JP7634872B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to gaming machines such as slot machines.

Among these types of gaming machines, there are known ones that are equipped with a so-called chance zone (CZ). The chance zone is a gaming state that makes it easier for the player to transition to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player (for example, assist time (AT)), and by achieving certain conditions in this chance zone, the player can transition to the advantageous gaming state.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that adds up points according to winning combinations, and executes an AT state transition lottery at the end of the chance zone, in which the greater the number of points, the more likely it is that a player will win the transition to the AT state.

JP 2017-108867 A

However, the gaming machine described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 merely performs a lottery to determine whether or not to transition to an AT state at the end of the CZ state, and the flow of the game is monotonous.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can expand the range of play by making the game state after the chance zone different from the conventional one.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a reel for displaying a plurality of symbols in a variably or stationary manner, a start switch for displaying the symbols on the reel in a variably manner, a stop switch provided in correspondence with the reel for displaying the corresponding symbols on the reel in a stationary manner, a winning selection means for selecting whether a player has won or lost one of a plurality of winning combinations, a combination selection table that stores winning areas corresponding to the plurality of winning combinations, a reel control means for controlling the display of the symbols on the reel in a stationary manner based on the result of the winning selection means and the operation of the stop switch, and a reel control means for controlling the display of the symbols on the reel when the reel has displayed a stationary pattern. The system includes a winning determination means for determining whether or not a player has won any of the multiple winning combinations based on the stopping position of the ball, a game state control means for managing the game state, and a point management means for managing points added each time a predetermined condition is achieved. The game states include a chance zone that ends after a predetermined number of games, and a first game state, a second game state, and a third game state to which the player can transition from the chance zone, the second game state and the third game state being more advantageous to the player than the first game state, and the game state to which the player transitions at the end of the chance zone is determined based on the points acquired in the chance zone.

As described above, the present invention determines the game state to which the player will transition when the chance zone ends based on the points acquired in the chance zone, and provides a first game state, a second game state, and a third game state as game states to which the player can transition from the chance zone. Of these, the second game state and the third game state are more advantageous to the player than the first game state. With this configuration, the first game state is provided as a "miss," and the second game state and the third game state are provided as two types of "hits." Thus, by setting the game state to which the player transitions when the chance zone ends to a different form than in the past, the range of play can be expanded.

The second and third game states may be made more advantageous than the first game state by providing information about the operation order of the stop switches. In other words, the second and third game states may be so-called assist time (AT) or pseudo bonus.

In addition, the second game state can transition to the third game state without passing through the first game state, but the third game state cannot transition to the second game state without passing through the first game state. In other words, the basic flow of the game can be cyclical from "first game state" → "second game state" → "third game state" → "first game state" (of course, other game states can be inserted between these game states). With this configuration, the subsequent game can change significantly depending on which game state is transitioned to at the end of the chance zone, thereby widening the range of gameplay.

In addition, at the end of the chance zone, if the points acquired in the chance zone are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, control may be performed to prevent the transition to the first game state. This configuration allows for a game feature in which a "miss (first game state)" can be avoided by acquiring points equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, thereby expanding the scope of play.

In addition, when the points acquired in the chance zone reach the above-mentioned predetermined threshold, a notification to that effect may be provided. With this configuration, the player can expect to transition to a more favorable gaming state after the chance zone, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

In addition, when the points acquired in the chance zone reach a specific threshold (however, the specific threshold is set higher than a predetermined threshold), control may be executed to end the chance zone and transition to a third game state. In this manner, even after the points acquired exceed the predetermined threshold, the player is motivated to acquire more points, so that interest in playing in the chance zone can be maintained.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a slot machine. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a slot machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the pay lines of a slot machine. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the gaming state (RT state) of a slot machine. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the gaming state (presentation state) of a slot machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel. A diagram showing the winning probability of the role drawing table in each RT state. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between lottery results and winning patterns. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display mode of a special pattern match. FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the basic flow of one game. A flow chart explaining the flow of chance zone processing. A diagram showing the relationship between the display mode in the chance zone and the average earned points. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the probability of winning in a judged drawing, in which (a) is a diagram showing the probability of winning when there are less than 100 points, and (b) is a diagram showing the probability of winning when there are between 100 and 200 points. 13 is a diagram illustrating the general flow of presentation related to the battle game state. FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of battle game state processing. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the assist bonus state. A flow chart explaining the flow of special game state processing.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below by taking a slot machine 10 as an example of a gaming machine.
(Slot Machine 10)
1, the slot machine 10 has a rectangular box-shaped housing 11 and a front door 31 that can be opened and closed freely attached to the front side of the housing 11. The front door 31 has a display window 12 that faces the player.

Also, at approximately the center of the height direction of the front door 31, an operation unit 31A for operating the slot machine 10 and a medal insertion slot 14 are provided. The operation unit 31A is provided with a bet switch 16, a settlement switch 17, a start switch 30, a stop switch 50, a performance switch 19, etc.

In addition, below the operation unit 31A, there are provided, sandwiched between the lower panel 31B, a medal payout opening 18 for paying out medals, and a lower tray 31C capable of storing medals paid out from the medal payout opening 18.

The display window 12 of the front door 31 described above is formed with a pattern display window 13 through which the patterns on the spinning reels 40 behind can be seen. The spinning reels 40 are arranged behind the pattern display window 13 and are rotatably attached to the slot machine 10, and are used to display a plurality of patterns displayed on the outer peripheral surface in a variable or stationary manner. In this embodiment, three spinning reels 40 are provided: a left reel 41, a center reel 42, and a right reel 43, and each of the spinning reels 40 can be rotated individually.

Three rows of symbols, the upper row, the middle row, and the lower row, are displayed on each of the three rotating reels 40 from the above-mentioned symbol display window 13, so that a total of nine symbols are displayed through the symbol display window 13. An effective line is set by a combination of the display positions of the total of nine symbols. An effective line is a line that specifies the arrangement of effective symbol combinations for winning among the lines formed by connecting the symbols at the display positions of each of the three rotating reels 40 one by one. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a line L that connects the symbols in the upper row of the left reel 41, the symbols in the middle row of the center reel 42, and the symbols in the lower row of the right reel 43 is set as an effective line. When a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed along this effective line, the winning combination is won.

In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to bet (place a bet) one to three medals to play one game, and the above-mentioned line L is configured to be an active line regardless of whether one medal is bet, two medals are bet, or three medals are bet.
Although not shown, the slot machine 10 incorporates a control device 20 (see FIG. 2) for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10 .

(Input stage)
As shown in Figure 2, the input stage of the control device 20 is connected to the input switch 15, the bet switch 16, the settlement switch 17, the start switch 30, the left stop switch 51, the middle stop switch 52, the right stop switch 53, and the performance switch 19.
It should be noted that the input devices connected to the input stage are not limited to those mentioned above.

(Start switch 15)
As shown in Fig. 1, the insertion switch 15 is a switch built in below the medal insertion slot 14, and is used to detect inserted game medals. When the insertion switch 15 detects a game medal, up to a maximum of 50 game medals can be stored (credited) inside the gaming machine. The game medals credited in this way are displayed as a numerical value on the credit display section 32, and can be used in the next game and thereafter.

(Bet Switch 16)
1, the bet switch 16 is a switch located on the top surface of the operation unit 31A. By pressing the bet switch 16, credits can be replaced with medals. By replacing credits with medals, a game can be started.

(Settlement switch 17)
The settlement switch 17, as shown in FIG. 1, is a switch located at the left end of the upper surface of the operation unit 31A, and is used to refund credited medals.

(Start switch 30)
1, the start switch 30 is a lever located on the front left side of the operation unit 31A. When the start switch 30 is operated in a state in which the game can be started, the reel unit 60, which will be described later, starts to operate, and the symbols on the spinning reel 40 are displayed in a variably manner.

(Stop switch 50)
The stop switch 50 is for stopping the drive of the reel unit 60, which will be described later. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the stop switch 50 is composed of three switches (left stop switch 51, middle stop switch 52, right stop switch 53) corresponding to each rotating reel 40 (left reel 41, middle reel 42, right reel 43), and one is disposed below each rotating reel 40. By operating the stop switch 50 corresponding to a rotating reel 40, the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops rotating, and the symbols on the rotating reel 40 are displayed as still images.

(Performance switch 19)
The effect switch 19 is an input receiving means for receiving input from the player, and can be pressed (enabled) when a specific effect is executed. When the effect switch 19 is pressed when a specific effect is executed, a predetermined event occurs. For example, an event occurs in which the effect develops and a new effect occurs, the effect state (described later) shifts, or a special benefit is given to the player. The effect switch 19 in this embodiment has the word "PUSH" displayed on it.

(Output stage)
As shown in FIG. 2, the output stage of the control device 20 is connected to various parts, such as a reel unit 60, a hopper unit 65, and a performance unit 66 (an image display unit 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69).
The output stage is not limited to the above-mentioned parts.

(Reel unit 60)
The reel unit 60 is composed of three stepping motors fixed or supported on a frame (not shown), and three rotating reels 40 (left reel 41, center reel 42, right reel 43) fixed to the output shafts of the stepping motors. Each rotating reel 40 has a short cylindrical rotating drum and a tape-like reel tape attached to the periphery of the rotating drum. Twenty patterns are displayed at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the reel tape.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the left reel 41 displays the following symbols in the direction of rotation: "Watermelon", "PUSH", "PUSH", "Replay", "Bell", "Watermelon", "Cherry", "BAR", "Replay", "Bell", "Watermelon", "PUSH", "Blue 7", "Replay", "Bell", "Watermelon", "PUSH", "Red 7", "Replay", "Bell".

In addition, the middle reel 42 displays the following symbols in the order shown in the direction of rotation: "Bell", "Replay", "PUSH", "Watermelon", "PUSH", "Bell", "Replay", "BAR", "Watermelon", "PUSH", "Bell", "Replay", "Blue 7", "Cherry", "PUSH", "Bell", "Replay", "Red 7", "Cherry", "PUSH".

In addition, the right reel 43 displays the following symbols in the order listed in the direction of rotation: "Bell", "Replay", "Cherry", "PUSH", "Watermelon", "Bell", "Replay", "BAR", "PUSH", "Watermelon", "Bell", "Replay", "Blue 7", "PUSH", "Watermelon", "Bell", "Replay", "Red 7", "PUSH", "Watermelon".

The "PUSH" symbols displayed on the three rotating reels 40 are special symbols that indicate the performance switch 19. The fact that the special symbols indicate the performance switch 19 can be made known to the player in various ways. For example, the same letters may be displayed on the "PUSH" symbols and the performance switch 19, or the same design may be displayed on the "PUSH" symbols and the performance switch 19. In this embodiment, the letters "PUSH" are displayed on the performance switch 19, and the letters "PUSH" are also displayed on the special symbols, so that the player can easily infer that the "PUSH" symbols and the performance switch 19 correspond to each other.

(Hopper unit 65)
The hopper unit 65, as shown in FIG. 1, is disposed inside the cabinet 11, and serves to pay out medals based on game results and the like.

(Direction Department 66)
The presentation section 66 performs various presentations related to the game, such as announcing winning, under the control of the control device 20. Specifically, the presentation section 66 is composed of an image display section 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69.

The image display unit 67 is disposed behind a window provided above the reel 40, and is for displaying winning notifications and other effects using LEDs, a dot matrix, a liquid crystal screen, etc. Note that the image display unit 67 is not limited to the above, and for example, a reel 40 dedicated to effects may be provided, and effects may be displayed by reel patterns, letters, etc.
The lamp 68 is a light-emitting element that lights up or flashes to indicate a win or the like.
The speaker 69 is for announcing the winning of a prize or the like by emitting a winning sound.

(Control device 20)
The control device 20 is for controlling the operation of the slot machine 10. The control device 20 is mainly composed of a CPU, and is equipped with a ROM, a RAM, etc. The CPU is configured to execute various controls by reading programs stored in the ROM.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 20 according to this embodiment functions as each of the following means: game state control means 100, winning draw means 110, role draw table 120, reel control means 130, winning determination means 140, hopper control means 150, performance control means 200, push order notification control means 210, setting means 220, game zone control means 240, point management means 300, point draw means 310, point draw table 320, judge draw means 330, judge draw table 340, battle game management means 400, battle performance draw means 410, and special game management means 500. Note that the control device 20 is not limited to the above-mentioned means, and may include other means.

(Game status control means 100)
The game state control means 100 is for managing the game state. The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment has two game states, an "RT state" and a "presentation state", and these two game states are controlled independently. The game state control means 100 stores the current game state for each of these two game states, and executes a process of switching the game state when a predetermined event occurs that triggers a transition of the game state.
First, the RT state will be described. The RT state is a gaming state that is determined by the probability of winning a winning combination including a replay combination.

The RT state in this embodiment is determined by whether or not a bonus role (BB role and RB role) has been won, and whether or not a bonus role has been won and a bonus game (BB game and RB game) is being played.

The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment has a BB role that starts a BB game when a prize is won, and an RB role that starts an RB game when a prize is won, as bonus roles that are a type of winning role. In the BB game according to this embodiment, it is possible to jack in and transition to the RB game when specific symbols are lined up during the BB game. The RB game may be executed during the BB game, or may be executed outside the BB game. The BB game and RB game end when the number of medals paid out reaches a specified number.

The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment has at least the following RT states, as shown in Fig. 4. Note that the RT states are not limited to the following, and other RT states may be provided.
(1) RT0 state (2) RT1 state (3) RT2 state

Of these, the RT0 state is the initial state that is set at the time of factory shipment or when settings are changed. The machine transitions to this RT0 state when the settings are reset due to a change in settings, etc. The RT0 states are "General" (a state in which the bonus role has not been internally won and the bonus game is not being played), "BB Internal" (a state in which the BB role has been internally won), and "BB General" (a state in which the BB game is being played, the RB role has not been internally won, and the RB game is not being played).

The RT1 state is a state in which the RB role has been internally won. The RT1 state occurs when "BB/RB internal" (the BB game is being played and the RB role has been internally won) or "RB internal" (the BB game is not being played and the RB role has been internally won).

The RT2 state is the state in which an RB game is being played. This RT2 state occurs when "in BB/RB game" (a state in which an RB game is being played within a BB game) or "in RB game" (a state in which an RB game is being played outside of a BB game).

The transition of the RT state will be explained with reference to Figure 4. First, the game starts in "General". The RT state at this time is "RT0 state". If an internal win is made on the BB role during "General", the state changes to "BB internal", but the RT state remains in "RT0 state". On the other hand, if an internal win is made on the RB role during "General", the state changes to "RB internal", and the RT state transitions to "RT1 state".

If the symbol combination that will win the BB role can be displayed in a static manner during "BB internal", the BB game will start and the state will change to "BB general". In this case, the RT state will remain in the "RT0 state". Then, if the RB role is internally won during "BB general", the state will change to "BB/RB internal" and the RT state will transition to "RT1 state". Also, if the symbol combination that will win the RB role can be displayed in a static manner during "BB/RB internal", the RB game will start and the state will transition to "BB/RB game in progress". At this time, the RT state transitions to "RT2 state". The BB game and RB game that are started in this way will continue until the specified payout number is achieved, and will return to "general" after they end. At this time, the RT state will be the "RT0 state".

Also, if the symbol combination that will win the RB role can be displayed in a stopped state during "RB inside", the RB game will start and the state will become "RB game in progress". At this time, the RT state will transition to "RT2 state". This RB game will continue until a specified number of coins are paid out, and once it has ended, it will return to "normal". At this time, the RT state will transition to "RT0 state".

Next, the presentation state will be explained. The presentation state is a game state that is determined by a series of presentations executed using the presentation unit 66. For example, the player is made to recognize each presentation state as a "stage," and the stages progress according to a story, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment has at least the following presentation states, as shown in Fig. 5. Note that the presentation states are not limited to the following, and other presentation states may be provided.
(1) Normal game state (2) High probability game state (3) Premonition state (4) Chance zone (5) Pseudo bonus state (6) Battle game state (7) Special game state (8) Assist bonus state (9) Withdrawal possible state

The normal game state is the initial state that is set at the time of shipment from the factory or when the settings are changed. This normal game state is entered when the high probability game state ends. It is possible to enter any of the high probability game state, premonition state, chance zone, and battle game state from this normal game state. In this embodiment, the game state is configured to enter any of these presentation states when a "PUSH replay" described below is won. For example, when a "PUSH replay" is won and a predetermined operation (pressing the presentation switch 19) is performed, a lottery is held to determine which presentation state to enter, or whether to not enter a presentation state at all (this lottery will be described in detail later).

The high probability game state is a presentation state in which it is easier to win a "PUSH replay" than in the normal game state described above. In this high probability game state, the operation sequence of the stop switch 50 that can win a "PUSH replay" is notified by the push sequence notification control means 210 (described later), so the player can easily win a "PUSH replay" by simply following the instructions. This high probability game state ends when a predetermined condition (such as playing a predetermined number of games, winning or winning a predetermined demotion winning role, etc.) is met, and transitions to the normal game state. In addition, from this high probability game state, it is also possible to transition to any of the premonition state, chance zone, and battle game states, triggered by winning a "PUSH replay". That is, as in the normal game state, when a "PUSH replay" is won and a predetermined operation (pressing the presentation switch 19) is performed, a transition lottery for the presentation state is performed to determine which presentation state to transition to, or whether to not transition to a presentation state.

In the above example, the destination of the presentation state is determined by a presentation state transition lottery in the normal game state and the high probability game state, but the method of transitioning the presentation state is not limited to this, and various methods are possible. For example, when a "PUSH replay" is won and a specified operation is performed, points for transitioning the presentation state are added, and the presentation state is transitioned when a specified number of points are accumulated.

The premonition state is a presentation state in which a transition to a pseudo bonus state can be expected. This premonition state continues until a predetermined number of games have been played or a predetermined winning combination is won (or won). If a predetermined winning combination is won (or won), a transition to a pseudo bonus state occurs. On the other hand, if a predetermined number of games have been played without a predetermined winning combination being won (or won), a transition to a high probability game state occurs.

The chance zone is a presentation state in which you can expect to transition to a pseudo bonus state or a special game state. The processing of this chance zone will be explained in detail later.

The pseudo bonus state is a presentation state in which a player can easily win a small prize by executing a specific game (AT) described later. This pseudo bonus state is executed until a predetermined number of games are played, and then the state transitions to a battle game state.
The battle gaming state is a presentation state in which a transition to a special gaming state can be expected. Processing of this battle gaming state will be described in detail later.

The special game state is a presentation state in which a player can easily win a small prize by executing a specific game (AT) described later. This special game state is executed until the number of sets stored is consumed, with a predetermined number of games (for example, 50 games) as one set, and then it transitions to a withdrawal possible state. However, if an assist bonus described later is started in the special game state, it transitions to an assist bonus state.
The assist bonus state is a presentation state in which an assist bonus, which will be described later, is executed. The process of this assist bonus state will be described in detail later.

The pull-back possible state is a presentation state in which a pull-back from the special game state can be expected. In this pull-back possible state, if a specified pull-back condition (for example, winning or winning a predetermined winning combination, or winning in a lottery held after winning or winning a predetermined winning combination) is achieved, the game state transitions to the special game state. On the other hand, if the pull-back condition is not achieved and the specified number of games has been played, the game state transitions to the high probability game state.

(Lottery drawing means 110)
The winning selection means 110 is for selecting whether any of a plurality of winning combinations has been won or not. That is, the winning combination is selected based on a predetermined selection probability.

The winning draw means 110 according to this embodiment stores the results of the draw in RAM as an internal flag. Specifically, if the result of the draw by the winning draw means 110 is a winning combination, the winning flag corresponding to that winning combination is established. The winning combination associated with the established winning flag is then recognized as a state in which a prize can be won (internal win). If the combination of symbols stopped on the spinning reel 40 matches a predetermined winning symbol while this winning flag is established, the player wins and is awarded a prize such as a payout of medals or a special game.

This winning drawing means 110 is equipped with random number generating means that generates random numbers within a predetermined range, extracts the random numbers generated by this random number generating means at the timing of operation of the start switch 30, and performs the drawing by comparing the extracted random numbers with the winning combination drawing table 120. The winning drawing means 110 according to this embodiment generates random numbers in 16 bits, so is configured to generate 65,536 different random numbers from 0 to 65,535. In the winning combination drawing table 120 described later, a winning area is assigned to each of these 65,536 different random numbers, and by comparing the random numbers with this winning combination drawing table 120, a winning combination or a losing combination can be identified.

The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment has the following winning roles: a bonus role that starts a bonus game when a prize is won, a replay role that allows the player to play the game again without inserting new game medals when a prize is won, and a minor role that pays out game medals when a prize is won.

The bonus roles include a BB role that starts a BB game when a prize is won, and an RB role that starts an RB game when a prize is won. The BB game and the RB game are bonus games that are played until a predetermined benefit is awarded to the player, such as a predetermined number of medals being paid out. The BB game is set to continue until a greater benefit is awarded to the player than in the RB game. The RB game may be played during the BB game or outside of the BB game.

The winning flag for a bonus role will be carried over to the next game or later, even if no prize is won in the game in which the winning flag was set. In other words, the right to win that winning role will be maintained until a prize is won. On the other hand, the winning flag for other winning roles will be reset if no prize is won in the game in which the winning flag was set, and will not be carried over to the next game or later.

(Role drawing table 120)
The role drawing table 120 determines whether the random number extracted by the winning draw means 110 corresponds to a winning role or a losing role. This role drawing table 120 stores winning areas corresponding to a plurality of winning roles, and is specifically provided as a correspondence table between the random numbers generated by the winning draw means 110 and the winning roles. The winning draw means 110 switches between these role drawing tables 120 depending on the RT state, the set value, etc. This allows the probability of winning to vary for each RT state.

Figure 7 shows the winning probability of the prize draw table 120 for a given set value (e.g., "3"). As shown in Figure 7, the prize draw table 120 is provided with different winning probabilities for each RT state.

The numbers written below "RT0", "RT1", and "RT2" in Figure 7 indicate the number of random numbers assigned to each winning area. For example, in the RT0 state, the probability of a "lose" result is 4/65536, the probability of a "BB1" result is 5304/65536, and the probability of a "RB1" result is 2560/65536.

Of the winning areas shown in FIG. 7, the "loser" is a winning area to which no winning combination is assigned. If the random number extracted by the winning combination drawing means 110 is included in this winning area, the drawing result will be an unwinning combination that has not been assigned to any winning combination.

On the other hand, if the random number extracted by the winning drawing means 110 is included in a winning area other than "miss," the flag for one of the winning roles will be set. There are also cases where multiple winning flags are set at the same time. For example, the winning area "BB1" is a winning area where the winning flag for "BB" and the winning flag for "1 coin role" are set at the same time. If the random number extracted by the winning drawing means 110 is included in this winning area, it is possible to win "BB" or "1 coin role" depending on the timing of the operation of the stop switch 50.

As shown in FIG. 7, the role selection table 120 ("RT2") used in the RB game is set to be more disadvantageous to the player than the role selection table 120 ("RT1") used when the RB role is internally won. Specifically, the role selection table 120 ("RT2") used in the RB game is set to have a lower probability of winning the replay role ("7 reps A-E", "push order PUSH reps A, B", "weak cherry reps", "strong cherry reps", "chance reps", "PUSH reps A-C") than the role selection table 120 ("RT1") used when the RB role is internally won. Also, the role selection table 120 ("RT2") used in the RB game is set to have a higher probability of "missing" than the role selection table 120 ("RT1") used when the RB role is internally won. For this reason, medals are more likely to be lost in "RT2" than in "RT1," making it disadvantageous for players.

In addition, in this embodiment, the role selection table 120 ("RT0") used when the RB role is not an internal win, and the role selection table 120 ("RT1") used when the RB role is an internal win are set so that the average net increase in game value is 0 or more. The net increase is the game value awarded in the game minus the game value used in the game (assuming that no internally won roles are missed. In the case of simultaneous wins on multiple winning roles, it is assumed that the player wins the winning role that allows the player to win the most medals). The average net increase is the expected value of the net increase. The average net increase in game value being 0 or more means that in the long term, if there are no misses, the player's medals will not decrease.

On the other hand, the winning combination table 120 ("RT2") used in the RB game is set so that the average net increase in play value is less than 0. An average net increase in play value of less than 0 means that the player's medals will gradually decrease even if there are no misses. In other words, in the RB game, it is not possible to expect an increase in the player's medals.

In this configuration, not winning the RB role is an advantageous playing method for the player. And whether or not the RB role is won can be controlled to some extent by the push order notification control means 210, which will be described later.

As described below, since the RB role is a push order role, it can only win if the stop switch 50 is operated in the correct push order. When the push order notification control means 210 has an internal win on the RB role, it can indirectly control whether or not the RB role wins by controlling to notify the operation order of the stop switch 50 related to the winning of the RB role.

The push order notification control means 210 according to this embodiment performs control to notify the operation sequence of the stop switches 50 that can win the RB role when the RB role is internally won in the BB game ("BB/RB internal" shown in FIG. 4), and performs control to notify the operation sequence of the stop switches 50 that will not win the RB role when the RB role is internally won in a game that is not a BB game ("RB internal" shown in FIG. 4). Therefore, when the player performs operations according to the push order notification, the RB role is won and the RB game starts during the BB game, but the RB game does not start unless the BB game is in progress.

By performing this type of control, it is possible to realize a game where if the BB game is in progress, it is advantageous for the player not to follow the push order notification, and if the BB game is not in progress, it is advantageous for the player to follow the push order notification.

(Reel control means 130)
The reel control means 130 rotates the rotating reel 40 based on the operation signal of a valid start switch 30, and controls the stopping of the rotating reel 40 based on the drawing result of the winning drawing means 110 and the operation timing of a valid stop switch 50, while recognizing the current position of the pattern based on the detection signal of a reel rotation detection sensor (not shown).

This reel control means 130 starts the rotation of all the reels 40 based on the operation signal of the start switch 30 when certain game start conditions are met, such as medals being bet and a certain amount of time (so-called wait time) having passed since the start of the previous game.

In addition, when any of the stop switches 50 is operated while the reels 40 are rotating, a stop signal is output based on the operation signal of the stop switch 50, and the rotation of the reel 40 corresponding to the operated stop switch 50 is stopped.

When the reel control means 130 stops the reels 40, it can move the symbols in the direction of rotation by a maximum of four sliding frames, based on the symbol display position when the stop operation was performed. With this control, if the result of the drawing by the winning drawing means 110 is a "lose", kicking control is performed so that the symbols on the three reels 40 do not line up in any winning pattern. Also, if the result of the drawing is a winning combination, pulling control is performed so that the symbols on the three reels 40 are as close as possible to the winning pattern related to the winning combination.

Such kicking control and reeling control are calculated and executed based on the result of the winning combination drawn by the winning combination drawing means 110, the operation timing of the stop switch 50, the priority of the stop position, etc. For example, when two or more winning combinations are won simultaneously, reeling control is performed according to the priority associated with each winning combination so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination with the highest priority can be displayed on the winning line.

When the push order role described below is won, if each stop switch 50 is operated in the correct push order, control is executed to draw the symbols related to that push order role onto the active line, thereby winning the push order role. On the other hand, if each stop switch 50 is operated in a push order other than the correct push order, control is executed to prevent the symbols related to that push order role from lining up on the active line, so that the push order role is not won.

FIG. 8 is a diagram explaining the winning mode according to the lottery result. The reel control means 130 executes kicking control and retracting control according to the lottery result so as to obtain the winning mode defined in FIG. 8. Note that "left center right", "left left center", "center left right", "center right left", "right left center", and "right center left" in FIG. 8 indicate the operation sequence of the stop switch 50. For example, "left center right" indicates the winning mode when the stop switch 50 is operated in the order of left stop switch 51 → center stop switch 52 → right stop switch 53.

As shown in Figure 8, if the lottery result is a "lose," kicking control is performed so that no winning pattern is achieved, regardless of the operation sequence or timing of the stop switch 50, and the display shows a "lose" (no winning) stop pattern.

In addition, if the lottery result is "BB1", the timing of operation of the stop switch 50 determines whether the player will win the BB role "BB" or the minor role "1 coin role". In other words, the reel control is performed so that the symbols related to "BB" are aligned on the active line as much as possible, but if reel control cannot be performed, the reel control is performed so that the symbols related to "1 coin role" are aligned on the active line.

In addition, if the lottery result is "RB1", the timing of operation of the stop switch 50 determines whether the RB role "RB" will be awarded or whether the stopped display mode will be a "lose". In other words, the reel is reeled in so that the symbols related to "RB" are aligned on the winning line as much as possible, but if reel control cannot be performed, it will result in a "lose".

If the lottery result is "RB2-4", the operation order and timing of the stop switch 50 will determine whether the RB role "RB" or the small role "1 coin role" will be won. In the case of "RB2", "RB" is only drawn in if the left stop switch 51 is not operated first. In the case of "RB3", "RB" is only drawn in if the middle stop switch 52 is not operated first. In the case of "RB4", "RB" is only drawn in if the right stop switch 53 is not operated first.

In addition, if the lottery result is "Reach Eye A," the order in which the stop switch 50 is operated will determine whether the "1-coin role" will be won or whether the stopped display mode will be "Reach Eye."

In addition, if the lottery result is "7 replay A-E", "push order PUSH replay A, B", "weak cherry replay", "strong cherry replay", "chance replay", or "PUSH replay A-C", the operation order and operation timing of the stop switch 50 determine whether the replay role "replay", "PUSH replay", "7 match", or "chance eye" will be won, or the minor role "weak cherry" will be won. For example, if the lottery result is "7 replay C", if the left stop switch 51 is operated first, the "replay" will be won, if the middle stop switch 52 is operated first, the "PUSH replay" will be won, and if the right stop switch 53 is operated first, the "7 match" will be won, but if the operation timing does not allow the "7 match" to be won, the "replay" will be won.
Moreover, if the lottery result is "watermelon A," the minor prize of "watermelon" will be awarded regardless of the operation sequence and operation timing of the stop switch 50.

In addition, if the lottery result is "1 coin role A to D," either "RB," "1 coin role," or "Miss" will be displayed depending on the operation sequence and timing of the stop switch 50.

In addition, if the lottery result is "Reach Eye B", the operation order of the stop switch 50 determines whether the "1 coin role" will be won or the "Reach Eye" stop display mode will be displayed.

In addition, if the lottery result is "Push Order Bell A to L," the operation order of the stop switch 50 determines whether the minor winning combination "Bell" will be won or whether the stop display mode will be a "Loss."
Furthermore, if the lottery result is a "common bell," the minor prize of "bell" will be awarded regardless of the operation sequence and operation timing of the stop switch 50.
Furthermore, if the lottery result is "JACK," the player wins a small prize of "1 coin," regardless of the operation sequence and operation timing of the stop switch 50.

Of the above winning modes, "PUSH replay" is a winning mode that can achieve a "special symbol alignment." A "special symbol alignment" is a display mode in which the "PUSH" symbols (special symbols) of all the rotating reels 40 are displayed stopped in a row in the symbol display window 13, as shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, there are five patterns of "special symbol alignment." That is, as shown in Fig. 9(a), the "PUSH" symbols are displayed stopped in a line in the upper part of the symbol display window 13, as shown in Fig. 9(b), the "PUSH" symbols are displayed stopped in a line in the middle part of the symbol display window 13, as shown in Fig. 9(c), the "PUSH" symbols are displayed stopped in a line in the lower part of the symbol display window 13, as shown in Fig. 9(d), and the "PUSH" symbols are displayed stopped in a line diagonally downward to the right, as shown in Fig. 9(e). Note that when the "special symbol alignment" is achieved, the "PUSH replay" is always won, but it is not always the case that the "special symbol alignment" is achieved when the "PUSH replay" is won. For example, the display mode when a "PUSH replay" is won may include a mode in which a "BAR" symbol, a "PUSH" symbol, and a "PUSH" symbol are displayed stopped in a line.

Of the winning patterns mentioned above, "7's" is the winning pattern that triggers the assist bonus, which will be described later. This "7's" is a display pattern in which all of the spinning reels 40 are stopped and displayed in a row in the symbol display window 13. As will be described in more detail later, when the "7's" winning pattern is stopped and displayed in a special game state, the assist bonus will start from the next game.

(Winning Determination Means 140)
The winning determination means 140 is for determining whether or not a winning has been won based on the display state when the three rotating reels 40 are stopped by operating the stop switch 50. Specifically, when all the rotating reels 40 stop rotating, it determines that a winning combination corresponding to the pattern arrangement has been won, provided that a predetermined pattern arrangement is aligned on the effective winning line. If the winning combination is accompanied by the payout of medals, it outputs a payout winning signal to the hopper unit 65 (or adds the medals to the credits instead of paying them out). If the winning combination is one that changes the game state, it notifies the game state control means 100 to change the game state. If a replay combination is won, it performs an automatic bet process, allowing the player to start the next game without inserting new game medals.

(Hopper control means 150)
The hopper control means 150 operates the hopper unit 65 and controls the payout of medals based on a payout winning signal from the winning determination means 140, an operation signal from the settlement switch 17, etc. When a winning is accompanied by the payout of medals, the payout medals may be automatically stored electronically as credits, and only the amount of the payout medals that exceeds the allowable number of credits may be paid out from the hopper unit 65.

(Performance control means 200)
The performance control means 200 is for controlling the operation of the performance section 66, such as the image display section 67, the lamps 68, and the speaker 69. The performance control means 200 performs performances such as announcing a winning prize and announcing the push order, based on performance data stored in the ROM.

In addition, this presentation control means 200 can cause continuous presentations to be performed over multiple games. For example, by causing continuous presentations with a story-like nature to be performed according to the presentation state, it is possible to suggest advantageous situations to the player and liven up the game.

(Push order notification control means 210)
The push order notification control means 210 is for controlling the push order notification in the advantageous zone described later. Specifically, when the push order role is won, the push order notification control means 210 obtains the correct push order (operation order of the stop switch 50) for winning the push order role, and selects an effect for notifying information related to the push order. The effect selected by the push order notification control means 210 is notified to the effect control means 200 and executed, thereby executing the push order notification. This push order notification is performed, for example, by displaying the operation order on the image display unit 67, announcing the stop switch 50 to be operated by voice from the speaker 69, or lighting up the stop switch 50 to be operated.

The push order role is a winning role that is controlled so that the winning symbols line up when the stop switch 50 is operated in a specified push order. If the push order is not announced, it is not known which push order role has been won, and the correct push order is also not known, making it difficult to aim for a push order role and win (or not win). On the other hand, if the correct push order is announced, it is easy to win (or not win) the push order role by operating the stop switch 50 according to the push order announcement.

For example, in the case of "RB2" shown in FIG. 8, in order to win the push order role of RB, it is necessary to operate the middle stop switch 52 or the right stop switch 53 first. If the push order notification control means 210 issues a notification to operate the middle stop switch 52 or the right stop switch 53 first when this "RB2" is an internal win, the player can easily win "RB" by operating the stop switch 50 according to the push order notification. Also, if the push order notification control means 210 issues a notification to operate the left stop switch 51 first when this "RB2" is an internal win, the player can avoid winning "RB" by operating the stop switch 50 according to the push order notification.

This push order notification control means 210 is designed to operate intensively during specific games. A specific game is a game in which the push order notification control means 210 is operated to activate an instruction function that displays an operation mode advantageous to the player, and is a game called ART (assisted replay time) or AT (assisted time). During specific games, the push order notification control means 210 is more likely to notify the player of the push order than during non-specific games, so that during specific games, it is easier to win a push order role, whereas during non-specific games, it is harder to win a push order role.

(Setting Means 220)
The setting means 220 is for setting a set value from among a plurality of set values with different degrees of advantage to the player. This set value can be changed by operating a switch provided inside the locked cabinet 11, and is set in advance by the manager of the hall in which the slot machine 10 is installed before the hall opens or closes. Although not shown, a different role drawing table 120 is provided for each set value, and the role drawing table 120 corresponding to the set value is used in the role drawing, so that the medal payout rate changes according to the set value. In this embodiment, the set value consists of six stages from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate, and the payout rate decreases as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. In terms of payout rate, when the set value is set to 6, the player has the highest advantage in the game, and the advantage in the game decreases stepwise as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. Note that, although the set value is set to six stages in this embodiment, this is not limited to this, and the set value may be five stages or less.

(Game area control means 240)
The game zone control means 240 is for controlling the game zone. The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment has, as game zones, a normal zone in which the order in which the stop switches 50 are pressed is not notified, and an advantageous zone in which the order in which the stop switches 50 are pressed can be notified.

A normal section is a game section in which the winning combination cannot be assisted. Specifically, it is a game section in which the push order notification control means 210 cannot notify the push order. In this game section, the specific games described above cannot be executed.

The advantageous zone is a game zone that can assist in winning a winning combination. Specifically, it is a game zone in which push order notification can be made by the push order notification control means 210. In this game zone, the specific game described above can be executed (in other words, during specific game, it is always an advantageous zone. However, during non-specific game, it may be either an advantageous zone or a normal zone).

This game zone control means 240 executes a favorable zone lottery during a game in the normal zone (for example, at the start of the game), and executes control to transition the game zone to the favorable zone when the favorable zone lottery is won. The game zone control means 240 draws a favorable zone, for example, by extracting a random number generated by the random number generating means at the timing of operation of the start switch 30, and comparing the extracted random number with the favorable zone lottery table. In the favorable zone lottery table, a "win" or "lose" is assigned to each random number that can be extracted, so that a "win" or "lose" can be identified by comparing the random number with the favorable zone lottery table.

This advantageous zone continues until a predetermined number of advantageous zone games (e.g. 1500 games) is played or a predetermined increased number of coins (e.g. 2400 coins) is exceeded. Once the predetermined number of advantageous zone games has been played or the predetermined increased number of coins has been exceeded, the game zone transitions to the normal zone. In addition to this processing, the advantageous zone may also end when the specific game ends.

(Points Management Means 300)
The point management means 300 is for managing points that are added each time a predetermined condition is achieved in the chance zone. This point management means 300 resets the points to "0" when the chance zone starts, and adds points when a predetermined winning combination is won or a prize is awarded in the chance zone. These points are used to determine the transition of the presentation state. The processing related to these points will be described in detail later.

In this embodiment, it is described that points are added, but the point addition referred to here only needs to count points in one direction, and may also be counting points by subtracting points (adding negative points).

(Point drawing means 310)
The point lottery means 310 is for executing a point lottery at a predetermined timing in the chance zone. The point lottery means 310 according to the present embodiment executes a point lottery when a predetermined winning combination is won or a prize is awarded in the chance zone. Points are determined by this point lottery and are added to the points managed by the point management means 300 described above.

In this embodiment, the point lottery is triggered by "winning or placing a winning combination," but this is not limited to this, and other triggers (for example, "pressing the performance switch 19 after winning a PUSH replay") may also be used as the point lottery trigger.

In addition, in this embodiment, a point lottery is executed when a predetermined opportunity is achieved, but points may be added without a point lottery. For example, by linking points to winning combinations in advance, the points to be acquired may be determined according to the type of winning combination or winning prize.

(Point lottery table 320)
The point lottery table 320 is a table that the point lottery means 310 refers to when drawing points. A plurality of point lottery tables 320 are provided corresponding to the start triggers of the point lottery (types of winning combinations). The plurality of point lottery tables 320 are set so that the winning probability is different for each. Each of the point lottery tables 320 according to this embodiment is set so that any value between 0 and 100 points can be acquired.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing the average points earned (expected value) when using the point drawing table 320 according to this embodiment. As this figure shows, the point drawing table 320 used in the point drawing when winning a "bell" is set so that an average of 2 points can be earned (in other words, when winning a "bell" in the chance zone, the expected value of points earned is 2 points).

In addition, the point lottery table 320 used in the point lottery when a "PUSH replay" (a display mode in which the special symbols are not lined up in a row in the middle row) is won is set so that an average of 10 points can be won.

In addition, the point lottery table 320 used in the point lottery when a "PUSH replay" (a display mode in which special symbols are lined up in a row in the middle row) is won is set so that an average of 30 points can be won.

In addition, the point drawing table 320 used in the point drawing when a "weak cherry" is won is set so that an average of 15 points can be obtained.
In addition, the point drawing table 320 used in the point drawing when the "watermelon" is won is set so that an average of 30 points can be obtained.

As mentioned above, even if the same "PUSH replay" is won, the player's profit is set to differ depending on whether or not the special symbols are lined up in a row in the middle row. In other words, the advantageous bonus given to the player is configured to change depending on the arrangement of the special symbols. In this embodiment, it is most advantageous for the player when the special symbols are lined up in a row in the middle row of the symbol display window 13, so the player will play in the hope of the special symbols being lined up in the middle row.

(Judge drawing means 330)
The judgment lottery means 330 is for executing a judgment lottery at the end of the chance zone. The result of this judgment lottery determines the presentation state to which the game will move after the chance zone ends. This process will be described in detail later.

(Judge drawing table 340)
The judge drawing table 340 is a table that is referred to by the judge drawing means 330 when performing a judge drawing. A plurality of judge drawing tables 340 are provided corresponding to the points at the end of the chance zone.

In this embodiment, if the points at the end of the chance zone are less than 100 points, a judge lottery is executed using the judge lottery table 340 shown in FIG. 13(a). In the judge lottery table 340 shown in FIG. 13(a), a transition occurs to one of the "special game state", "pseudo bonus state", and "high probability game state", with the "special game state" being the most advantageous "big win" for the player, the "pseudo bonus state" being the next most advantageous "medium win" for the player, and the "high probability game state" being the least advantageous "miss" for the player.

In addition, if the points at the end of the chance zone are between 100 and 200 points, a judge lottery is executed using the judge lottery table 340 shown in FIG. 13(b). In the judge lottery table 340 shown in FIG. 13(b), a transition to either a "special game state" or a "pseudo bonus state" occurs, with the "special game state" being the most advantageous "big win" for the player, and the "pseudo bonus state" being the next most advantageous "medium win" for the player. In this case, the "high probability game state" is not selected in the lottery, so there is no lottery result of a "miss" which is the most disadvantageous to the player.

In this way, the more points there are at the end of the chance zone, the more advantageous the judge lottery table 340 will be used for the player to carry out the judge lottery.

It goes without saying that the judge lottery table 340 described above is merely an example, and the number of tables, the point criteria, lottery probability, etc. can be changed as desired.

(Battle Game Management Means 400)
The battle game management means 400 is for managing the battle game state. This battle game management means 400 executes control of the battle performance executed in the battle game state, and executes control in the added-on zone (described later) if the game moves to the added-on zone after the battle performance. The processing of this battle game state will be described in detail later.

The battle performance is a performance in which the performance unit 66 (image display unit 67) is used to execute a performance in which a match is played over multiple games, and the outcome is ultimately displayed. In this embodiment, the battle performance involves a battle between the player's character and the opponent's character to determine the outcome. For example, while the battle performance is being executed, the player's character and the opponent's character are displayed on the screen fighting, and if the victory conditions are met, the screen displays that the player's character has won.

(Battle performance lottery means 410)
The battle performance drawing means 410 is for executing a battle performance drawing to determine the outcome of the battle performance. This battle performance drawing is executed during the battle performance, and determines the result of the drawing, which is one of two options, "win" or "lose." When the result of this battle performance drawing is "win," the battle game management means 400 determines that the battle has been won, and executes post-battle victory processing.

In the battle performance according to this embodiment, the battle is won when the battle performance lottery results in a "win", but the process of determining victory or defeat in the battle performance can be freely set. For example, the HP of the opponent's character can be decremented each time a winning combination is won or placed, and the player wins when the HP of the opponent's character reaches "0".

(Special Game Management Means 500)
The special game management means 500 is for managing the special game state and the assist bonus state described in Fig. 5. The special game state and the assist bonus state are both presentation states in which a specific game (AT) is executed, but the specific game (AT) can be executed for a long time by developing from the special game state to the assist bonus state.

The special game management means 500 controls the initiation of an assist bonus when the reel 40 is displayed stopped in a specific manner (in this embodiment, "7's") during a special game state. When an assist bonus is initiated, the presentation state becomes an assist bonus state. In addition, the special game management means 500 can also execute multiple assist bonuses in parallel when the reel 40 is displayed stopped in a specific manner (in this embodiment, "7's") during an assist bonus. These processes will be explained in detail later.

When multiple assist bonuses are executed in parallel, the special game management means 500 can manage the number of remaining games for each assist bonus individually. For example, a counter for the number of remaining games for each assist bonus is held, and the value of each counter is manipulated each time a game is played. The number of remaining games for each assist bonus is used for display on the image display unit 67 in the assist bonus state (see FIG. 16), as described below.

(Basic flow of one game)
Next, a description will be given of the process flow of the slot machine 10. First, a basic flow of one game of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

10, the process waits until detection of operation of the start switch 30. If operation of the start switch 30 is detected and a predetermined game start condition is met, the process proceeds to step S110.
In step S110, a drawing is carried out by the winning combination drawing means 110 to determine the winning combination, and the process then proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the spinning reel 40. At this time, if a push order role has been won, the push order notification control means 210 may notify the user of the order in which to press the stop switches 50. Then, the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the process waits until operation of the stop switch 50 is detected. When operation of the stop switch 50 is detected, the reel control means 130 performs control to stop the spinning reel 40 corresponding to the operated stop switch 50. When all spinning reels 40 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S150.

In step S150, the winning determination means 140 determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the display state of the stopped spinning reel 40. If the result of the determination is that a winning combination has been achieved, the player is awarded a profit according to the winning combination. This ends one game, so the process returns to step S100 to wait for the start of the next game.

In this way, the basic flow of one game is the sequence that begins with the operation of the start switch 30 and ends when all the rotating reels 40 have stopped. In addition to this basic flow of one game, effects and controls are executed according to each game state.

(About PUSH replay)
In this slot machine 10, when the winning combination "PUSH REPLAY" is won and the performance switch 19 is pressed, a special benefit is awarded to the player. Specifically, if the "PUSH REPLAY" combination is won when all the rotating reels 40 have stopped and the winning combination has been determined, the player can press the performance switch 19 to award a predetermined benefit.

Specifically, the "advantageous benefit" in the normal game state and the high probability game state is the right to draw a lottery to transition to an advantageous presentation state. Also, the "advantageous benefit" in the chance zone is the addition of points. However, the "advantageous benefit" according to this embodiment is merely an example, and any benefit can be set. For example, the "advantageous benefit" may be to immediately transition to a presentation state.

As already explained, when a "PUSH replay" is won, a "special pattern alignment" can be achieved in which the "PUSH" symbols on all of the spinning reels 40 are displayed stopped in a row in the symbol display window 13. If this "special pattern alignment" is achieved, the player can press the performance switch 19 to receive a specified benefit. In other words, the player can know the timing to press the performance switch 19 by looking at the stop display state in the symbol display window 13 (whether or not a "special pattern alignment" has been achieved). This provides a new gameplay for the player, in which the player prepares to press the performance switch 19 by closely watching the stop display state of the spinning reels 40.

As a method of informing the player of the timing to press the effect switch 19, in addition to the above-mentioned "special symbol alignment," the effect unit 66 may perform an effect that induces the player to press the effect switch 19 (for example, a display such as "Press PUSH!"). Alternatively, the effect unit 66 may not perform an effect, and the player may be notified of the timing to press the effect switch 19 only by the stopped display state of the spinning reel 40.

The number of times the effect switch 19 must be pressed to grant a player a special bonus can be set as desired. For example, if the effect switch 19 is pressed at least once within a specified time (e.g., before the start of the next game) after winning the winning role "PUSH replay", a special bonus may be granted to the player. Also, if the effect switch 19 is pressed repeatedly (e.g., when pressed a specified number of times or more within a specified time) after winning the winning role "PUSH replay", a special bonus may be granted to the player.

Incidentally, at least a portion of the "PUSH replay" according to this embodiment is set up as a push sequence role that can be won when the stop switch 50 is operated in a specific push sequence, as already explained in FIG. 8 (in other words, when the stop switch 50 is operated in a specific push sequence, a "special pattern alignment" can be displayed).

Specifically, if the "7 replays A-E" and "push sequence PUSH replays A, B" shown in Figure 8 are won, the "PUSH replay" flag, which is a push sequence role, is set, but the "PUSH replay" cannot be won by using the normal operation sequence (operating the stop switches 50 in the order of left → middle → right, so-called "push in order"). For this reason, it is difficult for a player who cannot know the results of the internal draw to win a "PUSH replay".

However, since the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with the push order notification control means 210, it is possible to notify the player of the operation order of the stop switches 50 that will allow the player to win the "PUSH replay" (in other words, the "special symbol alignment") The player can easily win the "PUSH replay" by operating the stop switches 50 in the notified operation order.

In this way, whether or not a "PUSH replay" is won can be controlled to some extent by whether or not the push order is announced. In this embodiment, the correct push order for a "PUSH replay" is announced in a specific presentation state (in this embodiment, the "high probability game state" or "chance zone"), making it easier to win a "PUSH replay". Conversely, in other presentation states (for example, the "normal game state"), the correct push order for a "PUSH replay" is not announced, making it difficult for the player to win a "PUSH replay".

By performing this type of control, it is possible to vary the probability of winning a "PUSH replay" (a winning combination related to a "special symbol combination") without varying the winning probability of the "PUSH replay." In other words, the probability of awarding a favorable bonus related to a "special symbol combination" is varied depending on whether or not there is a push order notification.

(Chance Zone Processing)
Next, the processing executed in the chance zone will be described with reference to the flow of FIG.
First, the chance zone starts in step S210 shown in Fig. 11. The chance zone starts, for example, when a "PUSH replay" is won in the normal game state or the high probability game state, and a transition to the chance zone is determined in a transition drawing for the presentation state that is performed after a predetermined operation (pressing the presentation switch 19) is performed. At this time, the point management means 300 initializes the points acquired in the chance zone to "0". Then, the process proceeds to step S220.
In step S220, one game is executed as explained in Fig. 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S225.

In step S225, a check is made to see whether the display mode of the symbols stopped and displayed in the symbol display window 13 is eligible for point increase. In this embodiment, if the display mode is a winning "bell," "PUSH replay," "weak cherry," or "watermelon," the process proceeds to step S230. If the display mode is any other than this, the process proceeds to step S260.

In step S230, the point lottery means 310 executes a point lottery using the point lottery table 320 according to the display mode. At this time, as already explained, the points to be added (in the range of 0 to 100) are determined based on the expected value shown in FIG. 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S235.

In step S235, the points determined by the point lottery are added to the acquired points managed by the point management means 300. Then, the process proceeds to step S240.

In step S240, it is determined whether the acquired points (the total acquired points in the chance zone) managed by the point management means 300 have reached a specific threshold (in this embodiment, "200"). If the points have reached this specific threshold, a transition to a special game state can be made immediately without a judgment draw. If the acquired points are equal to or greater than the specific threshold, control is executed to end the chance zone and transition to the special game state. On the other hand, if the acquired points are less than the specific threshold, the process proceeds to step S245.

In step S245, it is checked whether the acquired points managed by the point management means 300 are eligible for rank-up. For example, it is determined whether an increase in points that crosses a predetermined threshold has been observed or not before or after the points are added in step S235. In this embodiment, if the acquired points were below the predetermined threshold (e.g., below 100) before the points were added, but are equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (e.g., equal to or greater than 100) after the points are added, it is determined that the acquired points have been ranked up. The ranking up of the acquired points means that an advantageous judge drawing table 340 is used in the judge drawing. If it is determined that the acquired points have been ranked up, proceed to step S250. Otherwise, proceed to step S260.

When the process proceeds to step S250, a rank-up effect is executed. This rank-up effect is intended to inform the player of the rank-up of the acquired points. This effect allows the player to expect a favorable drawing result in the judge drawing, which will be described later. In this way, the rank-up effect can increase the player's sense of anticipation. Then, the process proceeds to step S260.

In step S260, it is checked whether the number of games in the chance zone has been played. In other words, since the chance zone in this embodiment ends after a predetermined number of games, it is checked whether this predetermined number of games has been played. If the predetermined number of games has been played, the process proceeds to step S265. On the other hand, if the predetermined number of games has not been played, the process returns to step S220, and the next game in the chance zone is played.

When the process proceeds to step S265, the chance zone is ended, and the presentation state to which the player will move is determined based on the points acquired in the chance zone. Specifically, the judge drawing means 330 executes a judge drawing using a judge drawing table 340 corresponding to the acquired points, and determines the presentation state to which the player will move based on the result of the judge drawing. In this embodiment, the presentation states to which the player can move from the chance zone are a special game state ( third game state), a pseudo bonus state (second game state), and a high probability game state ( first game state). In the judge drawing, it is determined which of these states the player will move to.

The special game state and pseudo bonus state are presentation states in which a specific game (AT) can be executed, in which information regarding the operation order of the stop switch 50 is notified, and are therefore presentation states that are more advantageous to the player than the high probability game state. Also, the special game state is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the pseudo bonus state, since it is expected that the number of games in the specific game (AT) will be greater than in the pseudo bonus state. Therefore, for the player, the special game state is the most advantageous, followed by the pseudo bonus state, and the high probability game state is the least advantageous.

In this embodiment, as explained in FIG. 13, when the acquired points are less than a predetermined threshold (less than "100"), a judge lottery table 340 that may transition to a high probability game state is used, but when the acquired points are equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (equal to or greater than "100"), a judge lottery table 340 that does not transition to a high probability game state is used. Therefore, when the acquired points are equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, transition to a pseudo bonus state is guaranteed at the very least. In this embodiment, a rank-up effect is executed when the acquired points reach or exceed the predetermined threshold, so that the player can know that transition to a pseudo bonus state is guaranteed.
Once the presentation state to which the player will transition is determined by the above-mentioned judge lottery, the player transitions to that presentation state and the processing of the chance zone ends.

In the above flow, the specific threshold (point value at which a special game state can be immediately transitioned to) is set to "200" and the predetermined threshold (point value at which the judge lottery table 340 is switched) is set to "100", but it goes without saying that these values can be changed arbitrarily. It is sufficient that the specific threshold is set at least higher than the predetermined threshold.

In addition, in the above flow, the predetermined threshold is set to only one value, "100", but the predetermined threshold may be set in multiple stages. For example, the predetermined threshold may be set to multiple different values, such as "50", "100", and "150", in stages. In this case, a judge lottery table 340 is provided for each threshold (in this example, judge lottery tables 340 are provided for "0 to less than 50 points", "50 to less than 100 points", "100 to less than 150 points", and "150 to less than 200 points"). Also, a rank-up performance may be performed each time each threshold is exceeded.

In addition, in the above flow, the points acquired are determined by a point drawing, but this is not limited to the above, and the points acquired may be determined based on the winning status. In other words, points associated with the winning status may be automatically added without a point drawing.

In the above flow, a rank-up effect is performed when a rank-up is achieved, but instead of this (or in addition), a point-acquisition effect may be performed when points are acquired. Also, whether or not to perform this point-acquisition effect may be determined by drawing lots.

In addition, when the judge draw is performed, different effects may be performed for each judge draw table 340 used. By changing the content of the effects depending on the judge draw table 340, the player can be informed of the degree of expectation in the judge draw, which can make the game more exciting.

Although not specifically described in the above flow, the chance zone may transition to a special gaming state due to another trigger. For example, an AT lottery may be executed in each game in the chance zone, and if the AT lottery is won, the chance zone may end and the game may transition to a special gaming state.

(Battle game state processing)
Next, the battle game state will be described.
The battle game state is a presentation state to which the player transitions after the pseudo bonus state ends. In the battle game state according to this embodiment, whether or not the player can acquire the right to transition to the special game state is determined by the outcome of the battle presentation. This battle game state is set to continue until a predetermined number of games (e.g., 30 games) is played. Note that this number of games may be variable, and for example, the number of games may be determined at the start of the battle game state depending on the conditions of the opponent's character, etc.

As shown in FIG. 14, this battle game state has a battle performance zone where a battle performance is executed, and an added-on zone that is executed after the battle performance is won. The battle game state first starts in the battle performance zone, and if the battle performance is won in the battle performance zone, it transitions to the added-on zone. Therefore, the remaining games after the battle performance is won are set as the added-on zone. Note that if the battle performance is not won, the added-on zone is not executed.

In the battle production zone, a battle production is executed in which the player's character and the opponent's character battle to determine the winner. The battle production ends when the player's character wins or loses, and the battle production zone ends when the battle production ends. If the battle production is won, the add-on zone is executed (however, exceptionally, if there are no games remaining in the battle game state, the add-on zone is not executed), and then the player can move to a special game state and start a specific game (AT). On the other hand, if the prescribed number of games is played without winning the battle production, the player moves to a high probability game state after the battle game state ends (after the battle production zone ends).

The add-on zone is an area that is executed when a battle performance is won. This add-on zone is intended to add to the number of games in the special game state (AT) that is executed after the battle game state ends. Specifically, each time a predetermined condition is achieved in this add-on zone, the number of games in the special game state to which the game transitions after the battle game state ends is added. In this embodiment, the specific game (AT) in the special game state is managed as one set of 50 games, and if there is no addition, one set of the specific game (AT) is executed (number of stocks = 1). Then, when a predetermined condition is achieved in the add-on zone, one set is added as a stock of the specific game (AT) (number of stocks = 1 + number of times the condition is achieved).

The trigger for adding on in the add-on zone can be various settings that are well known in the art. For example, winning or placing in a specific winning combination, winning an add-on lottery, etc. In this embodiment, an add-on lottery is executed for each game executed in the add-on zone, and the add-on is executed when the add-on lottery is won.

In addition, in this embodiment, the addition of the number of games in the special game state is managed by the number of sets, but any number of games may be added without being managed by the number of sets. For example, a predetermined number of games may be added when an opportunity to execute an addition is achieved (such as winning an addition lottery). Also, when an opportunity to execute an addition is achieved, the number of games to be added may be determined by lottery.

The longer the period of this additional zone, the higher the possibility of the number of games in the special game state being added, which is advantageous for the player. The number of games in the additional zone is determined by "(the specified number of games in the battle game state) - (the number of games in the battle effect zone)", so by winning the battle effect as quickly as possible, the number of games in the additional zone can be secured. Therefore, the gameplay of the player is such that they are motivated to win the battle effect as quickly as possible.
Next, the flow of this battle game state will be described with reference to the flow of FIG.

First, in step S310 shown in Fig. 15, a battle game state is started. The battle game state is first started in the battle performance zone, and a battle performance starts. When the battle performance starts, an opponent character is selected by drawing lots. The selected opponent character is displayed on the image display unit 67, and a performance of the opponent character fighting the player's character is executed. Then, the process proceeds to step S320.
In step S320, one game is executed as described in Fig. 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S325.

In step S325, the battle effect drawing means 410 draws the battle effect. The battle effect drawing may be performed for each game, or may be performed only when a predetermined winning combination is won or awarded. In this battle effect drawing, the drawing result of "win" or "lose" is determined. Then, the process proceeds to step S330.

In step S330, it is checked whether the battle performance lottery resulted in a "win" or, in other words, whether the battle performance was won. If the battle performance was won, the process proceeds to step S335. On the other hand, if the battle performance was not won, the process proceeds to step S370.

If the process proceeds to step S335, the battle performance has been won, and the battle victory performance is executed. After that, the battle performance zone ends, and the added zone begins. At this time, the stock number for the specific game (AT) is set to "1". Then, the process proceeds to step S340.

In step S340, it is checked whether the number of remaining games in the battle game state is "0". If the number of remaining games is not "0", the process proceeds to step S345. On the other hand, if the number of remaining games is "0", the battle game state is ended. In this case, since the battle performance has been won, the game transitions to a special game state. This special game state (AT) can be executed as many times as the number of stocks acquired in the battle game state.
In step S345, one game is executed as explained in Fig. 10. Then, the process proceeds to step S350.

In step S350, it is checked whether a predetermined trigger for adding on has been achieved. In this embodiment, a jackpot lottery is executed, and when the jackpot lottery is won, it is determined that the trigger for adding on has been achieved. If the predetermined trigger for adding on has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S355. On the other hand, if the predetermined trigger for adding on has not been achieved, the process returns to step S340.

In step S355, since a predetermined trigger for adding is met, the number of games in the special game state is added. In this embodiment, the number of stocks in the specific game (AT) is incremented by 1. Then, the process returns to step S340.

When the process proceeds to step S370, a check is made to see if the number of remaining games in the battle play state is "0". If the number of remaining games is not "0", the process returns to step S320. On the other hand, if the number of remaining games is "0", the process proceeds to step S375.

In step S375, since the specified number of games in the battle game state has been played without winning the battle performance, a battle defeat performance is executed. Then, the battle game state ends and a transition to a high probability game state occurs.

Although not specifically explained in this flow, the conditions for the addition in the addition zone may be determined according to the character of the winning opponent. Specifically, the probability of winning the addition lottery may be changed, or the number of games of the specific game (AT) that are added when the addition lottery is won may be changed, according to the character of the opponent selected at the start of the battle performance.

(Special Game State Processing)
Next, the special game state and the assist bonus state will be described. The special game state and the assist bonus state are presentation states in which the push order notification control means 210 operates to execute a specific game (AT).

In the special game state, 50 games are counted as one set, and the specific game (AT) is executed for the number of games stored. When the stocked number of games has been consumed, the special game state ends and the presentation state transitions to the pullback state. In addition, if an assist bonus is started during this special game state, the special game state is interrupted and the state transitions to the assist bonus state (when the assist bonus ends, the game returns to the interrupted special game state).

The assist bonus state is a state in which one or more assist bonuses, which are a type of specific game (AT), are being executed. The assist bonus is initiated when the spinning reel 40 is displayed stopped in a specific manner (in this embodiment, "7's") in the special game state. The assist bonus in this embodiment is designed to end after a predetermined number of games (e.g., 20 games). The assist bonus state ends when all assist bonuses have been completed. After the assist bonus state ends, the game returns to the special game state that was interrupted.

In this embodiment, multiple assist bonuses can be executed in parallel. Figure 16 shows a simplified view of the display on the image display unit 67 in the assist bonus state. In this embodiment, one character is assigned to one assist bonus, and as the number of executed assist bonuses increases, the number of characters displayed on the image display unit 67 also increases (when an assist bonus ends, the corresponding character is no longer displayed on the image display unit 67). A maximum of three assist bonuses can be executed in parallel, and if more than this number are executed, the player is given a special benefit (super assist bonus) that is more advantageous to the player than an assist bonus.

For example, when the reel 40 stops in a specific state ("7's") in the special game state, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the assist bonus A starts (at this time, the presentation state transitions from the special game state to the assist bonus state). The image display unit 67 displays the assist bonus A character, and because assist bonus A has just started, it also displays that there are 20 games remaining for assist bonus A.

After that, if Assist Bonus A ends (20 games have been played) without a specific pattern ("7s") being displayed, the Assist Bonus state ends and the game returns to the special game state, as shown in FIG. 16(e).

On the other hand, if a specific pattern ("7's") is displayed as stopped before assist bonus A ends, a second assist bonus B will start in parallel, as shown in FIG. 16(b). The image display unit 67 displays the character of assist bonus B, and because assist bonus B has just started, it displays that there are 20 games remaining for assist bonus B. Also, in this example, because 10 games of assist bonus A have been played, it displays that there are 10 games remaining for assist bonus A.

If assist bonus A then ends without a specific pattern ("7s") being displayed, then information relating to assist bonus A (display of the character and number of remaining games) disappears from the image display unit 67, as shown in FIG. 16(f). In this example, assist bonus B started 10 games later than assist bonus A, so when assist bonus A ended, there were 10 games remaining for assist bonus B. Therefore, assist bonus B will be executed from the next game onwards.

On the other hand, if assist bonus A is stopped again in a specific manner ("7s") before it ends, a third assist bonus C will start in parallel, as shown in FIG. 16(c). The image display unit 67 displays the character of assist bonus C, and because assist bonus C has just started, it displays that there are 20 games remaining for assist bonus C. Also, in this example, because 16 games of assist bonus A have been played, it displays that there are 4 games remaining for assist bonus A. Also, because 6 games of assist bonus B have been played, it displays that there are 14 games remaining for assist bonus B.

If the reels are subsequently stopped and displayed again in a specific manner ("7's") before the end of assist bonus A, the maximum number of assist bonuses that can be executed in parallel ("3" in this embodiment) are already being executed in parallel, and so a "super assist bonus" that is more advantageous to the player than an assist bonus is executed. Specifically, the super assist bonus is a special game (AT) that continues for a longer period (30 games) than an assist bonus. This super assist bonus starts from the next game and ends after 30 games. After the super assist bonus ends, the game returns to the special game state.

If four games are played without stopping in a specific mode ("sevens") from the state of FIG. 16(c), assist bonus A ends as shown in FIG. 16(d), and information related to assist bonus A (display of the character and the number of remaining games) disappears from the image display unit 67. In this example, assist bonus B started 10 games later than assist bonus A, so there are 10 games remaining for assist bonus B when assist bonus A ends. Also, assist bonus C started 16 games later than assist bonus A, so there are 16 games remaining for assist bonus C when assist bonus A ends. After this, if there is no stopping in a specific mode ("sevens"), assist bonus B ends after 10 games, and assist bonus C ends after a further 6 games (see FIG. 16(h)).
Next, detailed processing executed in the special game state and the assist bonus state will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

First, in step S410 shown in FIG. 17, a special game state begins. For example, the special game state begins when a player acquires points exceeding a specific threshold value in the chance zone, when the player wins the judge lottery after the chance zone ends, or when the player wins a battle performance in the battle game state. When the special game state begins, the number of stocks in the special game state is decremented by one. In addition, the number of remaining games in the special game state is set to "50". Then, the process proceeds to step S420.

In step S420, one game is played as described in FIG. 10. At this time, the number of remaining games in the special play state is decremented by one. Then, the process proceeds to step S425.

In step S425, a check is made to see whether the display mode of the symbols stopped and displayed in the symbol display window 13 is a specific mode for starting an assist bonus. In this embodiment, if the display mode is a "set of sevens," the process proceeds to step S430. If the display mode is any other than this, the process proceeds to step S470.

When the process proceeds to step S470, a check is made to see if the number of remaining games in the special game state is "0". If the number of remaining games is "0", the process proceeds to step S475. On the other hand, if the number of remaining games is not "0", the process returns to step S420 and the next game in the special game state is executed.

In step S475, a check is made to see if the stock count for the special game state is "0". If the stock count is "0", the special game state ends and the game transitions to the pullback state. On the other hand, if the stock count is not "0", the game returns to step S410 and the special game state for the next stocked set begins.

On the other hand, if the process proceeds to step S430, the conditions for starting the assist bonus have been met, so the assist bonus starts and the presentation state transitions to the assist bonus state. For the started assist bonus, the number of remaining games is set to "20", and the number of remaining games is displayed on the image display unit 67 as shown in FIG. 16(a). Then, the process proceeds to step S435.

In step S435, one game is played as described in FIG. 10. At this time, the number of remaining games for the assist bonus is decremented by one (if multiple assist bonuses are being played in parallel, the number of remaining games for all assist bonuses is decremented by one). Then, the process proceeds to step S440.

In step S440, a check is made to see whether the display mode of the symbols stopped and displayed in the symbol display window 13 is a specific mode for starting an assist bonus. In this embodiment, if the display mode is a "set of sevens," the process proceeds to step S445. If the display mode is any other than this, the process proceeds to step S455.

In step S445, a check is made to see if the current number of executed assist bonuses is the maximum value (in this embodiment, "3"). If the maximum number of executed assist bonuses has been executed in parallel (in this embodiment, three assist bonuses are executed in parallel), the process proceeds to step S460. On the other hand, if the number of executed assist bonuses is two or less, the process proceeds to step S450.

If the game proceeds to step S460, all active assist bonuses will end and a super assist bonus will start instead. This super assist bonus will run for 30 games.

This super assist bonus ends after 30 games, and the process proceeds to step S470. When the process proceeds to step S470, the assist bonus state ends and the special game state is executed. In this special game state, the remaining number of games and remaining stocks before the transition to the assist bonus state are carried over and used.

When the process proceeds to step S450, in addition to the currently executed assist bonus, another assist bonus is executed in parallel. For the started assist bonus, the number of remaining games is set to "20", and the number of remaining games is displayed on the image display unit 67, as shown in Figures 16(b) and 16(c). Then, the process proceeds to step S455.

In step S455, the remaining number of games is checked for all assist bonuses currently in progress, and any assist bonuses with the remaining number of games equal to "0" are terminated. If the currently active assist bonus becomes "0" as a result, the assist bonus state is terminated and a return to the special game state is made (proceed to step S470). In the special game state to which the player has returned, the remaining number of games and remaining stocks from before the transition to the assist bonus state are carried over and used. On the other hand, if the currently active assist bonus is not "0", the process returns to step S435 and the next game in the assist bonus is executed.

In this way, in this embodiment, if a trigger role for starting an assist bonus is won while an assist bonus is being executed, multiple assist bonuses can be activated in parallel.

In addition, as the number of assist bonuses being executed in parallel increases, the game may be played under more advantageous conditions for the player. For example, in a game during an assist bonus, an additional draw may be executed to add to the number of games in the special game state (for example, if the additional draw is won, the stock number is increased by 1). The winning probability of this additional draw may be varied depending on the number of assist bonuses being executed in parallel. For example, as the number of assist bonuses increases, the winning probability of the additional draw increases, and when a super assist bonus is executed, the winning probability of the additional draw increases even further (the winning probability is set higher than when three assist bonuses are executed).

(Modifications)
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the "special symbol alignment" is not necessarily achieved when the "PUSH replay" is won, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the "special symbol alignment" may be achieved without fail when the "PUSH replay" is won. Specifically, the reel control means 130 may always draw in and control the "special symbol alignment" by making the special symbol ("PUSH" symbol) be arranged at least once within a range of a predetermined number of sliding frames (four frames) on all rotating reels 40 (for example, in the case of the symbol arrangement of FIG. 5, "PUSH" is arranged instead of "BAR" on the left reel 41).

In the above embodiment, the performance switch 19 is used as the input receiving means that is operated when a "special pattern alignment" is achieved, but this is not limiting and other elements that can be operated by the player may be used as the input receiving means. For example, the start switch 30 may be used as the input receiving means. In this case, a special symbol indicating the start switch 30 may be used instead of the "PUSH" symbol as the special symbol displayed on the spinning reel 40. Then, when the start switch 30 is operated after a "special pattern alignment" occurs, a bonus may be given to the player.

(summary)
As described above, according to this embodiment, at the end of the chance zone, the game state to which the player will move is determined based on the points acquired in the chance zone. The game states to which the player can move from the chance zone include a first game state (high probability game state), a second game state (pseudo bonus state), and a third game state (special game state). Of these, the second game state (pseudo bonus state) and the third game state (special game state) execute a specific game (AT) in which information on the operation order of the stop switch 50 is notified, and are more advantageous for the player than the first game state (high probability game state). According to this configuration, the first game state (high probability game state) is provided as a "miss", and the second game state (pseudo bonus state) and the third game state (special game state) are provided as two types of "hits". Thus, by making the game state to which the player moves at the end of the chance zone different from the conventional one, the range of games can be expanded.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second game state (pseudo bonus state) can transition to the third game state (special game state) without passing through the first game state (high probability game state), but the third game state (special game state) cannot transition to the second game state (pseudo bonus state) without passing through the first game state (high probability game state). In other words, the basic flow of the game is a cycle of "first game state (high probability game state)" → "second game state (pseudo bonus state)" → "third game state (special game state)" → "first game state (high probability game state)". By configuring it in this way, the subsequent game changes significantly depending on which game state is transitioned to at the end of the chance zone, so the range of gameplay can be expanded.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the points acquired in the chance zone at the end of the chance zone are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold ("100" in this embodiment), control is performed to prevent a transition to the first game state (high probability game state). Specifically, in the judgment drawing performed after the end of the chance zone, the first game state (high probability game state) is not entered. By configuring in this way, it is possible to realize a game feature in which a "loss (first game state in which a specific game cannot be executed)" can be avoided by acquiring points equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, thereby expanding the range of play.

In addition, when the points acquired in the chance zone reach the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value ("100"), a notification to that effect is provided. With this configuration, the player can expect to transition to a more advantageous gaming state after the chance zone, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

In addition, when the points acquired in the chance zone reach a specific threshold (in this embodiment, "200". This specific threshold is set higher than the predetermined threshold "100"), control is executed to immediately end the chance zone and transition to a third game state (special game state). With this configuration, even after the points acquired exceed the predetermined threshold ("100"), there is an incentive to acquire more points, so that interest in playing in the chance zone can be maintained.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 10 Slot machine 11 Cabinet 12 Display window 13 Symbol display window 14 Coin insertion slot 15 Insert switch 16 Bet switch 17 Settlement switch 18 Coin payout slot 19 Performance switch 20 Control device 30 Start switch 31 Front door 31A Operation section 31B Lower panel 31C Lower tray 32 Credit display section 40 Rotating reel 41 Left reel 42 Middle reel 43 Right reel 50 Stop switch 51 Left stop switch 52 Middle stop switch 53 Right stop switch 60 Reel unit 65 Hopper unit 66 Performance section 67 Image display section 68 Lamp 69 Speaker 100 Game state control means 110 Winning drawing means 120 Role drawing table 130 Reel control means 140 Winning determination means 150 Hopper control means 200 Presentation control means 210 Push order notification control means 220 Setting means 240 Play area control means 300 Point management means 310 Point drawing means 320 Point drawing table 330 Judge drawing means 340 Judge drawing table 400 Battle game management means 410 Battle presentation drawing means 500 Special game management means

Claims (4)

A rotating reel for displaying a plurality of symbols in a variable or stationary manner;
A start switch for variably displaying symbols on the rotating reel;
a stop switch provided corresponding to the reel for stopping and displaying the symbols on the corresponding reel;
A winning lottery means for drawing a lottery to determine whether any of a plurality of winning roles has been won or lost;
A winning combination table storing winning regions corresponding to the plurality of winning combinations;
reel control means for controlling the stop display of symbols on the rotating reel based on the drawing result of the winning drawing means and the operation of the stop switch;
A winning determination means for determining whether or not any of the plurality of winning combinations has been won based on a stop position of the rotating reel when the rotating reel stops and displays a pattern;
A game state control means for managing a game state;
A point management means for managing points added each time a predetermined condition is achieved;
Equipped with
The game state includes a chance zone that ends after a predetermined number of games, and a first game state, a second game state, and a third game state to which a transition can be made from the chance zone;
the second gaming state and the third gaming state are more advantageous to a player than the first gaming state;
At the end of the chance zone, a game state to be transitioned to is determined based on the points acquired in the chance zone;
At the end of the chance zone, if the points acquired in the chance zone are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, a control is executed not to transition to the first gaming state;
When the points acquired in the chance zone reach a specific threshold value (however, the specific threshold value is set higher than the predetermined threshold value), a control is executed to end the chance zone and transition to the third game state.
Amusement machine. The second gaming state and the third gaming state are more advantageous than the first gaming state by notifying information regarding the operation sequence of the stop switch.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The second gaming state can transition to the third gaming state without passing through the first gaming state,
The third gaming state cannot transition to the second gaming state without passing through the first gaming state.
3. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2. When the points acquired in the chance zone reach the predetermined threshold, a notification to that effect is given.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

Images