JP7692602B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

The following Patent Document 1 describes a gaming machine that can execute a performance that indicates reliability numerically.

JP 2015-164589 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can execute interesting effects using performance values.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is a gaming machine that executes a numerical change effect in which a numerical value that changes over actual time is displayed on a display device, and the final value, which is the value when the numerical value stops changing in the numerical change effect, indicates the likelihood that a bonus will be awarded to the player, and the numerical change effect is set so that the final value is the same if the actual time required from when the change in the numerical value starts to when it stops is the same.

The gaming machine of the present invention is capable of implementing interesting effects using performance values.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. 13 is a diagram for explaining the game state (transition of the game state). FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a composite presentation (a diagram showing an example of a composite presentation). FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining the types of reserved symbols, FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining the types of chance symbols, and FIG. 13C is a diagram for explaining the types of suggestive images. A diagram for explaining composite performance patterns (combinations of potential events that may occur) and the reliability of each pattern. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the numerical increase effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining post-performance. A diagram to explain the actual time from the numerical increase performance to the post-performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-5. A figure to explain specific example 2-6 (numerical increase presentation). A figure to explain specific example 2-6 (post-effect after the numerical increase effect shown in Figure 15). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-7. A diagram to explain the flow of a specific performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a specific effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a successful outcome (normal successful pattern) and a failed outcome. 13 is a diagram for explaining a successful ending (special successful pattern). FIG. A diagram to explain the post-success performance. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-6. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining an example obtained by modifying specific example 3-6. FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining an example obtained by modifying specific example 3-6.

1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine Hereinafter, one embodiment of the gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 1. In the following description, the term "image" includes not only still images but also moving images.

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

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

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

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

The lottery for the big win is executed by a winning/losing lottery means provided on a control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the starting area 904. In this embodiment, a first starting area 904a (the so-called "special chart 1" starting area) and a second starting area 904b (the so-called "special chart 2" starting area) are provided as the starting area 904. When a game ball enters the starting area 904, a number (winning/losing lottery information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the number is the same as a predetermined big win number, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss. When a big win is obtained, a big win game is executed in which the big winning area 906 is opened (a "benefit" is given to the player). The big win game itself is well known, so a description is omitted.

In this embodiment, the results of the winning/losing lottery will be announced in the order in which the numbers are obtained (so-called fluctuation will begin), but if there is winning/losing lottery information for which the results have not yet been announced, the newly acquired winning/losing lottery information will be stored in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown) as reserved information (strictly speaking, pre-fluctuation reserved information, which will be described later).

In this embodiment, as the reserved pattern 10, a reserved pattern 11 (a pattern indicating the existence of the so-called "reserved change") corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the reserved information during change) in which the during-change performance (from the start of the change of the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) to the complete stop of the combination indicating the winning/losing lottery result, which is the so-called performance during one change. Hereinafter, it may be referred to simply as "change") that notifies the winning/losing lottery result has started, but the notification of the winning/losing lottery result has not been completed, and a reserved pattern 12 before the change that corresponds to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the reserved information before the change) in which the during-change performance that notifies the winning/losing lottery result has not started (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the reserved pattern 11 during the change is displayed larger than the reserved pattern before the change 12, but the basic form of both is the same. The basic form of the reserved pattern 11 during the change and the reserved pattern before the change 12 may be completely different. In addition, the reserved pattern 11 during the change may not be displayed. In addition, the order in which the winning/losing lottery results corresponding to the reserved patterns 12 before the change are notified (the so-called reserved "consumption order") is earlier for those located to the right.

The maximum number of pre-change reserved information is limited. In this embodiment, the maximum number of first pre-change reserved information (special chart 1 reserved) obtained by winning the first starting area 904a is four, and the maximum number of second pre-change reserved information (special chart 2 reserved) obtained by winning the second starting area 904b is four. Therefore, with respect to the reserved pattern 10 corresponding to one of the special charts 1 and 2, one reserved pattern 11 during change and up to four pre-change reserved patterns 12 may be displayed (see FIG. 2). The pre-change reserved pattern 12 is set so that if the game ball should be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a (normal game state to be described later), the first pre-change reserved information (special chart 1 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 12, and if the game ball should be launched aiming at the second starting area 904b (special game state to be described later), the second pre-change reserved information (special chart 2 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 12. Regardless of the game state, the pre-change reserved pattern 12 corresponding to both the first pre-change reserved information and the second pre-change reserved information stored in the storage means may be displayed (up to eight pre-change reserved patterns 12 may be displayed).

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

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

In this embodiment, a normal game state and a special game state are set as game states (see FIG. 3). The special game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The normal game state is a low probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low (for example, the probability of winning a jackpot is about 1/320), and is a low base state (low probability, no time reduction) in which the game ball is unlikely to enter the starting area 904. The special game state is a high probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high (for example, the probability of winning a jackpot is about 1/80), and is a high base state (high probability, time reduction) in which the game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904. In the normal game state, the player launches the game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, a so-called "left hit" is performed. In the special game state, the player launches the game ball aiming at the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, a so-called "right hit" is performed. The special game state is a state in which it is easy to win the lottery to open the second starting area 904b, which is triggered by the game ball entering the normal starting area 905, so it is relatively easy for the game ball to enter the second starting area 904b.

In this embodiment, the special game state is entered after all jackpot games have ended. The special game state ends when the winning/losing lottery results are a miss a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). When the special game state ends, the normal game state is entered. If the jackpot is won before the predetermined number of consecutive misses after the transition to the special game state, the game state is entered again (the count of the predetermined number is reset). In other words, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called ST machine in which the condition for consecutive wins is to win a jackpot before the predetermined number of consecutive misses after the transition to the special game state. Note that, unless otherwise specified in the following description, the game characteristics (specifications) are merely one example. For example, it may be a so-called probability loop machine. It may also be a V probability machine. It may also be a gaming machine (one-type/two-type mixed machine) equipped with a so-called small win, in which a jackpot can be won by the game ball entering a predetermined area when the small win is won. In addition, a game state different from the normal game state and the special game state may be set, for example, a low probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and a high base state (low probability, with time reduction) in which the game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904.

2) The following describes various effects that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. Note that the configuration may be such that only some of the effects described below can be executed. Also, the configuration may be such that the effects described below can occur only when a specific mode (which may be a mode that the player can select himself or herself, or a mode that is set automatically (without being selected by the player)) is set. Also, the various effects described below can occur as part of the during-variation effects, but they may also occur while during a jackpot game or the like when a during-variation effect is not being executed. For example, they may occur as an indication of the likelihood that the game state after the end of a jackpot game will transition to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state (the transition to the special game state being a "benefit").

2-1) Composite Performance The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing a composite performance (see FIG. 4) as a performance that constitutes a variable performance. In this embodiment, a composite performance is completed in one variable performance from start to finish. A composite performance includes multiple unit performances. The composite performance in this embodiment includes three unit performances. A unit performance is one in which any one of multiple types of candidate events occurs.

A candidate event is an event whose occurrence suggests that a situation is advantageous to the player. Specifically, it is an event that suggests to the player that there is an increased probability (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the (jackpot) reliability) that the win/lose lottery result (target win/lose lottery result) corresponding to the varying performance will be a jackpot. The number of types of candidate events is equal to or greater than the number of unit performances contained in the composite performance. In this embodiment, one of three candidate events (first candidate event to third candidate event) occurs in one unit performance. The example shown in Figure 4 is an example in which the first candidate event occurs in the first unit performance, the second candidate event occurs in the second unit performance, and the third candidate event occurs in the third unit performance.

The first candidate event is a reserved change (reserved change performance) in which the state of the reserved pattern 10 changes in a direction that increases the jackpot reliability. In this embodiment, the state of the reserved pattern 10 corresponding to the target winning/losing lottery result, i.e., the state of the changing reserved pattern 11, changes (see Figures 4(b) and (c)). As the state of the reserved pattern 10 (see Figure 5(a)), a normal state 10n and multiple special states 10s are set. The normal state 10n is the basic state (normal state) of the reserved pattern 10. In other words, the reserved pattern 10 is most likely to be in the normal state 10n. The special state 10s is a state in which the corresponding winning/losing lottery result has a higher jackpot reliability than the normal state 10n. In other words, it is a so-called "chance-up reserved". In this embodiment, four special states 10s, the first special state 101s to the fourth special state 104s, are set as the special states 10s. Specifically, there are four types of special modes: a first special mode 101s that is blue, a second special mode 102s that is green, a third special mode 103s that is red, and a fourth special mode 104s that is rainbow (note that in the drawings, "color" is represented by letters). The jackpot reliability increases in this order (fourth special mode 104s is the highest). Also, the fourth special mode 104s is a mode in which the result of the lottery corresponding to the reserved pattern 10 is determined to be a jackpot.

The second candidate event is one in which a so-called "chance eye" is constructed by the three decorative symbols 80 displayed in the display area 911 (chance eye presentation) (see Fig. 4 (d) (e)). A chance eye is a combination of three decorative symbols 80 that satisfies a predetermined rule (excluding combinations that indicate a jackpot (three of the same decorative symbols 80)). The first chance eye is one in which all three decorative symbols 80 are even numbers. The second chance eye is one in which all three decorative symbols 80 are either "1" or "5". The third chance eye is one in which all three decorative symbols 80 are either "3" or "7". The jackpot reliability increases in the order of the first chance eye, the second chance eye, and the third chance eye (the third chance eye is the highest) (see Fig. 5 (b)). In this embodiment, the chance eye is created during the changing performance, so the three decorative patterns 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) do not stop changing completely, but are in a pseudo-stopped state (a state that appears to the player to be stopped, for example, a state in which they are slightly shaking).

The third candidate event is a suggestion image 20 displayed in the display area 911 (suggestion image presentation) (see Figs. 4(f) and (g)). In this embodiment, one of the three suggestion images, the first suggestion image 21 to the third suggestion image 23, is displayed. The first suggestion image 21 is an image containing the characters "opportunity", the second suggestion image 22 is an image containing the characters "hot", and the third suggestion image 23 is an image containing the characters "confirmed". The reliability of the jackpot increases in the order of the first suggestion image 21, the second suggestion image 22, and the third suggestion image 23 (see Fig. 5(c)). When the third suggestion image 23 is displayed, it is confirmed that the result of the target winning/losing lottery will be a jackpot.

Note that these reserved change effects, chance eye effects, and suggestive image effects are not only unit effects (candidate events) that make up a composite effect, but can also occur otherwise (when a composite effect is not being executed). In other words, the reserved pattern 10 can become a special pattern 10s even if a unit effect does not occur, a chance eye can be constructed even if a unit effect does not occur, and a suggestive image 20 can be displayed even if a unit effect does not occur.

In a composite performance, three unit performances occur in sequence. In each unit performance, one of the first to third candidate events occurs (see Figure 4). Based on the results of the lottery, it is decided which candidate event will occur in each unit performance. The occurrence pattern of candidate events in a composite performance is as shown in Figure 6.

The occurrence patterns are roughly divided into three. Pattern A, in which different types of candidate events occur in all unit performances (three times), pattern B, in which the same type of candidate event occurs in two of the three unit performances and a different type of candidate event occurs in the other, and pattern C, in which the same type of candidate event occurs in all unit performances. The number of types of candidate events is equal to or greater than the number of unit performances included in the composite performance (in this embodiment, "the number of types of candidate events = the number of unit performances"), so pattern A, in which different candidate events occur in all unit performances, can occur. Pattern B is divided into pattern B-1, in which the first candidate event occurs twice, pattern B-2, in which the second candidate event occurs twice, and pattern B-3, in which the third candidate event occurs twice. Pattern B-1 is divided into pattern B-1-2, in which the first candidate event occurs twice and the second candidate event occurs once, and pattern B-1-3, in which the first candidate event occurs twice and the third candidate event occurs once. Pattern B-2 is divided into pattern B-2-1, in which the second candidate event occurs twice and the first candidate event occurs once, and pattern B-2-3, in which the second candidate event occurs twice and the third candidate event occurs once. Pattern B-3 is divided into pattern B-3-1, in which the third candidate event occurs twice and the first candidate event occurs once, and pattern B-3-2, in which the third candidate event occurs twice and the second candidate event occurs once. Pattern C is divided into pattern C-1, in which the first candidate event occurs three times, pattern C-2, in which the second candidate event occurs three times, and pattern C-3, in which the third candidate event occurs three times. After the pattern to be generated is determined based on the results of the target winning/losing lottery, the order in which the candidate events occur is determined randomly. In other words, in this embodiment, the order in which the candidate events occur does not affect the reliability.

As can be seen from Figure 6, the total jackpot reliability of each pattern increases in the order of Pattern A, Pattern B (all patterns included in Pattern B), and Pattern C (all patterns included in Pattern C). In other words, reliability is higher when the same type of candidate event occurs in two of the three unit performances (Pattern B) than when different candidate events occur in all three unit performances (Pattern A), and reliability is higher when the same type of candidate event occurs in all three unit performances (Pattern C) than when the same type of candidate event occurs in two of the three unit performances (Pattern B). In summary, the more times the same type of candidate event occurs in the three unit performances, the higher the reliability.

In this embodiment, if the same type of candidate event occurs more than twice in one composite performance, a "step-up" in reliability will always occur.

If the first candidate event occurs two or more times in one composite performance, the state of the reserved pattern 10 as a result of the later first candidate event is considered to have a higher reliability of a jackpot than the state of the reserved pattern 10 (changing reserved pattern 11) shown as a result of the earlier first candidate event. In other words, if the first candidate event occurs two or more times, two or more stages of "reserved change" are considered to occur. Note that, if it is determined that the reserved pattern 10 in the fourth special state 104s (guaranteed jackpot) will ultimately be displayed in one composite performance, the reserved pattern 10 will reach the fourth special state 104s in the last first candidate event (last reserved change).

When the second candidate event occurs two or more times in one composite performance, the chance eye displayed as a result of the later occurrence of the second candidate event has a higher reliability of winning than the chance eye displayed as a result of the earlier occurrence of the second candidate event. In this embodiment, the first second candidate event to occur in a composite performance is the first chance eye. Therefore, when the second candidate event occurs twice in one composite performance (pattern B-2), the second chance eye is displayed eventually (at the second second candidate event). When the second candidate event occurs three times in one composite performance (pattern C-2), the third chance eye is displayed finally (at the third second candidate event).

When the third candidate event occurs two or more times in one composite performance, the suggestion image 20 displayed as a result of the later occurrence of the third candidate event is considered to have a higher jackpot reliability than the suggestion image 20 displayed as a result of the earlier occurrence of the third candidate event. In this embodiment, the first third candidate event that occurs in a composite performance is assumed to display the first suggestion image 21. Therefore, when the third candidate event occurs twice in one composite performance (pattern B-3), the second suggestion image 22 is finally displayed (at the second third candidate event). When the third candidate event occurs three times in one composite performance (pattern C-3), the third suggestion image 23 is finally displayed (at the third third candidate event). As described above, the third suggestion image 23 is an image that guarantees a jackpot, so pattern C-3 can be said to be a pattern that guarantees a jackpot (100% reliability) (a pattern that only occurs when the target hit/miss lottery result is a jackpot) (see FIG. 6).

In this way, the composite presentation in this embodiment is an interesting presentation format in which the player hopes that the same type of event will occur in each unit presentation.

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

〇Specific example 1-1
The specific form of the unit performance is as follows. The unit performance (any of the first to third performances) includes a first half and a subsequent second half (see FIG. 7). In the first half, one of a plurality of candidate events (in the above embodiment, the first to third candidate events) is displayed by the first half image 31. For example, if the first half indicates the first candidate event, an image including the characters "pending change" (first first half image 311) (see FIG. 7(a-1)) is displayed in the display area 911. If the first half indicates the second candidate event, an image including the characters "chance eye" (second first half image 312) (see FIG. 7(a-2)) is displayed in the display area 911. If the first half indicates the third candidate event, an image including the characters "reliability" (third first half image 313) (see FIG. 7(a-3)) is displayed in the display area 911. By making the first half into such a form, the player feels that the event indicated by the image (characters) will occur soon.

In the second half, it is shown that the type of candidate event shown in the first half will actually occur. Regardless of the type of candidate event shown in the first half, in the second half, an image containing the word "occurrence" (second half image 32) is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 7(b)). After the second half ends, the candidate event (the event shown in the first half (either a pending change effect, a chance eye effect, or a suggestive image effect)) actually occurs. Here, in the second half, there is no indication that the candidate event shown in the first half will not occur. In other words, it is a form of unit effect in which it is clearly shown that the candidate event shown in the first half will actually occur in the second half.

A player who encounters the first half expects that the event shown in the first half image 31 will occur soon. However, the first half does not display anything that clearly indicates that the event will definitely occur, so the player cannot be sure that the event will occur. In this example, the second half does not occur in a way that negates the occurrence of the event shown in the first half, so it is possible to create a presentation that does not disappoint the player.

Specific Example 1-2 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 1-1)
The first half is presented as if it were a "question," and the second half is presented as if it were the "answer." It may also be presented in such a way that a first character appears to ask the "question," and a second character appears to give the "answer." The first first half image 311 is presented as "Is it a pending change?" (see FIG. 8(a-1)), the second first half image 312 as "Is it a chance?" (see FIG. 8(a-2)), and the third first half image 313 as "Is it an expectation level display?" (see FIG. 8(a-3)) to indicate that they are "questions."

The latter half of the image 32 indicates that the candidate event shown in the first half will occur, so the latter half of the image 32 is displayed as a positive "answer." For example, the latter half of the image 32 may be displayed as "yes" (see FIG. 8(b)), indicating that the event shown in the first half will actually occur.

It is common to think that the "answer" to a "question" can be not only positive, but also negative. Therefore, a player who encounters the first half of the game cannot be sure that the event indicated in that first half will occur. In this example, the "answer" to that question is always positive, creating a presentation in which the possible event indicated in the first half is guaranteed to occur.

Specific Example 1-3 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 1-1 and Specific Example 1-2)
A candidate event is shown in the first half, and the player is suggested at the first half that the event will be shown to occur in the second half (the candidate event shown in the first half will not be shown not to occur). For example, in a presentation format in which the first half is a "question" and the second half is an "answer" as in specific example 1-2, an image (preliminary image 35) such as "Answer all with 'yes'" is displayed in the display area 911 from the first half stage (see FIG. 9(a)). In other words, it is suggested from the first half stage that the "answer" in the second half will always be positive. The preliminary image 35 is displayed from the stage where it is not known which candidate event will be shown in the first half (the stage before the first half image 31 is displayed (see FIG. 9(b))) (see FIG. 9(a)).

By doing this, the player can understand before the latter half of the game that the event shown in the first half will occur in the future, so the player will pay attention to what event (one of several possible events) will be shown in the first half. Even in the case of a "question" and "answer" structure like concrete example 1-2, the player will pay attention to the "question" rather than the "answer" (usually the "answer" is more important, but the "question" that comes before it is more important), making this a novel presentation.

The contents described in specific examples 1-1 to 1-3 can also be applied to presentations in a form other than a composite presentation (multiple unit presentations as sub-presentations). The first half of the presentation may show some kind of event, the second half may show the occurrence of that event, and then the event may actually occur. This may be a configuration in which a series of presentations occurs once (a form in which a presentation corresponding to a unit presentation occurs only once).

Specific example 1-4
In the above embodiment, the composite performance includes three unit performances, but the number of times can be changed as long as it is more than two. If it is possible to generate a pattern in which different types of candidate events occur in all unit performances, the number of types of candidate events should be equal to or greater than the number of unit performances included in the composite performance.

The number of unit effects contained in a composite effect may also be variable each time a composite effect occurs (for example, between X and Y times (2≦X<Y)). If a pattern can occur in which different types of candidate events occur in all unit effects, the number of types of candidate events is set to Y or more.

Specific example 1-5
Although the composite performance in the above embodiment is described as a performance form in which the reliability of the big win increases as the number of times the same type of candidate event occurs increases, it may be a performance form in which the point is whether the same candidate event occurs in all unit performances. For example, if the same candidate event occurs in all unit performances, the target winning/losing lottery result is a confirmed big win, and otherwise the target winning/losing lottery result is a loss (even if the same candidate event occurs in two out of three unit performances, it is a loss).

Specific example 1-6
In the above embodiment, the composite performance is executed in one variation performance (the start to end of the composite performance is contained in one variation), but it may be executed across multiple variation performances. For example, in three consecutive variation performances, the first unit performance is executed in the first variation performance, the second unit performance is executed in the second variation performance, and the third unit performance is executed in the third troublesome variation performance. In other words, the composite performance is executed across the number of variations of the unit performances included in the composite performance. The target of the reliability suggestion by the composite performance (target variation) is the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the third variation performance (the variation in which the last unit performance occurs). When the above-mentioned reserved change performance is set as one of the candidate events, the state of the reserved pattern 10 that is the target of the reliability suggestion is changed.

By doing this, the composite effect also functions as a so-called look-ahead effect. In other words, since unit effects other than the last unit effect occur in a fluctuation before the target fluctuation, unit effects other than the last unit effect exhibit a "look-ahead" function. The last unit effect is the effect that makes up the fluctuation that is the target of the "look-ahead".

2-2) Numerical value increase performance The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing a numerical value increase performance as a performance constituting a variable performance. The numerical value increase performance in this embodiment (including the post-event performance described later) is a type of reach performance (a performance that may occur when a reach is established). The numerical value increase performance (see FIG. 10) is a performance in which a performance value N is displayed in the display area 911. The performance value N includes a number (natural number) that increases (rises) with the actual passage of time. In this embodiment, the increase in the performance value N starts from "0" (initial value = 0) (see FIG. 10 (a) (b)), and the increase in the performance value N stops when a predetermined stop condition is established (see FIG. 10 (c)). The value when the increase stops is the final value. The final value suggests the jackpot reliability (probability of a special offer being granted) of the target winning/losing lottery result (the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the variable performance including the numerical value increase performance). In this embodiment, the final value represents the probability of a jackpot itself. For example, if the final value is "70", the probability of winning the jackpot is 70%. The final value is determined in advance by a lottery based on the result of the target winning/losing lottery. The lottery is performed in such a manner that the final value represents the probability itself (however, the minimum unit of the performance value N is rounded off (in this embodiment, since the performance value N changes in increments of "1", the minimum unit is "1" and the decimal point is rounded off). For example, the exact probability of "70.3%" is considered to be "70%). For example, if the case where the final value is "70" occurs 100 times, 70 times will be a jackpot and 30 times will be a miss. The maximum value of the final value is "100". In this case, the jackpot of the target winning/losing lottery result is confirmed.

In this embodiment, the final value can be any number equal to or greater than 30. In other words, there are 71 possible patterns for the final value, ranging from "30" to "100". However, the possible patterns for the final value may be set in increments of a specified value, such as "30", "40", "50", ... "100". Also, some of the final values may not indicate the probability of a jackpot itself. For example, a final value of "77" may be set to confirm a jackpot. In other words, the final value basically indicates the probability of a jackpot itself, but a special value may be set as a so-called "premium" effect.

In the numerical increase effect, the rate at which the effect value N increases is constant from the start to the end of the increase. In this embodiment, the effect value N increases by "1" every 0.1 seconds. In other words, the rate at which the effect value N increases is 10/second. Therefore, if the time from the start of the increase in the effect value N to the end of the increase is the same, the final value will be the same. For example, when the final value is "70" (in the example of FIG. 10), the time from the start of the increase to the end of the increase is 7 seconds, and no other patterns occur. As mentioned above, the maximum value of the final value is "100", so the maximum time from the start of the increase to the end of the increase is 10 seconds. Therefore, the numerical increase effect is a form of effect in which the player hopes that the increase in the effect value N will continue as long as possible without stopping.

After such a numerical value increase effect, a post-effect (see FIG. 11) is executed. The post-effect is an effect that constitutes the same during-variation effect as the numerical value increase effect (one during-variation effect includes a numerical value increase effect and a post-effect effect), and is an effect in which it is determined whether the target hit/miss lottery result will be a jackpot or not. After a branching point during the post-effect, if the target hit/miss lottery result is a jackpot, the result will be a favorable ending (see FIG. 11(b-1)), and if it is a miss, the result will be an unfavorable ending (see FIG. 11(b-2)) (the favorable ending includes a so-called reversal pattern in which an unfavorable ending appears to have been reached at one point, but is then overturned). In other words, the probability indicated by the final value is the probability that the post-effect will lead to a favorable ending. In this embodiment, the post-performance encourages the player to operate the operation means 70 (such as a push button; see FIG. 1) (single operation) within the valid operation period (see FIG. 11(a)), which leads to a favorable ending (see FIG. 11(b-1)) or an unfavorable ending (see FIG. 11(b-2)). The valid operation period starts at the same time as the start of the post-performance. If the operation means 70 is not operated within the valid operation period, the end of the valid operation period leads to a favorable ending or an unfavorable ending. The player operates the operation means 70 while looking at the "probability" (of reaching a favorable ending) indicated by the final value, hoping to reach a favorable ending.

The time required from the start of the increase, when the performance value N begins to increase in the numerical increase performance, to the start of the post-performance is constant regardless of the final value (see FIG. 12). In this embodiment, the start of the post-performance is also the start of the valid operation period, so the time from the start of the increase to the start of the valid operation period is constant. The post-performance will not reach its conclusion until the end of the valid operation period at the latest, so it can be said that the maximum time from the start of the increase to when the conclusion is revealed is also constant.

As mentioned above, the rate at which the performance value N increases during the numerical increase performance is constant, so the time from when the increase starts to when the increase stops becomes longer as the final value increases, with the maximum time being 10 seconds. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the final value is between "30" and "100," so the time from when the increase starts to when the increase stops varies (is indefinite) between 3 and 10 seconds (see Figure 12).

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the time from the start of the increase to the start of the post-performance is 11 seconds, regardless of the final value. The period from the stop of the increase to the start of the post-performance is a scale absorption period whose length changes depending on the final value (see FIG. 12). For example, when the final value is "100", it takes 10 seconds from the start of the increase to the stop of the increase, so the scale absorption period is 1 second. Also, for example, when the final value is "50", it takes 5 seconds from the start of the increase to the stop of the increase, so the scale absorption period is 6 seconds. In this way, the larger the final value, the longer the time from the start of the increase to the stop of the increase, so the scale absorption period is shortened so that the length from the start of the increase to the start of the post-performance is constant regardless of the final value.

In this way, the numerical increase presentation in this embodiment is set so that the rate at which the presentation numerical value N increases is constant regardless of the final value; in other words, if the actual time required from when the presentation numerical value N starts to increase until it stops is the same, the final value will be the same, so the size of the final value cannot be predicted based on the rate at which it increases. Presentations in which such numerical values increase are generally set so that the rate at which it increases increases (tends to increase) as the final value increases, and in this way the final value can be predicted to some extent based on the rate at which it increases (the result can be predicted from the way the numerical value changes), but in this embodiment the rate of increase is constant regardless of the final value, so the final value is completely unpredictable while the presentation numerical value N is increasing, resulting in an interesting presentation form.

In addition, in this embodiment, the length from the start of the increase to the start of the post-performance is set to be constant regardless of the final value. In other words, no matter what the final value is, the time required for one during-variation performance (the so-called fluctuation time) to be secured in order to execute the numerical increase performance does not change (it remains at 11 seconds in this embodiment). This has the advantage that it becomes easier to control (draw) the specific aspects of the during-variation performance, including the numerical increase performance (the so-called fluctuation pattern).

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

〇Specific example 2-1
In the above embodiment, the increase speed of the performance value N is constant from the start of the increase to the stop of the increase, but the performance value N may change along the way. For example, the increase speed may be increased as the last digit of the performance value N increases, that is, the increase speed may gradually increase from "0" to "9", the increase speed may decrease again at "10", and the increase speed may gradually increase from "10" to "19"... (see FIG. 13). In other words, although the increase speed changes over time, the increase speed at a certain point in time (moment) is determined by the performance value N at that point in time (the increase speed at the moment when the performance value N is "a certain value" is the same every time).

Even in this case, if the actual time from when the performance value N starts to increase until it stops increasing is the same, the final value will be the same, so the final value cannot be predicted depending on the increase pattern of the performance value N.

〇Specific example 2-2
Although the final value shown in the numerical value increase effect in the above embodiment represents the probability that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot, it may be configured not to represent the probability itself. However, the relationship that the probability that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot is maintained (except when a value that guarantees a jackpot, such as "77", is set) in which the larger the final value, the higher the probability that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot than the smaller the final value. For example, the probability of a jackpot when the final value is "70" is not 70%, and the probability of a jackpot when the final value is "60" is not 60%, but the probability of a jackpot when the final value is "70" is higher than the probability of a jackpot when the final value is "60".

Specific example 2-3
In the above embodiment, the numerical value increase effect is described as an effect numerical value N increasing by "1" (the smallest unit is "1"), but the increment unit can be changed as appropriate. It may be an increment of "10" or an increment of "0.1".

Specific example 2-4
The presentation may be such that the presentation value N decreases. That is, an initial value of the presentation value N (for example, "100") is set, and the value decreases from the initial value as actual time passes. If the actual time required from when the decrease in the presentation value N (decrease from the initial value) starts until the decrease stops is the same, the final value will be the same. For example, the rate at which the presentation value N decreases is constant from when the decrease in the presentation value N starts until it stops.

As in the above embodiment, if the larger the final value, the higher the probability that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot, then this will be a presentation format in which the player hopes that the decrease in the performance value N will stop sooner (the opposite of the above embodiment in which the player hopes that the "stop" timing will be delayed). Also, in contrast to the above embodiment, if the smaller the final value, the higher the probability that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot, then this will be a presentation format in which the player hopes that the decrease in the performance value N will continue for as long as possible (the same as the above embodiment in which the player hopes that the "stop" timing will be delayed).

Specific example 2-5
In the above embodiment, the post-performance executed after the numerical value increase performance is explained as a performance in which the outcome is revealed by the operation of the operating means 70 (the target winning/losing lottery result is revealed by reaching a favorable or unfavorable outcome), but the configuration does not have to be such that the outcome is revealed due to the player's actions. In other words, the configuration may be such that the outcome is automatically revealed (the outcome is revealed) after a certain time has elapsed since the start of the post-performance. As described above, regardless of the final value, the length from the start of the increase to the start of the post-performance is constant, so in the case of this example, the length from the start of the increase to the point at which the post-performance transitions to the outcome (the branching point at which the transition to the outcome according to the target winning/losing lottery result) is constant. In other words, the performance form is such that the length from the start of the numerical value increase to the point at which the outcome is revealed is constant regardless of the final value. For example, as in the above embodiment, if the time from when the numerical increase begins to when the post-performance begins is a constant 11 seconds, and the time from when the post-performance begins to when the ending is revealed is a constant 5 seconds, then the length from when the numerical increase begins to when the ending is revealed will be a constant 16 seconds (see Figure 14).

Specific example 2-6
In the numerical value increase effect, while the effect value N is increasing, an effect image 40, which is an image different from the effect value N, is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 15). The effect image 40 displaces over time while the effect value N is increasing (see FIG. 15(b)). When the effect image 40 is displayed at a predetermined position (stops at a predetermined position), the increase in the effect value N stops and the final value is displayed (see FIG. 15(c)). In other words, the effect value N continues to increase until the effect image 40 stops at the predetermined position, so the effect is one in which the player hopes that the effect image 40 will not be located at the predetermined position.

Such effect image 40 can be made to match the motif of the effect. For example, the numerical increase effect can be an effect showing a situation in which an enemy character is displayed and the aim is being aimed at the enemy character to attack it (see FIG. 15). In such a situation, something representing a "scope" is displayed as effect image 40. When the "scope" is in a specified position (e.g., a position surrounding the enemy character's face) (see FIG. 15(c)), this is an effect form that gives the appearance of an "aimed" state. In other words, this is an effect form in which the effect numerical value N continues to increase until the "aimed" state is reached.

If such a numerical value increase effect is used, it is preferable that the post-effect also be in a corresponding manner. For example, a post-effect may occur in which the player determines whether or not the enemy character that appears in the numerical value increase effect can be defeated (won) (see FIG. 16). In other words, defeating the enemy character (winning) is set as a favorable ending (see FIG. 16(b-1)), and not being able to defeat it is set as an unfavorable ending (see FIG. 16(b-2)). In this way, the numerical value increase effect and the post-effect effect can be smoothly presented as a continuous effect.

Note that the increase in the performance value N stopping when the performance image 40 is located at a predetermined position is just one example, and other examples are also possible. In other words, the increase in the performance value N may stop when not only the "position" but also the elements that make up the performance image 40, such as the shape, color, etc. of the performance image 40, satisfy a predetermined condition.

Specific Example 2-7 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 2-6)
When the presentation position is not at a predetermined position (i.e., when the increase in presentation value N has not stopped), a mark M (see FIG. 17(a) ; shown by a dotted line in the drawing) indicating the predetermined position can be displayed (the "target" of presentation image 40 is displayed). When presentation image 40 and mark M do not match, presentation value N continues to increase, and when presentation image 40 and mark M match (the relative positional relationship between presentation image 40 and mark M becomes a predetermined relationship), the increase in presentation value N stops. In this way, the player can sense, even while presentation value N is increasing, that the increase in presentation value N will stop when presentation image 40 and mark M match.

2-3) Specific Effects The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing specific effects (see FIG. 18 to FIG. 21) as effects constituting the effect during variation. In the specific effects, the basic effects occur multiple times (see FIG. 18). In the specific effects, the number of occurrences of the basic effects (hereinafter, N (times)) is suggested before the first basic effect is executed (before the result of the first basic effect is known). In this embodiment, the number of occurrences is suggested in advance by displaying a count image 50 in the display area 911 (see FIG. 19(a)). Therefore, the player can understand that the Nth basic effect after the start of the specific effect is the last basic effect. The number of occurrences N suggested here is the maximum number of occurrences of the basic effects in the specific effects (the number of basic effects that occur in the case of a failure ending or a normal success pattern, which will be described later). In the case of a special success pattern, which will be described later, the number of occurrences of the basic effects is less than the number of occurrences N indicated by the count image 50. In this embodiment, the value of the number of occurrences N indicated by the count image 50 can change each time (each time a specific effect occurs). However, the value of N may be set to a constant value.

A basic effect is one that results in a "specific result" (see FIG. 19 (b-1) (c-1)) or a "non-specific result" (see FIG. 19 (b-2) (c-2)). Reaching a specific result is considered to be an advantageous result for the player, while not reaching a specific result and reaching a non-specific result is considered to be an unfavorable result for the player. While a specific effect is being executed, a remaining number image 51 is displayed, indicating the number of remaining basic effects that can be executed (see FIG. 19 (b-1) (b-2) (c-1) (c-2)). Although not shown, before the result of the first specific effect is announced, the remaining number represented by the remaining number image 51 is set to N. In other words, the value shown by the number image 50 becomes the initial value of the value indicated by the remaining number image 51. Thereafter, each time a result of a specific effect is announced, the value indicated by the remaining number image 51 decreases. As described below, the basic performance can be considered a "chance" to obtain a specific result, and the change in the remaining number of "chance" opportunities is shown by the remaining number image 51.

If the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the variable performance including the specific performance is the target winning/losing judgment result, the specific performance suggests the probability that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot depending on the number of times the basic performance has become a specific result. In the specific performance in this embodiment, the number of times the basic performance has become a specific result reaches the target number of times, which is set as a successful ending that is advantageous to the player, and not reaching the target number of times is set as a failed ending that is disadvantageous to the player (see FIG. 18). In this embodiment, the target number of times T is set to 3 times. In other words, the specific performance is a successful ending if the basic performance reaches the specific result three times, and a failed ending otherwise. In this embodiment, the target number of times is constant. However, the target number of times may be changed each time. In addition, in the specific performance in this embodiment, a target image 52 indicating the target number of times is displayed before the first basic performance is executed (before the result of the first basic performance is determined) (see FIG. 19 (a)). This makes it possible for the player to grasp the target number of times at the beginning of the specific performance.

In addition, while a special effect is being executed, the remaining number of special results required to achieve the goal (or the number of special results that have already occurred) is displayed as a progress image 53. This allows the player to know how many more times a special result is required to achieve the goal even in the middle of a special effect (see Figures 19 (b-1) (b-2) (c-1) (c-2)).

In this way, since the "goal" is set for the basic effect to reach a specific result three times, the number of times the basic effect occurs in one specific effect is naturally set to three (the target number) or more (because if this is not done, a successful ending will not be reached). In this embodiment, the maximum number N of basic effects that occur in one specific effect is set to be "the target number T + 1" or more, that is, four or more. Therefore, even if a basic effect that leads to a non-specific result occurs once, there is a possibility of a successful ending. From the player's point of view, the specific effect is a form of presentation in which N "chance" opportunities are given, and whether or not the player can seize T of those opportunities (reach a specific result) determines whether or not the player will succeed.

Specific aspects of the specific presentation (basic presentation) in this embodiment are as follows. In the specific presentation, an ally character, which is a character on the player's side, and an enemy character facing it are displayed. In the basic presentation, the ally character attacks the enemy character. If the attack hits, the result is a specific result (see FIG. 19 (b-1) (c-1)), and if the attack does not hit, the result is a non-specific result (see FIG. 19 (b-2) (c-2)). Note that it may be possible to have a specific result (reversal pattern) in which the attack does not hit (it appears to have reached a non-specific result) but then this is overturned (the attack hits). When the number of times the attack hits reaches the target number (3 times), the enemy character goes down. If the enemy character reaches a downed state, the result is a successful ending (see FIG. 20 (b-1), FIG. 21 (b-1)), and if the enemy character does not reach a downed state, the result is a failed ending (see FIG. 20 (b-2)). Although not shown, it is a good idea to have the enemy character appear to become weaker each time a specific result occurs. In other words, it is a good idea to let the player know that they are getting closer to a successful ending by seeing the change in the enemy character as a specific result occurs.

In this embodiment, the probability ((jackpot) reliability) of the target winning/losing lottery result being a jackpot is set to be higher when the specific performance ends in a success than when the specific performance ends in a failure. In this embodiment, when the specific performance ends in a failure (see FIG. 20(b-2)), the target winning/losing lottery result is confirmed to be a miss (reliability = 0%). On the other hand, when the specific performance ends in a success (see FIG. 20(b-1), FIG. 21(b-1)), there is a possibility that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot (reliability ≠ 0%). In other words, a successful ending is an ending that is more advantageous to the player than a failure ending in that there remains a possibility that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot. Note that even when a failure ending is reached, the target winning/losing lottery result may be a jackpot (reliability ≠ 0%). However, the relationship "reliability when a successful ending is reached > reliability when a failure ending is reached" is set to hold.

The specific performances that lead to a successful ending are roughly divided into a normal success pattern (normal successful ending) and a special success pattern (special successful ending) (see FIG. 18). The normal success pattern is a pattern in which the Nth basic performance after the start of the specific performance results in a specific result, leading to a successful ending. In other words, it is a pattern in which the last basic performance results in a specific result, leading to a successful ending. In this embodiment, a specific result has occurred twice before the Nth basic performance, and if the Nth basic performance results in a specific result (see FIG. 20(a-1)), it will be a successful ending (see FIG. 20(b-1)), and if it results in a non-specific result (see FIG. 20(a-2)), it will be a failed ending (see FIG. 20(b-1)). In other words, it is a pattern in which the Nth basic performance (the last basic performance) is a "branch" of success or failure, leading to a successful ending. For example, if the number of occurrences of the basic effect is indicated as five times by the count image 50, then the normal successful pattern would be that two of the first through fourth basic effects would result in a specific result and two would result in a non-specific result, with the fifth basic effect resulting in a specific result (see FIG. 20(a-1)) (see FIG. 20(b-1)).

The special success pattern is a pattern in which a successful conclusion is reached before the execution of the Nth basic performance after the start of the special performance. In other words, it is a pattern in which a successful conclusion is reached after three special results have occurred and a specific performance has been executed less than N-1 times since the start of the special performance (a pattern in which a successful conclusion is reached without the execution of the basic performance N times). From the player's point of view, it can be said that this is a pattern in which a successful conclusion is reached after the number of occurrences of the basic performance shown in the number of times image 50, that is, the number of opportunities for the given "chance" is understood to be N times, and the given "chance" opportunity is used up. For example, if the number of occurrences of the basic performance is indicated by the number of times image 50, a special success pattern in which all of the first to third basic performances result in a special result (a pattern in which two opportunities for "chance" are left over) or a special success pattern in which two of the first to third basic performances result in a special result and then the fourth basic performance results in a special result (a pattern in which one opportunity for "chance" is left over) can occur. FIG. 21 shows an example of a specific effect where the number of occurrences of the basic effect is indicated as five by the count image 50, and the fourth unit effect results in a specific result (see FIG. 21(a-1)), resulting in a special success pattern (see FIG. 21(b-1)).

In the case of a successful ending, the probability that it will be a special success pattern is lower than the probability that it will be a normal success pattern. In other words, a special success pattern can be said to be a "rare" successful ending.

In this way, the special success pattern is a pattern in which the given "chance" was wasted and a successful conclusion was reached, so the player may feel that it was a "waste." In order to reduce this "waste," in this embodiment, even if a specific presentation leads to a successful conclusion, the reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result is set to be higher when it is a special success pattern than when it is a normal success pattern. In other words, if the reliability is higher when the "chance" opportunity is wasted than when it is not, the player is less likely to feel that it is a "waste" for the "chance" opportunity to be wasted, and it becomes an interesting presentation form in which the player hopes to reach a successful conclusion as quickly as possible (the number of basic presentations executed until the successful conclusion is reached as few as possible).

When a special success pattern occurs, a confidence-increasing effect (see FIG. 21 (c-1)) is generated, which indicates that the confidence of the target winning/losing lottery result has increased. This confidence-increasing effect is an effect that does not occur when a normal success pattern occurs. A special success pattern leads to a successful ending by "leaving" the basic effect that would have been executed (in the case of a normal success pattern or a failed ending), so a confidence-increasing effect is generated in place of the "leftover" basic effect. The specific form of the confidence-increasing effect may be any one that allows the player to recognize that the confidence has increased. In this embodiment, the confidence-increasing effect is executed by further attacking the downed enemy character and displaying an image containing the words "Confidence UP" (words indicating that confidence has increased).

The reliability-increasing effect occurs in place of the "leftover" basic effects, so it occurs a number of times according to the number of "leftover" basic effects (the number of basic effects that did not need to be executed to reach a successful conclusion). When the number of times image 50 indicates that N basic effects may occur, and the Mth (N>M) basic effect after the start of the specific effect becomes a specific result, resulting in a special successful pattern that leads to a successful ending, N-M reliability-increasing effects will occur (see "*" in Figure 18 and Figure 21 (c-1)). The larger the value of N-M (the more times the reliability-increasing effect occurs), the higher the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result is set. When comparing specific effects with the same value of N (or when the value of N is set to be constant), the fewer the number of basic effects executed from the start of the specific effect until the successful ending, the higher the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result.

In addition, in this embodiment, the larger the value of N, the higher the probability of reaching a successful ending, and the larger the value of N, the higher the probability that when a successful ending is reached, it will result in a special success pattern rather than a normal success pattern. Furthermore, the larger the value of N, the more likely it is that a special success pattern will have a larger number of "extra" basic effects. In other words, the larger the value of N, the more likely it is that a confidence-increasing effect will occur when a special success pattern is reached.

If a specific performance ends in a success, a post-success performance (see FIG. 22) is executed after the specific performance, in which the result of the target winning/losing lottery is revealed. The endings of the post-success performance are set to a winning ending (see FIG. 22(b-1)), in which an image is displayed indicating that the situation is favorable to the player, and a losing ending (see FIG. 22(b-2)), in which an image is displayed indicating that the situation is unfavorable to the player. In other words, if the result of the target winning/losing lottery is a jackpot, a winning ending is reached (a winning ending includes a so-called reversal pattern in which a losing ending appears to have been reached but is then overturned), and if it is a loss, a losing ending is reached.

In this embodiment, the mode of the post-success performance executed after the specific performance becomes a normal success pattern is different from the mode of the post-success performance executed after the specific performance becomes a special success pattern (the mode of performance before the conclusion is known). For example, the mode of the post-success performance after the special success pattern (see FIG. 22(a-2)) may be such that the enemy character is displayed in a more "weakened state" than the post-success performance after the normal success pattern (see FIG. 22(a-1)). In this way, it is emphasized that the specific performance becomes either a normal success pattern or a special success pattern, and it is also emphasized that the special success pattern has a higher chance than the normal success pattern. In addition, although not shown, the post-success performance executed after the special success pattern may be executed in a different mode depending on the number of reliability increase performances executed (the value of N-M). For example, the mode of the post-success performance may be such that the enemy character is displayed in a more "weakened state" the more reliability increase performances are executed.

However, this does not deny the possibility of a configuration in which the post-success performance is the same (indistinguishable to the player) regardless of whether a normal success pattern or a special success pattern occurs.

In summary, the probability that the post-success performance will lead to a winning outcome (i.e. the reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result) is higher when a special success pattern is achieved than when a normal success pattern is achieved. Also, even when a special success pattern is achieved, the greater the number of "remaining" basic performances (i.e. the greater the number of reliability-increasing performances that have occurred), the higher the reliability. If comparing specific performances with the same value of N, the fewer the number of basic performances that are executed until a successful outcome (until the specific result occurs three times) the higher the reliability.

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

Specific example 3-1
The value of N is suggested by the number of "reach" that have been established (the number of reach lines). The term "reach" itself is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted. The specific performance is a type of reach performance that may occur when a reach is established. Specifically, when a single reach (a reach with one reach line) in which two decorative patterns 80 (for example, a left decorative pattern 80L and a right decorative pattern 80R) selected from two of the three decorative pattern groups 80g are the same decorative pattern 80 is established (see FIG. 23(a)), a specific performance may start. After that, a reach line increase performance (see FIG. 23(b)(c)) occurs before the first basic performance starts in the specific performance (before the result of the first basic performance is known). That is, the number of types of patterns that are the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R increases, and the number of reach establishments, i.e., the number of reach lines, increases accordingly.

Ultimately, the number of times the reach is established becomes the value of N in the specific effect (see FIG. 23(d)). In other words, the number of times the reach is established becomes the maximum number of basic effects that can occur in the specific effect (the number of basic effects that occur when a failure occurs or the normal success pattern occurs). As described above, the value of N indicates the number of "chance" opportunities, and the more times the reach is established, the more opportunities there are. It is generally known that the more times the reach is established (the number of reach lines), the greater the expectation of a jackpot, and by using this example, it is possible to create an easy-to-understand presentation format in which the number of times the reach is established and the "chance" opportunities in the specific effect (the maximum number of times the basic effect occurs) are linked.

If we do as in this example, then "maximum number of reaches that can be achieved = maximum value of N = number of types of decorative patterns." For example, if seven types of decorative patterns 80, from "1" to "7," are set, then the maximum value of N is seven. From the player's perspective, the maximum number of "chance" opportunities that can result in a specific outcome will match the number of types of decorative patterns 80, making this an easy-to-understand presentation. If reaches are achieved with all types of decorative patterns 80, the result of the target win/loss lottery may be set to a confirmed jackpot.

Specific Example 3-2 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 3-1)
As described above, a specific performance is executed after a plurality of reach is achieved. Each basic performance is associated with one of a plurality of types of decorative symbols 80 that constitute the reach. For example, when a reach is achieved by the decorative symbols 80 of "2" to "5" (when the number of reach achievements is 4) (see FIG. 24(a)), the first basic performance occurs corresponding to the reach of "2" (see FIG. 24(b)), the second basic performance occurs corresponding to the reach of "3" (see FIG. 24(c)), and so on. In this manner, the basic performance is executed corresponding to the various decorative symbols 80 that constitute the reach. In order to show the correspondence, while a certain basic performance is being executed, the type of decorative symbol 80 that corresponds to the certain basic performance (the symbol that constitutes the reach) is displayed larger (more conspicuous) than the other types of decorative symbols 80.

With this configuration, the outcome of the basic performance is suggested by the type of decorative pattern 80. For example, it may be set so that a basic performance corresponding to a reach for an "odd" decorative pattern 80 is more likely to result in a specific outcome (an outcome advantageous to the player) than a basic performance corresponding to a reach for an "even" decorative pattern 80. In addition, a configuration may be used in which decorative patterns 80 that determine a specific outcome are set, such that a basic performance corresponding to a reach for a "7" decorative pattern 80 is determined to result in a specific outcome (see FIG. 24(d)).

By doing this, the player will be drawn to the type of decorative pattern 80 that constitutes each reach, as well as the number of reaches that are achieved.

Specific example 3-3
During the special presentation (after the result of at least one basic presentation has been shown, but before the special presentation reaches its conclusion), a presentation in which the value of N increases (hereinafter referred to as an increasing presentation) occurs. In other words, the value of N shown at the beginning of the special presentation (the value shown in the number of times image 50) may increase during the presentation. As mentioned above, the value of N indicates the number of "chance" opportunities, so the occurrence of such an increasing presentation can be said to be a welcome event for the player.

It is preferable that the increase effect concretely indicates the increased value of N. For example, while a specific effect is being executed, a remaining number image 51 indicating the remaining number of basic effects that may occur is displayed, and an increase effect is generated that indicates that the value of the remaining number image 51 is increasing. Specifically, if the value of N increases by 1, the effect indicates "+1," and if it increases by 2, the effect indicates "+2," indicating the value that is added to the remaining number image 51. In this way, the player can understand that the opportunities for "chance" have increased.

Specific example 3-4
In the above embodiment, it was explained that when a special success pattern occurs, N-M reliability-increasing effects will occur, in other words, the same number of reliability-increasing effects as the number of "remaining" basic effects will occur, but it is also possible for one reliability-increasing effect to occur regardless of the value of "N-M."

In this case, the reliability may be unaffected by the value of "N-M". In other words, regardless of the value of "N-M", if a special success pattern occurs, the same reliability increase effect occurs. Alternatively, the reliability may be affected by the value of "N-M". For example, when "N-M=1", a first reliability increase effect occurs, when "N-M=2", a second reliability increase effect occurs, when "N-M=3", a third reliability increase effect occurs, etc. (The reliability increase effects differ from one another.) In this way, the reliability increase effect occurs in a manner that corresponds to the value of "N-M", suggesting to the player that the degree of reliability increase is different.

〇Specific example 3-5 (special identification result)
As one aspect of the specific result of the basic performance, a normal specific result (same as the specific result described in the above embodiment) and a special specific result (see FIG. 25) are set. The special specific result is the same as the normal specific result occurring C times (C is 2 or more). For example, if C=2, the special specific result is treated the same as two normal specific results. As in the above embodiment, when the target number of times is 3, if only the normal specific result occurs, the normal specific result occurring three times is the condition for reaching a successful conclusion. If a special specific result occurs, one normal specific result and one special specific result will lead to a successful conclusion.

When a special special result is reached, a display may be provided that allows the player to understand that the special special result is C times the normal special result. For example, the normal special result may be displayed as "HIT" indicating that an attack has hit the enemy (see FIG. 19 (b-1) (b-2)), and the special special result may be displayed as "HIT x 2" indicating that the "HIT" has occurred twice (see FIG. 25 (b)). A special special result where C = T (target number of times) may be set. In other words, it may be possible for a case to occur where the target is reached in one basic performance.

By allowing special specific results to occur as in this example, there is a possibility that a situation may arise where the goal is approached or even reached in one go with a single basic performance, making for an unexpected and eye-catching performance format that keeps you glued to the screen until the very end. Also, if a successful conclusion is reached after the occurrence of a special specific result, the number of "extra" basic performances is likely to increase, making it more likely that the reliability will be high (reliability-increasing performances are more likely to occur).

〇Specific example 3-6 (special non-specific result)
The basic effects lead to a specific result advantageous to the player or a non-specific result, which is the result when the specific result is not reached. The non-specific results are set to a normal non-specific result (see FIG. 26(a)) and a special non-specific result (see FIG. 26(b)). When a basic effect results in a non-specific result, the probability that it will be the normal non-specific result is higher than the probability that it will be the special non-specific result. In other words, the normal non-specific result is a "normal" (basic) non-specific result, and the special non-specific result is a "rare" non-specific result.

When a certain basic effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the previous basic effect) results in a non-specific result, the probability that at least one of the one or more basic effects that occur thereafter will result in a specific result is set to be higher if the result is a special non-specific result than if the result is a normal non-specific result. In other words, a special non-specific result suggests that the probability that the basic effect that occurs thereafter will result in a specific result has increased. Since it is advantageous for the player if the basic effect results in a specific result, even if the previous basic effect leads to a non-specific result, it is more advantageous for the player if the result is a special non-specific result than if the result is a normal non-specific result.

The presentation modes of the specific result, normal non-specific result, and special non-specific result may be any mode that allows the player to understand the difference between the modes. If the basic presentation occurs in which an ally character attacks an enemy character as in the above embodiment, a clean hit by an attack could be a specific result, a complete lack of a hit by an attack could be a normal non-specific result (see FIG. 26(a)), and a slight hit by an attack (a mode that indicates less damage to the enemy character than a specific result) could be a special non-specific result (see FIG. 26(b)).

In addition, since a special non-specific result suggests that the target basic effect that occurs thereafter will be a specific result, it is preferable to ensure that the last basic effect that makes up a specific effect does not become a special non-specific result. In other words, if the last basic effect becomes a non-specific result, it is preferable to set it so that it becomes a normal non-specific result.

By doing as in this example, even if a certain basic effect (the previous basic effect) does not result in an advantageous outcome (a non-specific outcome), an interesting presentation format will occur in which the target basic effect that occurs afterwards will result in an advantageous outcome (a special non-specific outcome).

In particular, the specific performance is premised on the premise that the goal is for the specific result to occur T times (three times in the above embodiment), and in the event of a failure ending, the basic performance occurs N times (more than T times) in one specific performance. In other words, since the goal is for the specific result to be obtained T times with N "chances," the player gets the impression that at least one basic performance is "left over." In other words, even before the outcome of the specific performance is known, the player may feel that one of the basic performances will result in a disappointing outcome (a non-specific outcome), and may become disillusioned if a non-specific outcome actually occurs (it is true that even when a successful outcome occurs, if it is a normal success pattern (not a special success pattern that is "rare" to occur), at least one non-specific outcome will occur). By following this example, it is possible to give meaning to an unfortunate result (non-specific result) that the player thinks will occur anyway (even if a non-specific result occurs, it becomes a presentation in which the player hopes that it will be a special non-specific result), thereby preventing a decrease in entertainment value due to the occurrence of a non-specific result.

The configuration in which such a special non-specific result is set can be modified and embodied as follows. In addition, to the extent possible, the configuration may be a combination of the examples described below.

(a) If a certain basic effect (the previous basic effect) results in a special non-specific result, one of the basic effects that occurs thereafter (the target basic effect) will result in a specific result. In other words, the probability that the target basic effect will result in a specific result is set to 100% (see FIG. 27(a)). With this configuration, when a special non-specific result occurs, one of the subsequent basic effects will definitely result in a specific result.

(b) The target basic performance is set to be the next basic performance of a certain basic performance (the previous basic performance) (see FIG. 27(b)). In other words, if a certain basic performance (the previous basic performance) results in a special non-specific result, the next basic performance (the target basic performance) is more likely to result in a specific result than if the result was a normal non-specific result. This has the advantage that the basic performance suggested by the special non-specific result occurs immediately (next), making it easier to understand the suggestion made by the special non-specific result. After the target basic performance ends, the game proceeds as usual (the effect of the special non-specific result disappears). In this case, if the setting is as in (a) above, if a certain basic performance (the previous basic performance) results in a special non-specific result, the next basic performance is determined to be a specific result.

(c) When a certain basic effect (the previous basic effect) results in a special non-specific result, all subsequent basic effects (next and subsequent basic effects) are more likely to result in a specific result than if the result was a normal non-specific result. In other words, all basic effects that occur after a certain basic effect (the previous basic effect) are set to be target basic effects (see FIG. 27(c)). In this way, the effect of the special non-specific result continues until the specific effect ends (until the outcome of the specific effect is determined).

(d) When a special non-specific result occurs (see FIG. 28(a)), an image (effect image 58) suggesting that the probability of a specific result is high is displayed (see FIG. 28(b)) at least until the result of the target basic performance is known (until the result of the last target basic performance is known if there are two or more target basic performances).By doing this, the player can understand that the special non-specific result is a so-called chance increase that increases the probability of a specific result, and the player can easily determine whether or not the situation is such that a specific result can be expected (whether or not the situation has ended).
Although not shown, the enemy character to be attacked may be in a special state different from the normal state (for example, a state showing that the enemy character is in a situation where an attack is likely to hit), to show that the probability of a specific result is high (the enemy character in this "special state" corresponds to the above-mentioned "effect image"). In this way, it is possible to clearly show that the probability of a specific result is high.

(e) The configuration of this example can also be applied to specific effects different from the above embodiment. It can be applied to those in which multiple basic effects are executed and the reliability of the jackpot of the target winning/losing lottery result is indicated by the number of times the basic effects result in a specific result. For example, it may be a specific effect in which the more times the basic effects result in a specific result, the higher the reliability of the jackpot of the target winning/losing lottery result (the concept of "target number of times" explained in the above embodiment is not set).

3) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

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

The matters regarding the "big win" explained in the above embodiment can also be applied by replacing them with the so-called "small win".

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

・Means 1-1
This gaming machine executes a composite performance including a plurality of unit performances in which any one of a plurality of types of candidate events occurs, and is characterized in that the reliability, which is the probability that a player will be granted a privilege, is higher when the same type of candidate event occurs in all of the unit performances included in the composite performance than when different types of candidate events occur in one unit performance and another unit performance.
The gaming machine is capable of executing an interesting composite presentation in which the player hopes that the same type of candidate event will occur in all unit presentations.

・Means 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that the reliability is higher when the same type of candidate event occurs in two or more of the unit performances included in the composite performance than when different types of candidate events occur in all of the unit performances.
In this way, the composite presentation becomes an interesting presentation form in which the player hopes that the same type of candidate event will occur.

・Means 1-3
A gaming machine as described in Means 1-1 or 1-2, characterized in that the gaming machine is equipped with a display means for displaying as a reserved pattern the existence of a win/lose lottery information used in a win/lose lottery that determines whether a player will be granted a privilege, the corresponding win/lose lottery result for which notification has not been completed, the reserved pattern has a plurality of types of patterns set that suggest different reliability, and one of the candidate events is a change in the pattern of the reserved pattern in a direction that increases the reliability.
A change in the appearance of the reserved pattern can clearly indicate an increase in reliability, so it is a good idea to make the change in the appearance of the reserved pattern one of the candidate events.

・Means 1-4
The gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that the unit performance includes a first half indicating one of a plurality of types of the candidate events, and a second half indicating that the candidate event of the type indicated in the first half will occur, and the second half does not take a form indicating that the candidate event of the type indicated in the first half will not occur.
In this way, by ensuring that the second half of the game does not negate the occurrence of the candidate event indicated in the first half of the game, a presentation format that does not disappoint the player is achieved.

・Means 2-1
A gaming machine that executes a numerical increase effect in which a numerical value that increases over actual time is displayed on a display device, and the final value, which is the value when the increase in the numerical value in the numerical increase effect stops, indicates the likelihood that a bonus will be granted to the player, and the numerical increase effect is set so that the final value will be the same if the actual time required from when the increase in the numerical value in the effect starts to when the increase stops is the same.
The gaming machine is capable of executing an interesting numerical value increase effect in which the final value is difficult to predict.

・Means 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that the rate at which the numerical value increases in the numerical value increase effect is constant.
By doing this, the final value cannot be predicted from the manner in which the performance value increases.

・Means 2-3
The gaming machine described in Means 2-1 or 2-2 is characterized in that after the numerical value increase presentation, a post-presentation is executed in which it is determined whether or not a bonus will be given to the player, and the actual time required from when the presentation numerical value starts to increase to when the post-presentation starts is constant regardless of the final value.
This makes it easier to control the effects including the numerical increase effect.

・Means 2-4
The gaming machine described in any one of means 2-1 to 2-3 is characterized in that, while the numerical increase presentation is occurring, a presentation image that changes over time is displayed on the display device separately from the presentation value, and the increase in the presentation value stops when the presentation image becomes in a state that satisfies a predetermined condition.
By doing so, it becomes possible to achieve a presentation form in which the player hopes that the presentation image will not assume a state in which the predetermined condition is satisfied (that is, that the time until the presentation image assumes a state in which the predetermined condition is satisfied will be lengthened).

・Means 2-5
The gaming machine described in means 2-4 is characterized in that the increase in the numerical value of the effect stops when the effect image is displayed at a predetermined position.
By doing so, it becomes possible to achieve a presentation form in which the player hopes that the presentation image will not be positioned at the predetermined position (that is, that it will take a long time for the presentation image to be positioned at the predetermined position).

・Means 2-6
The gaming machine described in means 2-5 is characterized in that, during the numerical increase presentation, a mark indicating the specified position is displayed from a stage before the increase in the presentation numerical value stops.
By doing this, the player can sense that the increase in the effect value will stop when the effect image is positioned at a predetermined position.

・Means 3-1
This gaming machine is capable of executing a specific performance in which it is previously suggested that a basic performance may occur N times, and the successful outcome is set when the number of times the basic performance results in a specific result reaches a target number of times, and is characterized in that, when the specific performance leads to a successful outcome, the reliability, i.e. the probability that a privilege will be granted to a player, is higher when a special success pattern leading to the successful outcome occurs before the basic performance is executed the Nth time after the specific performance has started, than when a normal success pattern leading to the successful outcome occurs when the basic performance results in the specific result the Nth time after the specific performance has started.
By doing this, if a successful ending is achieved, the fewer the number of basic effects executed, the more advantageous it becomes, resulting in an interesting presentation format (this makes it possible to avoid the impression that some of the basic effects have been "wasted" when a special successful pattern is achieved).

・Means 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that, when the special success pattern occurs, a reliability increase effect is generated, which does not occur when the normal success pattern occurs, and which suggests that the reliability has increased.
By doing so, it is possible to clearly show the player that the occurrence of a special successful pattern is advantageous to the player.

・Means 3-3
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 or 3-2 is characterized in that, when the special success pattern is obtained, the smaller the number of times the basic performance is executed until the successful conclusion is reached, the higher the reliability.
By doing this, it becomes possible to achieve a presentation form in which the player hopes that all basic presentations will result in a specific result from the start of the specific presentation (such a pattern will have the highest reliability).

・Means 3-4
The gaming machine described in Means 3-3, which cites Means 3-2, is characterized in that when the basic performance M times after the start of the specific performance becomes the specific result, resulting in the special success pattern that leads to the successful conclusion, the reliability increase performance occurs N-M times.
By doing this, a reliability-increasing effect occurs in place of the remaining "basic effect" (which did not need to be executed to reach a successful ending).

・Means 3-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 3-1 to 3-4, characterized in that before the first basic performance occurs in the specific performance, it is indicated that N reaches have been formed by decorative symbols indicating the result of a winning or losing lottery.
This makes it possible to obtain an easily understandable presentation format in which the number of basic presentations that result in the greatest number of reach achievements is the number of times that the basic presentations occur.

・Means 4-1
A gaming machine capable of executing a specific effect in which a plurality of basic effects are executed and which indicates the likelihood that a special benefit will be given to a player depending on the number of times the basic effects result in a specific result, and characterized in that a normal non-specific result and a special non-specific result are set as non-specific results which are the results of the basic effects that are not the specific results, which are any of the basic effects that occur after the normal non-specific result, which are more likely to result in the specific result.
According to the above gaming machine, even if the unit performance does not result in a specific result but in a non-specific result, an interesting specific performance can be executed, the content of which (whether it is a special non-specific result or not) of which will draw the player's attention.

・Measure 4-2
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 is characterized in that, when the basic effect in the specific effect results in the special non-specific result, the target basic effect results in the specific result.
In this way, when a special non-specific result occurs, a specific result will occur at least once thereafter.

・Means 4-3
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 or 4-2 is characterized in that the basic performance next to the basic performance resulting in the special non-specific result is set as the target basic performance.
By doing this, the basic performance of the suggestion target by the special non-specific result occurs immediately (next), which has the advantage that the suggestion by the special non-specific result is easy to understand.

・Means 4-4
The gaming machine described in any one of means 4-1 to 4-3 is characterized in that the maximum number of times that the basic performance will result in the specific result is T times, and if the specific result does not occur T times, the basic performance will occur more than T times.
With the above configuration, the number of chances (basic presentation) to obtain T specific results is more than T. Therefore, the player predicts that a non-specific result will occur at least once (because even if a non-specific result occurs, there is a possibility of obtaining T specific results). If the player predicts in this way, the occurrence of a non-specific result is not something that the player would normally pay much attention to, but it is preferable to assume that a special non-specific result that can be expected in the basic presentation from the next time onwards may occur as the non-specific result, so that the player's interest does not wane even in the case of a non-specific result.

1 Gaming machine 10 Reserved pattern 11 Changing reserved pattern 12 Pre-changing reserved pattern 10n Normal mode 10s Special mode (101s First special mode 102s Second special mode 103s Third special mode 104s Fourth special mode)
20 Suggested image (21 First suggested image 22 Second suggested image 23 Third suggested image)
31 First half image (311 First half image 312 Second half image 313 Third half image)
32 latter half image 35 previous image N performance value 40 performance image M mark 50 number of times image 51 remaining number image 52 target image 53 progress image 58 effect image 70 operation means 80 decorative pattern 91 display device 911 display area

Claims (4)

A gaming machine capable of executing a specific performance in which a basic performance occurs N times,
The basic effect is an effect that leads to a specific result advantageous to the player or a non-specific result that is a result when the specific result is not reached,
As the non-identification result, a first non-identification result and a second non-identification result different in aspect from the first non-identification result are provided,
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the specific performance, a target basic performance, which is at least one of the basic performances occurring after the previous basic performance, is set to be more likely to result in the specific result when a certain basic performance (hereinafter referred to as the previous basic performance) results in the second non-specific result than when the specific performance results in the first non-specific result. The gaming machine of claim 1, characterized in that when the previous basic performance results in the non-specific result, the probability that it will be the first non-specific result is higher than the probability that it will be the second non-specific result. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the last basic effect constituting the specific effect does not result in the second non-specific result. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the basic effect next to the previous basic effect is set as the target basic effect.

Images