JP7662172B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

As described in the following Patent Document 1, some conventional pachinko gaming machines determine whether or not there is a jackpot based on the ball entering the starting hole, and play the jackpot game based on the result of that determination. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine described in the following Patent Document 1, a varying display of performance symbols is performed based on the result of the determination of whether or not there is a jackpot, and then a reach performance is performed, and the result of the determination of whether or not there is a jackpot is shown to the player based on the stopping pattern (predetermined combination) of the performance symbols stopped and displayed in the reach performance.

JP 2003-230714 A

However, in the pachinko game machine described in Patent Document 1, the reach effect is executed based on the result of a lottery to see whether or not there will be a win, but simply displaying a predetermined combination of effect symbols is not interesting, and there is room for improvement in terms of increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A game control means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not a winning ticket has been won based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
A performance control means for executing a reach performance using a performance symbol based on the result of the lottery.
The performance control means includes:
One of a plurality of presentation modes including a specific presentation mode can be set;
The pattern form of the performance pattern includes a first pattern form corresponding to the specific performance mode and a second pattern form different from the first pattern form,
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the performance pattern of the first pattern mode consisting of a specific combination of numbers that indicates an advantage to the player in the reach performance in the specific performance mode is displayed in a stopped state, the performance pattern of the first pattern mode consisting of the specific combination displayed in a stopped state may be changed to the performance pattern of the second pattern mode consisting of the specific combination of numbers and different in size from the performance pattern of the first pattern mode.

The present invention makes it possible to increase interest in gaming.

FIG. FIG. A front view showing the second large prize device and other details. FIG. (A) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in standby state, and (B) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in operation. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. (A) is a table showing random numbers related to the general map, and (B) is a table showing random numbers related to the special map. (A) is a winning determination table, (B) is a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an auxiliary game control table. (A) is a big win determination table, (B) is a big win symbol type determination table, and (C) is a reach determination table. This is a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table. This is a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table. This is a look-ahead determination table. This is a jackpot game control table. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of presentation modes. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of normal fluctuations in the special chart fluctuation performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of N reach in the special chart change performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an SP reach in a special chart change performance. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a hold effect. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a movable object performance. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an operation presentation. 4 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-side timer interrupt process. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the jackpot ending presentation of this embodiment. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the display mode when the space mode in this embodiment is set, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the display mode when the forest mode in this embodiment is set. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a stopping pattern indicating a jackpot when the space mode is set in this embodiment. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a stop pattern indicating a jackpot when the forest mode is set in this embodiment. FIG. (A) is a timing chart of N jackpot fluctuations when the space mode of this embodiment is set, and (B) is a timing chart of N jackpot fluctuations when the forest mode of this embodiment is set. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a special chart change presentation when the space mode of this embodiment is set. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a special chart change presentation when the forest mode of this embodiment is set. 11 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process in the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of a mode status setting process in the present embodiment. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing in this embodiment. This is a special chart change presentation pattern selection table when the space mode of this embodiment is set. This is a special chart change presentation pattern selection table when the forest mode of this embodiment is set.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine PY1 has a game machine frame 2. The game machine frame 2 has an outer frame 22 and a front door 23 that can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 22. Furthermore, the front door 23 has a game board mounting frame 2A to which a game board unit YU (described later) is attached, and a front frame 23m that is rotatably supported on the game board mounting frame 2A via a hinge 2B. The front frame 23m can be opened and closed relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. A transparent plate 23t is attached to the front frame 23m. When the front frame 23m is closed, the game board 1 attached to the game board mounting frame 2A and the transparent plate 23t face each other. Therefore, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is installed in a game arcade, a player in front of the pachinko game machine PY1 can see the game area 6 formed on the game board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t can be a transparent glass plate, a transparent synthetic resin plate, or the like. It is sufficient that the game area 6 can be seen from the front of the pachinko game machine PY1.

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

An operable first input device (hereafter "normal button") 40 is provided on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36, forward of the upper tray 34. The normal button 40 (operation means) is, for example, a button with a surface to be pressed, a lever with a grip, etc. In addition, an operable second input device (hereafter "special button") 41 is provided on the right decorative body 32, which is formed by protruding forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m. The special button 41 (operation means) is, for example, a button with a surface to be pressed, a lever with a grip, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening and closing member 12k. The electric chute opening and closing member 12k is usually (in a normal state) in a closed position where it is impossible or extremely difficult to insert a game ball into the second starting hole 12. Then, when a special state is entered, it moves to an open position where it is possible to insert a game ball into the second starting hole 12. In this way, the movement of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k to the open position is also called the "open state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D, and only when it is in the open state is it possible for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 12. On the other hand, the electric chute opening and closing member 12k in the closed position is also called the "closed state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D. In addition, when the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D is in the "open state", it is also called "the electric chute 12D opens", and when the electric chute 12D is in the "closed state", it is also called "the electric chute 12D closes".

The entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers the drawing of a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2") (obtaining and determining a random number related to Special Symbol 2, described below; hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2 drawing") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2. In addition, when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, four) are paid out as prize balls.

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

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

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a first large prize device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D") that has a first large prize hole 14 through which game balls can enter.

The first large prize winning device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening/closing member 14k that can be operated in an open state and a closed state. The first large prize winning opening 14 is opened and closed by the operation of the normal AT opening/closing member 14k. The normal AT opening/closing member 14k is normally in a closed state that blocks the first large prize winning opening 14, and it is impossible or extremely difficult for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. When the normal AT opening/closing member 14k operates in an open state, it becomes possible for a game ball to enter the first large prize winning opening 14. In this way, a game ball can enter the first large prize winning opening 14 only when the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is in an open state. When a game ball enters the first large prize winning opening 14, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 14 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a guide stage 12g that guides the game ball to the second starting port 12. The game ball rolling on the upper surface of the guide stage 12g can flow down toward the second starting port 12.

In addition, the game area 6 is provided with a second large prize winning device 15D (hereinafter also referred to as "VAT 15D") in which a second large prize winning opening 15 through which a game ball can enter is formed. The second large prize winning device 15D is provided with an operable VAT opening/closing member 15k. The VAT opening/closing member 15k normally blocks the second large prize winning opening 15, making it impossible or extremely difficult for a game ball to enter the second large prize winning opening 15. The VAT opening/closing member 15k can be in an open state. When the VAT opening/closing member 15k is in an open state, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter the second large prize winning opening 15. On the other hand, the state in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k blocks the second large prize winning opening 15 is also referred to as a "closed state." In this way, the second large prize winning opening 15 is opened and closed by the operation of the VAT opening/closing member 15k. When a game ball enters the second large winning hole 15, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 14 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

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

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

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

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

Basically, the distribution member 16k is held in the first state. In other words, the first state can be said to be the normal state of the distribution member 16k. Then, only during a specified round of play (e.g., 10R), the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and can change to the second state.

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

It is possible to provide only one of the first large prize device 14D and the second large prize device 15D, as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Also, at approximately the bottom of the game area 6, two outlets 19 are provided for discharging game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not won in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 6. Also, the game board 1 is provided with a board lamp 54 that can emit light.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, various random numbers (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for performing a special drawing lottery, etc., may be obtained (predetermined conditions are met). These various random numbers are temporarily stored as special drawing reservations in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105 described below. In the following, the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the first start hole 11 are referred to as "special drawing 1 related random numbers," and the various random numbers obtained by the game ball entering the second start hole 12 are referred to as "special drawing 2 related random numbers." Here, the special drawing 1 related random numbers are stored as special drawing 1 reservations in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 105a in the special drawing reservation memory unit 105. On the other hand, the special chart 2 related random numbers are stored as special chart 2 reservations in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b in the special chart reservation memory unit 105. An upper limit (for example, 4) can be set for the number of special chart 1 reservations (special chart 1 reservation number) that can be stored in the special chart 1 reservation memory unit 105a and the number of special chart 2 reservations (special chart 2 reservation number) that can be stored in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b. In the following, special chart 1 reservations and special chart 2 reservations are collectively referred to as "special chart reservations," and the special chart 1 reservation number and special chart 2 reservation number are collectively referred to as "special chart reservation number." In addition, special chart 1 related random numbers and special chart 2 related random numbers are collectively referred to as "special chart related random numbers."

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

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

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

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

In addition, before the normal map is displayed as stopped, the normal map is displayed as a variable display for a predetermined variable time. The variable display of the normal map is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs are alternately lit. Note that the variable display of the normal map is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately set so that all LEDs flash simultaneously, for example, unless each LED is displayed as stopped (illuminated in a specific mode).

In pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball passes through gate 13, a normal pattern random number (an example of numerical information or judgment information) for performing a normal pattern lottery may be obtained. This random number is stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106 described below, on the condition that the variable display of the normal pattern or auxiliary play is not being performed. It is possible to set an upper limit (for example, 4) on the number of normal pattern reserves (normal pattern reserve number) that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106. Note that, below, the normal pattern random number obtained when a game ball passes through gate 13 is also referred to as a "normal pattern related random number".

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

The image display device 50 is equipped with a display unit 50a that is configured, for example, with a 20-inch 3D liquid crystal display, a dot display, a 7-segment display, or the like, and is capable of displaying patterns, etc.

The above-board movable device 55 is disposed forward of the display unit 50a, is movable along the display unit 50a, and includes a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is disposed forward of the display unit 50a, is movable along the display unit 50a, and includes a decorated below-board movable body 56k.

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

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

2. Electrical configuration of the gaming machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described based on Figures 6 to 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is equipped with a game control board (hereinafter referred to as the "main control board") 100 that controls (progress of the game) game profits such as special drawing lottery, variable display of special drawing, big win game, setting of the game state described later, regular drawing lottery, variable display of regular drawing, and auxiliary game, a performance control board (hereinafter referred to as the "sub-control board") 120 that controls performances such as game performances (special drawing variable performance, reserved performance, big win game performance) according to the progress of the game by the main control board 100 (game control means), customer waiting performances, and operation promotion performances that encourage operation during the period when the operation of the normal button 40 or the special button 41 is valid (operation valid period), and a payout control board 170 that controls the payout of game balls, etc., on the rear side further than the image display device 50 of the game board 1. The main control board 100 can be positioned as a game control unit that controls the game. The sub-control board 120 can be positioned as a performance control unit that controls the performance together with the image control board 140, the lamp control circuit 151, and the sound control circuit 161 described later. The performance control unit is required to have at least the sub-control board 120 and to be able to control the game performance, customer waiting performance, and operation promotion performance using the performance means (image display device 50, speaker 52 (output means), frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, etc.).

The pachinko game machine PY1 also includes a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 supplies power to the main control board 100, the sub-control board 120, and the payout control board 170, and also supplies the necessary power to other devices via these boards. The power supply board 190 is provided with a backup power circuit 192. When power is not being supplied to the pachinko game machine PY1, the backup power circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120, which will be described later. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine PY1 is cut off. In addition, a power switch 191 is connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is switched on and off by turning the power switch 191 on or off. In addition, a backup power supply circuit for the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 may be provided on the main control board 100, and a backup power supply circuit for the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 may be provided on the sub-control board 120.

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

The gaming ROM 103 stores programs for performing the main control main processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 also stores a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a look-ahead determination table, a jackpot game control table, a win determination table, a regular symbol variation pattern determination table, and an auxiliary game control table, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 may be external. The gaming RAM 104 also includes the special symbol reservation memory unit 105 and the regular symbol reservation memory unit 106, which have been described above.

The main control board 100 also includes a gaming I/O (Input/Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals, and a RAM clear switch 119 for causing the gaming CPU 102 to clear information stored in the gaming RAM 104.

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

The various sensors MS connected to the main control board 100 include a first start gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the first start gate 11, a second start gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the second start gate 12, a general prize gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the general prize gate 10, a gate sensor that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 13, a first large prize gate sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the first large prize gate 14, a second large prize gate sensor 15a that detects a game ball that has entered the second large prize gate 15, a specific area sensor 16a that detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 16 (entered the specific area 16), and a non-specific area sensor 17a that detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area 17 (entered the non-specific area 17). When each sensor detects a game ball, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 according to the detection content. The type and number of sensors connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators MA connected to the main control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid that drives the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D, a first large prize opening solenoid that drives the normal AT opening and closing member 14k of the first large prize device 14D, a second large prize opening solenoid that drives the VAT opening and closing member 15k of the second large prize device 15D, and a distribution solenoid 16s that drives the distribution member 16k of the distribution device 16D. The type and number of actuators connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

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

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

The payout control board 170 uses the prize ball payout device 73 and the loan ball payout device 74 to pay out prize balls or loan balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU. The number of game balls to be paid out is output to the payout control board 170.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The various actuators SA connected to the sub-control board 120 include motors that drive the above-board movable device 55, below-board movable device 56, frame movable device 58, etc., and can drive the motors to cause each movable device to perform a specified operation. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data that determines the operating mode of each movable device, and controls the operation of each movable device via the lamp control circuit 151. The type and number of actuators connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

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

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

3. Main Games Played by the Gaming Machine Next, main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

3-1. Games related to normal figures First, a game related to normal figures will be explained. When the launched game ball passes through the gate 13, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a normal figure lottery. When the normal figure lottery is performed, the normal figure display 82 performs a variable display of the normal figure (a variable display followed by a stationary display). Here, the stationary display of the normal figure includes a winning figure and a losing figure. The losing figure of the normal figure is also called a "losing normal figure" to distinguish it from the losing figure of the special figure described later. When the winning figure is displayed stationary, an auxiliary game is executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. On the other hand, when a losing normal figure is displayed stationary, the auxiliary game is not executed, and the game related to the passage of the gate 13 is ended. In addition, in the following, when the game ball passes through the gate 13 when the variable display of the normal figure or the auxiliary game is not being performed, it is called "establishment of the normal figure variation start condition".

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (regular game lottery, variable display of regular games, auxiliary games), it acquires regular game-related random numbers when the regular game variation start condition is met. The acquired regular game-related random numbers include regular game pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 8 (A). The regular game pattern random numbers are random numbers (judgment information) used to judge whether a game has been won. An appropriate range is set for each random number.

3-1-1. Hit Judgment Hit judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not a win has occurred (whether or not to execute an auxiliary game) using one or more hit judgment tables as shown in FIG. 9(A). The hit judgment table can be associated with the game state described later. That is, the game state includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state, and it is possible to distinguish between a hit judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (a hit judgment table for non-time-saving) and a hit judgment table used in a time-saving state (a hit judgment table for time-saving). In each hit judgment table, the judgment value (normal pattern random number value) of the normal pattern random number is assigned to a hit or a miss, which is the result of the hit judgment. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 compares the acquired normal pattern random number with the hit judgment table to judge whether it is a hit or a miss. Then, based on the result of the hit judgment, a normal pattern variation pattern judgment is performed to perform a variable display of the normal pattern. If the result of the hit judgment is a hit, the winning pattern is basically stopped and displayed in the variable display of the normal pattern. On the other hand, if the result of the winning judgment is a loss, the loss normal map is basically displayed as a stop in the variable display of the normal map. Also, the probability of winning can be changed appropriately.

3-1-2. Normal map fluctuation The normal map fluctuation pattern judgment is a judgment for determining the normal map fluctuation pattern using one or more normal map fluctuation pattern judgment tables as shown in Figure 9 (B). The normal map fluctuation pattern is identification information regarding predetermined items related to the variable display of the normal map, such as the normal map fluctuation time.

The regular map fluctuation pattern determination table can be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a regular map fluctuation pattern determination table used in a non-time-saving state (non-time-saving regular map fluctuation pattern determination table) and a regular map fluctuation pattern determination table used in a time-saving state (time-saving regular map fluctuation pattern determination table).

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

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

The auxiliary game includes various elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components), namely the number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening. Each of these elements is associated with a game state. The pachinko game machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game using one or more auxiliary game control tables as shown in FIG. 9 (C) based on the game state. The auxiliary game control tables are associated with the game state. Auxiliary game components are stored in each auxiliary game control table. The number of times each of these elements opens and the opening time can be changed as appropriate.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can make the opening time of the electric chute 12D different between the auxiliary play in the non-time-saving state and the auxiliary play in the time-saving state. For example, in the auxiliary play in the non-time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a first opening time (a time during which it is difficult to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 0.08 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary play in the non-time-saving state is also referred to as a "short opening auxiliary play." In addition, in the auxiliary play in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a second opening time longer than the first opening time (a time during which it is easy to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 3.00 seconds)). In the following, the auxiliary play in the time-saving state is also referred to as a "long opening auxiliary play."

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

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

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

When the pachinko game machine PY1 performs this series of games (special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, and game state setting), it acquires special symbol-related random numbers when the start conditions are met, and performs various judgments on the random numbers. The acquired special symbol-related random numbers include special symbol random numbers (jackpot random numbers), jackpot symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special symbol change pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 8 (B). The special symbol random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot judgments. The jackpot symbol type random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot symbol type judgments. Reach random numbers are random numbers used to make reach judgments. The special symbol change pattern random numbers are random numbers used to make special symbol change pattern judgments. An appropriate range is set for each random number. The random numbers are also sometimes called judgment information.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination Jackpot determination is a determination for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed) using one or more jackpot determination tables as shown in FIG. 10(A). The game state includes a normal probability state and a high probability state, and the jackpot determination table is associated with whether the state is the normal probability state or the high probability state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (a jackpot determination table for normal probability) and a jackpot determination table used in the high probability state (a jackpot determination table for high probability) as the jackpot determination table.

In each jackpot determination table, a special symbol random number determination value (special symbol random number value) is assigned to the jackpot and miss results of the jackpot determination. The pachinko game machine PY1 compares the acquired special symbol random number with the jackpot determination table to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the high probability jackpot determination table has more special symbol random number determination values that are determined to be a jackpot than the normal probability jackpot determination table. In addition, the probability of winning a jackpot can be changed as appropriate.

3-2-2. Jackpot symbol type determination The jackpot symbol type determination is a determination for determining the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type) using one or more jackpot symbol type determination tables as shown in Fig. 10(B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. It is possible to associate each type of jackpot symbol with the content of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot consisting of the game benefits given to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table can be associated with the type of special symbol that is variably displayed, in other words, the type of starting hole from which the winning combination that caused the jackpot symbol type determination (that generated the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the jackpot symbol type determination table (first jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variably displayed special symbol 1 and the jackpot symbol type determination table (second jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variably displayed special symbol 2, as the jackpot symbol type determination table.

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

For example, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the distribution rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type determination for special chart 1 can be set to 50% for jackpot pattern X and 50% for jackpot pattern Y, and the distribution rate of the jackpot pattern type determined by the jackpot pattern type determination for special chart 2 can be set to 100% for jackpot pattern Z. In this way, it is possible to make the distribution rate of the jackpot pattern type different between the special chart 1 lottery performed when the game ball enters the first starting hole 11 and the special chart 2 lottery performed when the game ball enters the second starting hole 12. In this embodiment, when the jackpot pattern X is stopped and displayed at a rate of 50% as the display result (result of the special chart lottery) in the variable display of the first special chart, the jackpot game X shown in FIG. 14 is executed. Also, in this embodiment, when the jackpot pattern Y is stopped and displayed as a display result (a result of the special pattern drawing) in the variable display of the first special pattern with a probability of 50%, the jackpot game Y shown in FIG. 14 is executed. Also, in this embodiment, when the jackpot pattern Z is stopped and displayed as a display result (a result of the special pattern drawing) in the variable display of the second special pattern with a probability of 100%, the jackpot game Z shown in FIG. 14 is executed.

Reach judgment is a judgment for determining whether or not to generate a reach in the special chart variation performance described later when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss, using one or more reach judgment tables as shown in FIG. 10(C).

The reach judgment table can be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a reach judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (a reach judgment table for non-time-saving) and a reach judgment table used in a time-saving state (a reach judgment table for time-saving).

In each reach judgment table, the reach random number judgment value (reach random number value) is assigned to the reach judgment result of "reach (reach occurs)" and "no reach (reach does not occur)". Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY1 checks the acquired reach random number against the reach judgment table to judge whether there is a reach or not (whether a reach will occur). As shown in FIG. 10(C), it is possible to make the number of reach random numbers judged as "reach (reach occurs)" different between the non-time-saving reach judgment table and the time-saving reach judgment table. Note that in the following, "reach (reach occurs)" which is performed on the assumption that the result of the jackpot judgment is a "miss" is referred to as "reach with miss", and "no reach (reach does not occur)" is sometimes referred to as "no-reach miss".

3-2-4. Special pattern variation The special pattern variation pattern determination is a determination for determining the variation pattern (special pattern variation pattern) of the variable display of the special pattern using one or more special pattern variation pattern determination tables (special pattern variation pattern determination tables) as shown in Figures 11 to 12, and is performed in both cases where the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special pattern variation pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items related to the special pattern variation time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern variation performance described later. In addition to the special pattern variation time and the performance flow (performance content) of the special pattern variation performance, it is possible for the special pattern variation pattern to include identification information related to the result of the jackpot determination and the result of the reach determination. As the special pattern variation pattern, it is possible to use multiple types of special pattern variation patterns each having different identification information, and the number of them can be changed appropriately.

The special pattern variation pattern judgment table can be associated with the type of special pattern that performs the variable display that is the subject of judgment, in other words, the type of starting gate where the winning that is caused by the special pattern variation pattern judgment occurred. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the special pattern variation pattern judgment table used when performing the variable display of special pattern 1 (special pattern 1 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 11) and the special pattern variation pattern judgment table used when performing the variable display of special pattern 2 (special pattern 2 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 12) as the special pattern variation pattern judgment table.

And each special chart fluctuation pattern judgment table can also be associated with a game state. That is, as the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table, it is possible to distinguish between the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). On the other hand, for the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table, it is also possible to distinguish between the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for non-time-saving) and the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table for time-saving). It is not necessary to separate the special chart fluctuation pattern judgment table for each game state.

In addition, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table associated with the game state can be further associated with a jackpot determination result, a jackpot pattern type determination result, or a reach determination result. That is, the non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each include a jackpot (by jackpot pattern type), a reach with miss, and a no-reach miss. Similarly, the time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each include a jackpot (by jackpot pattern type), a reach with miss, and a no-reach miss.

Furthermore, each special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach can also be associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, it is possible to distinguish between a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 1 (U1) is 3 to 4. Also, each special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach can also be associated with the reserved number of special charts. For example, it is possible to distinguish between a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for a miss without a reach that is used when the reserved number of special charts 2 (U2) is 3 to 4.

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

In addition, each special chart change pattern can be associated with a special chart change presentation flow as shown in the second column from the right in the table in Figures 11 and 12.

As shown in the rightmost column of the table in Fig. 11-Fig. 12, the special chart variation patterns may be given names in association with the special chart (jackpot determination result) and the content of the special chart variation presentation. For example, a special chart variation pattern related to a jackpot is called a "jackpot variation." On the other hand, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, occurs among reach-and-misses is called an "SP miss variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach, which is a type of reach, occurs among reach-and-misses is called an "L miss variation," a special chart variation pattern in which a special chart variation presentation ends with an N reach (normal reach presentation), which is a type of reach, among reach-and-misses is called an "N miss variation," and a special chart variation pattern related to no-reach misses is called a "normal miss variation."

3-2-5. Pre-reading judgment The pachinko game machine PY1 performs pre-reading judgment using one or more pre-reading judgment tables as shown in FIG. 13 based on the acquired special symbol related random number. Pre-reading judgment includes, for example, judgment of whether the special symbol random number is judged as a jackpot in the jackpot judgment, judgment of which jackpot symbol type random number is determined to be a jackpot pattern type in the jackpot symbol type judgment, judgment of which special symbol variation pattern random number is determined to be a special symbol variation pattern in the special symbol variation pattern judgment, etc. The pre-reading judgment table can be associated with the type of start hole related to the start winning. That is, as the pre-reading judgment table, it is possible to distinguish between a pre-reading judgment table (first pre-reading judgment table) in the case of winning in the first start hole 11 and a pre-reading judgment table (second pre-reading judgment table) in the case of winning in the second start hole 12.

The look-ahead judgment table can also be associated with the game state. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between a look-ahead judgment table used in a non-time-saving state (non-time-saving look-ahead judgment table) and a look-ahead judgment table used in a time-saving state (time-saving look-ahead judgment table).

In other words, it is possible to distinguish between the first look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is not in effect, the first look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is in effect, the second look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is not in effect, and the second look-ahead judgment table used when the time-saving state is in effect. Note that it is possible to change as appropriate what judgments are included in the look-ahead judgment.

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

The elements that make up such a jackpot game (jackpot game components) include the number of rounds of play, the number of times the jackpot opening (first jackpot opening 14 or second jackpot opening 15) is opened in each round of play, the type of jackpot opening and the opening time (opening pattern) for each opening, the time to close until the next opening (closing time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time). After the special chart is stopped and displayed, the pachinko game machine PY1 controls the jackpot game using one or more jackpot game control tables as shown in FIG. 14. The jackpot game control table stores jackpot game components for each jackpot game. It is possible to control one or more types of jackpot games as the jackpot game.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, from the 1st round to the 10th round, a round game is played in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round game is played in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Then, in the 10th round (final round), a round game is played in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round game is played in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Also, in each round game, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) are detected by the large prize opening sensor, the round game is ended even before the maximum opening time of the large prize openings 14, 15 has elapsed.

The number of times and duration of each element can be changed as appropriate. The jackpot game can also be played using both the first jackpot opening 14 and the second jackpot opening 15, or just one of them.

Here, the specific area 16 will be described in detail. The specific area 16 can be in a closed state where a prize cannot be won and an open state where a prize can be won, by the distribution member 16k, so the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be called the opening and closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereinafter, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k is also called the "opening and closing mode of the specific area 16". In this way, the distribution member 16k is controlled in a certain operating mode (the specific area 16 is in a certain opening and closing mode), but the difficulty (ease) of the game ball entering the specific area 16 in the jackpot game is set by combining the certain operating mode of the distribution member 16k (the certain opening and closing mode of the specific area 16) with the opening and closing mode of the second large prize opening 15 in the jackpot game. Hereinafter, the specific area 16 being in an open state is also called "V open".

For 15 seconds after the second large prize opening starts to open, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state (FIG. 3(B)). Therefore, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (the game ball enters the specific area 16) due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing at which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state. On the other hand, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, it is almost impossible (difficult) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (the game ball enters the specific area 16) due to the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing at which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state. In this way, it is possible to execute a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a first opening pattern (V long opening pattern) in which it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "V passing"), and a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a second opening pattern (V short opening pattern) in which it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16. In this way, a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a V long opening pattern is called a "V long jackpot". On the other hand, a jackpot game in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in a V short opening pattern is called a "V short jackpot".

3-4. Game state Next, the game state will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to any one of the game states of "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state", "high probability high base game state" and "jackpot game state (special game state)". The "low probability low base game state" can be abbreviated to "low probability low base state", the "low probability high base game state" to "low probability high base state", the "high probability low base game state" to "high probability low base state", and the "high probability high base game state" to "high probability high base state". The game states include a state related to the probability of being determined as a "jackpot" in the jackpot determination and a state related to the ease of opening the electric chute 12D. The former includes a normal probability state and a high probability state. On the other hand, the latter includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state.

The normal probability state is set in a "low probability low base game state" or a "low probability high base game state", and the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination is normal. The high probability state is set in a "high probability low base game state" or a "high probability high base game state", and the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, it can be said that the high probability state is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state. When the power is turned on for the first time in the pachinko game machine PY1, the normal probability state is set. Then, it is possible to switch from the normal probability state to the high probability state by winning a jackpot. For example, it is possible to switch to the high probability state by the game ball passing through the specific area 16 in a jackpot game. It is also possible to switch to the high probability state depending on the type of jackpot pattern. The high probability state can be switched from the high probability state to the normal probability state by performing a predetermined number of jackpot determinations without winning a jackpot, or by winning the next jackpot.

The non-time-saving state is set in the "low probability low base game state", "high probability low base game state" or "jackpot game state". The time-saving state is set in the "low probability high base game state" or "high probability high base game state", and is a game state in which the opening time of the electric chute 12D in one auxiliary game is likely to be longer than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chute 12D is longer (e.g., 3.00 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 0.08 seconds). In addition, in the time-saving state, it is also possible to make the special chart change pattern judgment using a special chart change pattern judgment table that is set so that a special chart change pattern with a short special chart change time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see Figures 11 to 12). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the special chart reservation is faster, and effective winning at the starting port (winning that can be stored as a special chart reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

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

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

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

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

In addition, in the time-saving state, compared to the non-time-saving state, it is easier to win a prize, the normal map fluctuation time is more likely to be shorter, and the opening time of the electric chute 12D during one supplementary play is more likely to be longer. There are three points about the game related to the normal map that are set to be advantageous to the player. However, the points that are set to be advantageous to the player may be only a part of these.

The gaming state after the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is first powered on is a "low probability, low base gaming state" in which a normal probability state and a non-time-saving state are set. This gaming state is also called the "normal gaming state." In the "jackpot gaming state," a hit determination is made but a jackpot determination is not made, so a non-time-saving state is set with the start of a jackpot game. In addition, it is possible to use all or some of the gaming states described above as the gaming state.

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

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

The customer waiting performance mode can be set when the special chart change performance is not being performed in the "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state" and "high probability high base game state", and is a performance mode that indicates a standby state in which the special chart change performance is not being performed. When the customer waiting performance mode is set, the customer waiting performance is performed. In the customer waiting performance, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (A-1), a customer waiting demo video G100 introducing the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed on the display unit 50a. In addition, when the normal button 40 is operated while the customer waiting demo video G100 is displayed, a setting screen G101 for setting the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 is displayed as shown in FIG. 16 (A-2). The performance settings include the volume setting of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness setting of the display unit 50a ("light amount setting"), and the frequency setting of the performance to be executed ("performance setting").

The normal presentation mode can be set when the special chart variation presentation is being performed in the "low probability low base game state" or the "high probability low base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates a non-time-saving state. The normal presentation modes include, for example, a first normal presentation mode in which a background image (daytime normal background image G102) showing a daytime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-1), a second normal presentation mode in which a background image (evening normal background image G103) showing an evening mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-2), and a third normal presentation mode in which a background image (nighttime normal background image G104) showing a nighttime mountain scene is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-3), and can be switched under the condition that the special chart variation presentation is performed once or multiple times without winning a jackpot. Furthermore, each of the first to third normal presentation modes has a normal early presentation mode before the reach is established in the special chart variation presentation, and a normal late presentation mode after the reach is established. In the normal early presentation mode, one of the daytime normal background image G102, the evening normal background image G103, and the nighttime normal background image G104 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the normal late presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed. In addition, a special presentation mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" may be provided.

The probability variation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a special chart variation presentation is being performed in a "high probability high base game state," and is a presentation mode that indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the probability variation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-4), a background image representing space (first probability variation background image G105) is displayed on the display unit 50a.

The time-saving presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when the special chart change presentation is being performed in the "low probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that the state is in the normal probability state and the time-saving state. In the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B-5), a background image representing the sky (time-saving background image G106) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving presentation mode includes a first stage of time-saving presentation mode before a reach is established in the special chart change presentation, and a second stage of time-saving presentation mode after a reach is established. In the first stage of time-saving presentation mode, the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the second stage of time-saving presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach is displayed.

The jackpot presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a jackpot game is being played in the "jackpot game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that a jackpot game is being played. In the jackpot presentation mode, for example, during the opening of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-1), a jackpot opening presentation is performed in which an opening image G107 suggesting the start of the jackpot game and a right-hit image G108 encouraging "right hit" are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the round of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-2), a round presentation is performed in which a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds and a prize ball number image G110 suggesting the number of prize balls paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a. During the ending of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-3), a jackpot ending presentation is performed in which an ending image G111 suggesting the presentation mode to be set after the jackpot game and a total prize ball number image G112 suggesting the total prize ball number paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a.

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

4-2. Special chart change performance Next, the special chart change performance (also simply called "change performance") will be explained. When the pachinko game machine PY1 starts the variable display of the special chart, it executes the special chart change performance based on the special chart change pattern related to the variable display of the special chart and the special chart lottery result (the jackpot determination result, the jackpot pattern type determination result, the reach determination result, and the special chart change pattern determination result). In the special chart change performance, the display unit 50a performs a change display of the performance pattern superimposed on a predetermined background image. The performance pattern is composed of, for example, number patterns of 1 to 9, and in the change display of the performance pattern, the performance pattern changes with the start of the variable display of the special chart, and the performance pattern stops with the end of the variable display of the special chart. That is, after the special chart change time and the change display of the performance pattern are performed, the change stops and the stop display of the performance pattern is performed. Then, the result of the special chart lottery is notified by the stop display of the performance pattern.

In addition, in the special chart change performance, in addition to the changing display of the performance pattern, it is possible to perform other performances using various performance devices such as the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, normal button 40, and special button 41. In this case, it is possible to continue other performances even after the display of the performance pattern has stopped.

4-2-1. Display area of the effect pattern As shown in FIG. 17(A), the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a left effect pattern area 50b1, a middle effect pattern area 50b2, and a right effect pattern area 50b3 on the left side, the center, and the right side of the display unit 50a, which are divided horizontally into three approximately equal parts. The left effect pattern area 50b1 is an area that displays the left effect pattern EZ1 when the effect pattern is stopped in the special pattern change effect. Similarly, the middle effect pattern area 50b2 and the right effect pattern area 50b3 are areas that display the middle effect pattern EZ2 and the right effect pattern EZ3.

As shown in FIG. 17(A), a small pattern area 50c can be provided in one section at the left end (upper left corner) of the upper end of the display unit 50a. The small pattern area 50c is an area that variably displays small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when a variable display of a special pattern is being performed. The small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are composed of, for example, number patterns 1 to 9.

In addition, in Figure 17 (A), the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c are clearly indicated by dashed double-dashed lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed.

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

When the variable display of the special pattern starts, for example, as shown in Fig. 17(A), the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are displayed frozen on the display unit 50a, and the left small pattern KZ1, the middle small pattern KZ2, and the right small pattern KZ3 are displayed frozen, and the variable display of the special pattern is not being performed, and the variable display of the special pattern is waiting, as shown in Fig. 17(B), the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts with the start, and the variable display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 starts. Note that the "↓" in Fig. 17 indicates that the pattern is being displayed in a variable manner. And, when the special pattern variation pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is, for example, "normal miss variation", as shown in Fig. 17 (C-1), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in different stop modes, and then, as shown in Fig. 17 (D), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop in a stop mode suggesting a miss (so-called spread eyes). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop all at once in a stop mode suggesting a miss. There are several types of stop modes suggesting a miss, such as "1, 1, 2" and "2, 4, 6", where the left and right patterns are not the same. On the other hand, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is a special chart change pattern with a reach, such as "N miss change," as shown in FIG. 17 (C-2), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 temporarily stop in the same stopping state (so-called reach eyes), and a reach is established. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continue to be displayed, and a reach performance according to the special chart change pattern is performed. The stopping order and stopping state of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 can be changed as appropriate.

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

In an N reach, as shown in FIG. 18(A), the reach-established state is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), and as shown in FIG. 18(B), the rate of change of the middle performance symbol EZ2 gradually slows down. Then, when the special symbol change pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "N miss change," the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a stopping state suggesting a reach miss (a so-called reach miss pattern) as shown in FIG. 18(C-1). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stopping state suggesting a reach miss. There are several types of stopping states suggesting a reach miss, such as "7-6-7" and "5-3-5," where the left and right symbols are the same but the middle symbol is different from the left and right symbols. On the other hand, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "N jackpot change," it is displayed stopped in a stopping mode (so-called repeated numbers) that suggests a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-2). There are multiple types of stopping modes that suggest a jackpot (predetermined combinations, combinations that suggest a win) in which the left, right, and center symbols are the same, such as "7-7-7" and "2-2-2." At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stopping mode that suggests a jackpot. Note that the performance content of the N reach is not limited to the gradual deceleration of the center performance symbol EZ2, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

In the SP reach, after the N reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 19(A), a background image dedicated to the SP reach (background image for the SP reach G113) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an image indicating that the SP reach has started (title image for the start of the SP reach) G1 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. After that, as shown in FIG. 19(B), a performance dedicated to the SP reach (for example, a battle performance) is performed. Then, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "SP jackpot change", a performance suggesting a jackpot (for example, a display in which the main character is happy about winning the battle) is performed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 19(C-1), and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopped state (so-called double numbers) that suggests a jackpot. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed in a stopped state that suggests a jackpot all at once. On the other hand, when the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, "SP miss change," as shown in FIG. 19 (C-2), a performance suggesting a miss (for example, a display of an enemy character rejoicing at having won a battle) is performed, and the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a miss. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner suggesting a miss. The performance content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

4-3. Hold icon display area The display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a hold icon display area 50d consisting of four display areas, as shown in FIG. 20 (A). The hold icon display area 50d is composed of a first display area 50d1, a second display area 50d2, a third display area 50d3, and a fourth display area 50d4, and the hold icon HA can be displayed in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, and 50d4 according to the number of reserved special figures 1 or the number of reserved special figures 2. For example, when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "1", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and when the number of reserved special figures 1 is "2", the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20(A), it is possible to provide an icon display area 50e consisting of a single display area near the reserved icon display area 50d. The icon display area 50e can display an icon TA that is the same as or different from the reserved icon HA in response to the start of the special chart change performance.

The number of display areas constituting the reserved icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. Also, the reserved icon display area 50d can be a display area that displays both the reserved number of special chart 1 and the reserved number of special chart 2, or a display area that displays only one of them.

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

In the reserved performance, when the number of reserved special chart 1 is "0" and a game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the special chart change performance starts, and the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e, for example, as shown in Fig. 20 (B). Then, when two more game balls enter the first starting hole 11 during the special chart change performance, the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d, as shown in Fig. 20 (C), and the player is notified that the number of reserved special chart 1 is "2". After that, when the special chart change performance ends and a new special chart change performance starts, as shown in FIG. 20(D), the reserved icon HA displayed in the first display area 50d1 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the icon display area 50e and is displayed as the icon TA, and the reserved icon HA displayed in the second display area 50d2 of the reserved icon display area 50d moves to the first display area 50d1 and is displayed, and the player is notified that the number of reserved special charts 1 is "1".

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

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

In the movable body performance, for example, when the N reach progresses to the SP reach, as shown in FIG. 21(A), the movable device on the board 55 and the movable device below the board 56 are operated, and the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k move so as to overlap on the display unit 50a as seen by the player, suggesting the progress to the SP reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space on the display unit 50a that does not overlap with the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k. After that, as shown in FIG. 21(B), the movable body on the board 55k and the movable body below the board 56k return to the normal standby state (initial position) and progress to the SP reach. Note that the movable body performance is not limited to the suggestion of progress to the SP reach, and can be changed or added as appropriate. Also, the operation contents of the movable device in the movable body performance can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

In the operation presentation, for example, in the SP reach, a period during which the pressing operation of the special button 41 is valid (special button operation valid period) occurs, and with the occurrence of this special button operation valid period, a presentation (special button operation promotion presentation) is performed to encourage the operation of the special button 41, as shown in FIG. 22 (A). In the special button operation promotion presentation, a special button operation promotion image G3 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The special button operation promotion image G3 includes an image imitating the special button 41 (special button image G31), an image showing the operation mode of the special button 41 (i.e., the pressing operation) (special button pressing operation image G32), and an image showing the remaining time of the special button operation valid period (operation valid period remaining time image G33). The operation valid period remaining time image G33 is composed of a roughly curved progress bar, and changes over time so that the player can easily understand the remaining time of the operation valid period. Thereafter, in response to the special button 41 being pressed during the special button operation valid period, or after the button operation valid period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated during the special button operation valid period, the on-board movable device 55 is activated as shown in FIG. 22(B), and as seen by the player, the on-board movable body 55k moves to overlap the display unit 50a, indicating the likelihood of a big win. Note that the operation presentation is not limited to the operation of the on-board movable device 55, and can be changed or added as appropriate. In addition, the operation presentation includes a period during which pressing the normal button 40 is valid (normal button operation valid period), and with the occurrence of this normal button operation valid period, a normal button operation promotion presentation is performed to encourage the operation of the normal button 40.

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

In the pre-reading performance, for example, if the result of the pre-reading judgment for the special chart 1 reserve is a "jackpot," the reserve icon HA, which is usually displayed as a "circle" in the reserve icon display area 50d, may be displayed as a "☆" as shown in FIG. 20(C). Also, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss," the reserve icon HA may be displayed as a "☆" as a so-called false performance. Note that the pre-reading performance can be performed for both or either the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. Also, it is not limited to changing the display mode of the reserve icon HA, and it is possible to change or add as appropriate. For example, it is also possible to change the stopping mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the special chart change performance.

5. Game control by the game control microcomputer 101 Next, the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 (game control means) will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 24. Note that counters, timers, buffers, etc. that appear in the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 described below are provided in the game RAM 104.

[1. Main control main processing]
When the pachinko game machine PY1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided on the main control board 100 reads out the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 23 from the game ROM 103 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing first performs power-on processing (S001). In the power-on processing, permission settings for access to the game RAM 104, settings for the game CPU 102, settings for the SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Following the power-on process, interrupts are prohibited (S002), and normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 8 (A) and 8 (B) are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the counter value of each random number reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Also, at least a portion of each random number may be so-called hardware random numbers that are generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

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

[2. Main side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, in the main timer interrupt process (S005), first, the output process (S101) is executed. In the output process (S101), commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 of the main control board 100 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 120, the payout control board 170, and the like.

In the input process (S102) that follows the output process (S101), the game control microcomputer 101, for example, takes in a detection signal from a lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 35 is full, and stores this in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 as lower tray full data.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is performed in the main control main process of FIG. 23. That is, the update process of the counter values of the various random numbers shown in FIG. 8 (A) and FIG. 8 (B) is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) until the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a sensor detection process (S104), then a normal action process (S105), and then a special action process (S106). The sensor detection process, normal action process, and special action process will be described later.

Following the special operation process (S106), a sorting device control process is performed to control the sorting device 16D (S107).

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes other processes (S108) and ends the main timer interrupt process (S005). Other processes (S108) include power off monitoring when the power is turned off and updating the timer provided in the game RAM 104. Another other process (S108) is a payout control process that pays out prize balls to the player. In the payout control process, a prize ball request signal is sent to the payout control board 170 in response to the entry of game balls into each winning slot. In other words, the payout control board 170 pays out prize balls based on the prize ball request signal.

The gaming control microcomputer 101 then repeatedly executes steps S002 to S004 of the main control main process (see FIG. 23) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), it again executes the main timer interrupt process (S005). In the output process (S101) of the main timer interrupt process (S005) that has been executed again, the gaming control microcomputer 101 outputs the commands, etc. that were set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 in the previous main timer interrupt process (S005).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The specific area sensor process determines whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor. In addition, a command for the specific area sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

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

The normal pattern standby process is a process that is performed during standby when the variable display of the normal pattern and auxiliary play are not being performed. In the normal pattern standby process, a win determination is made based on the normal pattern random number stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit 106. In addition, a normal pattern change pattern is determined by making a normal pattern change pattern determination based on the current game state. Then, a normal pattern change start command is generated that includes information regarding the results of the win determination and the normal pattern change pattern. Then, the normal pattern display unit 82 is caused to start variable display of the normal pattern based on the normal pattern change time associated with the determined normal pattern change pattern.

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

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

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

[2-3. Special Action Processing]
In the special operation process (S106), a special symbol waiting process, a special symbol variation process, a special symbol determination process, a big win game control process, and a game state setting process are sequentially performed. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

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

In the special chart 2 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the result is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a jackpot determination table corresponding to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 2 related random numbers and the special chart 2 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated to indicate the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command indicating a miss is generated.

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

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

In the special chart 1 determination process, a jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the jackpot is a jackpot or a miss, using the special pattern random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a jackpot determination table corresponding to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot pattern type determination is performed to determine the type of jackpot pattern, using the jackpot pattern type random number among the special chart 1 related random numbers and the special chart 1 jackpot pattern type determination table. Then, a pattern designation command is generated to indicate the determined jackpot pattern type. Also, if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a pattern designation command indicating a miss is generated.

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

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

In this embodiment, if both the special chart 2 reserved number and the special chart 1 reserved number exist, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority, and the variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 are not performed in parallel.

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

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

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

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

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

6. Control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 Next, the control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Fig. 25 and Fig. 26. Note that counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in the performance RAM 124.

[1. Sub-control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the sub-control board 120 reads out the program of the sub-control main process shown in Fig. 25 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main process first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). In the power-on processing, for example, the settings of the performance CPU 122, the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and random number seed update processing is executed (S4003). In the random number seed update processing (S4003), the values of various random number counters for determining effects are updated to make judgments regarding various effects. The random numbers for determining effects include random numbers for determining effect patterns, random numbers for determining special pattern change effect patterns, and random numbers for determining preview effects to determine various preview effects. As an example, the method of updating the random number counters for determining effects for various effects can be the same as the normal and special pattern main random number update processing performed by the main control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of by 1. This is also the same as in the normal and special pattern main random number update processing performed by the main control board 100 described above.

When the random number seed update process is completed, the command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140 that receives the command displays an image on the display unit 50a according to the received command (executes various performances using images). In addition to the various performances performed by the image control board 140, the sub-control board 120 also outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (executes various sound performances using sound), lights up the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 via the lamp control circuit 151 (executes various light-emitting performances using light), and operates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 (executes various movable body performances using movement).

The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, reception interrupt processing (S4010) and sub-side timer interrupt processing (S4011) can be executed.

The reception interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time various commands sent from the main control board 100 are input to the performance control microcomputer 121. In the reception interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S101) of the main control board 100 in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124. This reception interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011).

[2. Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
The sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a predetermined period (for example, 1 msec period) is input to the sub-control board 120. As shown in Fig. 26, the sub-side timer interrupt process (S4011) sequentially performs input process (S4101), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), watchdog timer process (S4104), received command analysis process (S4105), performance timer update process (S4106), sound control process (S4107), and performance data creation process (S4108).

In the input process, the operation of the operation unit that can be operated by the player, such as the normal button detection switch 40a and the special button detection switch 41a, is detected. In the light emission data output process, light emission data is output to the lamp control circuit 151 to light up lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 at a timing that matches the image-based performance, etc., based on the performance data created in the performance data creation process described later. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 causes the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 to light up in a predetermined light emission mode according to the light emission data. In the movable device control process, drive data is output to perform a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc. at a predetermined timing based on the performance data created in the performance data creation process. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a movable body performance that operates the movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc. in a predetermined operating mode according to the drive data. In the watchdog timer process, the watchdog timer is reset. In the switch process, the display contents of the display unit 50a are set based on the data of the operation of the operation units that can be operated by the player, such as the normal button detection switch 40a and the special button detection switch 41a, detected in the input process. In the button valid period process, the button operation valid period of each button (normal button 40, special button 41, etc.) is set.

In the received command analysis process (S4105), the command stored in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the reception interrupt process (S4010) is analyzed, and processing according to the command (for example, selecting a performance, setting a performance mode, setting a command, etc.) is performed. The detailed processing performed by the performance control microcomputer 121 in the received command analysis process (S4105) will be described later. In the performance timer update process, a timer for measuring the time related to each performance is updated. For example, in the performance timer update process, the start timing and end timing of the effective operation period of the operation part such as the normal button 40 and the special button 41 are measured. In the voice control process, voice data (data for controlling the output of voice from the speaker 52) is created and output to the voice control circuit 161 based on the processing result of the received command analysis process. In the performance data creation process, performance data is created based on the processing result of the received command analysis process.

7. Description of the Features of the Pachinko Game Machine PY1 The features of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described in detail below. One of the features of the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment (first embodiment) is that a "space mode" and a "forest mode" are provided as probability variable performance modes that can be set during the ending of a jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z). In this embodiment, the probability variable performance mode can be selected for each jackpot ending performance executed during the ending of a jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z).

Using FIG. 27, we will explain the jackpot ending presentation executed during the ending of a jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z). Note that the jackpot ending presentation shown in FIG. 27 is premised on being executed during the ending of a jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z) when the game ball passes through a specific area 16 provided in the second large prize opening 15 in the jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z) and the state is switched to a high probability state after the end of the jackpot game. In other words, it is premised on being executed during the ending of a jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Y) when the state is controlled to a high probability high base state after the end of the jackpot game.

In this embodiment, during the jackpot ending performance executed during the ending of the jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z), the player can select the probability variable performance mode set in the high probability high base state to be switched to after the jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z) ends from either "space mode" or "forest mode" by pressing the normal button 40. Note that when the time during which "space mode" or "forest mode" can be selected during the jackpot ending performance has elapsed, the setting of the selected probability variable performance mode is determined.

In the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the execution of the jackpot ending effect executed during the ending of the jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z) is started, the effect example shown in FIG. 27 (A) is displayed on the display unit 50a. As shown in FIG. 27 (A), the display unit 50a displays a display image G114 indicating the "space mode" and a display image G116 indicating the "forest mode". Also, as shown in FIG. 27 (A), the display image G115 indicating an up arrow is displayed below the display image G114 indicating the "space mode" displayed on the display unit 50a. As shown in FIG. 27 (A), the display image G115 indicating an up arrow is displayed below the display image G114 indicating the "space mode" on the display unit 50a, so that when the state is switched to the high probability high base state after the end of the jackpot game, it is possible to understand that the "space mode" is currently selected as the effect mode to be set. Each time the normal button 40 is pressed, the position of the display image G115 showing the up arrow is switched to below the display image G114 showing the "space mode" or below the display image G116 showing the "forest mode." Also, as shown in FIG. 27(A), the display unit 50a displays a right-hit image G108 encouraging the player to "hit right."

As shown in FIG. 27(A), a display image G117 indicating "PUSH", a remaining time character image G118 indicating "3 seconds remaining", and a character image G119 indicating "Press the button to select a mode" are displayed below the display unit 50a. Here, by displaying the display image G117 indicating "PUSH" on the display unit 50a, it is possible to encourage the player to press the normal button 40. Also, by displaying the remaining time character image G118 indicating "3 seconds remaining" on the display unit 50a, it is possible to make the player understand that the time remaining during the execution of the jackpot ending performance during which the player can select from "space mode" or "forest mode" is 3 seconds. Furthermore, by displaying the character image G119 indicating "Press the button to select a mode" on the display unit 50a, it is possible to make the player understand that the probability variable performance mode set in the high probability high base state to which the game is transferred after the end of the jackpot game can be selected from "space mode" or "forest mode" during the execution of the jackpot ending performance.

27(A) is displayed, and then, for example, when the player presses the normal button 40 once during the jackpot ending performance executed during the ending of the jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z), the display image G115 showing an up arrow displayed on the display unit 50a is displayed below the display image 116 showing the "Forest mode", as shown in FIG. 27(B-1). As shown in FIG. 27(B-1), the display image G115 showing an up arrow is displayed below the display image G116 showing the "Forest mode" displayed on the display unit 50a, making it possible to understand that the "Forest mode" is currently selected as the probability variable performance mode to be set when the state is switched to a high probability high base state after the end of the jackpot game. For example, if the player presses the normal button 40 once again before the time shown in the remaining time text image G118 has elapsed, a display image G115 showing an up arrow will be displayed below the display image G114 showing "space mode" displayed on the display unit 50a, although this is not shown in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 27 (B-1), the remaining time text image G118 displayed on the display unit 50a shows "1 second remaining." By displaying the remaining time text image G118 showing "1 second remaining" on the display unit 50a, it becomes possible for the player to understand that there is only 1 second left in which to select between "Space Mode" or "Forest Mode" during the execution of the jackpot ending performance.

When the example of the performance shown in FIG. 27 (B-1) is displayed on the display unit 50a, if one second passes without the player pressing the normal button 40 and the time during which "Mori mode" or "Universe mode" can be selected passes, the example of the performance shown in FIG. 27 (C-1) will be displayed on the display unit 50a. As shown in FIG. 27 (C-1), the display unit 50a displays an ending image G120 indicating that the probability variable performance mode set in the high-probability high-base state after the end of the jackpot game is "Mori mode". Note that, as shown in FIG. 27 (C-1), the ending image G120 displayed on the display unit 50a indicates "Entering Mori mode". As shown in FIG. 27 (C-1), by displaying the ending image G120 indicating "Entering Mori mode" on the display unit 50a, it is possible to make the player understand that "Mori mode" will be set in the high-probability high-base state after the end of the jackpot game. After the example presentation shown in FIG. 27 (C-1) is displayed on the display unit 50a, the execution of the big win ending presentation ends.

On the other hand, if the player does not press the normal button 40 during the jackpot ending effect executed during the ending of the jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z) after the effect example shown in FIG. 27(A) is displayed, the display image G115 showing an up arrow displayed on the display unit 50a continues to be displayed below the display image G114 showing the "space mode". As shown in FIG. 27(B-2), the display image G115 showing an up arrow is displayed below the display image G114 showing the "space mode" displayed on the display unit 50a, making it possible to understand that the "space mode" is currently selected as the probability variable effect mode to be set when the state is switched to a high probability high base state after the end of the jackpot game.

The remaining time text image G118 displayed on the display unit 50a shows "1 second remaining." By displaying the remaining time text image G118 showing "1 second remaining" on the display unit 50a, it becomes possible for the player to understand that there is only 1 second left in which to select between "Space Mode" or "Forest Mode" during the execution of the jackpot ending performance.

When the example of the performance shown in FIG. 27(B-2) is displayed on the display unit 50a, for example, if one second passes without the player pressing the normal button 40, and the time during which the "forest mode" or "space mode" can be selected passes, the example of the performance shown in FIG. 27(C-2) will be displayed on the display unit 50a. As shown in FIG. 27(C-2), the display unit 50a displays an ending image G121 indicating that the probability variable performance mode set in the high probability high base state after the end of the jackpot game is "space mode". Note that, as shown in FIG. 27(C-2), the ending image G121 displayed on the display unit 50a indicates "entering space mode". As shown in FIG. 27(C-2), by displaying the ending image G121 indicating "entering space mode" on the display unit 50a, it is possible to make the player understand that the "space mode" will be set in the high probability high base state after the end of the jackpot game.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, by having the player press the normal button 40 during the jackpot ending presentation, it is possible to select a probability variable presentation mode that can be set after the jackpot game ends. This allows the player to select the probability variable presentation mode of their choice, and allows the player to enjoy the special chart change presentation that is executed when the probability variable presentation mode selected by the player is set in a high probability high base state.

One of the features of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment (first embodiment) is that the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 when the "space mode" is set is different from the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 when the "forest mode" is set. Using FIG. 28, the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 when the "space mode" is set and the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 when the "forest mode" is set will be described.

As shown in FIG. 28(A), the display mode of the effect pattern EZ when the space mode is set is a display mode showing Arabic numerals (second pattern mode, pattern mode consisting of a second numeral symbol), and there are nine types of display mode effect patterns. In the following, the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "1" when the space mode is set is called the first effect pattern EZa1 corresponding to the space mode, the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "2" when the space mode is set is called the second effect pattern EZb1 corresponding to the space mode, the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "3" when the space mode is set is called the third effect pattern EZc1 corresponding to the space mode, the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "4" when the space mode is set is called the fourth effect pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, and the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "5" when the space mode is set is called the fourth effect pattern EZd2 corresponding to the space mode. The performance pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "6" when space mode is set is called the fifth performance pattern EZe1 corresponding to space mode, the performance pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "6" when space mode is set is called the sixth performance pattern EZf1 corresponding to space mode, the performance pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "7" when space mode is set is called the seventh performance pattern EZg1 corresponding to space mode, the performance pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "8" when space mode is set is called the eighth performance pattern EZh1 corresponding to space mode, and the performance pattern of the display mode showing the Arabic numeral "9" when space mode is set is called the ninth performance pattern EZi1 corresponding to space mode.

As shown in FIG. 28(B), the display mode of the effect pattern EZ when the forest mode is set is a display mode showing Roman numerals (first pattern mode, pattern mode consisting of the first numeral symbol), and there are nine types of display mode effect patterns. In the following, the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Roman numeral "I" when the forest mode is set is called the first effect pattern EZa2 corresponding to the forest mode, the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Roman numeral "II" when the forest mode is set is called the second effect pattern EZb2 corresponding to the forest mode, the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Roman numeral "III" when the forest mode is set is called the third effect pattern EZc2 corresponding to the forest mode, the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Roman numeral "IV" when the forest mode is set is called the fourth effect pattern EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode, and the effect pattern of the display mode showing the Roman numeral "V" when the forest mode is set is called the fourth effect pattern EZd3 corresponding to the forest mode. The performance pattern of this type is referred to as the fifth performance pattern EZe2 corresponding to forest mode, the performance pattern of the display mode showing the Roman numeral "VI" when forest mode is set is referred to as the sixth performance pattern EZf2 corresponding to forest mode, the performance pattern of the display mode showing the Roman numeral "VII" when forest mode is set is referred to as the seventh performance pattern EZg2 corresponding to forest mode, the performance pattern of the display mode showing the Roman numeral "VIII" when forest mode is set is referred to as the eighth performance pattern EZh2 corresponding to forest mode, and the performance pattern of the display mode showing the Roman numeral "IX" when forest mode is set is referred to as the ninth performance pattern EZi2 corresponding to forest mode.

Here, we will explain Arabic numerals and Roman numerals. Arabic numerals and Roman numerals are each a type of symbol that represents a number. Arabic numerals are expressed, for example, by arranging the Roman numerals I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX in the form of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Roman numerals are expressed, for example, by arranging the Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the form of I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX in the form of I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX in the form of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 ... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the form of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the form of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the

Next, using Figure 29, we will explain the types of stop patterns that suggest a jackpot that are displayed during the execution of the special chart variation performance when the space mode is set. As shown in Figure 29, there are nine types of stop patterns with the same left, right, and center patterns that suggest a jackpot when the space mode is set. First, when the space mode is set, the stopping modes indicating a jackpot include a stopping mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop at the first performance symbol EZa1 corresponding to the space mode ("1, 1, 1"), a stopping mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop at the second performance symbol EZb1 corresponding to the space mode ("2, 2, 2"), a stopping mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop at the third performance symbol EZc1 corresponding to the space mode ("3, 3, 3"), a stopping mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop at the fourth performance symbol EZd1 corresponding to the space mode ("4, 4, 4"), and a stopping mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop at the fourth performance symbol EZd1 corresponding to the space mode ("5, 6, 7"). There are various types of stop patterns, including a stop pattern indicating a jackpot with the fifth performance symbol EZe1 corresponding to space mode ("5-5-5"); a stop pattern indicating a jackpot with the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stopping at the sixth performance symbol EZf1 corresponding to space mode ("6-6-6"); a stop pattern indicating a jackpot with the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stopping at the seventh performance symbol EZg1 corresponding to space mode ("7-7-7"); a stop pattern indicating a jackpot with the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stopping at the eighth performance symbol EZh1 corresponding to space mode ("8-8-8"); and a stop pattern indicating a jackpot with the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stopping at the ninth performance symbol EZi1 corresponding to space mode ("9-9-9").

In addition, the types of stop patterns that suggest a jackpot that are displayed during the execution of the special chart variation performance when the Mori mode is set will be described using Figure 30. As shown in Figure 30, there are nine types of stop patterns with the same left, right, and center symbols that suggest a jackpot when the Mori mode is set. First, when the forest mode is set, the stop modes indicating a jackpot include a stop mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 stop at the first performance symbol EZa2 corresponding to the forest mode ("I, I, I"), a stop mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 stop at the second performance symbol EZb2 corresponding to the forest mode ("II, II, II"), a stop mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 stop at the third performance symbol EZc2 corresponding to the forest mode ("III, III, III"), a stop mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 stop at the fourth performance symbol EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode ("IV, IV, IV"), and a stop mode indicating a jackpot where the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 stop at the fourth performance symbol EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode ("IV, IV, IV"). There are stopping modes which indicate a jackpot by displaying the corresponding fifth performance pattern EZe2 ("V, V, V"), stopping modes which indicate a jackpot by displaying the sixth performance pattern EZf2 where performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 correspond to forest mode ("VI, VI, VI"), stopping modes which indicate a jackpot by displaying the seventh performance pattern EZg2 where performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 correspond to forest mode ("VII, VII, VII"), stopping modes which indicate a jackpot by displaying the eighth performance pattern EZh2 where performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 correspond to forest mode ("VIII, VIII, VIII"), and stopping modes which indicate a jackpot by displaying the ninth performance pattern EZi2 where performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 correspond to forest mode ("IX, IX, IX").

One of the features of the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment (first embodiment) is that when the result of the special chart lottery is a jackpot and the forest mode is set, when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode are temporarily stopped in a stopping state suggesting a jackpot, a pattern change performance is executed in the special chart change performance. When this pattern change performance is executed, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display state corresponding to the forest mode, which has a stopping state suggesting a jackpot, are enlarged and changed to the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display state corresponding to the space mode, which has a stopping state suggesting a jackpot. After the pattern change performance is completed in the special chart change performance, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display state corresponding to the changed space mode are temporarily stopped and displayed on the display unit 50a.

On the other hand, if the result of the special drawing is a jackpot and the space mode is set, when the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the space mode are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot, a pattern enlargement effect different from the pattern change effect is executed in the special drawing change effect. When the pattern enlargement effect is executed, the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the space mode, which are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot, are enlarged and displayed, but are not changed to the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode. When the execution of the pattern enlargement effect is completed in the special drawing change effect, the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the space mode, which consists of a manner that suggests a jackpot, are temporarily stopped.

Next, using FIG. 31(A), we will explain the special symbols, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3, and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, KZ3 when N jackpot variations occur when the space mode is set. Note that FIG. 31(A) explains the case where the variation display of the second special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern "P62" is performed.

First, when the display of the second special symbol based on the special symbol change pattern "P62" starts, as shown in FIG. 31(A), the execution of the special symbol change performance starts, and the display of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 also starts. In addition, as the display of the second special symbol starts, the display of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also starts.

After that, when the display of the second special pattern based on the special pattern change pattern "P62" reaches the end, the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode (see FIG. 28(A)) are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot. Even if the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot, the display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continues. After that, a pattern enlargement performance is executed in the special pattern change performance, and after the pattern enlargement performance is executed, the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode (see FIG. 28(A)) are finally stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also simultaneously stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot. In this embodiment, when a jackpot variation occurs and the space mode is set, the symbol expansion effect is always executed.

Next, using FIG. 31(B), we will explain the special symbols, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when an N-jackpot variation occurs when the forest mode is set. Note that FIG. 31(B) explains the case where a variation display of the second special symbol is performed based on the special symbol variation pattern "P62."

First, the display of the second special symbol based on the special symbol change pattern "P62" begins, and as shown in FIG. 31(B), the execution of the special symbol change performance begins, and the display of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 also begins. In addition, as the display of the second special symbol begins, the display of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also begins.

After that, when the display of the second special pattern based on the special pattern change pattern "P62" reaches the end, the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode (see FIG. 28(B)) are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a big win. Even if the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a big win, the display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continues. After that, the pattern change performance is executed in the special pattern change performance, and the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode (see FIG. 28(B)) change to the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the space mode (see FIG. 28(A)).

After changing to the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode (see FIG. 28(A)), the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode (see FIG. 28(A)) are finally displayed stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner that suggests a jackpot. Note that in this embodiment, when a jackpot fluctuation is performed and the forest mode is set, a pattern change performance is always executed.

Using FIG. 32, we will first explain an example of a special chart change presentation that is executed based on the special chart change pattern "P62" when the space mode is set. Note that FIG. 32 is an example of a special chart change presentation based on the special chart change pattern "P62".

When space mode is set, as shown in FIG. 32(A), a background image representing space (first probability change background image G105) is displayed on the display unit 50a. As shown in FIG. 32(A), the first probability change background image G105 is displayed on the display unit 50a, making it possible for the player to understand that space mode is set when the high probability high base state is reached. Also, as shown in FIG. 32(A), a right hit image G108 encouraging the player to "hit right" is displayed on the display unit 50a.

In addition, when the space mode is set and the execution of the special chart change performance based on the special chart change pattern "P62" is started, the display of the changing performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode starts in the center of the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 32(A). When the display of the changing performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode starts, the display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 in the upper left of the display unit 50a also starts to change as shown in FIG. 32(A).

After that, as shown in FIG. 32(B), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are temporarily stopped on the display unit 50a at the fourth performance pattern EZd1 (the so-called reach pattern, "4.↓.4") corresponding to the space mode, and a reach is established. Note that, as shown in FIG. 32(B), the left small pattern KZ1, the medium and small pattern KZ2, and the right small pattern KZ3 are displayed in a varying manner on the display unit 50a.

Note that when we say "definite stop display" (definite stop display) or "final stop display" (final stop display), we are referring to a state in which the performance pattern has completely stopped. In contrast, a "provisional stop display" refers to a state in which the speed at which the performance pattern changes is "0", but the performance pattern is changing in such a way that it sways and expands and contracts repeatedly in the displayed position, and is not completely stopped. When we simply say "stop display", it can refer to either a provisional stop display or a confirmed stop display.

After that, during a normal reach in the special chart change performance, the center performance pattern EZ2 is displayed as a provisional stop at the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, as are the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 32(C), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode are displayed as provisional stops in a manner ("4-4-4") that suggests a jackpot (see FIG. 29).

When the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode are temporarily stopped in a manner suggesting a jackpot ("4-4-4"), a pattern enlargement performance is executed. The pattern enlargement performance is a performance in which, when the space mode is set, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that are temporarily stopped in a manner suggesting a jackpot are emphasized to the player. When this pattern enlargement performance is executed, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are temporarily stopped on the display unit 50a with the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, which has a display size larger than the display size on the display unit 50a of the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 that are temporarily stopped on the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode displayed on the display unit 50a in Figure 32 (C). (See FIG. 32(D)). As a result, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3, which are temporarily stopped in the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, are enlarged and displayed as if they were jumping out toward the player. As shown in FIG. 32(D), the pattern enlargement performance is executed, making it easier for the player to understand that the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a stopping state that suggests a big win. When the pattern enlargement performance is executed, the first probability variation background image G105 displayed on the display unit 50a (see FIG. 32(C)) is changed to the background image G122 as shown in FIG. 32(D). The background image G122 is displayed on the display unit 50a, making it possible for the player to understand that the special pattern variation performance is at its end.

As shown in Fig. 32(C), the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode are all displayed temporarily stopped within the display unit 50a. On the other hand, when the pattern enlargement effect of this embodiment is executed, as shown in Fig. 32(D), the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode displayed temporarily stopped are all enlarged and do not fit completely on the display unit 50a. From the above, when the enlarged pattern effect of this embodiment is executed, the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, which has a display size larger than the display size on the display unit 50a of the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, which is provisionally stopped in a stopping state suggesting a jackpot as shown in Figure 32 (C), are displayed, making it easy for the player to understand that the enlarged pattern effect has been executed.

In the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the space mode is set as one of the two types of probability variation presentation modes, and the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a big win, a pattern enlargement presentation is performed, and the temporarily stopped presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are simply enlarged (see FIG. 32(D)). This allows a presentation different from the forest mode in which the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are simply enlarged without changing the display manner of the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, making it possible to encourage the player to enter the space mode, and to entertain the player with the special pattern variation presentation in the selected space mode.

When the execution of the pattern enlargement effect in the special pattern change effect is completed, the enlarged left pattern EZ1, center pattern EZ2, and right pattern EZ3 are reduced and displayed as temporarily stopped on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 32(E). When the special pattern change effect is completed, the patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 of the fourth pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode are finally displayed as stopped on the display unit 50a in a stopping state ("4-4-4") that suggests a jackpot as shown in FIG. 32(F).

The following describes a case where, when the space mode is set in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, a special chart change performance is executed based on a miss variation (any of the following variation patterns: SP miss variation (special chart variation patterns "P14", "P64"), N reach miss variation (special chart variation patterns "P15", "P65"), immediate miss variation (special chart variation patterns "P16", "P66", or shortened miss variation (special chart variation patterns "P17", "P18", "P67", "P68")). In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, during the execution of the special chart change performance, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode stop in a manner suggesting a reach miss (so-called reach miss), or Even if the symbols are temporarily stopped in a stop mode (so-called spread eyes) that suggests a miss, the symbol enlargement effect will not be executed in the special symbol change effect. Therefore, during the execution of the special symbol change effect, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode are temporarily stopped in a stop mode (so-called reach miss eyes) that suggests a reach miss, and then are finally stopped and displayed in a stop mode (so-called reach miss eyes) that suggests a reach miss. Also, during the execution of the special symbol change effect, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode are temporarily stopped in a stop mode (so-called spread eyes) that suggests a miss, and then are finally stopped and displayed in a stop mode (so-called spread eyes) that suggests a miss.

Next, using FIG. 33, a special chart change presentation that is executed based on the special chart change pattern "P62" when the forest mode is set in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described. When the forest mode is set, as shown in FIG. 33(A), a background image representing a forest (second probability change background image G123) is displayed on the display unit 50a. As shown in FIG. 33(A), by displaying the second probability change background image G123 on the display unit 50a, it is possible for the player to understand that the forest mode is set when the high probability high base state is reached. Also, as shown in FIG. 33(A), a right hit image G108 that encourages the player to "hit right" is displayed on the display unit 50a.

In addition, when the forest mode is set, when the execution of the special chart change performance based on the special chart change pattern "P62" starts, the display of the change of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts in the center of the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 33(A). When the display of the change of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 starts, the display of the change of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 in the upper left corner of the display unit 50a also starts as shown in FIG. 33(A).

After that, as shown in FIG. 33(B), the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are temporarily stopped on the display unit 50a at the fourth performance pattern EZd2 (the so-called reach pattern, "IV.↓.IV") corresponding to the forest mode, and a reach is established. Note that, as shown in FIG. 33(B), the left small pattern KZ1, the medium small pattern KZ2, and the right small pattern KZ3 are displayed in a varying manner on the display unit 50a.

After that, during a normal reach in the special chart change performance, the middle performance pattern EZ2, like the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3, is displayed temporarily stopped at the fourth performance pattern EZd2 corresponding to forest mode (see Figure 28 (B)), and as shown in Figure 33 (C), the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd2 corresponding to forest mode are displayed temporarily stopped in a manner suggesting a jackpot ("IV, IV, IV") (see Figure 30).

When the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 of the fourth performance symbol EZd2 corresponding to forest mode are temporarily stopped in a manner suggesting a jackpot ("IV, IV, IV"), a pattern change performance is executed. The pattern change performance is a performance in which, when forest mode is set, the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 temporarily stopped in a manner suggesting a jackpot (see FIG. 28(B)) corresponding to forest mode is changed to a display mode corresponding to space mode (see FIG. 28(A)), emphasizing the change and emphasizing the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to space mode (see FIG. 28(A)). When the pattern change performance is executed, first As shown in FIG. 33(D), the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode, which is temporarily stopped and displayed on the display unit 50a, are rotated vertically. By performing the vertical rotation of the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode on the display unit 50a, it becomes possible for the player to understand that the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd corresponding to the forest mode that the player is paying attention to will change to the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode.

At the same time that the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are rotated vertically on the display unit 50a, the background image G123 for the second special chance change that was displayed on the display unit 50a (see FIG. 33(C)) is changed to background image G124 as shown in FIG. 33(D). By displaying background image G124 on the display unit 50a, it becomes possible for the player to understand that the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are rotating vertically and that the special chart change performance is coming to an end.

While the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 rotate vertically, they are enlarged and displayed as if they are jumping out toward the player (see FIG. 33(E)). Also, as shown in FIG. 33(E), at the same time that the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are enlarged and displayed, the left performance symbol EZ1, center performance symbol EZ2, and right performance symbol EZ3 of the fourth performance symbol EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode displayed on the display unit 50a are changed to the left performance symbol EZ1, center performance symbol EZ2, and right performance symbol EZ3 of the fourth performance symbol EZd1 corresponding to the space mode. In the pattern change presentation of this embodiment, the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode, which is provisionally stopped in a stopping state suggesting a jackpot (see FIG. 33(D)), are displayed in a larger display size on the display unit 50a than the display size of the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode (see FIG. 33(E)).

As shown in Fig. 33(D), the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode are all displayed temporarily stopped within the display unit 50a. On the other hand, when the pattern change performance of this embodiment is executed, as shown in Fig. 33(E), the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode displayed temporarily stopped are all enlarged and therefore do not fit completely on the display unit 50a. From the above, when the pattern change effect of this embodiment is executed, the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, which has a display size larger than the display size on the display unit 50a of the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode, which is temporarily stopped in a stopping state suggesting a jackpot as shown in Figure 33 (D), are changed. This makes it easier for the player to understand the change in the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, and the change in the display state of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 can entertain the player.

In the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the Mori mode is set as one of the two types of probability variation presentation modes, and the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot, a pattern change presentation is performed, and the display manner of the provisionally stopped presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is changed (see Figures 33(D) to 33(F)). As a result, since this is a presentation characteristic of the Mori mode as one of the two types of probability variation presentation modes, it is possible to encourage the player to select the Mori mode, and to entertain the player with the special chart change presentation in the selected Mori mode.

When the execution of the pattern change effect in the special pattern change effect is completed, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are reduced, and the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a display mode corresponding to the space mode, as shown in FIG. 33(F). When the special pattern change effect is completed, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 of the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode are finally stopped and displayed in a stopping mode ("4-4-4") that suggests a jackpot on the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 33(G).

The following describes a case where, when Mori mode is set on the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, a special chart change performance is executed based on a miss variation (any of the following variation patterns: SP miss variation (special chart variation patterns "P14", "P64"), N reach miss variation (special chart variation patterns "P15", "P65"), immediate miss variation (special chart variation patterns "P16", "P66", or shortened miss variation (special chart variation patterns "P17", "P18", "P67", "P68")). In the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, during the execution of the special chart change performance, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the Mori mode stop in a manner suggesting a reach miss (so-called reach miss), or Even if the symbols are provisionally displayed in a stop mode (so-called spread) that suggests a miss, the symbol change effect will not be executed in the special symbol change effect. Therefore, during the execution of the special symbol change effect, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the forest mode are provisionally displayed in a stop mode that suggests a miss (so-called reach miss), and then are finally displayed in a stop mode that suggests a miss (so-called reach miss). Also, during the execution of the special symbol change effect, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the forest mode are provisionally displayed in a stop mode that suggests a miss (so-called spread), and then are finally displayed in a stop mode that suggests a miss (so-called spread).

Some conventional pachinko gaming machines judge whether or not a jackpot will occur based on the ball entering the starting hole, and if the result of the judgment is a jackpot, the jackpot game is executed. In such pachinko gaming machines, a special chart change effect is executed to suggest the result of the judgment based on the result of the judgment of whether or not a jackpot will occur, and after the special chart change effect displays the change in the performance pattern, a reach effect is executed, and it is possible to suggest to the player the result of the judgment of whether or not a jackpot will occur based on the stopping state of the performance pattern displayed in the reach effect.

However, simply suggesting the result of the judgment of whether or not a jackpot will be awarded based on the stopping pattern of the stopped effect symbols is not interesting, and there is room for improvement to allow players to enjoy the special chart change effects using the effect symbols even more.

In this embodiment, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is set to the Mori mode, for example, in a normal reach of the special chart change presentation executed based on the N jackpot change (for example, the special chart change pattern "P62", see FIG. 12), when the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the Mori mode (display mode showing Roman numerals, see FIG. 28(B)) are temporarily stopped in a stopping mode suggesting a jackpot, a pattern change presentation is performed. After the pattern change presentation is performed, the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the Space mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals, see FIG. 28(A)) are temporarily stopped in a stopping mode suggesting a jackpot (see FIG. 33(C) to FIG. 33(F)). This not only allows the player to know whether or not a jackpot will be reached based on the stop mode of the provisionally displayed performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, but also changes the display mode of the symbols representing different numbers when the stop mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 indicates a jackpot. Therefore, unlike conventional pachinko gaming machines, not only does the machine allow the player to know that a jackpot has been reached by using the appropriate performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 even when the display mode changes, but it also makes it possible to entertain the player even more by changing the display mode of the performance symbols.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the Mori mode is set, for example, in the normal reach of the special chart change presentation executed based on the N jackpot change (for example, the special chart change pattern "P62", see FIG. 12), when the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed temporarily stopped in a stop state suggesting a jackpot in a display state corresponding to the Mori mode (display state showing Roman numerals, see FIG. 28(B)), a pattern change presentation is performed. In this pattern change presentation, the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are rotated vertically in a display state corresponding to the Mori mode (display state showing Roman numerals, see FIG. 28(B)), and are changed to a display state corresponding to the Universe mode (display state showing Arabic numerals, see FIG. 28(A)) (see FIG. 33(C) to FIG. 33(F)). This makes it possible to emphasize to the player that the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode (display mode showing Roman numerals, see FIG. 28(B)) is changing to the display mode corresponding to the space mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals, see FIG. 28(A)). Therefore, by drawing attention to the change from the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode (display mode showing Roman numerals, see FIG. 28(B)) to the display mode corresponding to the space mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals, see FIG. 28(A)), it becomes possible to make the special chart change performance more enjoyable using the performance symbols.

Furthermore, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode (display mode showing Roman numerals, see FIG. 28(B)) is enlarged and displayed as if the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are jumping out toward the front of the display unit 50a (see FIG. 33(E)). This makes it easier for the player to understand the change by emphasizing to the player that the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode (display mode showing Roman numerals, see FIG. 28(B)) has changed to the display mode corresponding to the space mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals, see FIG. 28(A)).

Furthermore, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the space mode is set, for example, in a normal reach of a special chart change performance executed based on an N jackpot change (for example, special chart change pattern "P62", see Figure 12), even if the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 are displayed temporarily stopped in a stopping mode suggesting a jackpot in a display mode corresponding to the space mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals, see Figure 28 (A)), the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 remains as the display mode corresponding to the space mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals, see Figure 28 (A)). In addition, when the Mori mode is set, for example, in a normal reach of a special chart change performance executed based on an N jackpot change (for example, special chart change pattern "P62", see Figure 12), when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 are displayed temporarily stopped in a stopping manner suggesting a jackpot in a display manner corresponding to the Mori mode (display manner showing Roman numerals, see Figure 28 (B)), the display manner of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 is changed to a display manner corresponding to the Universe mode (display manner showing Arabic numerals, see Figure 28 (A)). This makes it possible to provide the player with a special chart change presentation that has presentation value when the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a stopping mode that suggests a jackpot, in a special chart change presentation based on a jackpot change (special chart change patterns "P11" to "P13", special chart change patterns "P61" to "P63", see Figures 11 and 12) in which a reach is reached in the special chart change presentation only when the Mori mode selected by the player is set out of the space mode and Mori mode that can be set in a high probability high base state. Also, even if there are two types of presentation modes that can be set in a high probability high base state, the presentation uses the display mode of the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that can only be enjoyed in one presentation mode, which serves as an opportunity to encourage the player to actively select the Mori mode.

8. Control of Performance by the Performance Control Microcomputer 121 of the Present Embodiment (First Embodiment) Next, the control of performance by the performance control microcomputer 121 of the present embodiment (first embodiment) will be described with reference to Figs. 34 to 36.

1. Received command analysis process
First, the received command analysis process (S4105) of this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 34, in the received command analysis process (S4105), the performance control microcomputer 121 first determines whether or not a high probability end command has been received from the main control board 100 (S4201), and if it has been received (YES in S4201), performs a mode status setting process (S4205) to be described later. Also, if it has not received a high probability end command (NO in S4201), it determines whether or not a time-saving end command has been received from the main control board 100 (S4202).

If the performance control microcomputer 121 receives a time-saving end command sent from the main control board 100 (YES in S4202), it performs the mode status setting process (S4205) described below. If the performance control microcomputer 121 does not receive a time-saving end command (NO in S4202), it determines whether or not it has received a high probability setting command from the main control board 100 (S4203).

If the performance control microcomputer 121 has received a high probability setting command sent from the main control board 100 (YES in S4203), it performs the mode status setting process (S4205) described below. If the performance control microcomputer 121 has not received a high probability setting command (NO in S4203), it determines whether or not a time-saving setting command has been received from the main control board 100 (S4204).

If the performance control microcomputer 121 receives a time-saving setting command sent from the main control board 100 (YES in S4204), it performs the mode status setting process (S4205) described below. If the performance control microcomputer 121 does not receive a time-saving setting command (NO in S4204), it proceeds directly to S4206.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 judges whether or not it has received a start winning command (the 11th start winning command or the 2nd start winning command) from the main control board 100 (S4206), and if so, performs start winning processing (S4207). In the start winning processing (S4207), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the received start winning command in the performance RAM 124. Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the stored start winning command and judges whether or not to execute a look-ahead performance that indicates the expected probability of a jackpot. The look-ahead performance includes a reserved icon notice that displays a reserved icon in a special manner, as well as a continuous notice performance that is performed over multiple consecutive display of special patterns. If it is decided to execute these look-ahead performances, a look-ahead performance start command for executing the determined performance is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

When the look-ahead performance start command set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a specified performance image from the image ROM 142 and performs a look-ahead performance by image on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. In addition, while the look-ahead performance by image is being performed by the image control board 140, the performance control microcomputer 121 can output sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (perform a look-ahead performance by sound) according to the look-ahead performance content indicated by the look-ahead performance start command sent to the image control board 140, and can also light up the frame lamp 53 via the lamp control circuit 151 (perform a look-ahead performance by light emission), and operate the above-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k (perform a look-ahead performance by operation).

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not it has received a special chart change start command (special chart 1 change start command or special chart 2 change start command) from the main control board 100 (S4208), and if so, performs the change performance start process described below (S4209).

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a special symbol variation stop command has been received from the main control board 100 (S4210), and if so, performs a variation performance end process (S4211). In the variation performance end process (S4211), the performance control microcomputer 121 ends the special symbol variation performance (stops the variation display of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 and the small symbols KZ1 to KZ3, and performs a stop display).

In the variable performance end process (S4211), the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the special chart variable stop command, and based on the analysis result, sets a special chart variable performance end command in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 to appropriately end the special chart variable performance (stop the variable display of performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and small patterns KZ1 to KZ3). When the image control board 140 receives the special chart variable performance end command, it ends the special chart variable performance that is being executed (stops the variable performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and small patterns KZ1 to KZ3).

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether an opening command has been received from the main control board 100 (S4212), and if so, performs an opening performance selection process (S4213). In the opening performance selection process (S4213), the opening command is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, a pattern (content) of the opening performance to be executed during the opening of the jackpot game is selected. Then, an opening performance start command for starting an opening performance with the selected opening performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a round play command has been received from the main control board 100 (S4214), and if so, performs a round play selection process (S4215). In the round play selection process (S4215), the round play command is analyzed, and the round play pattern (contents) to be executed during the round play of the jackpot game is selected based on the analysis result. Then, a round play start command for starting the round play with the selected round play pattern is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether an ending command has been received from the main control board 100 (S4216), and if so, performs an ending performance selection process (S4217). In the ending performance selection process (S4217), the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the ending command and selects the pattern (content) of the jackpot ending performance to be executed during the ending of the jackpot game based on the analysis result. Then, it sets a jackpot ending performance start command to the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 to start the ending performance with the selected jackpot ending performance pattern.

When the jackpot ending performance start command set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a predetermined performance image from the image ROM 142 and performs a jackpot ending performance on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. In addition, while the jackpot ending performance by the image performed by the image control board 140 is being performed, the performance control microcomputer 121 can output sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 according to the jackpot ending performance content indicated by the jackpot ending performance start command sent to the image control board 140, and can also light up the frame lamp 53 via the lamp control circuit 151 and operate the above-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k. In addition, while the image-based jackpot ending presentation is being performed by the image control board 140, the presentation control microcomputer 121 can perform an operation presentation using the normal button 40 according to the jackpot ending presentation content indicated by the jackpot ending presentation start command sent to the image control board 140.

For example, in the ending performance selection process (S4217), the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the ending command and, based on the analysis results, selects a pattern (content) of the jackpot ending performance to be executed during the ending of jackpot game X or jackpot game Z, and then sets an ending performance start command to start the jackpot ending performance with the selected jackpot ending performance pattern in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124. When a jackpot ending presentation start command for starting the jackpot ending presentation pattern of jackpot game X or jackpot game Z set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads out a predetermined presentation image (display image G114 indicating "space mode", display image G116 indicating "forest mode", display image G115 indicating an up arrow, display image G117 indicating "PUSH", time character image G118, character image G119 indicating "Press button to select mode") from the image ROM 142, and performs a predetermined jackpot ending presentation (see FIG. 27) on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. This makes it possible to allow the player to select the first probability variation presentation mode (space mode) or the second probability variation presentation mode (forest mode).

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs other processing (S4218) based on received commands other than the above commands (for example, processing to perform a performance associated with the variable display of normal symbols). Then, the received command analysis processing (S4105) ends.

2. Mode Status Setting Process
The mode status setting process (S4202) is a process for changing the setting of the presentation mode in accordance with the change to the game state. In the mode status setting process (S4202), the presentation control microcomputer 121 sets the mode status to "1" when it is set to the normal presentation mode (see FIG. 16(B-1), FIG. 16(B-2), FIG. 16(B-3)) when it is controlled to the low probability low base state or the high probability low base state. Also, when it is set to the time-saving presentation mode (see FIG. 16(B-5)) when it is controlled to the low probability high base state, it sets the mode status to "2". Also, when it is set to the space mode (see FIG. 16(B-4), FIG. 32(A) to FIG. 32(C)), which is a probability variable presentation mode, when it is controlled to the high probability high base state, it sets the mode status to "3". Also, when it is set to the forest mode (see FIG. 33(A) to FIG. 33(C)), which is a probability variable presentation mode, when it is controlled to the high probability high base state, it sets the mode status to "4". The mode status is initially set to "1".

As shown in FIG. 35, in the mode status setting process (S4202), the performance control microcomputer 121 first refers to the currently set mode status (S4301). Next, the received command (high probability end command, time-saving end command, high probability setting command, time-saving setting command) is analyzed (S4302). Next, based on the information (value information of the probability variable counter, value information of the time-saving counter) contained in the received command (high probability end command, time-saving end command, high probability setting command, time-saving setting command), the information of the values of various performance counters is updated (S4303). Specifically, based on the information of the value of the probability variable counter, the value of the probability variable performance counter provided in the performance RAM 124 is updated. Also, based on the information of the value of the time-saving counter, the value of the time-saving performance counter provided in the performance RAM 124 is updated.

Next, it is determined whether or not to change the mode status based on the game state designation command (S4304). That is, it is determined whether or not the game state information included in the analyzed game state designation command (information on whether the special bonus flag is ON or not, information on whether the time-saving flag is ON or not) differs from the game state information based on the mode status referenced in S4301. If it is determined that the mode status should be changed (YES in S4304), proceed to S4305. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode status should not be changed (NO in S4304), this process ends.

In S4505, it is determined whether the game state information included in the game state designation command analyzed in S4502 is information on a low base state, i.e., a low-probability low base state or a high-probability low base state. If it is information on a low-probability low base state or a high-probability low base state (YES in S4305), the mode status is set to "1" (S4306), and a left-hit display command is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 (S4307). As a result, when the left-hit display command is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays a left-hit image (not shown) in the upper left corner of the display unit 50a for a predetermined period of time. By displaying this left-hit image, it is possible to encourage the player to hit left when transitioning to a low-probability low base state or a high-probability low base state.

After S4307, the process proceeds to S4316, where a background presentation command based on the setting of the normal presentation mode (first normal presentation mode, second normal presentation mode, third normal presentation mode) is set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124. As a result, when the background presentation command is sent to the image control board 140, the image control board 140's image CPU 141 displays the daytime normal background image G102 on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 16 (B-1) if the first normal presentation mode is set, displays the evening normal background image G103 on the display unit 50a if the second normal presentation mode is set, and displays the nighttime normal background image G104 on the display unit 50a if the third normal presentation mode is set. In this way, the display of the daytime normal background image G102, the evening normal background image G103, and the nighttime normal background image G104 allows the player to understand that the presentation mode is set to the normal presentation mode.

Also, if S4505 returns NO, it is determined whether the game state information included in the game state designation command analyzed in S4302 is information about a low probability high base state (S4308). If it is information about a low probability high base state (YES in S4307), the mode status is set to "2" (S4309), and a right hit display command is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 (S4310). As a result, when the right hit display command is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays a right hit image G108 in the upper right corner of the display unit 50a. By displaying this right hit image G108, it is possible to encourage the player to make a right hit.

After passing through S4310, the process proceeds to S4316, where a background effect command based on the setting of the time-saving effect mode is set in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124. When this background effect command is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the time-saving background image G106 on the display unit 50a (see FIG. 16 (B-1)). In this way, the display of the time-saving background image G106 allows the player to understand that the effect mode is set to the time-saving effect mode (low probability high base state).

If S4307 returns NO, the player is in a high probability, high base state. In this case, it is determined whether or not the space mode has been selected in the big win ending presentation (S4311). If the space mode has been selected in the big win ending presentation (YES in S4311), the mode status is set to "3" (S4312), and a right hit display command is set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124 (S4313). When the right hit display command is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays a right hit image G108 in the upper right corner of the display unit 50a (see FIG. 32). By displaying this right hit image G108, it is possible to encourage the player to make a right hit.

After passing through S4313, the process proceeds to S4316, where a background effect command based on the setting of space mode is set in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124. When this background effect command is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the first probability change background image G105 on the display unit 50a. In this way, the display of the first probability change background image G105 allows the player to understand that the effect mode is set to space mode (high probability time-shortened state).

If the result of S4310 is NO, i.e., if the forest mode is selected in the big win ending presentation (NO in S4311), the mode status is set to "4" (S4314), and a right hit display command is set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124 (S4315). When the right hit display command is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays a right hit image G108 in the upper right corner of the display section 50a (see FIG. 33). By displaying this right hit image G108, it is possible to encourage the player to make a right hit.

After passing through S4315, the process proceeds to S4316, where a background presentation command based on the setting of Forest mode is set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124. When this background presentation command is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the second probability variation background image G123 on the display unit 50a. In this way, the display of the second probability variation background image G123 allows the player to understand that the presentation mode is set to Forest mode (high probability time-shortening state).

[3. Variable performance start processing]
As shown in Fig. 36, in the variable performance start process (S4206), first, the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the variable start command (S4401). The variable start command includes information on the variable pattern (Figs. 11 and 12) and information on the special symbol stop pattern data based on the judgment of the big win, etc.

Next, the mode status value is referenced (S4402). Next, the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is selected based on the currently set performance mode (see FIG. 28). For example, when the currently set performance mode is "space mode", the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode consisting of a portion showing Arabic numerals (see FIG. 28(A)). Also, when the currently set performance mode is "forest mode", the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode consisting of a portion showing Roman numerals (see FIG. 28(B)).

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the performance pattern EZ to be finally displayed in the special chart change performance (S4403). Specifically, the performance pattern determination random number is obtained, and one table is selected from among multiple tables classified according to the presence or absence of a reach based on the analysis result of the change start command, and the performance pattern is selected by judging the acquired performance pattern determination random number using the selected table. As a result, the combination of performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 to be finally displayed and stopped (for example, "7, 7, 7") is determined. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 121 also selects the small pattern KZ to be finally displayed and stopped in the special chart change performance in the change performance start process (S4206). Specifically, the performance control microcomputer 121 obtains the small pattern determination random number, and selects one table based on the analysis result of the change start command, and selects the small pattern by judging the acquired small pattern determination random number using the selected table. This determines the final combination of small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 that will be displayed (for example, "7-7-7").

Next, in the special chart change performance pattern selection process (S4405), the performance control microcomputer 121 selects a special chart change performance pattern determination table for determining the special chart change performance pattern to which the performance content of the special chart change performance corresponds, based on the set performance mode and the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart change start command. A plurality of special chart change performance pattern determination tables are provided in association with the performance mode and the special chart change pattern. Therefore, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects one special chart change performance pattern determination table associated with the special chart change pattern. In each special chart change performance pattern determination table, the value of the special chart change performance pattern determination random number (special chart change performance pattern determination value) is allocated to one or more special chart change performance patterns so as to achieve a predetermined allocation rate (%). Next, the microcomputer 121 for controlling the performance acquires the value indicated by the random number counter for determining the special chart variation performance pattern as a random number for determining the special chart variation performance pattern, and performs a determination of the special chart variation performance pattern based on the acquired random number for determining the special chart variation performance pattern. The random number for determining the special chart variation performance pattern has a value in the range from "0" to "99".

In determining the special chart change performance pattern, the performance control microcomputer 121 checks the acquired random number for determining the special chart change performance pattern against the selected special chart change performance pattern table, determines the change performance pattern, sets data representing the determined special chart change performance pattern in the performance RAM 124, and sets a special chart change performance start command indicating the special chart change performance pattern in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124. Once the special chart change performance pattern is determined, the details of the special chart change performance, including the time of the change performance, the change display mode of the performance pattern, the presence or absence of a reach performance, the content of the reach performance, the presence or absence of an operation performance, the content of the operation performance, the performance development configuration, and the type of background of the performance pattern, are determined.

When the special chart change performance start command set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a specified performance image from the image ROM 142 and performs a special chart change performance using an image on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50.

The special chart change performance start command also includes the special chart change performance by image displayed on the image display device 50, the special chart change performance by sound output from the speaker 52, the performance content of the special chart change performance by light emitted by the frame lamp 53, and the performance content of the special chart change performance by the action of the above-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k.

In addition, while the special chart change performance by image is being performed by the image control board 140, the performance control microcomputer 121 outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the audio control circuit 161 (executes the special chart change performance by sound) according to the special chart change performance content indicated by the special chart change performance start command sent to the image control board 140, and also causes the frame lamp 53 to light up via the lamp control circuit 151 (executes the special chart change performance by light emission), and operates the above-board movable body 55k and the below-board movable body 56k (executes the special chart change performance by movement).

When the space mode is set in the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, in the special chart change presentation pattern selection process (S4405), the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart change start command is a SP jackpot change (special chart change pattern "P11", special chart change pattern "P61"), an N jackpot change (special chart change pattern "P12", special chart change pattern "P62"), an immediate jackpot change (special chart change pattern "P13", special chart change pattern "P64"), or a special chart change pattern "P65". In the case of the SP miss variation (special chart variation pattern "P14", special chart variation pattern "P64"), N miss variation (special chart variation pattern "P15", special chart variation pattern "P65"), immediate miss variation (special chart variation pattern "P16", special chart variation pattern "P66"), or shortened miss variation (special chart variation pattern "P17", "P18", "P67", "P68"), the special chart variation presentation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 37 is selected. The presentation control microcomputer 121 that has selected the special chart variation presentation pattern determination table acquires it as a random number for determining the special chart variation presentation pattern, and performs special chart variation presentation pattern determination based on the acquired random number for determining the special chart variation presentation pattern.

When determining the special chart change presentation pattern, the performance control microcomputer 121 checks the acquired random number for determining the special chart change presentation pattern against the selected special chart change presentation pattern table, determines the special chart change presentation pattern (special chart change presentation pattern Q1 to special chart change presentation pattern Q7, see Figure 37), sets data representing the determined special chart change presentation pattern in the performance RAM 124, and sets a special chart change presentation start command indicating the special chart change presentation pattern in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

When the special chart change performance start command set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a specified performance image from the image ROM 142 and performs a special chart change performance using an image on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50.

For example, when a special chart change performance start command indicating any one of the special chart change performance patterns Q1 to Q3 is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124, and is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a predetermined performance image (such as background image G122) from the image ROM 142 and performs a special chart change performance by image on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 (for example, in the case of special chart change performance pattern Q2, see FIG. 32). A pattern enlargement performance is performed with a special chart change performance based on special chart change performance pattern Q1 to special chart change performance pattern Q3 (see FIG. 32 (D)). By performing this pattern enlargement effect, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are temporarily stopped and displayed on the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, which has a display size larger than the display size of the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 that are temporarily stopped and displayed on the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode. Also, by performing the pattern enlargement effect, when the background image G122 is displayed on the display unit 50a, it becomes possible to understand that the special chart change effect is at its end.

Here, the special chart change presentation pattern selected by the special chart change presentation pattern selection table when the space mode shown in FIG. 37 is set will be explained. As shown in FIG. 37, in the case of a SP jackpot change consisting of a normal change → reach → SP reach presentation content (special chart change patterns "P11", "P61", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special chart change presentation pattern Q1 in which a "pattern enlargement presentation" is displayed 100% of the time will be selected. In the case of this special chart change presentation pattern Q1, when the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a stop state that suggests a jackpot, a pattern enlargement presentation will always be executed. Also, as shown in FIG. 37, in the case of an N jackpot change consisting of a normal change → reach → N reach presentation content (special chart change patterns "P12", "P62", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special chart change presentation pattern Q2 in which a "pattern enlargement presentation" is displayed 100% of the time will be selected. In the case of this special chart change presentation pattern Q2, when the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot, the pattern enlargement presentation (see FIG. 32) is always executed. Also, as shown in FIG. 37, in the case of an immediate jackpot change consisting of a normal change and a reach presentation (special chart change patterns "P13" and "P63", see FIG. 11 and FIG. 12), the special chart change presentation pattern Q3, which shows a "pattern enlargement presentation" 100% of the time, is selected. In the case of this special chart change presentation pattern Q3, when the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot, the pattern enlargement presentation is always executed.

As shown in FIG. 37, in the case of an SP miss variation consisting of a normal variation → reach → SP reach performance (special chart variation patterns "P14", "P64", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special chart variation performance pattern Q4 is selected in which a "pattern enlargement performance" is displayed at a rate of 0%. In the case of this special chart variation performance pattern Q4, a pattern enlargement performance is not executed in the special chart variation performance. Also, as shown in FIG. 37, in the case of an N miss variation consisting of a normal variation → reach → N reach performance (special chart variation patterns "P15", "P65", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special chart variation performance pattern Q5 is selected in which a "pattern enlargement performance" is displayed at a rate of 0%. In the case of this special chart variation performance pattern Q5, a pattern enlargement performance is not executed in the special chart variation performance. Also, as shown in FIG. 37, in the case of an immediate miss variation consisting of the performance contents of normal variation → reach (special chart variation patterns "P16", "P66", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special chart variation performance pattern Q6 in which a "pattern enlargement performance" is displayed at a rate of 0% is selected. In the case of this special chart variation performance pattern Q6, a pattern enlargement performance is not executed in the special chart variation performance. Also, as shown in FIG. 37, in the case of a shortened miss variation consisting of the performance contents of normal variation (special chart variation patterns "P17", "P18", "P67", "P68", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special chart variation performance pattern Q7 in which a "pattern enlargement performance" is displayed at a rate of 0% is selected. In the case of this special chart variation performance pattern Q7, a pattern enlargement performance is not executed in the special chart variation performance.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 35, when the forest mode is set in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, in the special chart change presentation pattern selection process (S4405), the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart change start command is a SP jackpot change (special chart change pattern "P11", special chart change pattern "P61"), an N jackpot change (special chart change pattern "P12", special chart change pattern "P62"), an immediate jackpot change (special chart change pattern "P13", special chart change pattern "P63"), or a special chart change pattern "P64". In the case of the SP miss variation (special chart variation pattern "P14", special chart variation pattern "P64"), N miss variation (special chart variation pattern "P15", special chart variation pattern "P65"), immediate miss variation (special chart variation pattern "P16", special chart variation pattern "P66"), or shortened miss variation (special chart variation pattern "P17", "P18", "P67", "P68"), the special chart variation presentation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 38 is selected. The presentation control microcomputer 121 that has selected the special chart variation presentation pattern determination table acquires it as a random number for determining the special chart variation presentation pattern, and performs special chart variation presentation pattern determination based on the acquired random number for determining the special chart variation presentation pattern.

In determining the special chart change presentation pattern, the performance control microcomputer 121 compares the acquired random number for determining the special chart change presentation pattern with the selected special chart change presentation pattern table, determines the special chart change presentation pattern (special chart change presentation pattern Q11 to special chart change presentation pattern Q17, see Figure 38), sets data representing the determined special chart change presentation pattern in the performance RAM 124, and sets a special chart change presentation start command indicating the special chart change presentation pattern in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

When the special chart change performance start command set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a specified performance image from the image ROM 142 and performs a special chart change performance (for example, a special chart change performance pattern) using images (background image G122, background image G124, etc.) on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. In addition, when the background image G124 is displayed on the display unit 50a due to the pattern change performance, it becomes possible to understand that the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 will change. Furthermore, when the background image G122 is displayed on the display unit 50a due to the pattern change performance, it becomes possible to understand that the special chart change performance is at its final stage.

For example, when a special chart change performance start command indicating any one of the special chart change performance patterns Q11 to Q13 is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124, and is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a predetermined performance image (background image G122, background image G124, etc.) from the image ROM 142, and performs a special chart change performance by image on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 (for example, in the case of special chart change performance pattern Q12, see FIG. 33). A pattern change performance is performed with a special chart change performance based on the special chart change performance pattern Q11 to Q13 (see FIG. 33 (D) to FIG. 33 (E)). When the pattern change performance is performed, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3, which are displayed temporarily stopped in the fourth performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to the space mode, are changed to a display size larger than the display size (see FIG. 33 (D)) of the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3, which are displayed temporarily stopped in the fourth performance pattern EZd2 corresponding to the forest mode (see FIG. 33 (E)). Also, when the pattern change performance is performed and the background image G122 is displayed on the display unit 50a, it becomes possible to understand that the special chart change performance is at its end. Also, when the pattern change performance is performed and the background image G124 is displayed on the display unit 50a, it becomes possible to understand that the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 has changed and that the special chart change performance is at its end.

Here, the special chart change presentation pattern selected by the special chart change presentation pattern selection table when the forest mode shown in FIG. 38 is set will be explained. As shown in FIG. 38, in the case of a SP jackpot change consisting of a normal change → reach → SP reach presentation content (special chart change patterns "P11", "P61", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special chart change presentation pattern Q11 in which a "pattern change presentation" is displayed 100% of the time will be selected. In the case of this special chart change presentation pattern Q11, when the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a stop state suggesting a jackpot in the special chart change presentation, a pattern change presentation is always executed. Also, as shown in FIG. 38, in the case of an N jackpot change consisting of a normal change → reach → N reach presentation content (special chart change patterns "P12", "P62", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special chart change presentation pattern Q12 in which a "pattern change presentation" is displayed 100% of the time will be selected. In the case of this special chart change presentation pattern Q12, when the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot in the special chart change presentation, the pattern change presentation (see FIG. 33) is always executed. Also, as shown in FIG. 38, in the case of an immediate jackpot change consisting of a presentation content of normal change → reach (special chart change patterns "P13", "P63", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), the special chart change presentation pattern Q13, which shows a "pattern change presentation" 100% of the time, is selected. In the case of this special chart change presentation pattern Q13, when the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a manner that suggests a jackpot in the special chart change presentation, the pattern change presentation is always executed.

As shown in FIG. 38, in the case of an SP miss variation (special pattern variation patterns "P14", "P64", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12) consisting of a normal variation → reach → SP reach performance content, special pattern variation performance pattern Q14, which shows a "pattern change performance" with a probability of 0%, is selected. In the case of this special pattern variation performance pattern Q14, the pattern change performance is not executed in the special pattern variation performance. Also, as shown in FIG. 38, in the case of an N miss variation (special pattern variation patterns "P15", "P65", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12) consisting of a normal variation → reach → N reach performance content, special pattern variation performance pattern Q15, which shows a "pattern change performance" with a probability of 0%, is selected. In the case of this special pattern variation performance pattern Q15, the pattern change performance is not executed in the special pattern variation performance. Also, as shown in FIG. 38, in the case of an immediate miss variation consisting of the performance contents of normal variation → reach (special pattern variation patterns "P16", "P66", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special pattern variation performance pattern Q6 in which a "pattern change performance" is displayed at a rate of 0% is selected. In the case of this special pattern variation performance pattern Q16, a pattern enlargement performance is not executed in the special pattern variation performance. Also, as shown in FIG. 37, in the case of a shortened miss variation consisting of the performance contents of normal variation (special pattern variation patterns "P17", "P18", "P67", "P68", see FIG. 11, FIG. 12), a special pattern variation performance pattern Q17 in which a "pattern change performance" is displayed at a rate of 0% is selected. In the case of this special pattern variation performance pattern Q17, a pattern change performance is not executed in the special pattern variation performance.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 35, the performance control microcomputer 121 then selects the preview performance (S4406). Specifically, it obtains a random number for determining the preview performance, and selects one table from among multiple tables classified according to the presence or absence of a reach based on the analysis result of the special chart variation start command, and selects the preview performance by using the selected table to judge the obtained random number for determining the preview performance. This determines the content of the preview performance, such as the so-called step-up preview performance or chance-up preview performance.

Examples of preview effects include a line preview in a gold frame indicating a high expectation of winning the jackpot (expected winning rate), a line preview in a green frame indicating a medium expected winning rate, and a line preview in a blue frame indicating a lower expected winning rate than these. In other words, a preview effect is an effect that shows the player the expected winning rate before the final winning or losing rate is announced by the EZ performance pattern.

Following S4406, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a variable performance start command to start the variable performance in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 based on the selected performance pattern, special chart variable performance pattern, and preview performance (S4407), and ends this process. When the variable performance start command set in S4407 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the special chart variable performance synchronized with the variable display of the special pattern is started on the display unit 50a.

9. Effects of the embodiment As described above in detail, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present embodiment, the display mode showing Arabic numerals and the display mode showing Roman numerals are both display modes showing numerals, but are different display modes (see FIG. 28). In addition, even if the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 in the display mode showing Arabic numerals, or the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 in the display mode showing Roman numerals are displayed to the player, it is possible to make the player understand the displayed numbers. As a result, for example, when the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 in the display mode showing Roman numerals are provisionally stopped in the stop mode suggesting a jackpot in the N reach in the special chart change performance, it is possible to provide the player with a change to a display mode showing a different Arabic numeral (see FIG. 33(C) to FIG. 33(G)). Therefore, for example, by changing the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the stopping mode that suggests a jackpot when provisionally stopped at N reach, it is possible to entertain players who are paying attention to the special pattern change performance, thereby increasing interest in the game.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, for example, when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot during an N-reach in the special chart change performance, it is possible to change the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals that are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot to the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Arabic numerals (see FIG. 33). As a result, the change in the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 makes it possible to heighten the player's feelings about the jackpot, who is paying attention to the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot, and therefore to increase the interest in the game.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, for example, when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in an N-reach in a special chart change performance, it is possible to provide the player with a change to the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Arabic numerals different from the Roman numerals (see FIG. 33). As a result, for example, when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in an N-reach in a special chart change performance, it is possible to provide fun with the change in the display mode of the symbols showing different numerals in the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that are temporarily stopped, and therefore it is possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, for example, when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in an N-reach in the special chart change performance, a pattern change performance is executed in the special chart change performance (see Fig. 33 (D) and Fig. 33 (E)). By executing this pattern change performance, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals that were temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot (for example, "IV IV IV") are changed to the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Arabic numerals and are enlarged and displayed (see Fig. 33 (E)). This makes it possible to draw attention to the change from the display mode showing Roman numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that were temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot to the display mode showing Arabic numerals. This makes it easier for players to understand that the display mode of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 has changed from a display mode showing Roman numerals to a display mode showing Arabic numerals.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, for example, when the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in an N-reach in the special chart change performance, a pattern change performance is executed in the special chart change performance (see Fig. 33 (D) and Fig. 33 (E)). When this pattern change performance is executed, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot (for example, "IV IV IV") that were temporarily stopped and displayed are vertically rotated, and then changed to the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Arabic numerals in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot (for example, "4 4 4") (see Fig. 33 (D), Fig. 33 (E), and Fig. 33 (F)). This makes it possible to emphasize to the player the change from the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 showing Roman numerals, which are temporarily stopped in a stop mode that suggests a big win, to the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 showing Arabic numerals. Therefore, it is possible to provide the change in the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 to the player who is paying attention to the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 that are rotating vertically, and it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

10. Modifications Next, modifications of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above embodiment will be described. In the description of the modifications, the same components as those of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the present embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described. Of course, the components of the modifications may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, the technical features of the first embodiment and the following modifications may be appropriately deleted unless they are described as essential in this specification.

In the above embodiment, the entry of a game ball into the first start port 11 and the entry of a game ball into the second start port 12 correspond to the "predetermined condition", but this is not limited to this. For example, other start ports different from the first start port 11 and the second start port 12 may be provided, and the entry of a game ball into the other start port may correspond to the "predetermined condition". The entry of a game ball into the other start port may trigger a lottery for special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) (a jackpot lottery, i.e., obtaining and determining a jackpot random number, etc.).

In the above embodiment, the display mode showing the Roman numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (see FIG. 28(B)) corresponds to the "first pattern mode", and the display mode showing the Arabic numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (see FIG. 28(A)) corresponds to the "second pattern mode". However, this is not limited to this. For example, as the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, two types of display modes may be provided: a display mode showing Arabic numerals and a display mode showing Chinese numerals. In this case, the display mode showing the Arabic numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "first pattern mode", and the display mode showing the Chinese numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "second pattern mode". In addition, as the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, two types of display modes may be provided: a display mode showing Roman numerals and a display mode showing Chinese numerals. In this case, the display mode of the Roman numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "first pattern mode", and the display mode of the Chinese numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "second pattern mode". In addition, three types of display modes may be provided for the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3: a display mode showing Arabic numerals, a display mode showing Roman numerals, and a display mode showing Chinese numerals. In this case, one of the three display modes may correspond to the "first pattern mode", and one of the remaining two display modes may correspond to the "second pattern mode". Note that Chinese numerals are a type of symbol that represents numbers, just like Arabic numerals and Roman numerals. The Chinese numerals are expressed in a sequence such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in Arabic numerals, or I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX in Roman numerals. In addition, a display mode showing Arabic numerals, a display mode showing Roman numerals, and a display mode showing Chinese numerals may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the display mode showing the Roman numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (see FIG. 28(B)) corresponds to the "first pattern mode", and the display mode showing the Arabic numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (see FIG. 28(A)) corresponds to the "second pattern mode". However, this is not limited to this. For example, as the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, a display mode in which a part showing a number (number part) and a part showing a character are combined, and a display mode showing only numbers may be provided. In this case, the display mode in which a part showing a number (number part) and a part showing a character of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are combined may correspond to the "first pattern mode", and the display mode showing only numbers of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "second pattern mode". In addition, a display mode showing only the numbers of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "first pattern mode," and a display mode in which the part showing the numbers of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (number part) and the part showing the characters are combined may correspond to the "first pattern mode."

In the above embodiment, the stop mode (e.g., "7-7-7") indicating a jackpot corresponds to a "predetermined combination", but is not limited thereto. For example, a stop mode (so-called reach miss) indicating a reach miss of the provisionally displayed performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may be a "predetermined combination". Also, a stop mode in which the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are provisionally displayed in the same stop mode (e.g., "2") and the center performance pattern EZ2 is provisionally displayed in a special pattern (e.g., ☆) may be a "predetermined combination". In this case, a stop mode in which the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are provisionally displayed in the same stop mode (e.g., "2") and the center performance pattern EZ2 is provisionally displayed in a special pattern (e.g., ☆) may be, for example, a stop mode indicating a jackpot, a stop mode indicating a miss, or a stop mode indicating a development to a special reach performance.

In the above embodiment, for example, when the Mori mode is set, when the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the Mori mode (display pattern showing Roman numerals) are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in the N reach, a pattern change effect is performed. When this pattern change effect is executed, the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are changed to the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 showing Arabic numerals temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot (see FIG. 33(D) to FIG. 33(F)). However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the Universe mode is set, when the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 showing Arabic numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in the N reach, a pattern change effect is performed, and the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the Mori mode (display pattern showing Roman numerals) temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot may be changed. Also, for example, when two types of display modes of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are provided, a display mode showing Arabic numerals and a display mode showing Chinese numerals, for example, when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode showing Arabic numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in an N reach, a pattern change performance is performed, and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode showing Chinese numerals temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot may be changed. Also, for example, when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode showing Chinese numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in an N reach, a pattern change performance is performed, and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode showing Arabic numerals temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot may be changed.

In the above embodiment, the stop pattern suggesting a big win (for example, "7-7-7") corresponds to the "combination suggesting a win", but is not limited to this. For example, the stop pattern suggesting a big win of the provisionally stopped display of the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 and the stop pattern suggesting a small win of the provisionally stopped display of the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "combination suggesting a win".

In the above embodiment, the stopping pattern suggesting a jackpot (e.g., "7-7-7") corresponds to a "combination suggesting a win", but is not limited to this. For example, a stopping pattern suggesting a jackpot ("5★5") in which the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3 are temporarily stopped and displayed in the same stopping pattern (e.g., "5") and the center performance pattern EZ2 is temporarily stopped and displayed in a special pattern (e.g., ★) may be a "predetermined combination".

In the above embodiment, the Roman numerals correspond to the "first numeric symbol" and the Arabic numerals correspond to the "second numeric symbol." Here, the numeric symbol is a symbol that represents a number. Here, the first numeric symbol is capable of expressing the number indicated by the second numeric symbol as the number indicated by the first numeric symbol. Also, the second numeric symbol is capable of expressing the number indicated by the first numeric symbol as the number indicated by the second numeric symbol.

In the above embodiment, the display mode showing the Roman numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (see FIG. 28(B)) corresponds to the "pattern mode consisting of the first numeric symbol", and the display mode showing the Arabic numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (see FIG. 28(A)) corresponds to the "pattern mode consisting of the second numeric symbol". However, this is not limited to this. For example, two types of display modes may be provided for the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3: a display mode showing Arabic numerals and a display mode showing Chinese numerals. In this case, the display mode showing the Arabic numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "pattern mode consisting of the first numeric symbol", and the display mode showing the Chinese numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "pattern mode consisting of the second numeric symbol". In addition, two types of display modes of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may be provided: a display mode showing Roman numerals and a display mode showing Chinese numerals. In this case, the display mode showing Roman numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "pattern mode consisting of the first numeric symbol", and the display mode showing Chinese numerals of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may correspond to the "pattern mode consisting of the second numeric symbol". In addition, three types of display modes of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may be provided: a display mode showing Arabic numerals, a display mode showing Roman numerals, and a display mode showing Chinese numerals. In this case, one of the three display modes may correspond to the "pattern mode consisting of the first numeric symbol", and one of the remaining two display modes may correspond to the "pattern mode consisting of the second numeric symbol".

In the above embodiment, when the Mori mode is set in a high probability high base state, the pattern change effect is executed when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, are temporarily stopped in a display mode suggesting a jackpot. This pattern change effect changes the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals and which were displayed on the display unit 50a, to the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Arabic numerals and have a larger display size than the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals (see FIG. 33 (E)). However, this is not limited to this. For example, in a high probability, high base state, when the space mode is set, if the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display patterns showing Arabic numerals, are temporarily stopped and displayed in a display pattern that suggests a jackpot, a pattern change display is executed, and the display size of the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display patterns showing Arabic numerals, may be changed to the display sizes of the large display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display patterns showing Roman numerals.

In the pachinko game machine PY1 of the above embodiment, when the normal presentation mode is set in a low probability low base state, a configuration may be applied in which the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 consisting of a display mode showing Arabic numerals provisionally stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot are not changed to a display mode different from the display mode showing Arabic numerals having a larger display size than the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 consisting of a display mode showing Arabic numerals when the regular presentation mode is set. With this configuration, when the Mori mode, which is a probability variation presentation mode, is set, the presentation value of changing to the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 of different display modes only when the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are provisionally stopped in a display mode suggesting a jackpot is increased, making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In the above embodiment, when the Mori mode is set, the vertical rotation of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display patterns showing Roman numerals, performed when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display patterns showing Roman numerals, are temporarily stopped in a display mode suggesting a jackpot, corresponds to the "rotation action by the performance pattern of the first pattern mode" (see FIG. 33 (D)). However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the Mori mode is set, the horizontal rotation of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display patterns showing Roman numerals, performed when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display patterns showing Roman numerals, are temporarily stopped in a display mode suggesting a jackpot, may correspond to the "rotation action by the performance pattern of the first pattern mode". In this case, the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, may rotate leftward, or the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, may rotate rightward. The horizontal rotation of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, is easier for the player to confirm than the vertical rotation of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, so the player's eyes are more likely to be drawn to the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3. This makes it easier for the player to grasp the changes in the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3. In addition, when the Mori mode is set, the diagonal rotation of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, performed when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, are temporarily stopped and displayed in a display mode suggesting a jackpot, may correspond to the "rotation action by the performance pattern of the first pattern mode". In addition, for example, when the Mori mode is set, the vertical rotation and horizontal rotation of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, performed when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, are temporarily stopped and displayed in a display mode suggesting a jackpot, may correspond to the "rotation action by the performance pattern of the first pattern mode".

In the above embodiment, when the high probability high base state and the forest mode are set, the pattern change performance is executed when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals, are temporarily stopped in a display mode suggesting a jackpot. This pattern change performance causes the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Roman numerals and which were displayed on the display unit 50a, to be vertically rotated, and then changed to the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Arabic numerals (see Figures 33(D) to 33(F)). However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the space mode is set in the high probability high base state, the pattern change performance may be executed when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are display modes showing Arabic numerals, are temporarily stopped in a display mode suggesting a jackpot. The pattern change effect may involve a vertical rotation of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are displayed in a display mode showing Arabic numerals and which were displayed on the display unit 50a, and then the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, which are displayed in a display mode showing Roman numerals, may be changed.

In the pachinko game machine PY1 of the above embodiment, when the normal presentation mode is set in a low probability low base state, a configuration may be applied in which when the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3, which are display patterns showing Arabic numerals, are temporarily stopped and displayed in a display mode suggesting a jackpot, they are not changed to presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3, which are display modes different from the display mode showing Arabic numerals. With this configuration, when the forest mode, which is a probability variation presentation mode, is set, the presentation value of changing to presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3, which are different display modes, is increased, making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In the above embodiment, when the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 displayed on the display unit 50a are finally stopped in a stop mode suggesting a big win, whether the forest mode or the space mode is set, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 displayed on the display unit 50a are also stopped all at once in a stop mode suggesting a big win (see Figures 31, 32 (F), and 33 (G)). However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 displayed on the display unit 50a are also stopped all at once in a stop mode suggesting a big win, whether the forest mode or the space mode is set, the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the stop mode suggesting a big win that has finally stopped on the display unit 50a may not be displayed. In this case, for example, a winning game suggestion image suggesting that a small win game or a big win game will be executed may be displayed on the display unit 50a.

In the above embodiment, the special variable performance mode may include a special variable pre-stage performance mode before the reach is achieved, and a special variable post-stage performance mode after the reach is achieved in the special chart change performance. In this case, in the special variable pre-stage performance mode, the first special variable background image G105 or the second special variable background image G123 is displayed on the display unit 50a, but in the special variable post-stage performance mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach may be displayed.

In the above embodiment, the space mode and the forest mode are provided as the presentation modes in which the game state of the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to a high probability high base state. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the presentation mode in which the game state of the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to a high probability high base state may be one type of probability change presentation mode. In this case, two types of time-saving presentation modes (for example, the sky mode and the forest mode) may be provided as the presentation modes in which the game state of the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to a low probability high base state. For example, the display mode of the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 when the sky mode is set in the low probability high base state may be a display mode showing Arabic numerals, and the display mode of the presentation patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 when the forest mode is set in the low probability high base state may be a display mode showing Roman numerals. As a result, for example, when the Mori mode is set in a low-probability high base state, in the N reach of the special chart variation performance executed, when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 of the display mode (display mode showing Roman numerals) corresponding to the Mori mode are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot, a pattern change performance is performed, and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 of the display mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals) corresponding to the empty mode temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot may be changed. Also, for example, when the empty mode is set in a low-probability high base state, in the N reach of the special chart variation performance executed, when the empty mode is set in a low-probability high base state, when the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 of the display mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals) corresponding to the empty mode are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot, a pattern enlargement performance is performed, and the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 of the display mode (display mode showing Roman numerals) corresponding to the Mori mode temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot may not be changed.

In the above embodiment, the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the space mode is a display mode showing Arabic numerals, and the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode is a display mode showing Roman numerals. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the space mode may be a display mode showing Chinese numerals, and the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode may be a display mode showing Arabic numerals. Also, the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the space mode may be a display mode showing Chinese numerals, and the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the forest mode may be a display mode showing Roman numerals.

In the above embodiment, even if the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Arabic numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in the N reach of the special chart variation performance executed when the space mode is set, they are not changed to the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot. However, this is not limited to this. For example, even if the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Arabic numerals are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in the N reach of the special chart variation performance executed when the space mode is set, they may be changed to the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a display mode showing Roman numerals temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot.

In the pachinko game machine PY1 of the above embodiment, when the forest mode is set, the display mode (e.g., "II, II, II") of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 provisionally displayed in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot, showing Roman numerals, may be changed to the display mode (e.g., "7, 7, 7") of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 provisionally displayed in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot that is more advantageous to the player (e.g., suggesting that a transition to a high probability high base state will occur after the jackpot game ends, or suggesting that a jackpot game with a large number of winning balls will be executed) corresponding to the space mode, which is provisionally displayed in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot that is more advantageous to the player than the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 provisionally displayed in a stop mode showing Roman numerals, showing the jackpot. This not only changes the display mode consisting of symbols representing numbers, but also makes it possible to make the player feel that the change will lead to a jackpot that is more advantageous to the player. This allows the player to focus more on the provisionally stopped symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, making it possible to enjoy playing with the special symbol variation effects.

In the above embodiment, the special probability presentation mode could be selected for each jackpot ending presentation executed during the ending of a jackpot game (jackpot game X, jackpot game Z). However, this is not limited to this and may be changeable as appropriate. For example, the selected special probability presentation mode may continue as long as the high probability, high base state continues. In addition, the selected special probability presentation mode may be changeable after the high probability, high base state has continued a predetermined number of times. In addition, the special probability presentation mode may be changeable each time a jackpot game is executed.

In the above embodiment, when the normal presentation mode, the time-saving presentation mode, or the special probability presentation mode (space mode) is set, the display mode of the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is a display mode showing Arabic numerals. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the display modes of the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to the normal presentation mode, the time-saving presentation mode, and the special probability presentation mode (space mode) may be different. Also, the display modes of the presentation symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 corresponding to any of the presentation modes of the normal presentation mode, the time-saving presentation mode, and the special probability presentation mode (space mode) may be partially the same.

In the above embodiment, the SP reach performed in the special chart change performance executed when the forest mode or the space mode is set is the same, but this is not limited to this. For example, the content of the SP reach performed in the special chart change performance executed when the forest mode or the space mode is set may be different. Also, the SP reach may not be performed in the special chart change performance executed when the forest mode is set, but the SP reach may be performed in the special chart change performance executed when the space mode is set.

As the display mode of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3, a display mode corresponding to the space mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals) and a display mode corresponding to the forest mode (display mode showing Roman numerals) may be provided. In this case, for example, in the special pattern change performance when the forest mode is set, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the forest mode (display mode showing Roman numerals) are temporarily stopped and displayed in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot, and when the pattern change performance is executed, the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 and the display mode of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 may be changed to the display mode corresponding to the space mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals). As a result, it is possible to entertain the player by providing a novel performance in which not only the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 but also the display mode of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are changed by the pattern change performance in the special pattern change performance. In addition, in the special chart change performance when the space mode is set, the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the space mode (display mode showing Arabic numerals) are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot, and even if the pattern enlargement performance is executed, the display mode of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 and the display mode of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 may not be changed to the display mode corresponding to the forest mode (display mode showing Roman numerals). This makes it possible to make players interested in the pattern change performance executed when the display patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the display mode corresponding to the forest mode (display mode showing Roman numerals) are temporarily stopped in a stop mode suggesting a jackpot in the special chart change performance when the forest mode is set. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the player to select the forest mode and enjoy the special chart change performance in that forest mode.

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

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

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is configured so that the transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of jackpot symbol that is won, but it may also be a so-called V-guaranteed machine (a gaming machine that controls to a high probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) in the jackpot opening). In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is configured so that once it is controlled to a high probability state, it continues to be controlled to the high probability state until the start of the next jackpot game (a so-called guaranteed loop type gaming machine), but it may also be configured as a so-called ST machine (a guaranteed loop type gaming machine with a limited number of times). It may also be configured as a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine or a swing type gaming machine. In other words, the invention shown in this specification can be suitably adopted for gaming machines with various game characteristics, regardless of the game characteristics of the gaming machine.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine, but it can also be applied to other pinball gaming machines such as arrange ball machines and mahjong ball gaming machines.

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

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

11. Inventions shown in the above embodiments The above embodiments show the following inventions (inventions relating to means A1 to A5). In the following description of the inventions, the corresponding component names and expressions in the above embodiments and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions.

<Means A>
The invention according to Means A1 is as follows:
A game control means (main control board 100) that performs a lottery to determine whether or not a game has been won based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (a game ball entering the first start hole 11, a game ball entering the second start hole 12),
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (sub-control board 120) that can execute reach performance (reach, N reach, SP reach) using performance symbols (performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3) based on the result of the lottery,
The pattern form of the performance pattern includes a first pattern form (a display form showing Roman numerals, see FIG. 28(B)) and a second pattern form (a display form showing Arabic numerals, see FIG. 28(A)) different from the first pattern form,
The first and second symbol patterns are symbol patterns showing numbers,
When the performance pattern of the first pattern aspect consisting of a predetermined combination is displayed in the reach performance, it may be changed to the performance pattern of the second pattern aspect consisting of the predetermined combination (see Figures 33(C) to 33(F)),
This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the first and second symbol patterns are both different symbol patterns, although they are both symbol patterns showing numbers. As a result, when a performance pattern of the first symbol pattern consisting of a predetermined combination is displayed in a reach performance, it is possible to provide the player with a change to a different second symbol pattern, although it is a symbol pattern showing a number. Therefore, it is possible to entertain the player by the change in the symbol pattern of the performance pattern consisting of a predetermined combination displayed in the reach performance, and it is possible to increase the interest of the game.

The invention according to Means A2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means A1,
The predetermined combination is a combination that suggests a win (a stop pattern that suggests a big win),
This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

With this gaming machine, when the first symbol pattern is displayed in a combination that suggests a win during a reach effect, it is possible to change the first symbol pattern to a second symbol pattern that is also a combination that suggests a win. This makes it possible to stimulate the emotions of a player who is paying attention to the symbol pattern that is a combination that suggests a win by changing the symbol pattern pattern, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

The invention according to Means A3 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means A1 or A2,
The first design aspect is a design aspect consisting of a first numeral symbol (a display aspect showing Roman numerals, see FIG. 28(B) ),
The second design aspect is a design aspect consisting of a second numeric symbol different from the first numeric symbol (a display aspect showing Arabic numerals, see FIG. 28(A) );
This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when a performance pattern of a first pattern aspect consisting of a first number symbol is displayed in a predetermined combination in a reach performance, it is possible to provide the player with a change to a performance pattern of a second pattern aspect consisting of a second number symbol different from the first number symbol. This makes it possible to get the player interested in the change in the pattern aspect consisting of number symbols when a performance pattern consisting of a predetermined combination is displayed in a reach performance, thereby making it possible to increase the enjoyment of the game.

The invention according to Means A4 is:
In the gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A3,
When the performance pattern of the first pattern form consisting of the predetermined combination is displayed in the reach performance, the performance pattern may be changed to the performance pattern of the second pattern form having a display size larger than that of the first pattern form (see FIG. 33(E)).
This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

According to a gaming machine with this configuration, when a first pattern of a predetermined combination is displayed in a reach effect, the pattern is changed to a second pattern of a larger display size than the first pattern. This makes it easier for the player to grasp the change in the second pattern by emphasizing to the player that the first pattern of a predetermined combination has changed to the second pattern of a larger display size.

The invention according to Means A5 is:
In the gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A4,
When the performance pattern of the first pattern aspect consisting of the predetermined combination is displayed in the reach performance, a rotation action (vertical rotation action of performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, EZ3, see FIG. 33(D)) is performed by the performance pattern of the first pattern aspect, and the performance pattern may be changed to the performance pattern of the second pattern aspect consisting of the predetermined combination (see FIG. 33(E) to FIG. 33(F)).
This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when a performance pattern of a first pattern aspect consisting of a predetermined combination is displayed in a reach performance, a rotation action is performed using the performance pattern of the first pattern aspect, and the performance pattern is changed to a performance pattern of a second pattern aspect consisting of a predetermined combination. This makes it possible to emphasize to the player that the performance pattern of the first pattern aspect consisting of a predetermined combination is changing to a performance pattern of the second pattern aspect. Therefore, it is possible to draw the player's attention to the performance pattern of the first pattern aspect consisting of a predetermined combination displayed in the reach performance, making it possible to increase the player's interest in the game.

In the past, a pachinko game machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, has a function of determining whether or not a jackpot has been won based on the ball entering the starting hole, and playing the jackpot game based on the result of the determination, as described in JP2003-230714A. In the pachinko game machine described in JP2003-230714A, a jackpot pattern is displayed based on the result of the determination of whether or not a jackpot has been won, and then a reach effect is performed, and the result of the determination of whether or not a jackpot has been won is shown to the player based on the stopping mode (predetermined combination) of the effect patterns stopped and displayed in the reach effect. However, in the pachinko game machine described in JP2003-230714A, it is not interesting to simply display a predetermined combination of effect patterns in the reach effect that is executed based on the result of a lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot will be won, and there is room for improvement in terms of increasing the interest in the game. The above-mentioned invention A differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2003-230714 A in that "when the presentation symbol of a first symbol form consisting of a predetermined combination is displayed in a reach presentation, it may change to the presentation symbol of a second symbol form consisting of a predetermined combination." This makes it possible for invention A to solve the problem (achieve the effect of) "making it possible to increase interest in the game."

50...image display device 50a...display unit 100...main control board 101...game control microcomputer 120...sub control board 121...performance control microcomputer EZ1...left performance pattern EZ2...middle performance pattern EZ3...right performance pattern EZa1...first performance pattern EZb1 corresponding to space mode...second performance pattern EZc1 corresponding to space mode...third performance pattern EZd1 corresponding to space mode...fourth performance pattern EZe1 corresponding to space mode...fifth performance pattern EZf1 corresponding to space mode...sixth performance pattern EZg1 corresponding to space mode...seventh performance pattern corresponding to space mode Pattern EZh1...8th performance pattern EZi1 corresponding to space mode...9th performance pattern EZa2 corresponding to space mode...1st performance pattern EZb2 corresponding to forest mode...2nd performance pattern EZc2 corresponding to forest mode...3rd performance pattern EZd2 corresponding to forest mode...4th performance pattern EZe2 corresponding to forest mode...5th performance pattern EZf2 corresponding to forest mode...6th performance pattern EZg2 corresponding to forest mode...7th performance pattern EZh2 corresponding to forest mode...8th performance pattern EZi2 corresponding to forest mode...9th performance pattern PY1 corresponding to forest mode... Pachinko game machine

Claims (2)

A game control means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not a winning ticket has been won based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
A performance control means for executing a reach performance using a performance symbol based on the result of the lottery.
The performance control means includes:
One of a plurality of presentation modes including a specific presentation mode can be set;
The pattern form of the performance pattern includes a first pattern form corresponding to the specific performance mode and a second pattern form different from the first pattern form,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the performance pattern of the first pattern mode consisting of a specific combination of numbers that indicates an advantage to the player in the reach performance in the specific performance mode is displayed in a stopped state, the performance pattern of the first pattern mode consisting of the specific combination displayed in a stopped state may be changed to the performance pattern of the second pattern mode consisting of the specific combination of numbers and different in size from the performance pattern of the first pattern mode. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The plurality of types of presentation modes include a special presentation mode different from the specific presentation mode,
The second symbol pattern is a symbol pattern corresponding to the special performance mode.

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