JP7653175B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Conventionally, in pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, various effects have been executed to increase the interest of players. One such effect known is one that increases the interest of players by gradually progressing the content of the effect (for example, Patent Document 1). In the pachinko gaming machine of Patent Document 1, an information change effect is executed that gradually changes the display mode of game information indicating a special game, as a step-by-step effect that gradually progresses the content of the effect, thereby increasing the interest of players.

JP 2019-88697 A

However, in pachinko gaming machines that execute staged presentations in which the presentation content progresses in stages, it is desirable to further increase the interest of players by devising ways to execute the presentation.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players.

A gaming machine that solves the above problem is capable of executing a variable game in which symbols are varied based on the result of a winning lottery, and when a winning lottery is won, a winning display result is displayed in the variable game, and in the variable game or in relation to the result of the variable game, the gaming machine is equipped with a performance execution means that executes a performance, and a performance control means that controls the performance execution means, and the performance execution means includes a sound output means that outputs sound, and the performance includes a stage performance that can progress across a plurality of performance stages, and in the stage performance, it is possible to progress from a start stage to a final stage via a plurality of intermediate stages, and the intermediate stages that are passed through when progressing from the start stage to the final stage include a specific intermediate stage and a non-specific intermediate stage, and when the specific intermediate stage is executed with one performance content, the non-specific intermediate stage is executed with one performance content. The stage is executed with any one of a plurality of presentation contents, the presentation execution means is capable of executing a progress-specific presentation indicating the progress of the presentation stage in the stage presentation during execution of the stage presentation, the progress-specific presentation is executed in a presentation manner that differs depending on the current presentation stage, and when the stage presentation progresses to the final stage, the progress-specific presentation can be executed in a presentation manner that indicates that the award of a specified bonus has been confirmed, the sound output means is capable of outputting a specific sound during execution of the stage presentation, when the stage presentation is executed, the timing at which the variation of the patterns in the variation game ends is when the specific sound is stopped, and when the bonus is not awarded, the stage presentation does not progress to the final stage, and the presentation manner of the progress-specific presentation when the stage presentation progresses to the final stage is a presentation manner in which the content of the bonus that has been confirmed to be awarded can be recognized .

A gaming machine that solves the above problem is capable of executing a variable game in which symbols are varied based on the result of a winning lottery, and in the event of a winning in the winning lottery, a winning display result is displayed in the variable game, and in the gaming machine that is capable of executing various effects in the variable game or in relation to the result of the variable game, the gaming machine is equipped with an effect execution means that executes effects, and an effect control means that controls the effect execution means, and the effect execution means includes a display means that displays an image, and an audio output means that outputs audio, and the effects include a stage effect that can progress across a plurality of effect stages, a progress specific effect that suggests the progress of the effect stage in the stage effect, and a specific audio effect that outputs a specific audio by which the effect content of the stage effect can be recognized, and the progress specific effect and the specific audio effect are executed during the execution of the stage effect, and the stage effect and the progress specific effect are executed by the display means of the effect execution means, and the specific audio effect is output. The sound presentation is executed by the sound output means, and in the stage presentation, it is possible to progress from a starting stage to a final stage via one or more intermediate stages, and the intermediate stages passed through when progressing from the starting stage to the final stage include a specific intermediate stage, and in the specific progression presentation, at least the current presentation stage can be identified by displaying element images in different manners depending on the current presentation stage, and the specific progression presentation can be executed in a presentation manner that suggests that the awarding of a specified bonus has been confirmed when the stage presentation progresses to the final stage, and when the stage presentation is executed, the timing at which the variation of the patterns in the variation game ends is while the specific sound is stopped, and when the bonus is not awarded, the stage presentation does not progress to the final stage, and the presentation manner of the specific progression presentation when the stage presentation progresses to the final stage is a presentation manner in which the content of the bonus that has been confirmed to be awarded can be recognized .

The present invention can increase the interest of players.

FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the presentation contents of each presentation stage in the first stage presentation, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the presentation contents of each presentation stage in the second stage presentation. 13A to 13E are explanatory diagrams showing the manner in which a specific progress presentation is executed. 11 is a flowchart showing a performance content determination process. 11 is a timing chart showing a specific example of the flow of a performance when a staged performance is executed. 11 is a timing chart showing a specific example of the flow of a performance when a staged performance is executed. A timing chart showing a specific example of the flow of presentation when a special super reach is executed.

Below, we will explain one embodiment embodied in a pachinko gaming machine. In the following explanation, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) refer to the respective directions as seen by the player.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine is provided with a launch handle HD that is operated by the player when launching a gaming ball. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a speaker Sp as an audio output means for outputting sound. The speaker Sp can execute effects (hereinafter referred to as audio effects) by outputting sounds such as music and sound effects. That is, in this embodiment, the speaker Sp corresponds to an effect execution means for executing effects. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a decorative lamp La that executes light-emitting effects using a light-emitting body not shown. The decorative lamp La can execute light-emitting effects by turning on, blinking, and turning off the light-emitting body not shown. That is, in this embodiment, the decorative lamp La corresponds to an effect execution means for executing effects.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a game board YB. A game area YBa that is substantially circular when viewed from the front is defined on the front side of the game board YB. In this embodiment, game balls launched by operating the launch handle HD reach the game area YBa.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an information display device 11. For example, the information display device 11 is disposed in a position on the game board YB that is visible to the player. The information display device 11 displays various information indicating the control status of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

The information display device 11 is provided with a first special symbol display section 11a. The first special symbol display section 11a is capable of executing a first special symbol change game in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the first special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed and stopped symbol. In the following description, the first special symbol change game is abbreviated to "first special game". The information display device 11 is provided with a second special symbol display section 11b. The second special symbol display section 11b is capable of executing a second special symbol change game in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the second special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed and stopped symbol. In the following description, the second special symbol change game is abbreviated to "second special game". The first special game and the second special game are collectively referred to as "special game". The special symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of a jackpot determination (jackpot lottery) to be described later.

In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of the displayed pattern changes over time. In this specification, "fixed stop display" means a state in which the pattern is fixedly displayed and the type of the displayed pattern does not change. In this embodiment, the special patterns include at least a jackpot pattern as a jackpot display result and a miss pattern as a miss display result. In this embodiment, if a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, a jackpot pattern is displayed in the special game, while if a miss is determined in the jackpot determination, a miss pattern is displayed in the special game. In this manner, in this embodiment, a special game can be executed based on the result of the jackpot determination. Therefore, if a jackpot pattern is fixedly displayed in the special game, the player can recognize a jackpot, and if a miss pattern is fixedly displayed in the special game, the player can recognize a miss.

In this embodiment, the first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously. In this embodiment, the second special game is executed in priority to the first special game. In this embodiment, if a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, the jackpot symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game, and after the special game ends, the jackpot game is awarded. As will be described in more detail later, the jackpot game is an extremely advantageous state for the player because the player can win a large number of prize balls and other benefits.

The information display device 11 includes a first special hold display section 11c. The first special hold display section 11c displays information that allows the user to recognize the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following description, the number of first special games that have been put on hold is referred to as the "first special hold number." The information display device 11 includes a second special hold display section 11d. The second special hold display section 11d displays information that allows the user to recognize the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following description, the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold is referred to as the "second special hold number." For example, the maximum values of the first special hold number and the second special hold number are each "4." The hold conditions for a special game can also be understood as conditions for starting a special game (so-called start conditions).

The information display device 11 is equipped with a normal symbol display unit 11e. The normal symbol display unit 11e is capable of executing a normal symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and finally a normal symbol is displayed as a fixed stop. The normal symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of a normal win determination (normal win lottery) described later. In the following explanation, the normal symbol variation game is abbreviated to "normal game". The normal symbols in this embodiment include at least a normal win symbol and a normal loss symbol. When a normal win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the normal game, the player can recognize a normal win. When a normal loss symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the normal game, the player can recognize a normal loss.

In this embodiment, if a normal win is determined in the normal win judgment, the normal win symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the normal game, and after the normal game ends, the normal win game is awarded. As will be described in more detail later, the normal win game is an advantageous state for the player because it makes it easier for the player to establish the reservation conditions for the special game.

The information display device 11 is equipped with a regular hold display section 11f. The regular hold display section 11f displays information that allows the user to recognize the number of regular games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following explanation, the number of regular games that are on hold will be referred to as the "regular hold number." For example, the maximum value of the regular hold number is 4.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a performance display device 12 as a performance execution means for executing a performance. The performance display device 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display type display device. The performance display device 12 may be an organic EL display type display device, or a display device configured to include a projector and a screen. The performance display device 12 is equipped with an image display unit GH on which an image is displayed. That is, in this embodiment, the performance display device 12 functions as a display means for displaying an image. The performance display device 12 is capable of executing a performance (hereinafter referred to as a display performance) that displays an image (picture) that imitates a specified character or letter as one of the performances.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first start port 13 as a winning port that opens into the game area YBa below the performance display device 12 on the game board YB. The first start port 13 is always open so that a game ball can enter the winning port. In the following description, the entry of a game ball into the winning port may be referred to as "winning". The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first start sensor SE1 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 13 (shown in FIG. 2). For example, the first start sensor SE1 is provided in a passage (not shown) through which the game ball that has entered the first start port 13 passes. In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, the reservation condition for the first special game may be established, and the payout condition for the prize ball is also established.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a second starting hole 14 as a winning hole that opens into the gaming area YBa on the lower right of the performance display device 12 on the gaming board YB. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a first variable member 15 on the gaming board YB that can be operated between a permissive state (open state) and a restricted state (closed state). The permissive state is a state in which a gaming ball can be inserted into the second starting hole 14 or it is easy to insert the ball. The restricted state is a state in which a gaming ball cannot be inserted into the second starting hole 14 or it is difficult to insert the ball. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a first actuator A1 that operates the first variable member 15 (shown in FIG. 2). The first variable member 15 is operated to the permissive state during normal winning play.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 also includes a second start sensor SE2 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the second start hole 14 (as shown in FIG. 2). For example, the second start sensor SE2 is provided in a passage (not shown) through which the gaming ball that has entered the second start hole 14 passes. In this embodiment, when a gaming ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the reservation condition for the second special game may be established, and the payout condition for the prize ball is also established.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a large prize opening 16 that opens into the game area YBa on the game board YB, below and to the left of the second start opening 14. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a second variable member 17 on the game board YB that can be operated between a permissive state (open state) and a restricted state (closed state). The second variable member 17 is a so-called large prize opening door. The permissive state is a state in which a game ball can be inserted into the large prize opening 16, or in which it is easy to insert the ball. The restricted state is a state in which a game ball cannot be inserted into the large prize opening 16, or in which it is difficult to insert the ball. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a second actuator A2 that operates the second variable member 17 (shown in FIG. 2). The second variable member 17 is operated to the permissive state during a jackpot game.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a count sensor SE3 that detects game balls that enter the large prize opening 16 (shown in FIG. 2). For example, the count sensor SE3 is provided in a passage (not shown) through which game balls that enter the large prize opening 16 pass. In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3, the conditions for paying out prize balls are met.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a gate 18 through which a game ball can pass (enter) on the game board YB to the right of the performance display device 12. The gate 18 has a gate sensor SE4 that detects a game ball passing through the gate 18 (shown in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the gate sensor SE4, a reserve condition for the normal game can be established.

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a low probability state and a high probability state as gaming states with different jackpot probabilities. The jackpot probability is the probability that a jackpot will be determined in a jackpot determination. The high probability state is a gaming state in which the jackpot probability is higher than in the low probability state. In the high probability state, the probability that a jackpot will be determined in a jackpot determination is higher than in the low probability state, making it a gaming state that is advantageous for the player. The high probability state is what is known as a "probability-varying state (high probability state)."

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a low base state and a high base state as gaming states with different ratios of the number of winning balls to the number of game balls fired. The high base state of this embodiment is a gaming state in which the probability of the game ball entering the second starting hole 14 is higher than in the low base state. The high base state of this embodiment is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player (a state where it is easy to enter the ball) because the probability of the game ball entering the second starting hole 14 is higher and it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 14. In other words, the high base state in this embodiment is a so-called "electric support state" and the low base state is a so-called "non-electric support state".

For example, the high base state can be realized by performing one of the three controls described below, which are arbitrarily selected, or by combining a plurality of controls. The first control is a normal symbol variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game compared to that in the low base state. The second control is a normal symbol probability variation control that varies the probability (normal hit probability) of a normal symbol being determined as a normal hit in a hit determination to a higher probability than that in the low base state. The third control is an opening time extension control that makes the total opening time of the first variable member 15 in one normal hit game longer than that in the low base state. Note that, as the opening time extension control, at least one of the following may be performed: a control that increases the number of openings of the first variable member 15 in one normal hit game compared to that in the low base state, and a control that makes one opening time of the first variable member 15 in a normal hit game longer than that in the low base state. In this embodiment, the normal hit probability in the low base state is set to 0. Therefore, the first variable member 15 is not operated to the permissible state in the low base state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the high base state is realized by combining the fourth control, which will be described next. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time shortening control that shortens the fluctuation time (e.g., average fluctuation time) of the special game compared to the low base state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the low base state corresponds to a game state in which the average fluctuation time of the special game is longer compared to the high base state. In this embodiment, the high base state is a so-called "fluctuation time shortening state (time-shortening state)" for the special symbol. In contrast, the low base state is a so-called "non-fluctuation time shortening state (non-time-shortening state)" for the special symbol.

In the following description, a game state that is a low probability state and a low base state may be referred to as a "low probability low base state", and a game state that is a high probability state and a low base state may be referred to as a "high probability low base state". Also, a game state that is a low probability state and a high base state may be referred to as a "low probability high base state", and a game state that is a high probability state and a high base state may be referred to as a "high probability high base state". Note that in this embodiment, while the game state may be controlled to each of the low probability low base state, low probability high base state, and high probability high base state, it is not controlled to the high probability low base state. In the following description, the low probability low base state may be referred to as a "normal game state", and the game states of the low probability high base state and the high probability high base state may be collectively referred to as "advantageous game state".

Next, a big win in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. A type of jackpot is determined for each of the plurality of types of jackpot symbols.

In the case of a jackpot, after a jackpot pattern is derived in a special game, a type of jackpot game corresponding to the jackpot pattern is awarded. In the jackpot game, a predetermined performance is first performed for a predetermined opening time. In this embodiment, as the predetermined performance, for example, an opening performance that notifies the start of the jackpot game is performed. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game is performed in which the large prize winning hole 16 is opened. The round game is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a first ending condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enters the ball or a second ending condition in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed is met. In the round game, a round performance is performed. Then, in the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined performance is performed for a predetermined ending time. In this embodiment, as the predetermined performance, for example, an ending performance that notifies the end of the jackpot game is performed. The jackpot game will end when the ending time has elapsed.

The jackpot patterns in this embodiment include specific jackpot patterns that provide a high probability state and a high base state from the end of a jackpot game until the next jackpot lottery is won, and non-specific jackpot patterns that do not provide a high probability state after the end of a jackpot game, but provide a high base state up to a predetermined maximum number of special games.

Next, the effect symbol variation game executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
In this embodiment, the performance display device 12 can execute a performance pattern change game in which the performance patterns are displayed in a plurality of rows and a final combination of performance patterns is derived. In the following description, the performance pattern change game is abbreviated to "performance game". The performance patterns are patterns (decorative patterns) decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are intended to diversify the display performance. In this embodiment, the performance game is performed by displaying (scrolling) the first, second, and third pattern rows in a predetermined direction.

The presentation game starts with the start of the special game and ends with the end of the special game. Specifically, in the presentation game, the presentation symbols are temporarily displayed as stopped in each of the first to third symbol rows (hereinafter referred to as "temporary stop display"), and then the presentation symbols temporarily displayed in each symbol row are displayed as stopped in a low probability, thereby deriving a combination of presentation symbols. In the presentation game, a combination of presentation symbols according to the special symbols derived in the special game is derived. When a jackpot symbol (jackpot display result) is derived in the special game, a jackpot symbol combination (jackpot display result) based on the presentation symbols is also derived in the presentation game. For example, the jackpot symbol combination based on the presentation symbols is a symbol combination in which the presentation symbols in all columns are the same. In addition, when a losing symbol (losing display result) is derived in the special game, a losing symbol combination (losing display result) based on the presentation symbols is also derived in the presentation game. For example, a losing combination of effect symbols is a combination in which the effect symbols in at least some columns are different from the effect symbols in the other columns. In the following explanation, special games and effect games may be collectively referred to as "variable games."

In addition, in the presentation game of this embodiment, a reach presentation can be executed. The reach presentation of this embodiment is a presentation that is performed in a state in which the same presentation pattern is temporarily stopped and displayed in specific columns (the first and second columns in this embodiment) among all the symbol columns in the presentation game. In the following explanation, a combination of presentation patterns in which the same presentation pattern is temporarily stopped and displayed in specific columns among all the symbol columns may be referred to as a "reach pattern combination." The reach presentation of this embodiment includes a normal reach presentation and a super reach presentation that is an extension of the presentation content of the normal reach presentation. The types of reach presentation in this embodiment will be described in detail later.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a main control board 30 on the back side (rear side) of the game board YB. The main control board 30 performs various processes and outputs control signals (control commands) according to the results of the processes. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a sub-control board 31 on the back side (rear side) of the game board YB. The sub-control board 31 executes a predetermined process based on the control signal input from the main control board 30.

First, the main control board 30 will be described in detail.
The main control board 30 includes a main control CPU 30a, a main control ROM 30b, and a main control RAM 30c. The main control CPU 30a executes a main control program to perform various processes.

The main control ROM 30b stores the main control program and the judgment values used in a predetermined lottery. The main control ROM 30b also stores a number of types of fluctuation patterns. The fluctuation patterns are information that can specify the fluctuation time from when the special game starts to when the special game ends.

The variation patterns in this embodiment include a jackpot variation pattern that is determined when a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, and a miss variation pattern that is determined when a jackpot is not determined in the jackpot determination. In the jackpot variation pattern, the performance content of the performance game is determined to be a performance content that ultimately derives a jackpot pattern combination. In the miss variation pattern, the performance content of the performance game is determined to be a performance content that ultimately derives a miss pattern combination without going through a reach performance, or after going through a reach performance. In addition, the variation pattern in this embodiment is information that can identify part or all of the performance to be executed during the execution of the performance game.

The main control RAM 30c is configured to be capable of storing various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Information stored in the main control RAM 30c includes, for example, flags, counters, and timers. The main control board 30 is also configured to be capable of generating random numbers. For example, the random numbers may be generated as hardware random numbers or software random numbers.

The main control CPU 30a is connected to the first start sensor SE1, the second start sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the gate sensor SE4. The main control CPU 30a is configured to be able to input the detection signal output by each sensor when it detects a game ball. The main control CPU 30a is connected to the information display device 11 (first special symbol display section 11a, second special symbol display section 11b, first special hold display section 11c, second special hold display section 11d, normal symbol display section 11e, normal hold display section 11f). The main control CPU 30a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information display device 11. The main control CPU 30a is connected to the first actuator A1 and the second actuator A2. The main control CPU 30a is configured to be able to control the operation of each actuator.

Next, the sub-control board 31 will be described.
The sub-control board 31 is connected to the main control board 30. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main control board 30 to the sub-control board 31.

The sub-control board 31 comprises a sub-control CPU 31a, a sub-control ROM 31b, and a sub-control RAM 31c. The sub-control CPU 31a executes a sub-control program to perform various processes (e.g., processes related to the presentation). The sub-control ROM 31b stores the sub-control program and judgment values used in the lottery. The sub-control ROM 31b stores display presentation data related to the display presentation, light-emitting presentation data related to the light-emitting presentation, and audio presentation data related to the audio presentation. In this embodiment, the sub-control ROM 31b corresponds to a storage means for storing various information.

The sub-control RAM 31c is also configured to be capable of storing various information that is appropriately rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Information stored in the sub-control RAM 31c includes, for example, flags, counters, and timers. The sub-control board 31 is also configured to be capable of generating random numbers. The random numbers may be generated as hardware random numbers or software random numbers.

In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 31a functions as a performance control means that controls the performance execution means. The sub-control CPU 31a and the performance display device 12 are connected. The sub-control CPU 31a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the performance display device 12. Specifically, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 31a is capable of controlling the performance display device 12 to display various images based on the display performance data stored in the sub-control ROM 31b. The sub-control CPU 31a and the decorative lamp La are connected. The sub-control CPU 31a is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp La. The sub-control CPU 31a and the speaker Sp are connected. The sub-control CPU 31a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the sound by the speaker Sp.

Next, various processes (controls) executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30 executes various processes such as special symbol input process and special symbol start process based on the main control program. The main control CPU 30a executes various processes such as special symbol input process and special symbol start process at a predetermined control period (e.g., 4 ms).

First, the special symbol input process will be described.
In the special symbol input process, the main control CPU 30a judges whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 13. At this time, the main control CPU 30a judges that a game ball has entered the first start hole 13 by inputting a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1. When a game ball has entered the first start hole 13, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the first special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 30c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the first special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 30c to update it. At this time, the main control CPU 30a controls the information display device 11 to display the updated first special reserved number. Thus, in this embodiment, when the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the reservation condition of the first special game is established by the game ball entering the first start hole 13.

Next, the main control CPU 30a acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 30, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 30c. For example, the random numbers are jackpot random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers. At this time, the main control CPU 30a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game, and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the first special game in the main control RAM 30c, it is possible to suspend the execution of the first special game until the execution conditions for the first special game are met. The random number information may be the acquired random numbers themselves, or may be information obtained by processing the random numbers using a predetermined method.

When a game ball has not entered the first start hole 13, when the first special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, and when random number information for the first special game is stored in the main control RAM 30c, the main control CPU 30a determines whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 14. At this time, the main control CPU 30a determines that a game ball has entered the second start hole 14 by inputting a detection signal from the second start sensor SE2. When a game ball has not entered the second start hole 14, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, when a game ball has entered the second start hole 14, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 30c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit, the main control CPU 30a updates the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 30c by adding 1. At this time, the main control CPU 30a controls the information display device 11 to display the updated second special reserved number. Thus, in this embodiment, if the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit, the reservation condition for the second special game is met when a game ball enters the second start hole 14.

Next, the main control CPU 30a acquires the random numbers generated within the main control board 30, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 30c. At this time, the main control CPU 30a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the second special game, and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main control RAM 30c, it is possible to suspend the execution of the second special game until the execution conditions for the second special game are met. Thereafter, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol input process.

Next, the special symbol start process will be described.
First, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the execution conditions for the special game are met. In this judgment, the main control CPU 30a judges that the execution conditions are met when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is in progress, while it judges that the execution conditions are not met when a jackpot game or a special game is in progress. If the execution conditions are not met, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol start process.

On the other hand, if the execution condition is met, the main control CPU 30a acquires the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 30c and determines whether the acquired second special reserved number is greater than 0 (zero). If the second special reserved number is greater than 0, the main control CPU 30a starts the second special game. On the other hand, if the second special reserved number is 0, the main control CPU 30a acquires the first special reserved number and determines whether the acquired first special reserved number is greater than 0. If the first special reserved number is greater than 0, the main control CPU 30a starts the first special game. As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment does not execute the first special game and the second special game simultaneously, but executes the second special game preferentially.

On the other hand, when the first special reserved number is 0, the main control CPU 30a judges whether to output information that can identify a standby state (hereinafter referred to as a standby state command) to the sub-control board 31. In this embodiment, the standby state is a state in which neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played, and neither the first special game nor the second special game is reserved. At this time, if the output information is not stored in the main control RAM 30c, the main control CPU 30a judges to output a standby state command, whereas if the output information is not stored, the main control CPU 30a judges not to output a standby state command. In this embodiment, the output information is information that can identify that a standby state command has been output. The output information is stored in the main control RAM 30c when the standby state command is generated, and is erased (cleared) from the main control RAM 30c when the standby state ends.

When a standby state command is output, the main control CPU 30a generates a standby state command and sets it in the output buffer, while storing the output information in the main control RAM 30c. In this embodiment, the information (control command) set in the output buffer is output to the sub-control board 31 in a specified output process. On the other hand, when a standby state command is not output, the main control CPU 30a ends the special pattern start process without generating a standby state command.

When starting the second special game, the main control CPU 30a updates the second special reserved number by subtracting 1, and controls the information display device 11 to display the second special reserved number after subtraction. At this time, if output information is stored in the main control RAM 30c, the main control CPU 30a also erases the output information.

Next, the main control CPU 30a acquires from the main control RAM 30c the random number information that was stored first among the random number information for the second special game. The main control CPU 30a then performs a jackpot determination as to whether or not a jackpot has occurred, using the value of the jackpot random number identified from the acquired random number information. The jackpot determination corresponds to a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred. For example, the jackpot determination may be performed based on whether or not the value of the random number matches a jackpot determination value. In addition, the jackpot determination may be performed based on whether or not the value obtained by adding the value of the random number and the jackpot determination value exceeds a predetermined value. At this time, the main control CPU 30a performs the jackpot determination based on a jackpot determination value that differs depending on the current probability state.

If the jackpot judgment determines that a jackpot has occurred, the main control CPU 30a performs jackpot fluctuation processing. In the jackpot fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 30a determines a special jackpot pattern based on the value of the jackpot pattern random number specified from the acquired random number information. This determined jackpot pattern becomes the final stop pattern derived in the special game. In addition, when the main control CPU 30a determines a special jackpot pattern, it determines a jackpot fluctuation pattern from among multiple types of jackpot fluctuation patterns by conducting a fluctuation pattern determination lottery. On the other hand, if the jackpot judgment does not determine that a jackpot has occurred, the main control CPU 30a performs a miss fluctuation processing. In the miss fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 30a determines a miss pattern for the special pattern. This determined miss pattern becomes the final stop pattern derived in the special game. In addition, when the main control CPU 30a determines a losing special pattern, it determines a losing variation pattern from among multiple types of losing variation patterns by conducting a variation pattern determination lottery.

When starting the first special game, the main control CPU 30a performs the same control for the first special game as the control for the second special game described above. In other words, the main control CPU 30a subtracts the first special reserved number, erases the output information, determines whether there is a jackpot, and performs jackpot variation processing or miss variation processing based on the result of the jackpot determination. After that, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol start processing.

Then, when the special symbol start process is completed, the main control CPU 30a executes a special game by performing a process other than the special symbol start process. Specifically, the main control CPU 30a controls the display content of the information display device 11 so as to start the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The main control CPU 30a also sets information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol designation command) that designates the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process in the output buffer. The main control CPU 30a also sets information (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern designation command) that designates the variation pattern and instructs the start of the presentation game in the output buffer. The main control CPU 30a also measures the variation time determined for the variation pattern determined in the special symbol start process. The main control CPU 30a then controls the information display device 11 so that the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process is derived after the variation time determined for the variation pattern has elapsed. In addition, when the change time set for the change pattern determined in the special pattern start process has elapsed, the main control CPU 30a sets information for deriving the combination of performance patterns (hereinafter referred to as the all pattern stop command) in the output buffer.

Next, the big win processing performed by the main control CPU 30a will be described.
In the jackpot process, the main control CPU 30a specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. After the end of the jackpot special game, the main control CPU 30a starts control to award the specified jackpot game and outputs predetermined control information.

When the special game of the big win ends, the main control CPU 30a first starts measuring the opening time, generates a command (hereinafter referred to as the opening command) that instructs the execution of the opening performance, and sets it in the output buffer. When the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 30a performs processing to execute the round game. Specifically, the main control CPU 30a controls the second actuator A2 so that the big prize opening 16 is opened in the round game. In addition, after starting the round game, when the first end condition or the second end condition is established, the main control CPU 30a closes the big prize opening 16 to end the round game. The main control CPU 30a repeats such processing to execute the round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big win game is ended. In addition, the main control CPU 30a generates a command (hereinafter referred to as the round command) that instructs the execution of the round performance every time the round game starts, and sets it in the output buffer. Then, when the final round of play ends, the main control CPU 30a generates a command to execute an ending performance (hereinafter referred to as an ending command) and sets it in the output buffer. When the ending time has elapsed, the main control CPU 30a ends the big win game.

Next, the processing related to the game state performed by the main control CPU 30a will be described.
When starting a jackpot game, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to a low-probability, low-base state. Therefore, in this embodiment, during a jackpot game, the game state is a low-probability, low-base state. Furthermore, when ending a jackpot game, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to a game state according to the type of jackpot. For example, when ending a jackpot game based on a specific jackpot, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to a high-probability, high-base state. In this case, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to a high-probability, high-base state until the next jackpot game is started. On the other hand, when ending a jackpot game based on a non-specific jackpot, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to a low-probability, high-base state. At this time, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to a high-base state with a set upper limit number of times. Then, after controlling the game state to a high base state with a set upper limit number of times, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to a low base state when the special game with the upper limit number of times ends without a jackpot being determined in the jackpot determination.

When controlling to a low probability state, the main control CPU 30a sets a value that can identify control to a low probability state to the probability state flag stored in the main control RAM 30c, generates a low probability command that can identify control to a low probability state, and sets it in the output buffer. Similarly, when controlling to a high probability state, the main control CPU 30a sets a value that can identify control to a high probability state to the probability state flag stored in the main control RAM 30c, generates a high probability command that can identify control to a high probability state, and sets it in the output buffer. Also, when controlling to a low base state, the main control CPU 30a sets a value that can identify control to a low base state to the base state flag stored in the main control RAM 30c, generates a low base command that can identify control to a low base state, and sets it in the output buffer. Similarly, when controlling to a high base state, the main control CPU 30a sets a value that can identify control to a high base state to the base state flag stored in the main control RAM 30c, generates a high base command that can identify control to a high base state, and sets it in the output buffer.

When the main control CPU 30a awards a high base state with a set upper limit number of times, the main control CPU 30a stores the number of times equivalent to the upper limit number of times in the main control RAM 30c as the remaining number of times for the special game that awards the high base state. Then, each time a special game is played, the main control CPU 30a subtracts 1 from the remaining number of times stored in the main control RAM 30c. When the remaining number of times becomes 0, the main control CPU 30a sets the base state flag to a value that can specify that control will be made to a low base state upon the end of the special game in which the remaining number of times has become 0.

In addition to the above-mentioned processes, the main control CPU 30a also performs the processes described below. For example, the main control CPU 30a also performs processes related to normal symbols and processes related to errors. In processes related to normal symbols, it performs processes such as inputting a detection signal from the gate sensor SE4 and starting a normal symbol variation game.

Next, various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 based on the sub-control program will be described. When the sub-control CPU 31a receives a control signal from the main control CPU 30a, it executes various processes according to the control signal.

First, the effect symbol variation process for executing the effect game will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a special symbol designation command and a variation pattern designation command, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the performance display device 12 to execute a performance game corresponding to the special game. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a special symbol designation command, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a combination of performance symbols to be derived in the performance game based on the special symbol designated by the input special symbol designation command. When a special jackpot symbol is designated, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a pattern combination of the jackpot by the performance symbols. As a result, in the performance game of this embodiment, when a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, a jackpot display result is derived. Also, when a loss symbol of the special symbol is designated, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a combination of performance symbols to be derived in the performance game based on the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command. Specifically, when a loss variation pattern capable of identifying the execution of a reach performance is designated, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a loss pattern combination for the reach. In this embodiment, the losing symbol combination for reach is a combination of effect symbols in which the effect symbols in a specific column (e.g., the first column and the second column) are the same, and the effect symbols in the other columns (e.g., the third column) are different. Also, when a loss variation pattern that can specify that reach effect is not executed is specified, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a losing symbol combination for normal loss. In this embodiment, the losing symbol combination for normal loss is a combination of effect symbols in which the effect symbols in all columns are different.

When the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a variation pattern designation command, it determines the effect to be executed during the execution of the performance game based on the variation pattern designated by the input variation pattern designation command. The process of determining the effect to be executed will be described in detail later. After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the performance display device 12 to start the variable display of the performance patterns of each pattern row. That is, the sub-control CPU 31a starts the performance game. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the performance display device 12 to variably display three rows of performance patterns. The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the execution of various performances that have been determined to be executed. Next, when a predetermined timing arrives after starting the performance game, the sub-control CPU 31a temporarily stops the display of the performance patterns of each pattern row, and, in response to the input of the all pattern stop command, causes the performance patterns of each pattern row to be fixed and stopped. In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a may display the fixed stop pattern of each pattern row when the change time set for the change pattern has elapsed, regardless of the all pattern stop command. In this case, the all pattern stop command may be omitted.

Next, the processing related to the big win game will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 31a receives an opening command, it controls the group of performance devices to execute an opening performance. In this embodiment, the group of performance devices includes the performance display device 12, the decorative lamps La, and the speakers Sp. When the sub-control CPU 31a receives a round command, it controls the group of performance devices to execute a round performance. When the sub-control CPU 31a receives an ending command, it controls the group of performance devices to execute an ending performance.

Next, processing related to the game state will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 31a receives a high probability command from the main control CPU 30a, it stores a value indicating a high probability state in the sub-probability state flag of the sub-control RAM 31c. When the sub-control CPU 31a receives a low probability command from the main control CPU 30a, it stores a value indicating a low probability state in the sub-probability state flag of the sub-control RAM 31c. Similarly, when the sub-control CPU 31a receives a high base command from the main control CPU 30a, it stores a value indicating a high base state in the sub-base state flag of the sub-control RAM 31c. When the sub-control CPU 31a receives a low base command from the main control CPU 30a, it stores a value indicating a low base state in the sub-base state flag of the sub-control RAM 31c. This allows the sub-control CPU 31a to identify the current game state.

The following describes the effects that can be performed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment.
As shown in Figure 3, the presentations that can be executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment include staged presentations that progress across multiple presentation stages. The staged presentations of this embodiment are executed with presentation content that corresponds to the current presentation stage. Specifically, in the staged presentations of this embodiment, an image that corresponds to the current presentation stage is displayed on the presentation display device 12. That is, in this embodiment, the type of image displayed on the presentation display device 12 corresponds to the presentation content of the staged presentation. Note that "image" here includes so-called "moving images."

In the present embodiment, the staged performance is executed in such a manner that a series of performance contents is divided into a plurality of performance stages. For example, in the present embodiment, the staged performance is executed in such a manner that a series of performance contents is divided into a total of five stages, from the first performance stage to the fifth performance stage. The first performance stage is the performance stage at the start of the staged performance. In this embodiment, the first performance stage corresponds to the start stage. The fifth performance stage is the final performance stage in the staged performance. In this embodiment, the fifth performance stage corresponds to the final stage. The second performance stage to the fourth performance stage are the performance stages through which the performance progresses from the first performance stage to the fifth performance stage. In this embodiment, the second performance stage to the fourth performance stage correspond to intermediate stages. That is, in this embodiment, in the staged performance, the performance contents progress from a predetermined start stage to the final stage through a plurality of intermediate stages. Specifically, in the staged performance of this embodiment, the performance stages progress in the order of the first performance stage → the second performance stage → the third performance stage → the fourth performance stage → the fifth performance stage.

In the step-by-step presentation of this embodiment, after the presentation content of a given presentation stage is executed, it may end without proceeding to the next presentation stage. That is, in the step-by-step presentation of this embodiment, the presentation stage may end at each of the first to fourth presentation stages without progressing to the fifth presentation stage. In addition, in the step-by-step presentation of this embodiment, the more the presentation stage progresses, the higher the expectation that a jackpot display result will be derived in the variable game being executed (hereinafter, referred to as jackpot expectation). Note that, as described above, in this embodiment, when a jackpot display result is derived in a special game, a jackpot display result is also derived in the presentation game corresponding to the special game. Therefore, the jackpot expectation of the variable game in this embodiment is the expectation of a jackpot display result being derived in the special game, and is also the expectation of a jackpot display result being derived in the presentation game.

Specifically, in the stage presentation of this embodiment, the expected probability of a jackpot increases in the order of the presentation stages finally reached: first presentation stage < second presentation stage < third presentation stage < fourth presentation stage < fifth presentation stage. And, in the stage presentation of this embodiment, when the presentation stages progress to the final stage (in this embodiment, the fifth presentation stage), it is definitely suggested that a jackpot display result will be derived in the variable game being executed.

In addition, the stage performance of this embodiment includes a first stage performance and a second stage performance, which have different performance contents from each other. The performance contents of each stage performance will be described in detail below.
As shown in Fig. 3(a), each of the first stage performances includes a performance stage executed with a predetermined performance content and a performance stage executed with any of a plurality of types of performance content. Specifically, the performance content of the first stage performance when it is the first performance stage is the first performance content A. The performance content of the first stage performance when it is the second performance stage is either the second performance content A1 or the second performance content A2. The performance content of the first stage performance when it is the third performance stage is the third performance content. The performance content of the first stage performance when it is the fourth performance stage is either the fourth performance content A1 or the fourth performance content A2. And, the performance content of the first stage performance when it is the fifth performance stage is the fifth performance content A. In other words, in this embodiment, in the first stage presentation, when it is any of the first presentation stage, the third presentation stage, and the fifth presentation stage, the presentation content is predetermined, and when it is any of the second presentation stage and the fourth presentation stage, the presentation content is any of multiple types of presentation content.

As shown in FIG. 3(b), each performance stage of the second stage performance, like the first stage performance, includes a performance stage that is executed with a predetermined performance content and a performance stage that is executed with any of a plurality of types of performance content. Specifically, the performance content of the second stage performance when it is the first performance stage is the first performance content B. The performance content of the second stage performance when it is the second performance stage is either the second performance content B1 or the second performance content B2. The performance content of the second stage performance when it is the third performance stage is the third performance content. The performance content of the second stage performance when it is the fourth performance stage is either the fourth performance content B1 or the fourth performance content B2. And the performance content of the second stage performance when it is the fifth performance stage is the fifth performance content A. In other words, in this embodiment, in the second stage presentation, if it is any of the first, third, and fifth presentation stages, the presentation content will be a predetermined one, and if it is any of the second and fourth presentation stages, the presentation content will be one of the multiple types of presentation content.

In this embodiment, the number of stages when the performance stage progresses from the start stage (first performance stage) to the final stage (fifth performance stage) is the same regardless of whether it is the first stage performance or the second stage performance. Also, in this embodiment, the performance contents in the first stage performance and the second stage performance are different from each other when it is the first performance stage, the second performance stage, the fourth performance stage, and the fifth performance stage, while the performance contents in the third performance stage are the same. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the performance stage is the third performance stage, whether it is the first stage performance or the second stage performance, the stage performance is executed with the same performance contents. In other words, in this embodiment, in both the first stage performance and the second stage performance, the performance stages through which the performance stage passes when it progresses from the start stage to the final stage include the performance stage executed with the third performance contents. In this embodiment, the performance stage executed with the third performance contents corresponds to a specific intermediate stage.

In addition, in this embodiment, a super reach performance (indicated as SP reach in the figure) may be executed after the stage performance ends. At this time, the type of super reach performance executed differs depending on the performance content of the performance stage executed last in the stage performance. In other words, when a super reach performance is executed after the stage performance ends, the performance content of the super reach performance will be the performance content according to the performance content of the stage performance. For example, when a super reach performance is executed after the first stage performance is executed in any of the first performance stage to the third performance stage, the first super reach performance is executed. In this embodiment, the first super reach performance is executed with the first specific content, which is the performance content related to the performance content when the first stage performance is executed in the first performance stage to the third performance stage. Here, the related performance content is, for example, a performance content having a series of stories or a performance content in which the same character is displayed. Also, when a super reach performance is executed after the first stage performance is executed in the fourth performance stage, the second super reach performance is executed. In this embodiment, the second super reach effect is executed with a second specific content, which is the effect content related to the effect content when the first stage effect is executed in the fourth stage.

On the other hand, if a Super Reach performance is executed after the second stage performance is executed in any of the first to third performance stages, a third Super Reach performance is executed. In this embodiment, the third Super Reach performance is executed with a third specific content, which is a performance content related to the performance content when the second stage performance is executed in the first to third performance stages. And, if a Super Reach performance is executed after the second stage performance is executed in the fourth performance stage, a fourth Super Reach performance is executed. In this embodiment, the fourth Super Reach performance is executed with a fourth specific content, which is a performance content related to the performance content when the second stage performance is executed in the fourth performance stage.

As described above, in this embodiment, if a stage performance is executed during the execution of a variable game, and the performance stage does not progress to the final stage (fifth performance stage) in the stage performance, a super reach performance may be executed after the stage performance ends. On the other hand, in this embodiment, if a stage performance is executed during the execution of a variable game, and the performance stage progresses to the final stage (fifth performance stage) in the stage performance, the display result of a jackpot is displayed in the variable game without a super reach performance being executed after the stage performance ends.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can execute a progress specific effect that can identify the progress of a performance stage in a stage performance during the execution of the stage performance. The progress specific effect of this embodiment is executed regardless of the performance stage of the current performance stage in the stage performance being executed. The progress specific effect of this embodiment is executed by displaying a progress specific image 50 on the performance display device 12 that can identify the progress of a performance stage in the stage performance being executed.

In this embodiment, the progress specific image 50 is an image that can identify the maximum number of stages in the staged presentation and the current presentation stage. Specifically, the progress specific image 50 in this embodiment is configured to include a plurality of element images 51-55 that indicate each presentation stage in the staged presentation, and a frame image 56 that is displayed to surround the element image that indicates the current presentation stage.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4(a), in the progress specific presentation, when the current presentation stage is the first presentation stage, a plurality of element images 51 to 55 indicating each presentation stage are displayed as the progress specific image 50, and a frame image 56 is displayed to surround the first element image 51 indicating the first presentation stage. In this embodiment, the first element image 51 indicating the first presentation stage is configured to include an image imitating the number "1". Similarly, the second element image 52 indicating the second presentation stage is configured to include an image imitating the number "2", the third element image 53 indicating the third presentation stage is configured to include an image imitating the number "3", and the fourth element image 54 indicating the fourth presentation stage is configured to include an image imitating the number "4". On the other hand, the fifth element image 55 indicating the fifth presentation stage is configured to include an image imitating the alphabet "V". This suggests that in the progress specific presentation, when the presentation stage progresses to the fifth presentation stage in the stage presentation, a jackpot display result is derived.

Also, as shown in Fig. 4(b)-(e), in the progress specific performance, when the current performance stage is one of the second performance stage to the fifth performance stage, a plurality of element images 51-55 indicating each performance stage are displayed as the progress specific image 50, and a frame image 56 is displayed to surround the element image indicating the current performance stage. At this time, the element image indicating the performance stage that has already ended is displayed darker than the element image indicating the current performance stage and the element image indicating the performance stage that has not yet progressed. For example, when the current performance stage is the third performance stage, the first element image 51 indicating the first performance stage and the second element image 52 indicating the second performance stage are displayed darker than the third element image 53 indicating the third performance stage, the fourth element image 54 indicating the fourth performance stage, and the fifth element image 55 indicating the fifth performance stage (Fig. 4(c)).

In this way, the progress specific presentation of this embodiment is executed in a presentation mode that differs depending on the current presentation stage. In particular, in the progress specific presentation of this embodiment, the current presentation stage can be identified, and the number of stages remaining until progression to the final stage (fifth presentation stage) can be identified. In other words, the progress specific presentation of this embodiment is executed in a presentation mode that makes it possible to identify the number of stages remaining from the current presentation stage to progression to the final stage.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is also capable of executing a narration performance in which a specific sound is output from the speaker Sp while a stage performance is being executed. In the narration performance of this embodiment, the specific sound is a sound that corresponds to the performance content of the stage performance being executed. In particular, in the narration performance of this embodiment, the specific sound is a narration sound that explains the performance content of the stage performance being executed.

In this embodiment, the narration performance begins with the start of the stage performance, and ends when the performance symbol is temporarily stopped in the currently running performance game. Therefore, the narration voice is output during some or all of the period from when the stage performance begins to when the performance symbol is temporarily stopped in the currently running performance game, while the output is stopped before the performance symbol is fixed and displayed in the currently running performance game. In other words, in this embodiment, when the stage performance and the narration performance are executed during the execution of a specified variable game, the timing at which the variation of the symbols ends in the currently running variable game is when the narration voice is stopped.

The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment is also capable of executing a special super reach effect, which is one of the reach effects, by displaying the same image as the image displayed in the step effect. Specifically, in the special super reach effect of this embodiment, among the images displayed in the step effect, the image displayed when the step effect is executed in the third performance content is displayed, and then the image displayed when the step effect is executed in the fourth performance content A1 is displayed. That is, in the special super reach effect of this embodiment, the same image as the image displayed when the step effect is executed in the third performance content and the fourth performance content A1 is displayed. After that, in the special super reach effect, if a jackpot display result is derived in the variable game being executed, among the images displayed in the step effect, the image displayed when the step effect is executed in the fifth performance content A is displayed. On the other hand, if a jackpot display result is not derived in the variable game being executed, the special super reach effect is executed with a performance content for a miss that is different from the fifth performance content A.

In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, some of the images displayed in the stage performance are also displayed in the special super reach performance, which is different from the stage performance. In this embodiment, the images displayed when the stage performance is executed in each of the performance contents of the third performance content, the fourth performance content A1, and the fifth performance content A correspond to the specific image displayed on the performance display device 12 in the stage performance. And, in this embodiment, the specific image is also displayed in the special super reach performance. That is, in this embodiment, the special super reach performance corresponds to a special performance that is different from the stage performance.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is also capable of executing a character voice effect in which a predetermined sound is output from the speaker Sp during execution of a special super reach effect. In the character voice effect of this embodiment, a sound different from the narration sound output in the narration effect is output. In particular, in the character voice effect of this embodiment, a sound by a character displayed in the special super reach effect is output. That is, in the special super reach effect of this embodiment, the effect display device 12 displays the same image as the image displayed in the step effect, while a sound different from the narration effect is output.

Next, the process for executing the stage performance will be described.
First, the process of determining whether or not to execute a step-by-step performance and the performance content when executing the step-by-step performance will be described. The sub-control CPU 31a executes the process of determining the performance content when the variable pattern designation command is input. That is, in this embodiment, at the start of the variable game, it is possible to determine whether or not to execute a step-by-step performance for the variable game.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the presentation content determination process, the sub-control CPU 31a first determines whether the current game state is a normal game state (step S1). If the current game state is not a normal game state (step S1: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a ends the presentation content determination process. That is, in this embodiment, the stage presentation is not executed when the current game state is not a normal game state.

On the other hand, if the current game state is the normal game state (step S1: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether or not to execute a stage performance (step S2). In step S2, the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether or not to execute a stage performance by, for example, performing a performance execution lottery using a predetermined random number. At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a controls so that the performance execution lottery is won with different probabilities depending on the type of fluctuation pattern that can be specified from the input fluctuation pattern designation command. Specifically, when the fluctuation pattern that can be specified from the input fluctuation pattern designation command is a jackpot fluctuation pattern, the sub-control CPU 31a controls so that the performance execution lottery is won with a higher probability than when the fluctuation pattern is a loss fluctuation pattern. This suggests that when a stage performance is executed, the expectation of a jackpot is higher than when a stage performance is not executed. In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a may control the game so that the probability of winning the performance determination lottery is the same regardless of the type of variation pattern that can be specified from the variation pattern designation command, thereby making the expected probability of a jackpot indicated when a step-by-step performance is performed the same as when a step-by-step performance is not performed.

If it is not decided to execute a stage performance (step S2: NO), the sub-control CPU 31a ends the performance content determination process. On the other hand, if it is decided to execute a stage performance (step S2: YES), the sub-control CPU 31a decides the type of stage performance to execute (step S3). At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a decides which stage performance to execute, the first stage performance or the second stage performance, by a predetermined lottery. At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a may decide the type of stage performance to execute at different rates depending on the type of fluctuation pattern that can be specified from the fluctuation pattern designation command, or may decide the type of stage performance to execute at the same rate regardless of the type of fluctuation pattern.

Then, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the final stage in the stage performance (step S4). At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the final stage at different rates according to the type of variation pattern that can be specified from the input variation pattern designation command, thereby varying the jackpot expectation when the stage performance progresses to each stage. Here, in order to increase the jackpot expectation when the stage performance progresses to a predetermined stage, it is preferable to increase the ratio of determining the predetermined performance stage in the case of a jackpot in the sum of the determination ratio for determining the predetermined performance stage as the final performance stage in the case of a jackpot and the determination ratio for determining the predetermined performance stage as the final performance stage in the case of a miss. Also, in order to definitively suggest that a jackpot display result will be derived when the stage performance progresses to the predetermined performance stage, it is preferable to make it possible to determine the predetermined performance stage as the final performance stage in the case of a jackpot, while not determining the predetermined performance stage as the final performance stage in the case of a miss.

Also, when the final stage of the stage performance is determined, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the performance content for each stage (step S5). As described above, in this embodiment, the same performance content is determined as the performance content for the third performance stage regardless of the type of stage performance to be executed. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the third performance content as the performance content for the third performance stage regardless of the type of stage performance to be executed. Also, in this embodiment, the performance content for the first performance stage and the fifth performance stage is determined according to the type of stage performance to be executed. Specifically, when the execution of the first stage performance is determined, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the first performance content A as the performance content for the first performance stage and the fifth performance content A as the performance content for the fifth performance stage. On the other hand, when the execution of the second stage performance is determined, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the first performance content B as the performance content for the first performance stage and the fifth performance content B as the performance content for the fifth performance stage.

In addition, in this embodiment, as the performance contents of the second and fourth performance stages, multiple types of performance contents that can be determined are determined according to the type of stage performance to be executed, and one of the multiple types of performance contents is determined by a predetermined lottery. Specifically, when the execution of the first stage performance is determined, the sub-control CPU 31a determines, by a predetermined lottery, either the second performance content A1 or the second performance content A2 as the performance content of the second performance stage, and determines, by a predetermined lottery, either the fourth performance content A1 or the fourth performance content A2 as the performance content of the fourth performance stage. On the other hand, when the execution of the second stage performance is determined, the sub-control CPU 31a determines, by a predetermined lottery, either the second performance content B1 or the second performance content B2 as the performance content of the second performance stage, and determines, by a predetermined lottery, either the fourth performance content B1 or the fourth performance content B2 as the performance content of the fourth performance stage.

In addition, when the content of each performance stage is determined, the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether or not to execute a super reach performance after the end of the stage performance (step S6). At this time, when the sub-control CPU 31a has determined the fifth performance stage as the performance stage to which the stage performance will ultimately progress, it determines not to execute a super reach performance after the end of the stage performance. On the other hand, when the sub-control CPU 31a has determined any one of the first to fourth performance stages as the performance stage to which the stage performance will ultimately progress, it determines whether or not to execute a super reach performance after the end of the stage performance according to the type of variation pattern that can be specified from the input variation pattern designation command. At this time, when the sub-control CPU 31a determines the execution of a super reach performance, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the type of super reach performance according to the type of stage performance and the performance stage determined as the performance stage to which the stage performance will ultimately progress. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 31a has decided to execute the first stage performance and has decided that the final performance stage will be one of the first to third performance stages, it decides to execute the first super reach performance. When the sub-control CPU 31a has decided to execute the first stage performance and has decided that the final performance stage will be the fourth performance stage, it decides to execute the second super reach performance. On the other hand, when the sub-control CPU 31a has decided to execute the second stage performance and has decided that the final performance stage will be one of the first to third performance stages, it decides to execute the third super reach performance. When the sub-control CPU 31a has decided to execute the second stage performance and has decided that the final performance stage will be the fourth performance stage, it decides to execute the fourth super reach performance.

Then, the sub-control CPU 31a stores information capable of identifying the content determined in the performance content determination process in the sub-control RAM 31c. The sub-control CPU 31a then ends the performance content determination process.

Next, the process for executing the staged presentation will be described with a specific example of the flow of the presentation.
In the example shown in Fig. 6, it is assumed that the execution of the first stage performance is determined in the performance content determination process, and the fifth performance stage is determined as the performance stage to be progressed to in the end. Also, in this example, it is assumed that the first performance content A is determined as the performance content of the first performance stage, the second performance content A1 is determined as the performance content of the second performance stage, the third performance content is determined as the performance content of the third performance stage, the fourth performance content A1 is determined as the performance content of the fourth performance stage, and the fifth performance content A is determined as the performance content of the fifth performance stage.

When the variable game starts, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the display of the performance symbols of each symbol row to be displayed in a variable manner (time t1). Next, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the performance display device 12 to start a stage performance at a predetermined timing after the display of the performance symbols to be displayed in a variable manner (time t2). At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the stage performance to be started with performance content based on the information stored in the sub-control RAM 31c. In this example, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the execution of the first stage performance of the first performance stage with the first performance content A.

At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a also controls the performance display device 12 to start a progress-specific performance in conjunction with the start of the stage performance, and controls the speaker Sp to start a narration performance. The sub-control CPU 31a controls the progress-specific performance and the narration performance to be executed with performance content according to the performance content of the stage performance currently being executed.

After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the stage of the staged performance to progress from the first performance stage to the fifth performance stage (times t2 to t6). Specifically, when the first performance stage ends in the staged performance, the sub-control CPU 31a advances to the second performance stage (time t3). In this example, the sub-control CPU 31a executes the first stage performance of the second performance stage with the second performance content A1. Next, when the second performance stage ends in the staged performance, the sub-control CPU 31a advances to the third performance stage (time t4). In this example, the sub-control CPU 31a executes the first stage performance of the third performance stage with the third performance content. Next, when the third performance stage ends in the staged performance, the sub-control CPU 31a advances to the fourth performance stage (time t5). In this example, the sub-control CPU 31a executes the first stage performance of the fourth performance stage with the fourth performance content A1. Then, when the fourth performance stage ends in the stage performance, the sub-control CPU 31a advances to the fifth performance stage (time t6). In this example, the sub-control CPU 31a executes the stage performance of the fifth performance stage with the fifth performance content A.

Then, while the first stage of the fifth stage is being executed with the fifth stage content A, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the display of the performance symbols of each symbol row to be temporarily stopped and the narration performance to be ended (time t7). The sub-control CPU 31a then controls the display of the performance symbols of each symbol row to be fixed and stopped and the stage performance to be ended (time t8). The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the end of the progress specific performance with the end of the stage performance.

As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to execute a stage performance during the execution of one variable game. As described above, the sub-control CPU 31a of this embodiment can decide to execute a stage performance on the condition that the current gaming state is determined to be a normal gaming state in the performance content determination process. Therefore, in this embodiment, the stage performance is executed during the execution of one variable game in the normal gaming state. In other words, the stage performance is started in the normal gaming state and is ended before the game transitions to a gaming state different from the normal gaming state. In this embodiment, the normal gaming state corresponds to a specific gaming state.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the execution of the first stage performance is determined in the performance content determination process, and the second stage performance is determined as the final performance stage to progress to. In this example, it is assumed that the first performance content A is determined as the performance content for the first performance stage, and the second performance content A1 is determined as the performance content for the second performance stage. Furthermore, in this example, it is assumed that it is determined that the first super reach will be executed after the stage performance ends.

The sub-control CPU 31a variably displays the effect symbols of each symbol row as the variable game begins, and then controls the effect display device 12 to start the stage effect at a predetermined timing (times t11 to t12). At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the stage effect to start with effect content based on the information stored in the sub-control RAM 31c, and also controls the start of a progress specific effect and a narration effect. Next, when the first effect stage ends in the stage effect, the sub-control CPU 31a causes the second effect stage to proceed (time t13).

Then, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the stage presentation to end with the end of the second presentation stage, and controls the progress specific presentation and the narration presentation to end (time t14). At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a also controls the presentation symbols of specific symbol rows (in this embodiment, the first and second rows) to be temporarily stopped and displayed as a reach symbol combination, and controls the first super reach presentation to start.

Then, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the remaining symbol rows (the third row in this embodiment) to be temporarily stopped during the execution of the first super reach effect (time t15). After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the effect symbols of each symbol row to be fixed and stopped as the variable game ends, and controls the first super reach effect to end (time t16).

As a result of the above, the sub-control CPU 31a is capable of controlling the execution of a reach presentation after the end of the stage presentation.
Next, the process for executing the special super reach performance will be described.

When the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a fluctuation pattern designation command, it decides whether or not to execute a special super reach performance. At this time, when the fluctuation pattern identifiable from the input fluctuation pattern designation command is a specific fluctuation pattern, the sub-control CPU 31a decides to execute a special super reach performance, but when it is not a specific fluctuation pattern, it does not decide to execute a special super reach performance. Note that in this embodiment, when the fluctuation pattern identifiable from the input fluctuation pattern designation command is a specific fluctuation pattern, the sub-control CPU 31a does not decide to execute a stage performance in the performance content determination process described above.

Next, the processing for executing the special super reach effect will be explained together with a specific example of the flow of the effect.
As shown in Fig. 8, the sub-control CPU 31a variably displays the effect symbols of each symbol row with the start of the variable game (time t21). Next, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the effect symbols of specific symbol rows (the first and second rows in this embodiment) among the symbol rows to be temporarily stopped and displayed as a reach-like pattern combination, and controls the special super reach-like effect to start (times t22 to t23). At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the speaker Sp to start a character voice effect with the start of the special super reach-like effect.

Then, the sub-control CPU 31a advances the special super reach effect in the order of the third effect, the fourth effect A1, and the fifth effect A (times t23 to t27). Here, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the remaining symbol rows (the third row in this embodiment) to be temporarily stopped while the special super reach effect is being executed in the fifth effect A (time t26). Then, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the effect patterns of each symbol row to be fixed and stopped as the variable game ends, and controls the special super reach effect to end (time t27). Although not shown, if the variable game being executed is not a variable game that derives a big win display result, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the special super reach effect to be executed with the effect content for a miss, without progressing the effect content to the fifth effect A after the fourth effect A1.

As described above, the sub-control CPU 31a can execute a special super reach performance with performance content that is partially or completely the same as the performance content in the stage performance. On the other hand, during the execution of the special super reach performance, the sub-control CPU 31a can output a sound that is different from the narration sound that is output during the execution of the stage performance.

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) When a stage performance is executed for the first time, the player can grasp the progress of the performance stage by paying attention to the progress specific performance. The intermediate stages through which the stage performance progresses from the first performance stage, which is the start stage, to the fifth performance stage, which is the final stage, include the third performance stage, which is executed with the third performance content, regardless of the type of stage performance. Therefore, when the performance content becomes the third performance content in the second or subsequent stage performance, the player can grasp the progress of the current performance stage without paying attention to the progress specific performance. Therefore, in this embodiment, the progress of the performance stage in the stage performance can be easily grasped, thereby improving the interest of the player.

(2) A staged presentation is executed in such a manner that a series of presentation contents is divided into multiple presentation stages. Therefore, as the presentation stages progress in a staged presentation, the presentation contents at each presentation stage can be enjoyed continuously as a series of presentations.

(3) Whether the first stage or the second stage is performed, the number of stages required to progress from the start stage to the final stage is the same, so that the player can easily grasp the number of stages required to progress to the final stage regardless of which stage performance is executed.

(4) The progress-specific presentation makes it possible to specify the number of stages from the current presentation stage to the final stage in the ongoing stage presentation, thereby increasing the interest of players who are looking forward to progressing to the final stage.

(5) When the stage of a multi-stage presentation progresses to the final stage, it is definitely suggested that a jackpot will be displayed in the variable game being played, which increases the sense of anticipation for the presentation stage progressing to the final stage.

(6) After the stage performance ends, a super reach performance may be executed with performance content corresponding to the performance content of the stage performance, so that the stage performance and the super reach performance can be associated with each other for enjoyment.

(7) In particular, in this embodiment, when the performance stage in the stage performance does not progress to the final stage, a super reach performance is executed after the stage performance ends, which allows the player to enjoy the performance. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the performance stage in the stage performance progresses to the final stage, a super reach performance is not executed after the stage performance ends, which prevents the performance from becoming drawn out.

(8) The multi-stage presentation can be executed when the current game state is the normal game state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player's interest can be increased by executing the multi-stage presentation for the normal game state, which is a game state that is not advantageous to the player compared to the advantageous game state.

(9) In particular, stage presentation can be performed when the game is in a normal game state in which the average fluctuation time of one variable game is longer than when a high base state is applied. This allows the player to enjoy the process of the presentation stages progressing over a sufficient presentation time when a stage presentation that progresses over multiple presentation stages is performed.

(10) In this embodiment, since the narration performance can be executed while the stage performance is being executed, the display of images by the stage performance and the output of the narration sound by the narration performance can synergistically entertain the player. On the other hand, since the output of the narration sound is stopped when the variation of the performance patterns ends, the player can concentrate on which combination of performance patterns is derived, and it is easy to recognize the combination of performance patterns that is finally displayed.

(11) In this embodiment, the special super reach effect can be executed using the same image as the image displayed in the stage effect, so that the effects in the gaming machine can be diversified while preventing the storage area of the sub-control ROM 31b from being overloaded.

(12) During the execution of the special super reach effect, it is possible to execute a character voice effect that outputs a voice different from the narration voice that is output during the execution of the stage effect, so that it is possible to diversify the effects in the gaming machine while preventing confusion between the stage effect and the special super reach effect, in which the same image is displayed.

The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modified examples can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction exists.

- The game state in which the step-by-step performance can be executed may be changed as appropriate. For example, the step-by-step performance may be executable in either the normal game state or the advantageous game state, or may be executable in the advantageous game state but not executed in the normal game state.

・The stage performance may be executable across multiple variable games. In this case, the main control CPU 30a pre-determines the results of the jackpot lottery and the variation pattern determination lottery in the variation game for which the reserved condition is satisfied before the execution condition is satisfied, and outputs a look-ahead command that can identify the result of the pre-determination to the sub-control CPU 31a. The sub-control CPU 31a may then determine the presentation mode of the stage performance based on the result of the pre-determination identified from the look-ahead command. At this time, the stage performance may be started when the current game state is a high base state, and may be ended before the high base state ends. In this way, even when the stage performance is executed in a high base state in which the average variation time of the variation game is shorter than that in a low base state, the stage performance can be executed across multiple variable games, allowing the player to enjoy the process of the performance stage progressing over a sufficient presentation time. In this modified example, the high base state corresponds to a specific game state.

- In stage performance, the performance content of each performance stage may be changed as appropriate. For example, in each stage performance, the sub-control CPU 31a may determine the performance content for the first performance stage by a predetermined lottery from among multiple performance contents. In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a may determine predetermined performance content for the second and fourth performance stages in each stage performance. In addition, the performance content for the third performance stage may be different depending on the type of performance stage, or the performance content that can be determined as the performance content for the first, second, fourth, and fifth performance stages may be the same regardless of the type of performance stage.

- In staged performance, the performance content of each performance stage may be separate and independent. In other words, staged performance does not have to be executed in a manner in which a series of performance contents is divided into multiple performance stages.

- The stage performance is not limited to a display performance executed on the performance display device 12, but may also be executed as an audio performance using a speaker Sp, a light-emitting performance using decorative lamps La, or a combination of these.

- The number of stages in the stage performance may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of stages when progressing from the start stage to the final stage may be four or less, or six or more. If the number of stages when progressing from the start stage to the final stage is three, the number of intermediate stages is one, and if the number of stages when progressing from the start stage to the final stage is four or more, the number of intermediate stages is multiple. The number of stages when progressing from the start stage to the final stage may differ depending on the type of stage performance. Even if the type of stage performance to be executed is the same, the sub-control CPU 31a may vary the number of stages when progressing from the start stage to the final stage by a predetermined lottery, or may vary the number of stages when progressing from the start stage to the final stage depending on the variation pattern that can be specified from the variation pattern designation command.

- When progressing from the start stage to the final stage in a stage presentation, it is possible that some or all of the intermediate stages are not passed through. For example, after the presentation stages progress from the first presentation stage, which is the start stage, to the second presentation stage, and then to the third presentation stage, it is possible to proceed to the fifth presentation stage without passing through the fourth presentation stage. In this case, the sub-control CPU 31a may determine the presentation stage to be passed through by lottery using a predetermined random number, or may determine the presentation stage to be passed through according to a variation pattern that can be specified from the input variation pattern designation command. This makes it difficult to predict the presentation stage to be progressed to after the current presentation stage in the stage presentation, which can surprise the player and make him enjoy the presentation.

- In staged presentation, there may be cases where the presentation stage progresses from the start stage to the final stage without passing through a specific intermediate stage. For example, when the sub-control CPU 31a progresses the presentation stage from the start stage to the final stage, it may progress from the first presentation stage, which is the start stage, to the second presentation stage, and then progress to the fourth presentation stage without passing through the third presentation stage, and then progress to the fifth presentation stage, which is the final stage.

- The expected probability of a jackpot suggested in the stage presentation may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may perform control so that a jackpot display result may not be derived even if the presentation stage has progressed to the fifth presentation stage.

- Whether or not to execute a stage performance, and the performance mode when a stage performance is executed, may be determined for each fluctuation pattern. In this case, the sub-control CPU 31a may control the stage performance according to the fluctuation pattern that can be specified from the fluctuation pattern designation command. Specifically, for each fluctuation pattern, whether or not to execute a stage performance, the type of stage performance to be executed, the performance stage to which the stage performance will ultimately progress, and the performance content at each performance stage may be determined. In addition, for each fluctuation pattern, whether or not to execute a super reach performance after the stage performance ends, and the type of super reach performance to be executed may be determined.

- The type of super reach performance that can be executed after the end of the stage performance may be changed as appropriate. For example, when the final performance stage reached in the stage performance is a specified performance stage, the sub-control CPU 31a may execute any one of multiple predefined types of super reach performance when executing a super reach performance thereafter.

- The type of super reach performance that can be executed after the end of the first stage performance and the type of super reach performance that can be executed after the end of the second stage performance may be partially or completely the same. For example, when the final performance stage in each stage performance is any of the first to third performance stages, the sub-control CPU 31a executes the same type of super reach performance after the end of the stage performance regardless of the type of stage performance. On the other hand, when the final performance stage in each stage performance is the fourth performance stage, the sub-control CPU 31a may control to execute different types of super reach performance depending on the type of stage performance.

- When the combination of the final stage reached in the stage performance and the type of super reach performance executed after the end of the stage performance is a specific combination, the granting of a specified bonus may be definitively suggested. In this case, the sub-control CPU 31a may control the combination of the final stage reached in the stage performance and the type of super reach performance executed after the end of the stage performance so that it can be a specific combination, provided that the granting of the specified bonus is confirmed. Note that the specified bonus may, for example, be the granting of a jackpot game or the granting of a high probability state after the end of a jackpot game.

- The performance content of the final performance stage in the stage performance and the performance content of the super reach performance executed after the stage performance ends may be performance contents that are not related to each other.

- If the final stage reached in the stage performance is a specified stage, the super reach performance may not be executed thereafter. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may control the super reach performance to be executable if the final stage reached in the stage performance is a specified stage or higher, but not to execute the super reach performance if the stage is less than the specified stage. This allows the player to enjoy the stage performance by paying attention to whether the specified stage is reached or not, even if the final stage is not reached in the stage performance. In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a may control the super reach performance not to be executed if the final stage reached in the stage performance is a specified stage or higher, but to execute the super reach performance if the stage is less than the specified stage. This prevents the performance from becoming protracted by not executing the super reach performance after the stage performance reaches the specified stage, while allowing the player to enjoy the game by expecting the super reach performance to be executed after the stage performance does not reach the specified stage.

- Even if the presentation stage in a stage presentation reaches the final stage, the sub-control CPU 31a may control the super reach presentation so that it can be executed thereafter.
- The sub-control CPU 31a may perform control so that the super reach performance is not executed after the end of the stage performance.

- The progress specific performance may be modified as appropriate as long as it is possible to identify the progress of the performance stage in the stage performance. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may display an image in the progress specific performance that identifies the current performance stage (which in this case corresponds to "1") and the number of stages in the stage performance (which in this case corresponds to "5"), such as "1/5". The sub-control CPU 31a may also display an image in the progress specific performance that identifies the current performance stage, such as "first stage", but not display an image that identifies the number of stages in the stage performance. In other words, the progress specific performance may be executed in a performance mode that makes it impossible to identify the number of stages from the current performance stage to the final stage in the ongoing stage performance.

The progress specific performance may be executed in a performance mode that suggests that the award of a specified bonus has been confirmed when the performance stage has progressed. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may control the execution of the progress specific performance in a performance mode that suggests that the jackpot display result has been derived and that the jackpot game will be awarded thereafter when the performance stage has progressed to the fifth performance stage. The sub-control CPU 31a may also control the execution of the super reach performance after the specified stage has been reached in the stage performance, and in this case, the progress specific performance may be executed in a performance mode that suggests that the execution of the super reach performance has been confirmed when the specified stage has been reached. Here, the performance mode that suggests that the award of the bonus has been confirmed may be a performance mode in which the content of the bonus to be awarded can be recognized, or may be a performance mode in which the content of the bonus to be awarded cannot be recognized. The performance mode in which the content of the bonus to be awarded can be recognized is, for example, a performance mode in which an image imitating the character strings "jackpot confirmed" or "super reach confirmed" is displayed. In addition, examples of the presentation mode in which the content of the granted bonus cannot be recognized include a presentation mode in which the color of part or all of the image of the progress specific image 50 is changed, and a presentation mode in which a predetermined effect image is displayed separately from the progress specific image 50. Note that the predetermined bonus suggested by the progress specific presentation is not limited to the fact that the variable game being executed is a jackpot or that a super reach presentation is executed, but may also be, for example, that the pending variable games include a variable game that will be a jackpot.

The specific progress effect may be implemented as a light-emitting effect using the decorative lamp La, or as an audio effect using the speaker Sp.
The specific progress effect may not be executed during a part of the period during which the stage effect is being executed. For example, when the stage effect has progressed to the final stage in the stage effect, the specific progress effect may not be executed during the execution of the final stage effect.

・It may also be embodied in a gaming machine that does not have a progress-specific presentation.
The content of the narration performance may be changed as appropriate. The narration voice output in the narration performance may include a special narration voice that can be output on the condition that a specific benefit is given. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may control the special narration voice to be output on the condition that a jackpot display result is derived in the running variation game. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may control the special narration voice to be output on the condition that a jackpot variation game is included in the pending variation games.

- The start and end timings of the narration performance may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may start the narration performance a predetermined time after the stage performance has started. The sub-control CPU 31a may also control the output of the narration sound by the narration performance to be temporarily stopped before the performance stage progresses to a predetermined performance stage in the stage performance. This prevents the player's attention from being directed to the output of the narration sound, and allows the player to focus on whether the performance stage progresses in the stage performance. In this case, the sub-control CPU 31a may resume the output of the narration sound by the narration performance after the performance stage progresses to a predetermined performance stage in the stage performance, or may end it without resuming it.

The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine that does not have a narration feature.
The sub-control CPU 31a may control not to execute a character voice effect during execution of a special super reach effect. In this case, the sub-control CPU 31a may execute an effect that is not executed during execution of a stage effect during execution of a special super reach effect, instead of a character voice effect. This can prevent the player from confusing the stage effect with the special super reach effect.

- It may be embodied in a gaming machine that does not have a special super reach effect. In other words, it may be embodied in a gaming machine that does not have a separate effect that uses images displayed in the stage effect.

- It may be embodied in a gaming machine that provides a high probability state when a gaming ball is detected by a specific sensor. It may also be embodied in a gaming machine (so-called ST machine) that provides a high probability state up to the time when the number of times a special game is executed after a jackpot game ends reaches a predetermined number of times of special bonuses. It may also be embodied in a gaming machine (so-called fall machine) that provides a high probability state up to the time when a predetermined fall lottery is won after a jackpot game ends.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine with three or more types of probability states as its probability state. Also, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine with one type of probability state as its probability state. In other words, it may be embodied as a gaming machine that does not have a probability variation function that varies the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot judgment.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine having three or more types of base states as its base state. Also, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine having one type of base state as its base state. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine that does not have a ball entry rate improvement function that improves the ball entry rate of game balls into the second starting hole 14.

The probability of a normal hit in the low base state may be a probability greater than 0 (zero). In this case, the first variable member 15 may be operated to the permissive state in the low base state.
The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine having a setting function for changing the probability of a jackpot by setting one of a number of settings that determine the probability of a jackpot.

- The main control CPU 30a may not generate a standby command. In this case, the sub-control CPU 31a may control to the first restricted state, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of a presentation game without inputting either a variation pattern designation command or an opening command. In other words, the sub-control CPU 31a may determine that a transition to the standby state has been made on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of a presentation game without the start of either the next presentation game or a jackpot game.

The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine (a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine) that awards a jackpot game when a gaming ball is detected by a specific sensor.
The sub-control board 31 may be a sub-integrated control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the performance display device 12, a sound control board that specializes in controlling the speaker Sp, and a lamp control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamp La may be provided separately from the sub-control board 31. Also, some or all of the display control board, sound control board, and lamp control board may be the same board. Also, the sub-control CPU 31a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a single control board that integrates the functions of the main control board 30 and the sub-control board 31. The functions of the main control board 30 may also be realized by dividing them into multiple boards. The main control CPU 30a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

- The type of jackpot may be changed as appropriate. For example, some or all of the following may be changed: the maximum number of rounds in a jackpot game, the opening time of the jackpot opening, and the number of times the jackpot opening is opened.

The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine having multiple big prize slots.
The first special game and the second special game may be played in accordance with the order in which the game balls enter the starting holes 13, 14, or may be played simultaneously in parallel. The second special game may be omitted.

The present invention may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine that does not execute a special game. In this case, it is preferable that the special symbol is displayed on the effect display device 12.
The technical ideas that can be understood from this embodiment and its modifications will be described.

(i) In the stage presentation, when the presentation stage progresses to the final stage, it is suggested that a jackpot display result will be displayed in the variable game being executed.
(b) The presentation control means is capable of controlling the execution of a reach presentation after the end of the stage presentation, and when the reach presentation is executed after the end of the stage presentation, the presentation content of the reach presentation becomes a presentation content corresponding to the presentation content of the stage presentation.

(c) If the stage presentation is executed while the variable game is being executed, and if the presentation stage does not progress to the final stage in the stage presentation, the reach presentation may be executed after the stage presentation ends, whereas if the stage presentation is executed while the variable game is being executed, and if the presentation stage progresses to the final stage in the stage presentation, the jackpot display result is displayed without the reach presentation being executed after the stage presentation ends.

(ii) A gaming machine capable of executing a variable game in which a pattern is changed based on the result of a winning lottery, and in the event of a big win in the winning lottery, a big win display result is displayed in the variable game, and capable of executing various effects in relation to the variable game or the result of the variable game, the gaming machine is provided with an effect execution means for executing the effects, and an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means, the effect execution means including an audio output means for outputting audio, the effect being a stage effect that can progress through a plurality of effect stages, the stage effect being capable of progressing from a start stage to a final stage via a plurality of intermediate stages, and the intermediate stages through which the effect progresses from the start stage to the final stage include a specific intermediate stage. There are intermediate stages and non-specific intermediate stages, and the specific intermediate stages are executed with one type of performance content, while the non-specific intermediate stages are executed with any one of multiple types of performance content, the performance execution means is capable of executing a specific progression performance that can specify the progress of the performance stage in the stage performance during execution of the stage performance, the specific progression performance is executed regardless of the current performance stage in the stage performance being executed, and is executed in a different performance mode depending on the current performance stage, the sound output means is capable of outputting a specific sound during execution of the stage performance, and when the stage performance is executed, the timing at which the fluctuation of the patterns in the fluctuation game ends is when the specific sound is stopped.

(e) The stage presentation includes a first stage presentation and a second stage presentation, each of which has different presentation contents, and the number of stages when progressing from the start stage to the final stage is the same for both the first stage presentation and the second stage presentation, and the presentation contents of the specific intermediate stage in the first stage presentation and the presentation contents of the specific intermediate stage in the second stage presentation are the same.

(f) The specific voice is a narration voice that enables the content of the stage performance to be recognized.
(G) A gaming machine capable of executing a variable game in which symbols are varied based on the result of a winning lottery, and in the event of a jackpot being won in the winning lottery, a display result of the jackpot is displayed in the variable game, and capable of executing various effects in relation to the variable game or the result of the variable game, the gaming machine is provided with an effect execution means for executing effects, and an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means, the effect execution means including a display means for displaying an image, and an audio output means for outputting audio, the effect being capable of executing a stage effect that can progress across a plurality of effect stages, a progress specific effect that can specify the progress of the effect stage in the stage effect, and a narration effect that outputs a specific audio by which the effect content of the stage effect can be recognized, the progress specific effect and the narration effect being executed during the execution of the stage effect, the output is executed by a performance execution means different from the display means of the performance execution means, while the progress-specific performance is executed by the display means of the performance execution means and the narration performance is executed by the audio output means, in the stage performance, it is possible to progress from a start stage to a final stage via one or more intermediate stages, and the intermediate stages passed through when progressing from the start stage to the final stage include a specific intermediate stage, the progress-specific performance is executed regardless of the performance stage of the current performance in the stage performance being executed, in the progress-specific performance, element images are displayed in different manners depending on the current performance stage, so that at least the current performance stage can be identified, and when the stage performance is executed, the timing at which the variation of the patterns in the variation game ends is when the specific audio is stopped.

La...decorative lamp (performance execution means), Sp...speaker (performance execution means, audio output means), 12...performance display device (performance execution means, display means), 30...main control board, 30a...main control CPU (game status control means), 30b...main control ROM, 30c...main control RAM, 31...sub-control board, 31a...sub-control CPU (performance control means), 31b...sub-control ROM (storage means), 31c...sub-control RAM.

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of executing a variable game in which symbols are varied based on the result of a winning lottery, and displaying a winning display result in the variable game when a winning lottery is won, and capable of executing various presentations in the variable game or in relation to the result of the variable game,
A performance execution means for executing a performance;
A performance control means for controlling the performance execution means,
the performance execution means includes audio output means for outputting audio;
The performance includes a stage performance that can progress across a plurality of performance stages,
In the stage production, the game can proceed from a start stage to a final stage via a plurality of intermediate stages,
The intermediate stages through which the process proceeds from the start stage to the final stage include a specific intermediate stage and a non-specific intermediate stage,
When the specific intermediate stage is executed in one performance content, the non-specific intermediate stage is executed in any one of a plurality of performance contents;
The performance execution means is capable of executing a progress specific performance indicating a progress state of a performance stage in the stage performance during the performance of the stage performance,
The specific progress performance is executed in a different performance mode depending on a current performance stage, and when the stage performance progresses to the final stage, it can be executed in a performance mode that suggests that a predetermined benefit has been granted;
The sound output means is capable of outputting a specific sound during execution of the stage performance,
When the stage performance is executed, the timing at which the variation of the symbols ends in the variation game is when the specific sound is stopped.
When the bonus is not awarded, the stage performance does not progress to the final stage,
A gaming machine characterized in that the presentation mode of the specific progress presentation when the stage presentation has progressed to the final stage is a presentation mode in which the content of the benefit that has been confirmed to be awarded can be recognized . A gaming machine capable of executing a variable game in which symbols are varied based on the result of a winning lottery, and displaying a winning display result in the variable game when a winning lottery is won, and capable of executing various presentations in the variable game or in relation to the result of the variable game,
A performance execution means for executing a performance;
A performance control means for controlling the performance execution means,
The performance execution means includes a display means for displaying an image and a sound output means for outputting sound;
The performance includes a stage performance that can progress through a plurality of performance stages, a specific progress performance that suggests a progress state of the performance stage in the stage performance, and a specific sound performance that outputs a specific sound that can recognize the performance content of the stage performance ,
The specific progress performance and the specific sound performance are executed during the execution of the stage performance,
The stage performance and the progress specific performance are executed by the display means of the performance execution means,
The specific sound production is executed by the sound output means,
In the stage production, the game can proceed from a start stage to a final stage via one or more intermediate stages,
The intermediate steps through which the process proceeds from the start step to the final step include a specific intermediate step,
In the progress specific performance, the element image is displayed in a different manner depending on the current performance stage, so that at least the current performance stage can be identified;
The specific progress effect may be executed in a performance mode that indicates that a predetermined benefit has been awarded when the stage effect has progressed to the final stage,
When the stage performance is executed, the timing at which the variation of the symbols ends in the variation game is when the specific sound is stopped.
When the bonus is not awarded, the stage performance does not progress to the final stage,
A gaming machine characterized in that the presentation mode of the specific progress presentation when the stage presentation has progressed to the final stage is a presentation mode in which the content of the benefit that has been confirmed to be awarded can be recognized .