns to the normal game state, the good machine is reset.

Also, for example, if a jackpot is announced in a variation in which none of the multiple types of specific effects occur in the target special game state, then none of the types of specific effects will be considered a favored machine in the next special game state (all types of specific effects are controlled to occur with a "standard reliability").

In this way, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment realizes an interesting gameplay in which a rule is set that a specific effect of the same type as a specific effect (reference specific effect) that occurs during a variable effect that results in a jackpot in a reference special game state will result in a "chance up" in the target special game state.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to the above-mentioned specific performance-related matters. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may be made that apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

〇Specific example 1-1
The specific performance that occurs first after the end of the jackpot game is the target specific performance. In other words, only for the specific performance that occurs first after the end of the jackpot game that is notified in the standard variable performance including the standard specific performance, whether it is the same type as the standard specific performance (good model) or not affects the reliability, and thereafter, whether it is the same type as the standard specific performance (good model) or not does not affect the reliability (the good model is erased when the first specific performance occurs after the end of the jackpot game). In other words, the chance increase due to the occurrence of the same type of specific performance as the standard specific performance is effective only for the specific performance that occurs first after the end of the jackpot game. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if the standard specific performance (good model) is the third specific performance, if the first specific performance that occurs after the end of the jackpot game is the third specific performance, the reliability of the third specific performance is the chance reliability, and if it is a specific performance of another type, it is the standard reliability. Any type of specific performance that occurs thereafter (even the third specific performance) is set to the standard reliability.

By doing this, the key is whether the type of the special effect that occurred most recently before the big win (occurred at the end of the reference special game state) matches the type of the special effect that occurred most recently after the big win (occurred at the beginning of the target special game state), realizing gameplay that makes it easy to see which special effect to compare.

When doing as in this example, if no special effect occurs in the special game state after a jackpot game (a jackpot occurs without a special effect occurring), the setting may be such that the first special effect that occurs in the special game state from the next time onwards becomes the target special effect (the setting may be such that a good model is "carried over").

〇Specific example 1-2
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the one special game state after the end of the jackpot game notified by the standard fluctuation performance is the target special game state, but the configuration may also be such that N special game states (N is a specified number of 2 or more) after the end of the jackpot game are the target special game states (see Figure 8).

By doing this, a state in which a certain type of specific effect is considered to be a good machine will not end after one special game state, but will continue over two or more special game states, preventing the gameplay from becoming difficult to understand due to frequent changes in the good machine.

Specific example 1-3
When a certain type of specific performance is determined as a good model, the certain type of specific performance is set to continue to be a good model until the specific performance determined as a good model occurs and a jackpot is announced (see FIG. 9). In other words, as long as the specific performance determined as a good model does not occur due to a winning variation (the specific performance determined as a good model does not lead to a favorable ending), the specific performance is set to continue to be a good model. In a state in which a certain type of specific performance is determined as a good model, even if the specific performance of the certain type (good model) occurs due to a losing variation (even if it leads to an unfavorable ending), the certain type of specific performance continues to be a good model (see FIG. 9(b)). In addition, although not shown, in a state in which a certain type of specific performance is determined as a good model, even if a specific performance of a type other than the certain type of specific performance occurs due to a winning variation, the certain type of specific performance continues to be a good model. In addition, if the specific performance determined as a good model occurs due to a winning variation, the good model is erased (see FIG. 9(b)), and in the next special game state, none of the specific performances is determined to be a good model (all of the specific performances occur with a standard reliability).

By doing as in this example, it is possible to prevent the state from ending without experiencing the jackpot that follows the special effects of the well-established machine.

Specific example 1-4
Various specific effects may occur even in the normal game state. If a certain type of specific effect occurs in a winning fluctuation in the normal game state and a special jackpot is announced, the certain type of specific effect is considered to be a good model in the special game state (first special game state or second special game state) after the jackpot game ends. In other words, the type of specific effect that occurs in the fluctuation that announces the special jackpot, which is the so-called "first win," is considered to be a good model in the special game state after the "first win." In this way, the rules of specific effects as described in the above embodiment can be set in the normal game state and the special game state that sandwich the first jackpot game.

Specific example 1-5
The gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment has been described as a so-called ST machine (a game in which the number of times (ST times) of winning/losing lotteries more advantageous than in a normal game state is predetermined, and the game ends when the number of consecutive losses is determined), but other game characteristics are also possible. For example, it is possible to apply the present invention to a gaming machine (e.g., a sure-win loop machine) in which a winning/losing lottery (high probability lottery) more advantageous than in a normal game state can be received until the next big win is obtained, and if the big win is a special big win, the game moves to a high probability state (special game state) again after the big win game ends, but if it is a normal big win, the game moves to a low probability state (normal game state) after the big win game ends (a consecutive win ends).

Specific example 1-6
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the reliability of a jackpot is suggested depending on whether a specific presentation is in a matching state (resulting in a good chance reliability) or in a mismatching state (resulting in a reference reliability), i.e., the event of "obtaining a jackpot" is the subject that is suggested; however, other events may also be suggested as long as their occurrence is an event that is advantageous to the player (an event related to the player's direct profit (balls won)).

For example, in the case of a sure-win loop machine as described in specific example 1-5 above, since the next jackpot win in the high probability state (special game state) is already decided, it is conceivable to suggest the type of jackpot rather than the win itself. In other words, it is conceivable to set it so that when a jackpot is announced during a variable performance that includes a specific performance of a matching mode, there is a higher probability of it being a special jackpot (a jackpot that transitions back to a high probability state (special game state) after the end of the jackpot game) (there is a lower probability of it being a normal jackpot and ending the winning streak) than when a jackpot is announced during a variable performance that includes a specific performance of a non-matching mode.

In addition, in a configuration in which multiple types of jackpots with different numbers of rounds (unit number of plays) are set, it is possible to set the probability that the number of rounds of the jackpot play will be greater when a jackpot is announced during a variable performance including a specific performance of a matching mode than when a jackpot is announced during a variable performance including a specific performance of a non-matching mode. The jackpot announced during a variable performance including a specific performance of a matching mode may be set to have the maximum number of rounds (determined to be the jackpot with the greatest number of rounds among multiple types of jackpots with different numbers of rounds).

Specific example 1-7
When a specific effect of a matching mode (target specific effect) occurs, the additional image 10 is displayed. A matching mode is when the target specific effect is the same type as the reference specific effect (good model), and when each of the multiple types of specific effects occurs as a matching mode, the additional image 10 is displayed. The additional image 10 is not displayed when it does not occur as a matching mode (for example, when a certain type of specific effect occurs as a non-matching mode).

As an example, consider a case where the fourth specific effect is determined to be the reference specific effect (good machine). In that case, when the fourth specific effect occurs as the target specific effect, an additional image 10 is displayed at the beginning of the fourth specific effect (for example, together with an image showing the title of the fourth specific effect) (see FIG. 10(b)). Since the matching mode is the same type of mode as the effect executed when the previous jackpot was won, the additional image 10 is considered to suggest this. For example, an image including the word "same" could be used. On the other hand, when a specific effect other than the fourth specific effect (first to third, fifth specific effects) occurs as the target specific effect, such an additional image 10 is not displayed.

In addition, since the additional image 10 is "added" to the basic performance image 30, the parts other than the additional image 10 are the same as the beginning of a normal fourth specific performance. In other words, the image displayed at the beginning of a fourth specific performance that occurs as a match mode (see FIG. 10(b)) and the image displayed at the beginning of a fourth specific performance that occurs when there is no match mode (normal fourth specific performance) (see FIG. 10(a)) differ in the presence or absence of the additional image 10 (excluding images that may change with each performance, such as decorative pattern 80 (reach pattern)). When the fourth specific performance occurs as a mismatch mode, the additional image 10 is not displayed (as in FIG. 10(a)).

By displaying such an additional image 10, the player can easily understand that the matching pattern is an increase in chances. Furthermore, even if a player does not know that the same type of reference specific effect and target specific effect is an increase in chances (such a "rule"), the additional image 10 containing the word "same" is displayed, it can serve as an opportunity to learn of the existence (rule) of the increase in chances.

Specific example 1-8
The type of specific performance (good machine) that is the reference specific performance is continuously displayed until a predetermined end condition is met even if the target specific performance is not occurring. More specifically, when the target specific performance becomes the same type as the reference specific performance (good machine) (when it becomes a matching pattern), the good machine is continuously displayed during the period when the rule of "chance up" is valid (see FIG. 11(d) (showing an example where the fifth specific performance is a good machine)). The image showing the good machine (hereinafter referred to as the good machine image 20) is in a different form for each type of specific performance, and includes characters that represent various specific performances and can be recognized by the player. For example, as in the above embodiment, if the various specific performances are based on different characters, it is considered to display an image that includes the name or face of each character as the good machine image 20. If the good machine is the first specific performance, an image such as the face of character A is displayed as the good machine image 20, if it is the second specific performance, the face of character B is displayed, and if it is the fifth specific performance, the face of character E is displayed. The above-mentioned "displayed continuously" means that the good machine image 20 is displayed over multiple variations, and also includes being temporarily erased. For example, while a specific performance is being performed as a performance during variation, the good machine image 20 may be temporarily erased in order to emphasize the performance (so that the good machine image 20 does not get in the way of the performance) (the good machine image 20 is displayed again when the performance ends).

The termination condition for erasing the good machine image 20 (not including the temporary erasure) is the end of the period during which the rule that the occurrence of a matching pattern results in "chance up" is valid. If the rule is set to be valid throughout the target special game state as in the above embodiment, the end of the target special game state (winning a jackpot or transitioning to a normal game state) is the termination condition. As explained in specific example 1-1, if the target specific effect is set to be the first specific effect that occurs after the end of a jackpot game, the termination condition is established with the start or end of the first specific effect that occurs. In any case, the good machine image 20 will be displayed continuously at least during the period from the end of the jackpot game (after the start of the target special game state) until the first specific effect occurs.

There are various possible timings for the start of displaying the good machine image 20. For example, it may be displayed during the standard variation performance, at the same time as or after the standard specific performance reaches a favorable ending (see FIG. 11(a)). The reason why the matching state becomes chance up is that the type of specific performance that will be the standard specific performance is determined, so it is easy for the player to understand if the good machine image 20 is displayed when it is determined (see FIG. 11(b)). (When a certain type of specific performance reaches a favorable ending, the good machine image 20 indicating that type of specific performance is displayed, and since it is displayed continuously, it is easy to understand that the type of specific performance is "chance up"). In this case, it is good to display the good machine image 20 even in the big win game after the standard specific performance ends (the big win game before the target special game state starts) (see FIG. 11(c)).

By displaying this type of favorable machine image 20, the player can easily understand that the occurrence of a specific effect of the same type as the reference specific effect (occurrence of a matching pattern) means an increased chance.

4) Composite Effects The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing a composite effect as an effect constituting a variable effect. The composite effect includes a plurality of unit effects that occur consecutively. Details will be described later, but the composite effect in this embodiment is three unit effects that occur consecutively without any gaps.

Each unit performance is the output of one of multiple types of performance elements. In this embodiment, the performance element is an image (performance image 30) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. A sound output from a speaker may also be used as a performance element. In this embodiment, a total of five types of performance images 30 (first performance image 31 to fifth performance image 35) are prepared (see FIG. 12).

Whether or not the effect images 30 are the same type (whether the types of effect images 30 are the same or different) is determined by whether or not the characters depicted by each image are the same. In this embodiment, the first effect image 31 represents character A, the second effect image 32 represents character B, the third effect image 33 represents character C, the fourth effect image 34 represents character D, and the fifth effect image 35 represents character E (characters A to E are different characters) (see FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the characters depicted by the various effect images 30 may be referred to as corresponding characters.

In addition, in this embodiment, three types of images that represent the same type of character but are different from each other are prepared as the various effect images 30. Three types of first effect images 31, namely, first effect image x, first effect image y, and first effect image z, are prepared as the first effect image 31, three types of second effect images 32, namely, second effect image x, second effect image y, and second effect image z, and three types of fifth effect images 35, namely, fifth effect image x, fifth effect image y, and fifth effect image z, are prepared (see FIG. 12). In the following description, effect images 30 of the same type (representing the same character) but with different aspects are sometimes referred to as "same type but different aspects" (effect images 30). In other words, in this embodiment, three "same type but different aspects" of effect images 30 are prepared for each of the various effect images 30.

In this embodiment, the first effect image x, the second effect image x, ... the fifth effect image x (the effect images 30 with the symbol "x" in the left column of FIG. 12) are assumed to have corresponding characters in a pose that represents "3". In other words, when comparing these effect images 30, although the types of characters are different, they have in common the point (concept of the image) that they are in a pose that represents "3". Similarly, the first effect image y, the second effect image y, ... the fifth effect image y (the effect images 30 with the symbol "y" in the middle column of FIG. 12) are assumed to have a common concept that the corresponding characters are in a pose that represents "2". In addition, the first effect image z, the second effect image z, ... the fifth effect image z (the effect images 30 with the symbol "z" in the right column of FIG. 12) are assumed to have a common concept that the corresponding characters are in a pose that represents "1". The "same type but different aspects" performance images 30 can be said to be images with different concepts, although the characters (corresponding characters) displayed are the same. Also, each of the "first performance image x, second performance image x, ... fifth performance image x" (images in which various characters pose as "3"; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "concept 3"), "first performance image y, second performance image y, ... fifth performance image y" (images in which various characters pose as "2"; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "concept 2"), and "first performance image z, second performance image z, ... fifth performance image z" (images in which various characters pose as "1"; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "concept 1") can be said to be images with the same concept, although the characters (corresponding characters) displayed are different from each other.

In this embodiment, each performance image 30 is given a number (sequence display N) represented by the pose of each character, in addition to each character. That is, the image of "concept 3" is given the number "3", the image of "concept 2" is given the number "2", and the image of "concept 1" is given the number "1" (see FIG. 12). As described later, the composite performance (both basic and special modes) is displayed in the order of the performance image 30 of "concept 3" → the performance image 30 of "concept 2" → the performance image 30 of "concept 1", and the above numbers (sequence display N) correspond to the order of occurrence of the unit performance (the sequence display N of "3" is associated with the first performance, "2" with the second performance, and "1" with the third performance. In other words, the sequence display N is a unique display (letters, etc.) according to the order of occurrence, and the number of the sequence display N does not necessarily have to be equal to the order of occurrence). More specifically, the earlier the order of occurrence, the larger the sequence display N is associated with it, and the number decreases by one. Note that this type of sequence indicator N may not be displayed. In particular, in this embodiment, the character's pose is determined according to the sequence, so even if the sequence indicator N is not displayed, the pose will change in the order "3" → "2" → "1."

The composite effect modes in which one of the above effect images 30 is displayed in each unit effect can be broadly divided into basic modes (see FIG. 13) and special modes (see FIG. 14). Each mode will be explained below. The basic mode is the standard (default) mode. In this embodiment, when a composite effect occurs, the probability that it will be the basic mode is over 95%. Therefore, players who have been exposed to composite effects to a certain extent will take it for granted that composite effects will be the basic mode (even if they have been exposed to composite effects to a certain extent, they may not be aware of the existence of special modes).

The basic mode (see FIG. 13) is a mode in which the same type of performance image 30 is displayed in all unit performances (three unit performances in this embodiment) that make up the composite performance. If the unit performances are the first, second, and third unit performances in order of occurrence, the performance image 30 representing the same type of character is displayed in all of the first to third unit performances. In addition, the image of "Concept 3" is displayed in the first unit performance, the image of "Concept 2" is displayed in the second unit performance, and the image of "Concept 1" is displayed in the third unit performance. In other words, when it is decided to execute the composite performance of the basic mode, which of the first performance image 31 to the fifth performance image 35 is displayed, that is, the type of character is determined. For example, when it is decided to display the second performance image 32, the image of character B of "Concept 3" (see FIG. 13(a)) is displayed in the first unit performance, the image of character B of "Concept 2" (see FIG. 13(b)) is displayed in the second unit performance, and the image of character B of "Concept 1" (see FIG. 13(c)) is displayed in the third unit performance. In this embodiment, there are five types of performance images 30 (types of characters), which means that there are also five types of composite performance patterns of the basic form that can occur. In this embodiment, when a composite performance of the basic form occurs, the probability that each pattern (character) will be selected is the same (the probability that each will be selected is 1/5). The composite performance of the basic form, in which these performance images 30 are displayed in succession, is a performance form in which one of the multiple types of characters (A to E) appears to be counting down from "3," "2," and "1."

On the other hand, in the special mode composite performance (see FIG. 14), the unit performances are divided into normal unit performances and special unit performances. The number of normal unit performances included in one special mode composite performance is greater than the number of special unit performances (number of normal unit performances > number of special unit performances). In this embodiment, like the basic mode composite performance, the special mode composite performance also includes three unit performances, so two of the three are normal unit performances and the remaining one is a special unit performance. In the special mode composite performance in this embodiment, the first unit performance (see FIG. 14(a)) and the second unit performance (see FIG. 14(b)) are normal unit performances, and the third unit performance (see FIG. 14(c)) is a special unit performance. In other words, the last unit performance that makes up one composite performance is a special mode.

The type of effect image 30 displayed in the normal unit effect is different from the type of effect image 30 displayed in the special unit effect. In other words, in the special type of composite effect in this embodiment, if a certain type of effect image 30 (a certain type of character) is displayed in the first unit effect and the second unit effect, a different type of effect image 30 (a different type of character from the certain type of character) is displayed in the third unit effect. For example, a special type of composite effect may occur in which the second effect image 32 (character B) is displayed in the first unit effect and the second unit effect (normal unit effect) (see Figures 14(a) and (b)), and the fourth effect image 34 (character D) is displayed in the third unit effect (special unit effect) (see Figure 14(c)).

However, even in the case of a special mode composite presentation, just like the basic mode, the first unit presentation will display an image of "Concept 3," the second unit presentation will display an image of "Concept 2," and the third unit presentation will display an image of "Concept 1." In the above example, the first unit presentation will display an image of character B from "Concept 3" (see FIG. 14(a)), the second unit presentation will display an image of character B from "Concept 2" (see FIG. 14(b)), and the third unit presentation will display an image of character D from "Concept 1" (see FIG. 14(c)). Thus, even in the case of a special mode composite presentation, just like the basic mode composite presentation, it remains a presentation form that looks as if a countdown of "3," "2," and "1" is taking place. Unlike the basic mode, the special mode differs from the basic mode in that the character performing the countdown changes midway through.

In this embodiment, the composite effect can occur during a variation (win variation) that results in a jackpot. In other words, a jackpot is confirmed when the composite effect occurs. As described above, the composite effect in this embodiment is a variation that makes it appear as if a "countdown" is occurring in both the basic and special modes, and the jackpot is announced after the countdown ends (see FIG. 13(d) and FIG. 14(d)). In other words, the composite effect can be said to be a variation that counts down to the time when the jackpot is announced (the time when the winning combination of the decorative patterns 80 is displayed). In this embodiment, the composite effect is set to occur during a win variation in the first special game state (high probability state), but the composite effect may also occur during a win variation in the second special game state or the normal game state (low probability state). In addition, the composite effect does not necessarily occur with every win variation.

In this embodiment, the probability of a 10-round jackpot being announced by a jackpot fluctuation including a composite presentation of a special mode is set to be higher than the probability of a jackpot being announced by a jackpot fluctuation including a composite presentation of a basic mode. Since a 10-round jackpot is more advantageous to a player than a 4-round jackpot, the occurrence (acquisition) of a 10-round jackpot can be said to be an "event advantageous to a player." In other words, the probability of an event advantageous to a player occurring is set to be higher when a composite presentation of a special mode occurs than when a composite presentation of a basic mode occurs. It may be set so that when a composite presentation of a special mode occurs, a 10-round jackpot is confirmed (the occurrence of an advantageous event is confirmed).

The events that are suggested by the form of the composite performance (basic form, special form) are not limited to the suggestion of the number of rounds as described above. Other events may be suggested as long as they are advantageous to the player (events related to the player's direct profit (balls)). For example, assuming that the composite performance can occur not only with a winning fluctuation but also with a losing fluctuation, it is possible to set the probability of a jackpot being higher when a composite performance of a special form occurs than when a composite performance of a basic form occurs (setting in which the ``win/lose lottery result is a win'' is the suggested event). In addition, it is possible to set the probability of a special jackpot (not a normal jackpot) being higher when a composite performance of a special form occurs than when a composite performance of a basic form occurs (setting in which the ``special jackpot'' is the suggested event). In addition, it is possible to set so-called ``consecutive wins in reserve'' and the like as suggested objects.

As explained above, the composite presentation in this embodiment is based (basic mode) on the assumption that the successively occurring unit presentations (first unit presentation to third unit presentation) are of the same type, but a special mode may occur in which some unit presentations (special unit presentations) have a different type of presentation image 30 from other unit presentations (normal unit presentations), and when a special mode occurs, the player feels a "sense of discomfort" (sense of discomfort due to different characters), making it an interesting presentation mode.

In addition, as in this embodiment, by setting the probability that an event advantageous to the player will occur is higher when the composite performance is in a special mode than when it is in a basic mode, gameplay is realized in which if there is a "sense of discomfort" during the composite performance, the player can look forward to subsequent developments.

In addition, in this embodiment, in a composite effect of a special mode, the last of the multiple unit effects is the special unit effect. In other words, the same type of effect image 30 (the same type of character) is displayed in succession until the final unit effect is executed, so a player who feels that this will continue until the end is likely to feel uncomfortable when a different type of effect image 30 is displayed at the end. Also, for a player who knows about the existence of special modes, it is impossible to tell whether the composite effect is a basic mode or a special mode until the final unit effect is executed, making it a performance form that they cannot take their eyes off of until the end.

In addition, if the presentation element output in each unit presentation is a "character image" as in this embodiment, the occurrence of a "change in character" during the process becomes a special feature, resulting in an easy-to-understand presentation format. Specifically, more players will notice (feel uncomfortable) that a special feature is occurring.

In addition, the composite presentation in this embodiment is set so that presentation images 30 are displayed in the order of "Concept 3" → "Concept 2" → "Concept 1", regardless of whether it is the basic mode or the special mode. In other words, whether it is the basic mode in which the type of presentation image 30 (character) remains the same throughout the presentation, or the special mode in which the type of presentation image 30 (character) changes midway, the display order based on the concept of the images does not change, so when a special mode occurs, it is difficult for the player to notice that the type of presentation image 30 (character) has changed midway. In other words, it is possible to create a presentation form in which not everyone can easily notice the occurrence of a special mode.

The number of countdowns can be increased or decreased as appropriate by increasing the number of unit effects contained in the composite effect and increasing the number of concepts (number of sequential displays N) accordingly. Also, a composite effect in which a "count up" is performed can be created by reversing the display order from this embodiment.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications of the above-mentioned composite performance-related matters. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may be created that apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

〇Specific example 2-1
In the above embodiment, the special aspect of the composite effect is that the last of the multiple unit effects is the special unit effect, but the unit effects (intermediate unit effects) other than the first and last unit effects may be the special unit effects. If the composite effect includes three unit effects (first unit effect to third unit effect) as in the above embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the first unit effect (first) (see FIG. 15(a)) and the third unit effect (last) (see FIG. 15(b)) are normal unit effects, and the second unit effect (see FIG. 15(b)) is the special unit effect. By doing this, a unit effect that feels strange may occur in the middle of the composite effect, making it more difficult for the player to notice the occurrence of the special aspect.

In addition, the order in which the special unit effects occur (the order in which the special unit effects occur) may be changed each time, such as when a special mode (special mode A) occurs in which the second unit effect is a special unit effect as shown in FIG. 15, or when a special mode (special mode B) occurs in which the third unit effect is a special unit effect as shown in FIG. 14. In such a configuration, the order in which the special unit effects occur may indicate the likelihood of an advantageous event occurring, such that an event advantageous to the player is more likely to occur when either special mode A or special mode B occurs than when the other occurs. This results in a performance form in which the order in which the special unit effects occur also draws the player's attention.

Note that, regardless of the number of unit effects included in the composite effect, the timing of occurrence of the special unit effect, etc., it is not preferable to configure the first unit effect as one that can be a special unit effect. The first unit effect can be said to indicate the type of reference effect image 30 (type of character) (it is the "base" unit effect), so it is preferable for this first unit effect to be a normal unit effect.

〇Specific example 2-2
When the composite effect becomes a special mode, the probability that an event advantageous to the player occurs (hereinafter, in the explanation of this example, referred to as the advantageous event probability) differs depending on the mode of the effect image 30 displayed in the special unit effect. In other words, even in a special mode, the advantageous event probability differs depending on the type of effect image 30 displayed in the special unit effect. For example, this is realized by the following configuration.

The first effect image 31 to the fifth effect image 35 are each associated with a probability of an advantageous event (see FIG. 16(a)). For example, the probability of an advantageous event increases in the order of the first effect image 31 < the second effect image 32 < the third effect image 33 < the fourth effect image 34 < the fifth effect image 35. As shown in FIG. 16(b), if a special type composite effect occurs in which the third effect image 33 (character C) is displayed in the normal unit effect, an image other than the third effect image 33 (any of the first effect image 31 (character A), the second effect image 32 (character B), the fourth effect image 34 (character D), and the fifth effect image 35 (character E)) is displayed in the special unit effect, and an event advantageous to the player occurs with the advantageous event probability associated with the effect image 30 displayed in the special unit effect. In other words, in this example, the probability of an event advantageous to the player occurring is lowest when the first effect image 31 is displayed in the special unit effect, and highest when the fifth effect image 35 is displayed. Although not shown, in another case, for example, if a special type of composite effect occurs in which the first effect image 31 is displayed in a normal unit effect, an image other than the first effect image 31 (any of the first effect image 31 to the fifth effect image 35) will be displayed in the special unit effect, and the likelihood of an event advantageous to the player occurring will be lowest when the second effect image 32 is displayed in the special unit effect, and highest when the fifth effect image 35 is displayed.

By doing this, when a composite effect occurs, players (especially players who know about the existence of special modes) should pay attention not only to whether it will be a special mode, but also to the type of effect image 30 that will be displayed in the special unit effect when the special mode is reached.

Specific example 2-3
In the various performance images 30, images with the same concept but different aspects are prepared in the number of unit performances included in the composite performance (three if the composite performance includes three unit performances as in the above embodiment). For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the various performance images 30 are provided with three types of images of characters "running" (hereinafter referred to as "concept: running"), three types of images of characters "jumping" (hereinafter referred to as "concept: jumping"), and three types of images of characters "swimming" (hereinafter referred to as "concept: swimming"). There are various methods for setting the "concept". It is sufficient if the player can easily distinguish whether the concepts of the images are the same or different. In addition to the above example, for example, a configuration in which the difference in the style of clothing worn by the characters is set as the difference in concept is considered.

In a basic composite performance, images of the same type (character) and concept are displayed in all unit performances. For example, if the composite performance is "Concept: Jump" as in the fourth performance image 34, images of character D jumping in different ways will be displayed in each of the first to third unit performances, as shown in FIG. 18(a).

In the composite presentation of the special mode, as explained in the above embodiment, the type of presentation image 30 (type of character) displayed in the normal unit presentation is different from the type of presentation image 30 (type of character) displayed in the special unit presentation. However, the concept is the same for the normal unit presentation and the special unit presentation. For example, if a composite presentation is made in which the fourth presentation image 34 "Concept: Jump" is displayed in the normal unit presentation and the first presentation image 31 "Concept: Jump" is displayed in the special unit presentation, as shown in FIG. 18(b), the type of character changes from character D to character A midway through, but the concept remains constant at "jump", making it difficult for the player to notice the occurrence of the special mode (not everyone notices the occurrence of the special mode).

If the presentation format is to indicate that a "countdown" (or "countup") is taking place as described in the above embodiment, then each presentation image 30 may be provided with a sequence indicator N (see FIG. 18), but this is not to say that a presentation format in which such a sequence indicator N is not displayed is not possible.

Specific example 2-4
In the above embodiment, the composite performance is described as a performance image 30 displayed in each unit performance in which the concept (aspect based on the concept) changes, but such a change may not occur. For example, in a basic composite performance, the same performance image 30 is displayed in all unit performances (see FIG. 19(a)). In a special composite performance, the same performance image 30 is displayed in the normal unit performance, and a different type of performance image 30 (performance image 30 of a different character) from the normal unit performance is displayed in the special unit performance (see FIG. 19(b)).

If the presentation mode is to indicate that a "countdown" (or "countup") is taking place as described in the above embodiment, then each presentation image 30 may be provided with a sequence indicator N (see FIG. 19). This is not to say that a presentation mode in which such a sequence indicator N is not displayed is not possible.

5) Control of target effects (normal mode, fixed mode)
The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing a target performance (see FIG. 20(b)). There are multiple types of performances prepared to be executed as target performances. When a predetermined condition (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the execution condition (of the target performance)) is met, one of the multiple types of target performances is executed. In other words, two or more types of target performances are not executed simultaneously. The target performance in this embodiment is executed as part of a performance during change (executed while the decorative pattern 80 is changing), but may also be executed in other states, such as when a jackpot game is being played.

In this embodiment, the execution condition is "150 consecutive misses (ST count) from the start of the first special game state" or "100 consecutive misses (time-saving count) from the start of the second special game state." In other words, the execution condition for the target performance is that the special game state has ended and it has been decided to transition to the normal game state (see FIG. 20(a)). In addition, the target performance basically ends when 20 variable performances (20 spins) have ended from the end of the special game state and the start of the normal game state. However, if a jackpot is won before the end of the 20 variable performances, the performance ends with that. Hereinafter, the period during which the target performance is executed may also be referred to as the target period.

In this embodiment, three types of target effects are provided: a first target effect, a second target effect, and a third target effect (see FIG. 20(b)). The differences between the various target effects may be any that allow the player to distinguish the differences. In this embodiment, the first target effect is based on character X, the second target effect is based on character Y, and the third target effect is based on character Z. In other words, the various target effects are based on different types of characters.

In this embodiment, the various target effects correspond to so-called "stages" (sometimes referred to as "modes"). The performances during the target period are basic aspects corresponding to the "stages". For example, the background image displayed as the background of the decorative pattern 80 differs depending on the "stage" (the display of the background image can also be considered to correspond to the target performance). As described above, the various target effects are based on different characters, and it can be said that the first target effect is a stage based on character X, the second target effect is a stage based on character Y, and the third target effect is a stage based on character Z. In this embodiment, during the target period, the characters "X stage" are displayed as part of the background image while the first target effect is being executed, the characters "Y stage" are displayed as part of the background image while the second target effect is being executed, and the characters "Z stage" are displayed as part of the background image while the third target effect is being executed. In other words, the background images displayed as the various target effects have at least differences in the characters (see FIG. 20(b)). In addition, the type of target effect (type of stage) that is executed only affects the content of the variable effect that is executed, and does not affect the player's direct benefits (related to ball payout), such as the reliability of a jackpot.

The control of the target performance (stage) depends on the currently set control mode (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the mode). The mode is divided into normal mode (see FIG. 21(a-1)) and fixed mode (see FIG. 21(a-2)). When the power of the gaming machine 1 is ON, one of the normal mode and the fixed mode is set (in the following explanation, the currently set mode is referred to as the currently set mode), and this is stored in a storage means (not shown) (both modes cannot be set at the same time). When the mode is changed, the type of currently set mode stored in the storage means is rewritten. Note that immediately after the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned ON, the normal mode is set (initial setting mode = normal mode).

When the currently set mode is normal mode, the type of target effect that is started when the execution conditions are met can change each time. In other words, each time the special game state ends and the game transitions to the normal game state, it is uncertain which of the multiple target effects (stages) will be executed. In this embodiment, when the mode is normal, a lottery is held to determine the type of target effect to be executed when the execution conditions are met (a lottery in which any of the three target effects can be won). The target effect that wins the lottery is executed (see FIG. 21 (a-1)). In this embodiment, the probability that each of the target effects will win the lottery is equal (1/3).

When the currently set mode is a fixed mode, the target effect that is started when the execution conditions are met will be a fixed effect, which is one of multiple types of target effects (see FIG. 21 (a-2)). However, the type of target effect that will be the fixed effect is not predetermined. Once a fixed mode is set, if the fixed mode is released and a new fixed mode is set again, the type of target effect that is fixed in the new fixed mode may be different from the type of target effect that was fixed in the previous fixed mode. This means that the type of target effect (fixed effect) that is started when the execution conditions are met will not change unless the fixed mode that was set once is released.

The change from the normal mode to the fixed mode is realized as follows. The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with an operating means 60 that can be operated by the player (see FIG. 1). The operating means 60 in this embodiment is a "push button". When the normal mode is set and one of the multiple types of target effects is being executed (during the target period), a predetermined operation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a prescribed operation) of the operating means 60 is performed, which triggers the establishment of a mode change condition, and the normal mode is switched to the fixed mode. Unless the prescribed operation is performed, the fixed mode is not switched to. For example, if the prescribed operation of the operating means 60 is performed while the second target effect is being executed in the normal mode, the fixed mode is switched to in which the second target effect is set as the fixed effect (see FIG. 21(b)). From then on, unless the fixed mode is released, the type of target effect executed in response to the establishment of the execution condition becomes the second target effect. In other words, in this embodiment, the "currently executed target effect" can be "fixed".

It is well known that an image is displayed in the display area 911 to prompt the player to operate the operation means 60, and in this embodiment, the mode change condition is not satisfied while the operation effect is being executed. Specifically, in this embodiment, an operation effect (one example of which is shown in FIG. 21(c)) occurs even during the target period in normal mode, but the operation of the operation means 60 during the effective operation period of the operation effect (the period during which the operation of the operation means 60 is reflected in the effect) does not contribute to the satisfaction of the mode change condition. In other words, setting the fixed mode is provided as a so-called "cheat" (secret button) function (not all players are aware of the existence of the fixed mode).

The prescribed operation of the operating means 60 for which the mode change condition is satisfied is not a simple one-time operation (a single press). This is because a simple one-time operation may result in a transition to the fixed mode being achieved by an unintentional operation of the operating means 60 by the player. In this embodiment, the mode change condition is satisfied when a long press operation in which the operating means 60 is maintained in an operated state for 5 seconds or more is detected during the target period of the normal mode. During the target period, a long press effect is generated as a type of operation effect to encourage the player to perform a long press operation (a maintenance operation in which the operating means 60 is maintained in an operated state). However, as described above, the mode change condition is not satisfied by an operation during the operation effect, and therefore the fixed mode is not set by an operation following the operation instructions in the long press effect.

To prevent unintended changes to a fixed mode, the mode change condition may be established only when two or more operating means located at physically separate locations are operated. For example, the prescribed operation may be premised on the simultaneous operation of a push button and a cross key (either of the keys).

The method of changing from the fixed mode to the normal mode may be any method. For example, a setting may be made such that a transition to the normal mode is triggered by a predetermined operation of the operating means 60 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an unlocking operation) being performed while the fixed mode is set and a fixed performance (any of the target performances) is being executed. The unlocking operation may be the same as the specified operation described above, or may be a different operation. Also, when changing from the fixed mode to the normal mode, operations during the operation performance are not allowed to contribute to the unlocking operation.

Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the player cannot change from the fixed mode to the normal mode. For example, the gaming machine 1 may not return to the normal mode unless the power is turned off. In such a configuration, once the gaming machine 1 has switched to the fixed mode, the effects that are executed in response to the satisfaction of the execution conditions throughout that business day will be limited to the fixed effects.

As explained above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, while in normal mode (default mode) one of multiple target effects is basically executed when an execution condition is met, it is also possible to set a fixed mode so that one of the multiple target effects is executed as a fixed effect (it is also possible to prevent the target effect from changing). Then, when changing from normal mode to fixed mode, the target effect being executed when the mode change condition is met is set as the fixed effect. In other words, if the currently executed target effect is to your liking, you can "fix" that effect while it is being executed.

In addition, as in this embodiment, the currently executed target presentation does not transition to the fixed mode set as the fixed presentation unless a specified operation is performed on the operating means 60, so the fixed mode is prevented from being set unintentionally by the player. In particular, in this embodiment, even if an operation is performed during an operational presentation, the mode change condition is not met, so the fixed mode is not set unintentionally by the player due to the occurrence of an operational presentation.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned aspects of the control of the target performance. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created that applies a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

Specific example 3-1
In the above embodiment, the target performance is executed when the special game state is ended and the game state is shifted to the normal game state (executed over multiple variations), but the target performance may be the performance executed as a performance constituting one variation. For example, the target performance may be a reach performance (a performance in which the winning/losing lottery result is notified depending on the ending state) executed as a performance constituting one variation. Specifically, when the execution condition is established, one of the multiple reach performances is executed. When the normal mode is set, it is indefinite which of the multiple reach performances occurs, and when the fixed mode is set, a fixed performance, which is one of the multiple reach performances, occurs. When the normal mode is set and a mode change condition is established while one of the reach performances is being executed, the reach performance being executed is shifted to the fixed mode in which the fixed performance is set. After that, when the execution condition is established, the reach performance that is the fixed performance occurs. It should be noted that there is no difference in the reliability of the big win for each of the multiple reach effects (however, the occurrence of any one of the multiple reach effects that are the target effects has a reliability of the big win). In other words, whether the normal mode or the fixed mode is set does not affect the direct profit of the player (profit related to the balls).

In addition, the target effect may not occur during the variable effect, but may be an effect (a jackpot effect) that is executed during a jackpot game. At least a part of the period during which a jackpot game is executed is set as the target period, and the jackpot effect is executed during the target period. A plurality of types of effects are prepared as effects that can be executed as jackpot effects, and when the normal mode is set, it is undefined which of the multiple jackpot effects will occur, and when the fixed mode is set, a fixed effect, which is one of the multiple jackpot effects, will occur. When the normal mode is set and one of the jackpot effects is being executed (i.e., during a jackpot game), the mode change condition is met, and the jackpot effect being executed is switched to the fixed mode in which it is set as a fixed effect. Note that which of the multiple jackpot effects occurs (whether the normal mode or the fixed mode is set) does not affect the player's direct profit (profit related to balls).

Specific example 3-2
In the above embodiment, when the normal mode is set, the target performance to be executed is determined by lottery (random lottery in which the probability of selecting each target performance is the same every time), but the present invention is configured so that each target performance occurs evenly without relying on such random lottery. For example, an order is set for each target performance, and as long as the normal mode is set, the type of target performance to be executed is determined according to that order. In the case of the order of "first target performance → second target performance → third target performance → first target performance ...", when the most recently executed target performance is the first target performance, the second target performance is executed when a new execution condition is established, when the most recently executed target performance is the second target performance, the third target performance is executed when a new execution condition is established, and when the most recently executed target performance is the third target performance, the first target performance is executed when a new execution condition is established (see FIG. 22(a)).

There are various other methods for eliminating bias when normal mode is set, other than the method of determining the order of execution as described above. For example, the number of types of target effects is set to N (if there are three types of target effects, as in the above embodiment, N=3), and N consecutive target effects in the order of execution are considered to be one effect group. In this one effect group, control is performed so that the same type of target effect does not occur more than twice. For example, in the first execution of a certain performance group, the target performance to be executed is determined by lottery from among all types of target performances (see FIG. 22(b-1)), in the second execution of a certain performance group, it is determined by lottery from among the target performances of the type already executed in the same performance group (for example, if the second target performance is executed in the first execution of the same performance group, it is determined by lottery from among the first and third target performances; see FIG. 22(b-2)), and in the third execution of a certain performance group, a target performance that has not yet been executed in the same performance group is necessarily executed (for example, if the second target performance is executed in the first execution of the same performance group and the third target performance is executed in the second execution, the first target performance is necessarily executed; see FIG. 22(b-3)). In the first execution of the next performance group, it is determined by lottery again from among all types of target performances (see FIG. 22(b-4)). In this way, various target performances are generated without bias.

When the normal mode is changed to the fixed mode, the currently executed target effect is set as the fixed effect, which means that a target effect that is not being executed cannot be set as the fixed effect. If the target effect to be executed in the normal mode is determined by random lottery as in the above embodiment, a situation may arise in which a specific target effect does not occur (occurs infrequently) due to bias in the lottery results. If such a situation occurs, it becomes difficult to set a fixed mode in which a target effect that does not occur (occurs infrequently) is set as the fixed effect, so it is better to execute various target effects in the normal mode without bias as in this example.

Specific example 3-3
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the fixed mode is switched to by performing a specified operation of the operation means 60 during the normal mode, and that the fixed mode is switched to by performing an unlocking operation of the operation means 60 during the fixed mode. In addition, it may be possible to switch from one of the normal mode and the fixed mode to the other by another method. For example, in a standby state in which no variable performance or big win game is being performed, a so-called customization function is known that allows the game characteristics (such as changing the probability of occurrence of various performances) and the game environment (such as changing the volume and light amount) to be changed by operating the operation means 60, etc., and it may be possible to switch from one of the normal mode and the fixed mode to the other as a kind of the customization function. When switching from the normal mode to the fixed mode, multiple candidate target performances (for example, names of various target performances) are displayed as options in the display area 911, and a desired target performance is selected by operating the operation means 60 (push button, cross key, etc.) (see FIG. 23; the "change mode" described in FIG. 23 refers to the normal mode, and "characters X to Z" refer to the first target performance to the third target performance, respectively). As a result, the selected target effect is switched to a fixed mode in which the fixed effect is selected. Regarding the transition from the fixed mode to the normal mode, the fixed mode may be cancelled by operating the operating means 60 in the standby state.

However, when multiple types of target effects are displayed as options, there is a possibility that the player will not be able to grasp the specific content of the various target effects (will not be able to determine which effect is the player's "favorite"). As a result, there is a risk that a target effect that is not preferred will be set as the fixed effect. The method of setting the fixed mode described in the above embodiment sets the currently executed target effect as the fixed effect, so there is little risk that a target effect that is not preferred will be set as the fixed effect. Another advantage of the method of setting the fixed mode described in the above embodiment is that there is no need to bother using the customization function.

Specific example 3-4
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the operation method (contents of the prescribed operation) of the operating means 60 for realizing the transition from the normal mode to the fixed mode is not shown to the player (is not displayed in the display area 911) (it is a so-called "cheat" (secret button) function), but the operation method (contents of the prescribed operation) may be displayed in the display area 911. In this case, it is preferable to also display that the currently executed target effect will be a fixed effect. For example, when the normal mode is set and a certain type of target effect is being executed, an image such as "Press and hold the button to fix the current effect" may be displayed.

Specific example 3-5
Two or more of the multiple target effects are fixed effects (effects that can occur in fixed mode). For example, two target effects, X1 and X2, are prepared as target effects with a character X as a motif, two target effects, Y1 and Y2, are prepared as target effects with a character Y as a motif, and two target effects, Z1 and Z2, are prepared as target effects with a character Z as a motif (see FIG. 24(a)). In other words, a total of six types of effects are provided as target effects. When the normal mode is set, any of the six target effects (X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, Z3) can occur. When the execution condition is established, the target effect to be executed is determined by a lottery in which any of the six target effects can be won (see FIG. 24(b-1)).

When a specified operation is performed in normal mode, the mode change condition is met and the mode transitions to fixed mode. Here, the fixed performance when transitioning to fixed mode includes not only the target performance that was being executed when the mode change condition was met, but also the target performance that belongs to the same performance group. The performance group is a pre-defined concept. That is, each of the multiple target performances is pre-classified into performance groups that include two or more target performances. As a way of dividing the performance groups, it is possible to consider that performance elements that make up the target performance are the same as the same performance group. For example, in the above example, performances that have the same character as the motif are considered to be the same performance group (performance group X to Z) (see FIG. 24 (a)). Therefore, for example, when the mode change condition is met while the target performance Z2 is being executed in normal mode, not only the target performance Z2 but also the target performance Z1 that belongs to the same performance group is considered to be a fixed performance (see FIG. 24 (b)). In other words, the mode transitions to a fixed mode in which two or more target performances are fixed performances. Note that, among the multiple performance groups, some performance groups may include two or more target performances, while others may include only one type of target performance. In other words, if at least some of the multiple performance groups contain two or more target performances, and the condition for changing to fixed mode is met while one of the target performances in that performance group is being executed, all of the target performances in that performance group will become fixed performances.

When the execution conditions are met in fixed mode, a lottery is held in which two or more types of fixed effects are the subject of the lottery, and the fixed effect that is won by the lottery is executed (see FIG. 24 (b-2)). In other words, there is a possibility that any of the two or more types of fixed effects will be executed (this differs from the configuration in which it is determined that one type of fixed effect will be executed, as in the above embodiment). However, compared to the state in which the normal mode is set (where one of the six target effects is executed), the number of types of target effects that can be executed is smaller.

Specific example 3-6
It is assumed that two or more fixed modes are provided. For example, it is assumed that six types of target effects are prepared: target effect Xm (see FIG. 25(b-1)) in which a background image of "morning" is displayed with character X as the motif; target effect Xn (see FIG. 25(b-2)) in which a background image of "night" is displayed with character X as the motif; target effect Ym (see FIG. 25(b-3)) in which a background image of "morning" is displayed with character Y as the motif; target effect Yn (see FIG. 25(b-4)) in which a background image of "night" is displayed with character Y as the motif; target effect Zm (see FIG. 25(b-5)) in which a background image of "morning" is displayed with character Z as the motif; and target effect Zn (see FIG. 25(b-6)) in which a background image of "night" is displayed with character Z as the motif. It is assumed that various methods of expressing "morning" and "night" are provided. It is conceivable to make "night" relatively darker than "morning", or to display the sun in "morning" and the moon in "night".

The target effects are categorized by two types of effect elements: "character type" and "time (morning/night)". In other words, if categorized by "character type", two of them, "target effect Xm" and "target effect X/night", two of them, "target effect Ym" and "target effect Yn", and two of them, "target effect Zm" and "target effect Zn", can be considered as effect groups each containing a common character (see "effect element (character type)" in Figure 25(a)). Also, if categorized by "time (morning/night)", three of them, "target effect Xm", "target effect Ym", and "target effect Zm", and three of them, "target effect Xn", "target effect Yn", and "target effect Zn", can be considered as effect groups each representing a common time (see "effect element (time)" in Figure 25(a)).

When normal mode is set, any of the six target effects (target effects Xm, Xn, Ym, Yn, Zm, and Zn) can occur. When the execution conditions are met, the target effect to be executed is determined by a lottery in which any of the six target effects can be won (see FIG. 26(a)).

As fixed modes, a first fixed mode (see FIG. 26(b)) and a second fixed mode (see FIG. 26(c)) are provided. In the first fixed mode, the "type of character" is fixed, and in the second fixed mode, the "time (morning/night)" is fixed. The method for transitioning from the normal mode to the first fixed mode is different from the method for transitioning to the second fixed mode. For example, when the normal mode is set and a first specified operation of the operating means 60 is performed, the first mode change condition is met and a transition to the first fixed mode is made, but when a second specified operation (different from the first specified operation) is performed, the second mode change condition is met and a transition to the second fixed mode is made.

If the normal mode is set and the first mode change condition is met while the target effect Yn is being executed, the game will transition to the first fixed mode in which the target effect Ym and the target effect Yn are fixed effects (see FIG. 26(b)). In other words, the game will transition to the first fixed mode in which the effect element "character Y" is fixed. If the execution condition is met in the first fixed mode, a lottery will be held in which the target effect Ym and the target effect Yn are the objects of the lottery, and the fixed effect that is won by the lottery will be executed (the control is executed when two or more target effects are fixed effects as explained in specific example 3-5).

On the other hand, when the normal mode is set and the target effect Yn is being executed, if the second mode change condition is met, the mode will transition to the second fixed mode in which the target effect Xn, the target effect Yn, and the target effect Zn are fixed effects (see FIG. 26(c)). In other words, the mode will transition to the second fixed mode in which the effect element "night" is fixed. If the execution condition is met in the second fixed mode, a lottery will be held in which the target effect Xn, the target effect Yn, and the target effect Zn are the objects of the lottery, and the fixed effect that is won by the lottery will be executed (the control is executed when two or more target effects are fixed effects as explained in specific example 3-5).

In this example, it may be possible to transition from one fixed mode to another of two or more fixed modes. For example, if a second specified operation is performed when the first fixed mode is set, this will trigger a transition to the second fixed mode. However, the performance elements that were fixed in the fixed mode before the change will be released when the mode is transitioned to another fixed mode. For example, if a second specified operation is performed while the target performance Xm is being executed in the first fixed mode in which the two types of target performance Xm and target performance Xn are fixed performances (the first fixed mode in which "character X" is the fixed performance element), the mode will transition to the second fixed mode in which the three types of target performance Xm, target performance Ym, and target performance Zm are fixed performances (the second fixed mode in which "morning" is the fixed performance element), and the state in which "character X" is fixed will be released.

In this way, when each of the target effects includes two or more types of effect elements, it is possible to provide a configuration in which two or more fixed modes are provided in which the various effect elements are fixed.

Specific example 3-7
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the normal mode is switched to the fixed mode (the mode change condition is satisfied) by the specified operation of the operating means 60, but other conditions may be set as the mode change condition as long as they can be satisfied due to the player's actions. In other words, it is sufficient that, at the point when it is determined that the currently executed target effect is to the player's liking, the player can switch to the fixed mode in which the target effect is set as the fixed effect at his/her own will.

6) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is in no way limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The matters described in the above embodiment can also be applied to other gaming machines, such as slot machines, except for the fact that they utilize a configuration unique to pachinko gaming machines.

The presentation that suggests the probability (jackpot reliability) of the winning/losing lottery result described in the above embodiment being a "jackpot" can also be used to suggest the probability of a so-called "small jackpot." In addition, in the case of a gaming machine with gameplay in which the acquisition of a small jackpot is essentially linked to the acquisition of a jackpot (so-called two-type gameplay), the "jackpot" described in the above embodiment can be replaced with a "small jackpot."

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

・Method 1-1
A gaming machine capable of executing multiple types of specific performances as part of a variation-in-progress performance from when the decorative pattern indicating the result of a win/lose lottery starts to vary until it stops in a manner according to the result of the win/lose lottery, characterized in that when the result of the win/lose lottery is announced as a win in a standard variation-in-progress performance, which is a variation-in-progress performance that includes any of the multiple types of specific performances, there is a higher probability that an event advantageous to the player will occur if the specific performance, which is a target specific performance, that occurs after the end of a win game based on the win announced in the standard variation-in-progress performance, is in a matching mode that is the same type as the standard specific performance, which is the specific performance that occurred in the standard variation-in-progress performance, than if it is in a non-matching mode that is different from the standard specific performance.
According to the above gaming machine, an interesting gameplay is realized in which a specific effect of the same type as the specific effect (standard specific effect) that occurs in the standard variable effect before a winning game becomes a specific effect that has a high probability of causing an event that is advantageous to the player after the winning game.

・Method 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that a normal gaming state and a special gaming state which is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state are provided as gaming states in which the player plays with the aim of winning the winning/losing lottery result, and the target specific performance is the specific performance which occurs before the special gaming state to which the player shifts after the winning game ends ends.
In this way, a game property is realized in which a specific effect of the same type as the standard specific effect is likely to result in an event advantageous to the player through a special game state after a winning game.

・Method 1-3
The gaming machine described in means 1-1, wherein the target specific performance is the specific performance that occurs first after the winning game ends.
In this way, easy-to-understand gameplay is realized in which it is important whether or not the specific effect that occurs first after a winning game is the same type of specific effect as the reference specific effect.

・Method 1-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that when a certain specific performance occurs as the matching pattern, an additional image is displayed that is not displayed when the performance does not occur as the matching pattern.
By doing so, the risk of a situation occurring in which the player does not notice the occurrence of a matching pattern is reduced.

・Method 1-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-4, characterized in that the type of specific performance determined as the reference specific performance is continuously displayed until a specified end condition is met even if the target specific performance has not occurred.
By doing this, it is easy for the player to notice that a specific effect of the same type as the reference specific effect is in a special state that is different from other types of specific effects.

・Method 2-1
A gaming machine capable of executing a composite performance including a plurality of unit performances that occur successively, characterized in that the composite performance has the following modes: a basic mode in which the same type of performance element is output in all of the unit performances; a normal unit performance that is a part of the plurality of unit performances; and a special mode in which the types of performance elements output in the normal unit performances and the types of performance elements output in the special unit performances are different.
According to the above gaming machine, when a special mode occurs, an interesting composite presentation can be created in which the player feels a "sense of discomfort" (a sense of discomfort caused by the special unit presentation outputting a different type of presentation element from the normal unit presentation).

・Method 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that the probability of an event advantageous to the player occurring is higher when the composite performance is in the special mode than when the composite performance is in the basic mode.
By doing as described above, when a special mode occurs (when a player feels uncomfortable due to the occurrence of a special mode), a presentation form can be provided in which the player can expect an advantageous event to occur.

・Method 2-3
The special mode is characterized in that the last unit performance is the special unit performance, and the other unit performances are the normal unit performances.
In this way, it becomes impossible to determine whether a composite performance is a basic mode or a special mode until the last unit performance included in the composite performance occurs.

・Method 2-4
The gaming machine described in any one of means 2-1 to 2-3 is characterized in that the composite effects are displayed in order according to the order in which the unit effects occur as the unit effects occur.
In this way, the composite effect can function as an effect in which a count-up or count-down is performed.

・Method 2-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 2-1 to 2-4, characterized in that the unit performance displays one of a plurality of types of character images in which the characters represented are different from one another, and the basic mode displays the same type of character image in all of the unit performances, while the special mode displays different types of character images in the normal unit performance and the special unit performance.
By doing this, the composite presentation of the special mode is a presentation form in which the player may feel uncomfortable with the special unit presentation displaying a different type of character than that displayed in the normal unit presentation.

・Method 2-6
The gaming machine described in means 2-5 is characterized in that each of the multiple types of character images displayed in the unit performance has the same character depicted but a different concept, and the special aspect is characterized in that the character images displayed in the normal unit performance and the character images displayed in the special unit performance have different character types but the same concept.
By doing this, even in the case of a special mode composite performance (where the character types are different between the normal unit performance and the special unit performance), the concept of each unit performance is the same, so it becomes a performance format in which it is difficult for the player to notice that a special mode composite performance is occurring (not everyone will notice the occurrence of a special mode).

Measure 3-1
A gaming machine in which one of a plurality of target effects is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the gaming machine having as control modes for the target effects a normal mode in which the type of the target effect executed when the predetermined condition is satisfied can be changed, and a fixed mode in which one of the plurality of target effects is set as a fixed effect, and the target effect set as the fixed effect is executed when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and other types of target effects are not executed, characterized in that if a mode change condition is satisfied while one of the plurality of target effects is being executed while the normal mode is set, the target effect being executed is changed to the fixed mode in which the fixed effect is set.
The gaming machine described above is capable of fixing the currently executed target effect (setting it as a fixed effect), which is convenient for the player (contributes to the convenience of being able to select the effect as desired).

Measure 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that it is equipped with an operating means that can be operated by a player, and the mode change condition is not established unless a specified operation of the operating means is performed.
In this way, by performing a prescribed operation while a desired target effect is being executed, the target effect can be made a fixed effect.

Measure 3-3
The gaming machine described in means 3-2 is characterized in that the mode change condition is not satisfied during the execution of an operation presentation in which the player is prompted to operate the operating means.
In this way, the fixed mode is prevented from being unintentionally set.

1 Gaming machine 10 Additional image 20 Good model image 30 Presentation image (31-35 First presentation image to fifth presentation image)
N order display 60 operation means 70 reserved symbol 80 decorative symbol 906 big prize area 91 display device 911 display area

Claims (1)

A gaming machine in which one of a plurality of target effects is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
As a control mode of the target performance,
A normal mode in which the type of the target performance executed when the predetermined condition is met can be changed;
A fixed mode in which one of the plurality of types of target effects is set as a fixed effect, and the target effect set as the fixed effect is executed when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the other types of target effects are not executed;
There is a system in place,
When a mode change condition is satisfied while one of the plurality of target effects is being executed in the normal mode, the target effect being executed is changed to the fixed mode set as the fixed effect,
The game machine includes an operating means operable by a player,
If the specified operation of the operation means is not performed, the mode change condition is not satisfied,
During the execution of the operation presentation in which the player is prompted to operate the operation means, the mode change condition is not satisfied.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images