JP7706151B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Gaming machines capable of executing continuous effects such as pseudo continuous effects are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2019-088682 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can clearly indicate the possibility of a consecutive performance occurring.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is characterized in that it comprises a display device having a display area, and an effect execution means for executing consecutive effects including two or more unit effects, and in the consecutive effects, a count image indicating the number of times the unit effect has occurred is displayed in the display area, and in a reference state in which the consecutive effects may not be executed, a consecutive suggestion image indicating that the unit effect has occurred once may be displayed in the display area.

The gaming machine of the present invention makes it possible to easily indicate the possibility of a consecutive performance occurring.

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. A diagram to explain the activation effect. This is a diagram to explain the activation effect (a continuation of Figure 4 (in the case of activation at normal timing)). This is a diagram to explain the activation performance (a continuation of Figure 4 (in the case of activation at special timing)). 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. 13 is a diagram for explaining a pseudo consecutive performance (number of times image). FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a continuous suggestion image. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-4. A diagram for explaining types of stages (performance styles). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a special stage change. FIG. 13 is a diagram (reference diagram) for explaining an example of a conventional stage change. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5. 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining the inner display mode, outer display mode, and covered display mode of the target decorative pattern. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific pattern control. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specific effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining character presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-6. 13 is a diagram for explaining an image displacement effect (a battle effect including an image displacement effect). FIG. FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining image displacement effects (battle effects including image displacement effects). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-1. FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining specific example 6-2. FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining specific example 6-2. FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining specific example 6-3. FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining specific example 6-3. A diagram for explaining specific example 6-4.

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. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the various images in the following description include 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 the predetermined winning number, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss. In this embodiment, the winning/losing lottery results are notified in the order in which the numbers are obtained (the in-flight performance described later is started), but if there is winning/losing lottery information for which the winning/losing lottery result has not yet been notified, the newly obtained winning/losing lottery information is stored as reserved information (strictly speaking, pre-flight reserved information described later) in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown).

In this embodiment, as the reserved symbols 10, the pending pattern 11 (a pattern indicating the existence of the pending change) corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pending information during change) in which the during-change performance (from the start of the change of the decorative symbol 80 (decorative symbol 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 sometimes simply referred to as "change" or "rotation") that notifies the winning/losing lottery result has started but the notification of the winning/losing lottery result has not been completed, and the pre-change reserved pattern 12 corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pre-change reserved information) in which the during-change performance that notifies the winning/losing lottery result has not started are displayed (see FIG. 2). Note that the order in which the notification of the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the pre-change reserved pattern 12 is completed (the so-called reservation "consumption order") is earlier the closer it is to the pending pattern during change 11.

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 based on the combination of decorative patterns 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, decorative pattern groups 80g (left decorative pattern group 80gL, center decorative pattern group 80gC, right decorative pattern group 80gR) containing multiple types of decorative patterns 80 start to change, and eventually one decorative pattern 80 is selected from each decorative pattern group 80g and stops. If a jackpot is won, the combination of decorative patterns 80 selected from each decorative pattern group 80g and stopped will be a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same decorative patterns 80). If a loss occurs, the combination will be something other than the combination that results in a jackpot (a combination other than the combination that results in a jackpot).

In addition, images (so-called "small symbols" or the like) showing various information may be displayed unobtrusively near the outer edge of the display area 911 (illustration of such images is omitted in each drawing). The player can enjoy the game without being aware of this type of image. In other words, the player can basically understand the result of the winning/losing lottery by looking at the decorative symbols 80. If the winning/losing lottery results in a jackpot, a jackpot game is executed in which the big prize area 906 is opened (the player is given the "privilege" of playing the jackpot game).

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

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

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

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

In this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot in a low probability state (normal game state, second special game state) of the winning/losing lottery is approximately 1/319, and the probability of winning a jackpot in a high probability state (first special game state) is approximately 1/100. Note that the specific value of the jackpot probability can be changed as appropriate.

The jackpot game that is executed when the winning/losing lottery result is a jackpot is a round game (unit game) in which the normally closed big prize area 906 is opened until a predetermined closing condition is met, which is repeated one or more times. The closing condition is met when either a predetermined time has passed since the big prize area 906 was opened (time condition) or a predetermined number of game balls have entered the big prize area 906 since it was opened (winning condition) (when one of the time condition and the winning condition is met). However, if game balls are continuously shot aiming at the big prize area 906 (if the ball is hit to the right in this embodiment), a predetermined number of game balls are set to enter the big prize area 906 before a predetermined time has passed (before the time is up). In other words, if the player plays as instructed, the winning condition is met before the time condition, and the closing condition is met. The predetermined number is called a "count" or the like, and in this embodiment, the count is set to 10. Additionally, the number of prize balls paid out when one game ball enters the big prize area 906 is set to 15. Therefore, if game balls are continuously fired aiming at the big prize area 906, at least 10 x 15 = 150 prize balls can be obtained in one unit of play (or more if a so-called over-winning occurs). Naturally, the more rounds of big prize play there are, the more prize balls can be obtained, which is advantageous for the player.

As explained above, 50% of jackpots won in the first winning/losing lottery (Special Chart 1 lottery) are regular jackpots and 50% are special jackpots, but all of these are 5-round (R) jackpots (so-called first jackpots are all 5-round). In other words, 50% are 5-round regular jackpots and the remaining 50% are 5-round special jackpots. Also, as explained above, 100% of jackpots won in the second winning/losing lottery (Special Chart 2) (jackpot allocation) are special jackpots, but 50% are 5-round special jackpots and the remaining 50% are 10-round special jackpots.

The above gameplay (specifications) are merely one example. Instead of being a "V-type probability variation," it may be configured so that the probability variation rate for the first win/lose lottery and the second win/lose lottery are the same. Also, instead of being an "ST" machine, it may be a so-called "probability variation loop machine." It may also be a gaming machine with so-called "two-type" functions (such as a "type one and type two mixed machine"). Except as otherwise specified in the following explanation, gameplay can be changed as appropriate.

3) Activation Effects The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing activation effects (see Figs. 4 to 6). The activation effects will be described in detail below. The activation effects occur on the condition that the opportunity image 20 is displayed in the display area 911 (see Fig. 4(b)). In other words, if the opportunity image 20 is not displayed, the activation effect will not occur. The specific form of the opportunity image 20 may be any. It is preferable that the image be one that makes the player feel that something good will happen in the future. In this embodiment, the opportunity image 20 looks like a "weapon."

In this embodiment, the opportunity image 20 is displayed during the change performance in the first special game state (the opportunity image 20 may be displayed during the change performance in the normal game state or the second special game state). The activation performance is displayed as if an event advantageous to the player has occurred by using the opportunity image 20 (weapon) (the opportunity image 20 is consumed). When the activation performance occurs (an advantageous event occurs), the opportunity image 20 is erased (with the "weapon" being used). In the following description, the use of the displayed opportunity image 20, that is, the occurrence of the activation performance, may be simply referred to as "activation". After the opportunity image 20 is displayed, the player cannot know in advance the specific timing at which it will be activated. Therefore, after the opportunity image 20 is displayed, the player enjoys playing while guessing the activation timing.

The timing at which the opportunity image 20 is activated can be broadly divided into normal timing (see FIG. 5) and special timing (see FIG. 6). When a new opportunity image 20 is displayed, the activation timing is normal timing over 95% of the time. In other words, it can be said that the normal pattern of activation timing is the "default" (basic) presentation mode.

Normal timing (see FIG. 5) is that it is activated during the fluctuation performance. The advantageous events associated with the activation performance occurring during the fluctuation performance are related to winning a jackpot. Since the first special game state is a state in which the player is playing with the aim of winning the next jackpot, advantageous events related to winning that jackpot will occur. In particular, the first special game state in this embodiment is a so-called ST state in which a jackpot is won by winning the next jackpot before missing a predetermined number of times (150 times) in a row, resulting in a consecutive win, so the player's main goal is to win a jackpot before the end of the first special game state. Events that appear to "help" the player win that jackpot occur in conjunction with the activation performance.

In this embodiment, an event indicating that the probability (so-called (jackpot) reliability) of the winning/losing lottery result (target winning/losing lottery result) corresponding to the fluctuation-in-progression performance (target fluctuation-in-progression performance) in which the activation performance has occurred has increased is accompanied by the activation performance. Any specific form may be used. In this embodiment, in the first special game state, a battle performance (see FIG. 5(a)) may occur in which an ally character (represented in the drawings with the character "aji"), which is a character on the player's side, and an enemy character (represented in the drawings with the character "enemy") fight each other, and if the player wins the battle (including a so-called revival (reversal)), a jackpot will be awarded. An activation performance may occur during the battle performance (see FIG. 5(b)). When an activation performance occurs during a battle performance, the probability of a winning ending (see FIG. 5(c)) in which the ally character wins is increased (i.e., the jackpot reliability is increased) compared to when the activation performance does not occur. However, although not shown, in this embodiment, even if an activation effect occurs, there is a possibility that the friendly character will lose and the result of the target hit/miss lottery will be a miss. Unlike this embodiment, when an activation effect occurs, the target hit/miss lottery result may be determined to be a jackpot. Also, the content of the activation effect (advantageous event) may be configured to include multiple types of content with different jackpot reliability.

The special timing (see FIG. 6) is activated during a jackpot game. If the activation effect does not occur during the variable effect and the winning/losing lottery result is a jackpot (see FIG. 6(b)), the jackpot game will start. In this embodiment, the opportunity image 20 continues to be displayed as it is during the jackpot game (the opportunity image 20 is "carried over". Note that it is permitted that the opportunity image 20 is not displayed temporarily, but it is displayed at least during the unit game in which the activation effect can occur) (see FIG. 6(c)). Then, the opportunity image 20 is activated during the jackpot game (hereinafter, the jackpot game in which the activation effect occurs may be referred to as the target jackpot game), and an event advantageous to the player occurs (see FIG. 6(d)). Note that in this embodiment, if the target jackpot game is started in a state in which the opportunity image 20 is "carried over", the opportunity image 20 is always activated during the target jackpot game. In other words, if the opportunity image 20 is displayed and does not activate at the normal timing (variable performance), it will activate at the special timing (target jackpot game).

The advantageous event associated with the triggering effect occurring during a jackpot game is related to the jackpot game. In this embodiment, "extension of rounds" occurs as the advantageous event. Specifically, the target jackpot game in which the triggering effect occurs is limited to a 10-round jackpot (10-round special jackpot). However, at the time when the target jackpot game starts, the jackpot game is made to look like a 5-round jackpot (5-round special jackpot). In this embodiment, the 10-round special jackpot is named "MAX bonus" and the 5-round special jackpot is named "big bonus", and at the beginning of the target jackpot game, the word "big bonus" is displayed in the display area 911, making it look like a 5-round special jackpot to the player (see FIG. 6(c)). Then, before the end of the fifth round of unit play (fifth unit play), an activation effect occurs, and the currently executing jackpot is actually a 10-round special jackpot, i.e., a "round extension" is announced ("round extension" occurs as an advantageous event) (see FIG. 6(d)). As described above, when the opportunity image 20 is displayed and is not activated at the normal timing (variable effect), it will be activated at the special timing (target jackpot play), so if the opportunity image 20 is displayed and a jackpot is won without being activated, it can be said that the jackpot will be a 10-round jackpot (MAX round jackpot).

To summarise the above points (activation at special timing), the jackpot play that was shown to include X number of unit plays (X round jackpot) before the activation effect occurred is actually announced as including Y number of unit plays (Y round jackpot) (X<Y) with the activation effect.

In this embodiment, the opportunity image 20 is determined whether to display after so-called foresight (the display of the opportunity image 20 can be said to be a type of foresight effect). As described above, the activation effect (advantageous event) occurs during the target change effect or during the target jackpot game, and the opportunity image 20 is displayed in a situation where the winning/losing lottery information (reservation information) corresponding to the target change effect or the target jackpot game is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 12 (illustrated as target reservation T) (see FIG. 4(a)). In other words, the opportunity image 20 is displayed after going through an effect that shows as if a new "weapon" has been acquired at a stage (a stage determined by "foresight") where it has been previously determined that either "activation in battle effect" or "activation indicating round extension" will be executed in the future. Note that the player is not made to understand that the target is reserved (although there is a possibility that a reliability suggestion occurs due to the state of the reserved pattern 10, this state is not a notification that the target is reserved). Also, when it is displayed as an opportunity image 20, the player cannot tell whether it will be activated in a battle performance (activating during the target changing performance) or during a jackpot game (activating during the target jackpot game). In the case of normal timing, the activation performance occurs during the changing performance when the target reserved T is displayed as the changing reserved pattern 11 (see Figures 4(c) and 5), and in the case of special timing, the result of the winning/losing lottery corresponding to the target reserved T is a jackpot, and the activation performance occurs during the jackpot game (see Figures 4(c) and 6).

In this way, since the activation effect basically occurs during the fluctuation effect (the normal timing, which is the "default"), when the opportunity image 20 is displayed, it is thought that the player will play while guessing which fluctuation effect will be activated. However, in this embodiment, it may not be activated during the fluctuation effect (the opportunity image 20 is "carried over"), but may be activated during a jackpot game (it may be activated at a special timing), so it is possible to realize an interesting gameplay in which activation contrary to the player's expectations may occur. From another perspective, if the opportunity image 20 is obtained but is not used during the fluctuation effect and a jackpot occurs (as in this embodiment, if it is not activated during a jackpot game), the player may feel like he has lost out. In this embodiment, the opportunity image 20 is activated during a jackpot game, so it can be said that such a risk can be reduced.

In particular, in this embodiment, when the feature is activated at normal timing, the probability that the target lottery result will be a jackpot increases (compared to when the feature is not activated), but there is also a possibility that the target lottery result will be a miss. In other words, activation at normal timing is an advantageous event in that it increases the reliability, but there is also a possibility that the player will not be able to obtain a substantial benefit (jackpot). On the other hand, activation at special timing ensures the enjoyment of a clear benefit, that is, a "round extension" (resulting in a 10-round jackpot). Therefore, if a player knows that the feature can be activated not only during a fluctuation performance, but also during a jackpot game, when the opportunity image 20 is displayed, the player will be able to enjoy a gameplay that hopes for a jackpot without being activated during a fluctuation performance.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned activation effects. 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
Two or more opportunity images 20 may be displayed (see FIG. 7(a)). It should be noted that it is also possible to express that two or more opportunity images 20 are displayed by adding characters such as "x2" to the opportunity image 20, without actually displaying two or more opportunity images 20. When two or more opportunity images 20 are displayed in this way, activation effects will be generated for the number of displayed opportunity images 20. Therefore, if not all activation effects based on the two or more displayed opportunity images 20 have occurred, activation effects based on the remaining opportunity images 20 will be generated during the jackpot game.

For example, if two opportunity images 20 are displayed (see FIG. 7(a)), and only one activation effect occurs during the varying performance (only one opportunity image 20 is consumed) (see FIG. 7(b)), resulting in a jackpot (see FIG. 7(c)), then an activation effect based on the remaining opportunity image 20 will occur during the jackpot game (see FIG. 7(e)). In this way, when two or more opportunity images 20 are displayed, the gameplay becomes such that the player focuses on whether activation effects based on all of the opportunity images 20 occur during the varying performance.

Specific example 1-2
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the advantageous event (notification of) accompanying the activation effect occurring during the jackpot game is "round extension", but instead of or in addition to that, other events may occur as advantageous events. For example, a setting may be made in which the game state after the jackpot game ends may possibly transition to either the normal game state (low probability state) or the first special game state (high probability state), and a notification of a jackpot (special jackpot) that transitions to the first special game state (so-called promotion to a probability jackpot) may occur as an advantageous event, in the form of a jackpot (normal jackpot) that transitions to the normal game state after the jackpot game ends. Also, when the reserved information acquired at the time of the end of the jackpot game includes a winning/losing lottery result that is a jackpot, and a so-called reserved consecutive win occurs, a notification of the occurrence of the reserved consecutive win may occur as an advantageous event. In addition, the consecutive wins in the reserved state actually occur after the end of the jackpot game (it does not occur during the jackpot game), but notification of such an event that occurs after the end of the jackpot game may also be set as an "advantageous event" that occurs during the jackpot game.

As explained in the above specific example 1-1, if two or more opportunity images 20 are set to be displayed, it is possible to configure the system so that two or more opportunity images 20 may be "carried over" to the big win game. If multiple types of events are set as advantageous events that occur during the big win game as in this example, different events may occur when two or more opportunity images 20 are carried over to the big win game by activating each of the two or more opportunity images 20. For example, when two opportunity images 20 are carried over to the big win game (see FIG. 8(a)), one of the opportunity images 20 is activated to notify "round extension" (see FIG. 8(b)), and another opportunity image 20 is activated to notify "consecutive wins in reserve" (see FIG. 8(c); for example, a performance indicating that "V" (big win) has been stocked is executed to notify consecutive wins in reserve).

Specific example 1-3
A plurality of different types of the opportunity image 20 are set, and the activation timing (whether it is normal timing or special timing) is suggested depending on the type. For example, a first opportunity image 21 (see FIG. 9(a)) and a second opportunity image 22 (see FIG. 9(b)) of a different type can be displayed, and the probability that the activation effect will not occur during the variation effect and will occur during the big win game when the second opportunity image 22 is displayed is higher than when the first opportunity image 21 is displayed (the probability that it will be set as special timing rather than normal timing is higher). However, it is preferable that each opportunity image 20 (both the first opportunity image 21 and the second opportunity image 22) is set to be activated at either normal timing or special timing (not to be set to be activated at either timing). This is because the basic principle of each of the opportunity images 20 is that they are activated during the variation performance, and by making it possible for them to be "carried over" during the big win game, the entertainment value of the game is ensured (the occurrence of "carrying over" to the big win game is the best part). In this way, a gameplay is realized in which the player (who knows that the activation timing is not the normal timing but the possibility of it being a special timing) will also pay attention to the aspect of the opportunity image 20.

As explained in Specific Example 1-1 above, if the setting allows two or more opportunity images 20 to be displayed, then it is possible to configure the display so that some of the two or more displayed opportunity images 20 are first opportunity images 21 and the other are second opportunity images 22. For example, it is possible to configure the display so that a situation can arise in which two opportunity images 20 are displayed, one of which is the first opportunity image 21 and the other is the second opportunity image 22 (see FIG. 9(c)).

Specific example 1-4
Even if the activation effect does not occur during the variable effect and the opportunity image 20 is carried over to the big win game, and the activation effect occurs during the big win game, there is a possibility that the player cannot receive a substantial benefit. For example, in the case of a configuration in which a "round extension" may occur with the activation effect during the big win game as in the above embodiment, the setting is such that the probability of the round extension occurring is higher when the activation effect occurs than when the activation effect does not occur, but the round extension does not necessarily occur. In short, the setting is such that the carryover of the opportunity image 20 to the big win game only suggests that the probability of the round extension occurring is increased (it does not determine the occurrence of the round extension). Note that, even if configured as in this example, the "increased probability of the round extension occurring" can be considered as an event advantageous to the player associated with the activation effect.

4) Continuous Suggestion Image The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing continuous performances, and a continuous suggestion image 30 may be displayed in the display area 911 to suggest the occurrence of the continuous performance. Note that in this embodiment, the continuous suggestion image 30 is displayed (the continuous suggestion image 30 suggests the occurrence of a continuous performance) during a varying performance in the normal game state, but the continuous suggestion image 30 may be displayed during a varying performance in the special game state.

A continuous performance (one example of which is shown in FIG. 10) includes two or more unit performances that occur in succession. In this embodiment, the continuous performance suggested by the continuous suggestion image 30 is a pseudo-continuous performance. The pseudo-continuous performance itself is well known, so it will be explained briefly. In short, it is a performance in which the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) that changes in the display area 911 stops pseudo-stop (meaning a state in which the decorative pattern 80 appears to the player to be stopped but is not completely stopped, such as slightly shaking) in a predetermined combination (see FIG. 10(b)(d)), and starts changing again (see FIG. 10(c)(e)), and this is repeated once or multiple times. Note that the pseudo-stop state is not a state in which a combination that indicates the final winning/losing lottery result is constructed. The combination that indicates the winning/losing lottery result is a state in which all the decorative patterns 80 have stopped completely. It is preferable that the above-mentioned predetermined combination (also called "chance eyes" or the like) is set based on a predetermined rule, rather than a combination that indicates a jackpot (three of the same decorative patterns 80). In this embodiment, this refers to a combination in which the center decorative pattern 80C selected from the center decorative pattern group 80gC and pseudo-stopped is a "7" pattern, and the left decorative pattern 80L selected from the left decorative pattern group 80gL and pseudo-stopped right decorative pattern 80R selected from the right decorative pattern group 80gR are different patterns (a "reach" is not achieved) (see Figures 10(b) and (d)).

Here, in the pseudo-continuous performance, the re-changing after stopping at a predetermined combination is regarded as the start of a new unit performance. For example,
"(1) The change state due to the start of the change performance" (FIG. 10(a))
→ "(2) After pseudo-stopping with a specified combination, the fluctuations resume" (Fig. 10(b)(c))
→ "(3) After pseudo-stopping with a specified combination, the fluctuations resume" (Fig. 10(d)(e))
If such a pseudo-sequential performance occurs, then (1) to (2) would be the first unit performance, (2) to (3) would be the second unit performance, and (3) onwards would be the third unit performance. In the technical field of the present application, (2) to (3) are generally referred to as "pseudo 2 fluctuations" and (3) onwards as "pseudo 3 fluctuations," so determining the number of unit performances as described above is based on the numerical value of the "○" in the "pseudo ○ fluctuation," and can be said to be an extremely natural determination. In addition, in pseudo-sequential performances, the term "consecutive number of times" is sometimes used, but the number of times of succession = the number of times that unit performances occur.

In this embodiment, the more times the unit performance occurs, the higher the reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result (meaning the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the in-fluctuation performance (target in-fluctuation performance) in which the pseudo continuous performance occurs) is the jackpot. In addition, the maximum number of times the unit performance occurs can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the maximum number of times the unit performance occurs is 4 (reaching pseudo 4 fluctuations). When the number of times the unit performance occurs reaches 4, it is confirmed that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot. In other words, it is extremely rare for the number of times the unit performance occurs to reach 4, as this only occurs with fluctuations that result in a jackpot.

When the number of occurrences of the unit performance is 2 to 4 times, a number image 32 including a number indicating the number is displayed in the display area 911. In this embodiment, when the number of occurrences is 2 times (pseudo 2 changes), a number image 32 including the characters "x2" (see FIG. 10(c)) is displayed. When the number of occurrences is 3 times (pseudo 3 changes), a number image 32 including the characters "x3" (see FIG. 10(d)) is displayed. When the number of occurrences is 4 times (pseudo 4 changes), a number image 32 including the characters "x4" (not shown) is displayed. Note that there are various ways to express the number. It may be Chinese numerals or Roman numerals, or it may be expressed by the number of a predetermined image (icon) (the same applies to the consecutive suggestion image 30, the details of which will be described later. However, the method of expression for the number image 32 and the consecutive suggestion image 30 is the same. For example, if the number image 32 is expressed by Chinese numerals, the consecutive suggestion image 30 is also expressed by Chinese numerals). Since the more times the unit performance occurs, the higher the reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result is, the higher the value of the number of times image 32 is, the higher the reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result is. As mentioned above, if the number of occurrences is 4, a jackpot is confirmed, so the number of times image 32 (number of times image 32 of "x4") may not be displayed (in a state where there is a possibility that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a loss, the number of times image 32 ("x2" or "x3" may be displayed).

A continuous performance is only established when two or more unit performances occur in succession. This is because the unit performance is not "continuous" unless at least the second unit performance occurs. In the case of the pseudo continuous performance, if the pseudo stop and re-change in a predetermined combination does not occur at least once, it cannot be said that a continuous performance has occurred. However, in this embodiment, in a state in which the player does not know whether the second unit performance will be executed, that is, in a state in which the player does not know whether a continuous performance will be executed (hereinafter referred to as the reference state. For example, the state in FIG. 10(a) can be said to be a state in which it is not known whether a pseudo continuous performance will occur thereafter), a continuous suggestion image 30 (see FIG. 11(b)) showing that the number of occurrences of the unit performance is one may be displayed in the display area 911. In this embodiment, a continuous suggestion image 30 including the character "x1" (the numerical value "1") is displayed. In other words, since the number image 32 includes characters such as "x2", "x3", and "x4" as described above, a continuous suggestion image 30 including the character "x1" is displayed in accordance with this. As mentioned above, unless at least two unit effects are executed, it cannot be said that a consecutive performance has occurred, so the reference state is a state in which a consecutive performance will not necessarily occur. Therefore, the consecutive suggestion image 30 that may be displayed in the reference state is an image that shows "as if" the unit performance has occurred once (if we assume that a consecutive performance will occur in the future, it shows that the first unit performance is currently being executed).

In this embodiment, the target continuous performance is a pseudo continuous performance, so the above-mentioned reference state includes the state at the beginning (immediately after the start) of the variable performance (if a pseudo continuous performance were to occur, the first unit performance would be from the start of the variable performance to the pseudo stop in a predetermined combination). Therefore, the reference state is a state that all variable performances include (the standard state is reached every time). However, the continuous suggestion image 30 (display of "x1") is not displayed in all variable performances (all standard states that are reached every time). This is because when the continuous suggestion image 30 is displayed every time, the suggestive effect of the continuous suggestion image 30 is virtually lost. In this embodiment, the pseudo continuous performance is set to be more likely to occur when the continuous suggestion image 30 is displayed in the standard state (see FIG. 11(b)) than when the continuous suggestion image 30 is not displayed in the standard state (see FIG. 11(a)). In other words, "x1" may be displayed at the beginning of the in-fluctuating performance (or may not be displayed), and when this display is present, there is a higher probability that a pseudo-successive performance will occur afterwards than when this display is not present. However, even if the successive suggestion image 30 is not displayed in the reference state of a certain in-fluctuating performance (see Figures 10(a) and 11(a)), there is still a possibility that a pseudo-successive performance (a second unit performance) will occur afterwards.

In addition, in this embodiment, just because the consecutive suggestion image 30 is displayed in the reference state of a certain during-change performance (as shown in FIG. 11(b)), it does not necessarily mean that a pseudo consecutive performance will occur in that during-change performance. In other words, the probability of a pseudo consecutive performance occurring when "x1" is displayed is ≠ 100%. However, this does not deny the possibility of a pseudo consecutive performance occurring whenever the consecutive suggestion image 30 is displayed.

In this manner, in this embodiment, as an image suggesting that the probability of a consecutive performance occurring has increased, a consecutive suggestion image 30 may be displayed in a reference state in which it is unknown whether the consecutive performance will occur, as if the unit performance has occurred once. Since it is generally known that the above-mentioned number image 32 (an image including the characters "x2", "x3", "x4") is displayed when a consecutive performance occurs, a consecutive suggestion image 30 similar to this (an image including the character "x1") is displayed to clearly indicate that the probability of a consecutive performance occurring has increased.

Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, concrete changes, modifications, etc., made to the matters related to the above-mentioned continuous suggestion images 30. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be made in which multiple techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

〇Specific example 2-1
In the above embodiment, the continuous performance suggested by the continuous suggestion image 30 is described as a pseudo continuous performance, but other continuous performances may be suggested. For example, a pre-read continuous performance may be suggested (see FIG. 12). Since the pre-read performance itself is well known, detailed explanation is omitted, but it uses one or more previous winning/losing lottery results (misses) that are notified before the target winning/losing lottery result to suggest that the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result has increased. For example, it is possible to suggest that the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result has increased by setting the combination of decorative patterns 80 that notify one or more previous winning/losing lottery results (misses) as a combination that satisfies a predetermined rule (chance eyes; in FIG. 12, the chance eyes are the "order eyes" from the left), suggesting that the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result has increased. In this case, among one or more of the results of the winning/losing lottery used in the pre-reading performance, the result of the first winning/losing lottery to be notified is the one that is completed first, and during the performance during the change (hereinafter referred to as the earliest changing performance), a continuous suggestion image 30 is displayed (see Figure 12 (a)).

When the most recent variation performance is being performed, the chance eye is not displayed in the variation performance immediately before the most recent variation performance, and it is unclear whether the look-ahead consecutive performance will occur. If a look-ahead performance were to occur, it would be equivalent to the first unit performance being performed. Therefore, the most recent variation performance is set as the reference state, and the consecutive suggestion image 30 may be displayed during the most recent variation performance. If the consecutive suggestion image 30 is displayed during a certain variation performance, it can be said that the probability of a chance eye being displayed as a combination that notifies the winning or losing lottery result (losing) corresponding to the variation performance has increased. After that, the number of times image 32, whose value increases each time the chance eye stops and starts to vary, may be displayed until the target variation performance corresponding to the target winning or losing lottery result (see Figures 12 (b) to (e)).

〇Specific example 2-2
Two or more modes are set as the mode of the image displayed as the consecutive suggestion image 30. Any method may be used to set the difference in the mode of the consecutive suggestion image 30, but the essential function of the consecutive suggestion image 30, which is to "show as if the number of occurrences of the unit performance is one", is ensured. For example, it is possible to maintain the inclusion of the characters "x1" while changing the color of the characters.

When the consecutive suggestion image 30 is displayed, either the first consecutive suggestion image 30 (black) (see FIG. 13(b)) or the second consecutive suggestion image 30 (red) (see FIG. 13(c)) which is different in appearance is displayed. In addition, when the second consecutive suggestion image 30 (red) is displayed in the reference state, the probability that a consecutive performance will occur (the second unit performance will occur) is higher than when the first consecutive suggestion image 30 (black) is displayed. If the consecutive suggestion image 30 is not displayed, the probability that a consecutive performance will occur in the reference state is higher in the order of "consecutive suggestion image not displayed" < "first consecutive suggestion image displayed" < "second consecutive suggestion image displayed" (see FIG. 13). By doing as in this example, a gameplay is realized in which the player will not only pay attention to whether the consecutive suggestion image 30 is displayed in the reference state, but also to the appearance of the consecutive suggestion image 30 if it is displayed.

Specific example 2-3
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the continuous suggestion image 30 may be displayed from the beginning of the performance during the change, but the continuous suggestion image 30 will not be displayed (FIGS. 14(a)(b)) under any circumstances (regardless of whether a continuous performance will actually occur in the future) for a predetermined period from the start of the change (a predetermined period from the start of the performance during the change), and the continuous suggestion image 30 may be displayed after the predetermined period has elapsed (see FIG. 14(c); FIG. 14(c) shows a state in which the continuous suggestion image 30 is displayed, but the continuous suggestion image 30 may not be displayed). If the continuous suggestion image 30 is displayed from the beginning (beginning) of the performance during the change, there is a risk that the player will not notice that the continuous suggestion image 30 is displayed. By doing as in this example, the continuous suggestion image 30 will not be displayed at least during the above-mentioned predetermined period in all changes, and even if the continuous suggestion image 30 is to be displayed, a change will occur from a "state in which the continuous suggestion image is not displayed" to a "state in which the continuous suggestion image is displayed", so that it is easy to understand that the continuous suggestion image 30 has been displayed (that the continuous suggestion image 30 suggests the occurrence of a continuous performance).

Specific example 2-4
The number of times image 32 displayed when the second unit performance has occurred may be "x1" (see FIG. 15(c)), the number of times image 32 displayed when the third unit performance has occurred may be "x2", and so on, so that the number of times image 32 contains the value "number of unit performances occurring - 1". As described above, consecutive performances are only recognized as having been executed when two or more unit performances occur consecutively (because one unit performance cannot be said to be "consecutive"). In other words, consecutive performances can only be said to have been established when the second unit performance has occurred, so the "number of times" of the number of times image 32 may be counted from the second unit performance.

In this case, the consecutive suggestion image 30 may be expressed as "x0" (see FIG. 15(a)). In other words, since the counting of the number of times begins from the second unit performance that will result in a consecutive performance, the consecutive suggestion image may be displayed as including the number "0" to suggest the occurrence of a consecutive performance.

5) Stage Change In this embodiment, the concept of "stage" (also called "mode" etc.) is used as a style (presentation style) that governs the content of the during-change performance (the concept of "stage" itself is publicly known). The content of the during-change performance is determined based on the currently set stage (various performances that constitute the during-change performance dedicated to each stage may occur). Note that although the stage can be used to indicate reliability, it does not directly affect the actual profit (balls) of the player. In this embodiment, the concept of the stage is used to control the during-change performance in the normal game state, but it may be similarly controlled in the special game state. In addition, in drawings other than those for explaining the stage (stage change), illustration of elements related to the stage is omitted.

In this embodiment, three types of stages can be set: stage A with city A as the motif (see FIG. 16(a)), stage B with city B as the motif (see FIG. 16(b)), and stage C with city C as the motif (see FIG. 16(c)). In this embodiment, characters indicating the type of stage currently set are displayed in the display area 911. In addition, a background image (background of the decorative pattern 80) corresponding to the type of stage currently set is displayed in the display area 911 (the background image is shown in a simplified form in the drawing). Therefore, the player can also understand the currently set stage from the background image. Although not shown, the basic form (default form) of the reserved pattern 10 may be changed depending on the type of stage set. In this way, the difference between the stages is emphasized by the difference in the basic form of the reserved pattern 10.

Such a change in stage type is generally referred to as a stage change. In this embodiment, a special stage change (mid-way style change) can be executed, which will be explained in detail below. Note that in this embodiment, some of the stage changes that occur are considered to be the special stage changes, but all stage changes that occur may be considered to be the special stage changes. Also, in the following explanation, anything that is simply referred to as a stage change without any specific indication will refer to the special stage change.

When a stage change occurs, the stage before the change is called the pre-stage (pre-style) and the stage after the change (the newly set stage) is called the post-stage (post-style) (obviously, "type of pre-stage ≠ type of post-stage"). When a stage change occurs in which a pre-stage is set in a certain during-changing performance (hereafter referred to as the previous during-changing performance) and a post-stage is set in the next during-changing performance (hereafter referred to as the target during-changing performance) of that certain during-changing performance, the switch from the pre-stage to the post-stage is controlled as follows (a case in which the pre-stage is B and the post-stage is C is shown as an example in Figure 17 and will be explained).

During the previous change performance, the pre-stage (stage B) is set (see FIG. 17(a)). A change notice image 40 is displayed during a period T (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a notice period T) including at least a part of the end of the previous change performance or the beginning of the target change performance (see FIG. 17(b)). In this embodiment, the beginning of the target change performance (from the start until a predetermined time has passed) is set as the notice period T. The length of the notice period T during which the change notice image 40 is displayed is about 0.5 to 2 seconds (it is displayed for a short time, like a so-called cut-in image). The change notice image 40 is an image that indicates to the player in advance that a change in the stage will occur. In this embodiment, a change notice image 40 according to the type of stage that is set as the post-stage is displayed, and the type of stage that is set as the post-stage is indicated to the player in advance. When stage A is the post-event stage, change notice image A is displayed, when stage B is the post-event stage, change notice image B is displayed, and when stage C is the post-event stage, change notice image C is displayed (change notice images A to C have different appearances). In this embodiment, each change notice image 40 includes a wording indicating the name of the post-event stage. In this embodiment, the change notice image 40 is displayed over the entire display area 911. In the example shown in FIG. 17, a change occurs from stage B to stage C, so change notice image C is displayed (see FIG. 17(b)). Note that in the change notice images A and B in this embodiment, the wording "C stage" included in the change notice image C shown in FIG. 17(b) is changed to "A stage" and "B stage". The appearance of other parts may also be different in each change notice image 40 to make the differences between the images more prominent.

The time when the change notice image 40 is erased (the erasure time) is the end of the notice period T. The erasure time is a time before the switching time described later. In this embodiment, even after the change notice image 40 is erased, the previous stage (stage B) is set. In other words, even though the change notice image C, which warns of the change to stage C, is displayed, stage B is still set even after the change notice image C is erased (see FIG. 17(c)). In addition, in the case of a configuration in which the basic aspect of the reserved pattern 10 depends on the stage that is set (the basic aspect of the reserved pattern 10 differs for each type of stage), the basic aspect of the reserved pattern 10 also corresponds to stage B until the change to stage C is completed.

With stage B set, the target changing performance progresses, and when a switching point is reached during the target changing performance, stage B is changed to stage C (see FIG. 17(d)). In other words, the change from the pre-stage to the post-stage is triggered by the reaching of the switching point. The switching point is about 1 to 2 seconds after the above-mentioned erasure point. In other words, after the change notice image 40 is erased, the state in which the pre-stage is set is maintained for about 1 to 2 seconds. At the very least, the switching point is set to a point when all three decorative pattern groups 80g are changing. In other words, the switching point is reached before it is clear whether a reach or the like has been achieved, and a change from the pre-stage to the post-stage occurs. From then on, the post-stage (stage C) is maintained until the next stage change occurs.

In conventional stage changes, a new stage (post-stage) is generally already set when the target-changing performance begins. In the special stage change of this embodiment, a change occurs from the pre-stage to the post-stage in the middle of the changing performance (target-changing performance) (see Figures 17(c) and (d)). In other words, the stage change is clearly shown to the player in the middle of the changing performance, which has the advantage of making it easy to understand that the stage has changed.

As shown in FIG. 18 as a reference example, in a conventional stage change using the change notice image 40 (an image equivalent to the change notice image 40) in this embodiment, after the change notice image 40 is erased, the stage after the change is set, that is, the change notice image 40 is interposed between the state in which the stage before the change is set and the state in which the stage after the change is set (because the change notice image 40 separates the stage before the change and the stage after the change), so the state in which the stage is changing is not actually shown. In contrast, in this embodiment, even after the change notice image 40 (see FIG. 17(b)), which warns that a stage change will occur, is erased, the previous stage is in a set state (a state in which no change has occurred) (see FIG. 17(c)), so that after the change notice image 40 warns that a stage change will occur, it is possible to show the actual occurrence of a "change from the previous stage to the post-stage" (showing a change from FIG. 17(c) to (d)). In other words, it is possible to more clearly show that the stage has changed.

The change notice image 40 indicates the type of stage that will be the post-event stage (see FIG. 17(b)). In this embodiment, however, even after the type of post-event stage is displayed, the pre-event stage remains temporarily set (see FIG. 17(c)).

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to the above-mentioned stage changes (special stage changes). Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created that applies a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

Specific example 3-1
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the change notice image 40 is displayed before the change from the pre-stage to the post-stage occurs, but such a configuration may be adopted in which the change notice image 40 is not displayed. That is, the change notice image 40 is not displayed during a period including at least one of the end of the previous during-change performance and the beginning of the target during-change performance (a period corresponding to the notice period T in the above embodiment), and a background image representing the pre-stage is continuously displayed from the previous during-change performance to the target during-change performance (before the switching time is reached). Then, the change from the pre-stage to the post-stage occurs when the switching time (for example, 2 seconds after the target during-change performance starts) is reached. Even in this example, the change in the stage is clearly shown to the player during the during-change performance, so it is easy to understand that the stage has changed.

Specific example 3-2
Although the change notice image 40 in the above embodiment is described as indicating the type of the post-event stage (having a different appearance depending on the type of the post-event stage), a change notice image 40 having a common appearance regardless of the type of the post-event stage may be used. For example, a change notice image 40 including the characters "stage change" may be used in common regardless of the type of the post-event stage. Even in this way, when the change notice image 40 is displayed, the player can know in advance that a stage change will occur soon (although the type of the post-event stage is unknown). In other words, the player knows in advance that a stage change will occur, and the change from the pre-event stage to the post-event stage will actually occur when the switching time is reached.

Specific example 3-3
Although the change notice image 40 in the above embodiment is described as indicating the type of the post-event stage (having a different appearance depending on the type of the post-event stage), it may also indicate the types of the pre-event stage and the post-event stage. That is, when the combination of the types of the pre-event stage and the post-event stage is the same, the appearance of the change notice image 40 will be the same, and when the type of either the pre-event stage or the post-event stage is different, the appearance of the change notice image 40 will be different. For example, when a change from stage A to stage C occurs, a change notice image 40 including a text indicating both stage A and stage C will be displayed (see FIG. 19).

A special stage change is one in which the pre-stage remains set even after the change notice image 40 is erased, and actually shows the change from the pre-stage to the post-stage. If you want to emphasize this, it is a good idea to make the change notice image 40 show the type of pre-stage as well as the type of post-stage, as in this example.

Specific example 3-4
Unlike the special stage change of the above embodiment, a stage change (for example, a stage change that progresses from FIG. 20(a)→(b)→(c-1). Hereinafter, this may be referred to as a normal stage change to distinguish it from a special stage change) may occur in which the post-stage is set when the change notice image 40 is erased. In other words, instead of actually showing the change from the pre-stage to the post-stage, a stage change may occur in which the change to the post-stage has already been completed when the change notice image 40 is erased. In addition, the probability of a big win of the winning/losing lottery result (the target winning/losing lottery result) corresponding to the target change performance during the target change is higher when the special stage change (for example, a stage change that progresses from FIG. 20(a)→(b)→(c-2)→(d)) and the normal stage change occur than when the other occurs. Since the normal stage change is the same as the conventional stage change, it is preferable to set the probability of a big win of the target winning/losing lottery result to be higher when the special stage change occurs than when the normal stage change occurs.

By doing as in this example, the player will pay attention to whether the stage change has already been completed by the time the change notice image 40 is erased. If the special stage change is set to have a higher reliability, a gameplay that allows the player to hope that the stage change has not been completed by the time the change notice image 40 is erased is realized.

In addition, special stage changes can also be seen as an effect in which the timing of the stage change is "delayed" compared to normal stage changes. If special stage changes are set to be more reliable, then a gameplay feature is realized in which the "delay" in the stage change increases the chances of winning.

Specific example 3-5
Two or more types of special stage changes may be set with different timings for the occurrence of the stage change. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, a first special stage change in which a change from the pre-stage to the post-stage occurs at the first switching time, and a second special stage change in which a change from the pre-stage to the post-stage occurs at the second switching time are set. The time from the start of the target change performance to the second switching time is longer than the time from the start of the target change performance to the first switching time (if the change notice image 40 is displayed, the time from the erasure of the change notice image 40 to the second switching time is longer than the time from the erasure of the change notice image 40 to the first switching time). Therefore, compared to the first special stage change, the second special stage change can be said to be one in which the timing of the stage change is "delayed".

Based on this premise, the reliability of the jackpot result of the target win/lose lottery will differ depending on the type of special stage change that occurs. For example, if the second special stage change is more reliable than the first special stage change, then a gameplay feature will be realized in which the occurrence of a "delay" in the stage change increases the chances of winning.

6) Specific symbol control In this embodiment, the decorative symbol 80 displayed in the display area 911 as a notification of the winning/losing lottery result can be controlled (specific symbol control) as follows. In this embodiment, the specific symbol control is executed during a variable performance in a state where a specific stage that can be set in a normal game state is set. However, the specific symbol control may be executed regardless of such a stage.

When a specific stage is set, the target decorative pattern 80T (see FIG. 22), which is part of the multiple types of decorative patterns 80, includes a main element portion 80Tm and a sub-element portion 80Ts. In this embodiment, the decorative pattern 80 of "7" is the target decorative pattern 80T. Any other decorative pattern 80 is not the target decorative pattern 80T (hereinafter, decorative patterns 80 that are not the target decorative pattern 80T are referred to as non-target decorative patterns). The specific pattern control is executed for the target decorative pattern 80T (specific pattern control is not executed for non-target decorative patterns).

The main element portion 80Tm is a portion that indicates the type of decorative pattern 80. In this embodiment, the types of decorative patterns 80 are distinguished by the differences in the "numbers". Therefore, the main element portion 80Tm of the decorative pattern 80 of the target decorative pattern 80T, the "7", is the portion that represents the "7". Note that in this embodiment, the non-target decorative pattern also includes a number that indicates its type, but is not considered to include the sub-element portion 80Ts described below.

The sub-element portion 80Ts is displayed in association with the main element portion 80Tm. In this embodiment, a representation of a specific character is displayed as the sub-element portion 80Ts. When specific symbol control is executed, the appearance of the sub-element portion 80Ts changes as described below, but the shape, color, size, etc. of the sub-element portion 80Ts may change over time as long as the player can recognize that it represents the same character (specific character).

As the display mode of the target decorative pattern 80T, an inner display mode (see FIG. 22(a)) and an outer display mode (see FIG. 22(b)) are set. The inner display mode (see FIG. 22(a)) is a mode in which the sub-element portion 80Ts is displayed inside the main element portion 80Tm. In this embodiment, the main element portion 80Tm is the portion that represents the number "7", so the inner display mode is a mode in which the sub-element portion 80Ts is displayed inside the outer edge of the "7". The sub-element portion 80Ts represents the above-mentioned specific character, and it can also be said that the inner display mode is a mode in which the specific character is displayed in an area inside the outer edge of the "7". The specific character is displayed by making an element that allows the player to understand that it is a specific character appear in that area. Since the specific character is displayed in an area inside the outer edge of the "7" and does not protrude outside, the target decorative pattern 80T in the inner display mode as a whole will have the shape of a "7".

The outer display mode (see FIG. 22(b)) is a mode in which the sub-element portion 80Ts is displayed outside the main element portion 80Tm. In this embodiment, since the main element portion 80Tm is a portion that represents the number "7", the outer display mode is a mode in which the sub-element portion 80Ts is displayed outside the outer edge of the "7". The entire specific character may be displayed outside the main element portion 80Tm, or a part of the specific character may be displayed outside the main element portion 80Tm. In either case, the mode is such that the player can understand that the specific character is represented by the part that exists outside the main element portion 80Tm. In this embodiment, the specific character, which is the sub-element portion 80Ts, is displayed so as to overlap behind the main element portion 80Tm, which is the "7". This display mode is realized by setting the image layer representing the specific character behind the image layer representing the "7". To the player, the part of the specific character that does not overlap the "7" appears to be exposed outside the "7". In addition, even if the part overlaps with the "7", it may be designed so that it can be seen through the "7".

In this embodiment, the target decorative pattern 80T may be in a covered display mode, which is different from the inner display mode and the outer display mode. The covered display mode (see FIG. 22(c)) is a mode in which the sub-element portion 80Ts is displayed so as to cover at least a portion of the main element portion 80Tm. This display mode is realized by setting the image layer representing the number "7" behind the image layer representing the specific character (the anteroposterior relationship between the image layer representing the main element portion 80Tm and the image layer representing the sub-element portion 80Ts is reversed from the outer display mode). The covered display mode is different from the inner display mode and the outer display mode, and can also be said to be a display mode in which the entirety of the specific character represented by the sub-element portion 80Ts appears.

The specific symbol control switches the above-mentioned inner display mode, outer display mode, and covered display mode as shown in FIG. 23 according to the state of the target decorative symbol 80T. Note that FIG. 23 shows an example of the "7" decorative symbol 80 included in the left decorative symbol group 80gL, but the "7" decorative symbol 80 included in the center decorative symbol group 80gC and the right decorative symbol group 80gR are also controlled in the same way. However, this control may be executed only for the "7" decorative symbol 80 included in some of the decorative symbol groups 80g.

While the target decorative pattern 80T (along with the non-target decorative patterns, which are the other decorative patterns 80) is being displayed in a variable manner, the target decorative pattern 80T is in an inner display mode (see FIG. 23(a)). The inner display mode is essentially the size of the main element portion 80Tm (the number "7"), so it can be said to be displayed in a compact state (where the overall size of the target decorative pattern 80T is smaller than in the outer display mode or the covered display mode).

Immediately after the target decorative pattern 80T stops or pseudo-stops while displayed in the display area 911, it temporarily switches to the covered display mode (see FIG. 23(b)). Specifically, when the target decorative pattern 80T, which was in the inside display mode, stops or pseudo-stops, a change occurs in which the specific character (sub-element portion 80Ts) displayed inside the "7" (main element portion 80Tm) appears to jump out in front, and the display temporarily switches to the covered display mode. In this embodiment, the time in the covered display mode is about 1 second.

Then, while remaining in the stopped or pseudo-stopped state, the target decorative pattern 80T changes from the covered display mode to the outer display mode (see FIG. 23(c)). Specifically, the "7", which was at least partially covered by the specific character (sub-element portion 80Ts), changes to jump out in front (the specific character (sub-element portion 80Ts) changes to recede in), and the target decorative pattern 80T becomes the outer display mode. Since the outer display mode is a state in which the entire "7", which is the main element portion 80Tm, is visible, by the target decorative pattern 80T becoming the outer display mode, the player can easily understand that the "7" decorative pattern 80 has stopped or pseudo-stopped.

When the next variable performance starts, the target decorative pattern 80T is displayed in an inward display mode and changes (see Figure 23 (d)).

As described above, in this embodiment, the "7" decorative pattern 80 is the target decorative pattern 80T, and the others are non-target decorative patterns. The "7" decorative pattern 80, which is the target decorative pattern 80T, is subject to the specific pattern control described above, and the others are not subject to said control, so the "7" decorative pattern 80 stands out more than the other decorative patterns 80. The reason that special control is performed only on the "7" decorative pattern 80 in this way is because the "7" decorative pattern 80 is a pattern that is more "valuable" to the player than the other decorative patterns 80.

Specifically, if the winning/losing lottery results in a jackpot, a winning combination consisting of the same type of decorative pattern 80 (in this embodiment, a set of three decorative patterns 80 of the same type) is displayed, but it is more advantageous for the player if a jackpot is announced by a winning combination consisting of the target decorative pattern 80T than by a winning combination consisting of non-target decorative patterns. In this embodiment, as jackpots that can be won through the first winning/losing lottery (special pattern 1 lottery) executed in the normal game state, a normal jackpot in which the game state after the jackpot game ends is the second special game state (low probability) and a special jackpot in which the game state after the jackpot game ends is the first special game state (high probability) are set, and if a jackpot is announced by a winning combination consisting of the decorative pattern 80 of "7", which is the target decorative pattern 80T, it is set to be a special jackpot. In addition, when a jackpot is announced with a winning combination of non-target decorative symbols, it may be a normal jackpot (it may be set so that either a special jackpot or a normal jackpot is possible, or it may be set so that a normal jackpot is confirmed). In other words, the display of a winning combination with the target decorative symbols 80T confirms that it is a special jackpot, which is a jackpot that is advantageous to the player (more advantageous than a normal jackpot), and therefore the target decorative symbols 80T can be said to be more "valuable" to the player than the non-target decorative symbols, and the specific symbol control is performed to make the target decorative symbols 80T stand out.

In addition, in this embodiment, the target decorative pattern 80T is a pattern that is more "valuable" to the player than the non-target decorative pattern, also based on the following viewpoint. In this embodiment, the reliability of a jackpot when a reach (a state in which the two decorative patterns 80 that stopped or pseudo-stopped first become the same type. In this embodiment, a reach is defined as a state in which the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R become the same type) is achieved is different between when a reach is achieved with the target decorative pattern 80T and when a reach is achieved with a non-target decorative pattern. Specifically, the probability of a jackpot being achieved when a reach is achieved with the "7" decorative pattern 80 is higher than the probability of a jackpot being achieved when a reach is achieved with the other decorative patterns 80 (the reliability of a jackpot when a reach is achieved is highest with the "7" decorative pattern 80). Therefore, when a reach is achieved, the player will hope that the reach will be achieved with the decorative pattern "7" 80, so it can be said that there is a point in performing specific pattern control on the decorative pattern "7" 80 to make it stand out more than the other decorative patterns 80.

In this way, the specific symbol control in this embodiment is an inner display mode when the target decorative symbol 80T is displayed in a variable manner, and an outer display mode when the target decorative symbol 80T stops or pseudo-stops. In other words, when the target decorative symbol 80T is in a variable manner, the sub-element portion 80Ts (specific character) is displayed, but is displayed in a compact manner (since only the "number" portion is in a variable display state, it is not significantly different from other decorative symbols 80 (non-target decorative symbols)). When the target decorative symbol 80T stops or pseudo-stops, the sub-element portion 80Ts is displayed outside the main element portion 80Tm (as if the sub-element portion 80Ts has popped out from the inside to the outside of the main element portion 80Tm), which is an easy-to-understand display form that emphasizes that the target decorative symbol 80T (a symbol that is valuable to the player) has stopped or pseudo-stopped.

In addition, in this embodiment, the target decorative pattern 80T is temporarily in a covered display mode before it stops or pseudo-stops and becomes an outer display mode. In other words, the sub-element portion 80Ts (specific character) is displayed in front of the main element portion 80Tm, so the entire specific character appears, and the fact that the target decorative pattern 80T has stopped or pseudo-stopped is emphasized. Note that while in the covered display mode, at least a portion of the main element portion 80Tm (the number "7") is covered, making it difficult to grasp the main element portion 80Tm, but after the covered display mode is set, the main element portion 80Tm is displayed in its entirety in the outer display mode, making it easy to understand that the decorative pattern 80 of "7" has stopped or pseudo-stopped.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to the above-mentioned specific pattern control 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 4-1
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the decorative pattern 80 of "7", which is one of the multiple decorative patterns 80, is the target decorative pattern 80T that is the target of the specific pattern control, and the other patterns are non-target decorative patterns that are not the target, but two or more decorative patterns 80 may be the target decorative patterns 80T. For example, in a configuration in which a so-called probability variable state (high probability state) is provided, it is possible to configure two or more patterns (probability variable patterns) that are determined to move to the probability variable state after the end of a big win game as the target decorative pattern 80T, and the other patterns (non-probability variable patterns) as the non-target decorative patterns.

Also, all of the multiple types of decorative patterns 80 may be subject to specific pattern control. In other words, all of the multiple types of decorative patterns 80 may have a main element portion 80Tm and a sub-element portion 80Ts, and may be subject to specific pattern control as described in the above embodiment.

Specific example 4-2
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the target decorative pattern 80T that is the target of the specific pattern control is a pattern that is more valuable to the player than the non-target decorative pattern that is not the subject of the control, but the opposite configuration may be used. In other words, the non-target decorative pattern that is not the target of the specific pattern control is set to be a pattern that is more valuable to the player than the target decorative pattern 80T that is the subject of the control. The non-target decorative pattern is controlled to be less noticeable than the target decorative pattern 80T, and from another perspective, it can be said to be controlled more simply, so it is also assumed to be configured to make the patterns that are valuable to the player look simpler.

Specific example 4-3
In the above embodiment, when the target decorative pattern 80T stops or quasi-stops, it is temporarily set to the covered display mode and then to the outer display mode, but it may be configured not to be the covered display mode. That is, it may be configured that the target decorative pattern 80T is variably displayed in the inner display mode, and the target decorative pattern 80T stops or quasi-stops (without being set to the covered display mode) to be the outer display mode (see FIG. 24).

In addition, as in the above embodiment, when the target decorative pattern 80T stops or pseudo-stops, it may be temporarily set to the covered display mode and then to the outer display mode (as in FIG. 23), or it may be set to the outer display mode without being set to the covered display mode as described above (as in FIG. 24). In this case, the reliability of the winning/losing lottery result may be set to a different value depending on whether it is set to the covered display mode. For example, when the target decorative pattern 80T stops or pseudo-stops in a certain variable performance, if the target decorative pattern 80T is temporarily set to the covered display mode, the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the certain variable performance is more likely to be a winning jackpot than if it is not set to the covered display mode (the covered display mode as in FIG. 23(b) is set to be a so-called chance up setting). As described above, the covered display mode can be said to make the sub-element part 80Ts of the target decorative pattern 80T stand out, and if the sub-element part 80Ts is in a conspicuous state, there is a higher expectation of a winning jackpot than if it is not. This provides a gameplay experience that will draw the player's attention to the changes in appearance of the target decorative pattern 80T when it stops or pseudo-stops.

Specific example 4-4
When the target decorative pattern 80T stops or pseudo-stops, the specific pattern control as described in the above embodiment may be performed, or the specific pattern control may not be performed. In other words, when the target decorative pattern 80T stops or pseudo-stops, this may trigger a change from the inner display mode (through the covered display mode) to the outer display mode (see FIG. 25(b-2)), or the change may not occur (the display mode remains the inner display mode) (see FIG. 25(b-1)).

In this example, it is preferable to set the probability that the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to a certain variation performance will be a jackpot if specific pattern control is performed (as in FIG. 25(b-2)) when the target decorative pattern 80T stops or pseudo-stops during a certain variation performance, compared to if specific pattern control is not performed (as in FIG. 25(b-1)). The specific pattern control causes a change from an inner display mode to an outer display mode (a change such that a specific character jumps out), and can be said to be a control that makes the stopped or pseudo-stopped target decorative pattern 80T stand out, so it is thought that when the target decorative pattern 80T stands out in this way, a jackpot can be expected. In this way, a gameplay in which the player will pay attention to the change in the mode of the target decorative pattern 80T when it stops or pseudo-stops is realized.

7) Specific effects (text effects)
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is capable of executing a specific effect as an effect constituting a variable effect. Note that the specific effect in the present embodiment occurs in a normal game state, but may occur in a special game state.

The special effect (see FIG. 26) ultimately leads to a favorable ending (see FIG. 26(c-1)) favorable to the player, or an unfavorable ending (see FIG. 26(c-2)) if the favorable ending is not reached. The favorable ending includes a so-called reversal pattern in which an unfavorable ending appears to have been reached but is then reversed. The special effect in this embodiment occurs as a type of reach effect. If the winning/losing lottery result (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target winning/losing lottery result) corresponding to the during-variation effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target during-variation effect) in which the special effect occurred is a jackpot, the special effect leads to a favorable ending, and if it is a loss, it leads to an unfavorable ending. Note that the configuration does not necessarily have to result in a jackpot when a favorable ending is reached. For example, the probability that the winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot is higher when a favorable ending is reached than when an unfavorable ending is reached, but it may not necessarily result in a jackpot.

At the beginning of a special performance, a title image 50 (text image) is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 26(a)). The title image 50 represents the title of the special performance, and includes two or more characters (hereafter referred to as constituent characters) that represent the title. In this embodiment, the special performance involves a specific character attempting to jump over a cliff (see FIG. 26(b)), and the jump is set as a favorable ending (see FIG. 26(c-1)), while not being able to jump is set as an unfavorable ending (see FIG. 26(c-2)). A title image 50 including the constituent characters "Death Jump" is displayed at the beginning.

In this embodiment, the title image 50 (constituent characters) is used to suggest the probability that the specific effect will lead to a favorable outcome. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as a character effect and the character effect will be explained. As mentioned above, the fact that the specific effect will lead to a favorable outcome means that the result of the lottery is a jackpot, so it can also be said to suggest the reliability of the jackpot.

The character presentation suggests the likelihood of a favorable outcome depending on the final state (final state) of the title image 50. At the start of the character presentation, all of the constituent characters are "white" (see FIG. 26(a)). The character presentation indicates whether the constituent characters will change "character by character." Specifically, it indicates whether the constituent characters will change to "red" character by character (note that in the drawings, white characters are represented as "white" and filled-in characters are represented as "red"). In this embodiment, it indicates whether the earliest character in the reading order (i.e., the left) will change. Note that the method of indicating the presence or absence of a change using the "color" of the constituent characters is merely one example. Other elements may be used as long as the presence or absence of a change can be visually determined.

Figures 27(a)-(d) show an example of character presentation in which the final state is where the "desperate jump" up to "desperate ji" turns red (where 4 out of 7 characters change). In this case, the character "decisive" changes from white to red (see Figure 26(a) → Figure 27(a)), the character "death" changes from white to red (see Figure 27(a) → Figure 27(b)), the character "no" changes from white to red (see Figure 27(b) → Figure 27(c)), and the character "ji" changes from white to red (see Figure 27(c) → Figure 27(d)), with each character changing in sequence (changing with a time lag). The same applies when the number of characters that change is different, and the characters change in sequence starting from the left. There may also be cases where none of the characters change.

In this embodiment, an end action (not shown) occurs to indicate that the final state has been determined. After this end action occurs, no new changes to the constituent characters occur. In character effects, the constituent characters change one by one with a time lag, so it may be difficult to tell where the character has ended (whether there will be no further changes to the constituent characters). To reduce this risk, an end action is generated after a predetermined number of character changes have occurred (in the above example, four constituent characters have changed), and the player is informed that no further changes will occur. There are various possible methods (modes) of the end action. For example, a method of temporarily displaying an effect image (e.g., an effect image that makes it look as if the title image 50 is glowing) around the title image 50 can be used.

In this embodiment, the more constituent characters that are ultimately changed, the higher the probability of reaching an advantageous ending (see FIG. 27(e)). Therefore, the most reliable case is when all seven constituent characters have changed to red. When all seven constituent characters have changed, it may be determined that an advantageous ending will be reached. The least reliable case is when none of the seven constituent characters have changed. Because there are seven constituent characters, the number of stages of reliability (probability of reaching an advantageous ending) suggested by the final aspect is eight.

However, a range may be set where the reliability is the same even when the number of changed characters is different, such as "when the number of changed characters is 0 or 1," "when the number of changed characters is 2 or 3," "when the number of changed characters is 4 or 5," etc. Even when a range is set, it is sufficient to set the reliability of "when the number of changed characters is 2 or 3" to be higher than the reliability of "when the number of changed characters is 0 or 1," and this is also considered to be a configuration where "the more constituent characters that are ultimately changed, the higher the probability of reaching a favorable outcome."

In conventional gaming machines, the color of the title of a reach effect or the like would suggest reliability, but such conventional effects were rather dull in that the reliability could be understood at a glance. In this embodiment, whether or not the constituent characters of the title image 50 will change character by character is indicated, so you can enjoy the effect while anticipating how much it will change.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications of the above-mentioned specific effects (character 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.

Specific example 5-1
In the above embodiment, the character effect is described as being such that the more the number of constituent characters that are ultimately changed, the higher the probability (reliability) that the specific effect will lead to an advantageous outcome. However, it may be set so that whether or not the constituent characters change one by one, and whether or not all the constituent characters ultimately change, is the branch point for whether or not the probability of reaching an advantageous outcome increases (the chances are increased). In accordance with the above embodiment, the chances are increased when the outcome is reached in which all seven characters of "Death Jump" change from white to red, and the chances are not increased when some of the constituent characters do not change. In other words, when some of the constituent characters do not change, the probability of reaching an advantageous outcome is set to remain unchanged regardless of the number of constituent characters that have changed (see FIG. 28).

Even in this example, the player is shown whether the constituent characters change one by one, and is not instantly aware of whether the chances are up or not (the player is shown how the constituent characters change one by one), making this a more interesting presentation than in the past.

Specific example 5-2
The order in which the change or non-change is indicated may not be fixed. For example, as in the above embodiment, there may be cases where the change or non-change is indicated in the order of the "reading" of the title (hereinafter, referred to as ascending order; in the above embodiment, this corresponds to the change from the constituent characters on the left) (see FIG. 29(b-1)), and there may be cases where the change or non-change is indicated in the reverse order (hereinafter, referred to as descending order; in the above embodiment, this corresponds to the change from the constituent characters on the right) (see FIG. 29(b-2)).

When doing as in this example, whether ascending or descending order is used may indicate the number of component characters that will ultimately change (i.e., indicate the reliability of a jackpot). Since ascending order is the order of "reading," it is preferable to make this ascending order the basic pattern (the "default" pattern). In other words, it is preferable to make it so that the number of component characters that will ultimately change is more likely to be greater (the expected number of changed characters is greater) in descending order than in ascending order (descending order being the chance-up pattern).

Specific example 5-3
Although it has been explained that the character effects in the above embodiment may include cases where none of the constituent characters change (all the constituent characters remain "white"), it is assumed that at least one constituent character changes. If the setting is such that the more constituent characters that change, the higher the probability of reaching an advantageous outcome, as in the above embodiment, it can be said that ending with only one constituent character changing is the most undesirable result for the player.

If the game ends without any of the constituent characters changing, it can be said that the game ends without the unique effect of the character presentation "changing one character at a time." By doing as in this example, it is possible to prevent the player from quitting the game without learning about the unique effect of the character presentation "changing one character at a time."

Specific example 5-4
As described above, the character presentation is a function that indicates whether or not each of the constituent characters changes, and the character presentation is controlled so that it is clear which character is the constituent character (hereinafter referred to as the target character) that is currently the subject of the "change or not" check. Any control is sufficient as long as it is possible to grasp that the target character is in a different state from the other characters. For example, the character size of the target character is temporarily made larger than the other characters (see FIG. 30(b)). When the color of the target character changes, the character changes in a large state (see FIG. 30(c-1)), and returns to its original size with the same color (see FIG. 30(d-1)). Then, the next constituent character is made larger, so that it is possible to grasp that the character is the target character. When the color of the target character does not change (see FIG. 30(c-2)), it returns to its original size (see FIG. 30(d-2)), and the character presentation ends.

By doing this in this example, it becomes easier to understand that the effect is to show whether the constituent characters are changing one by one, and it also becomes clear which constituent character is currently the target character.

Specific example 5-5
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the color of the constituent characters is "white" as a reference color (default color, hereinafter referred to as the reference color) and "red" is a color that may be changed in the character effect (a color indicating an increased chance, hereinafter referred to as the opportunity color). However, two or more colors may be set as the opportunity color. For example, "red" is set as the first opportunity color, and "gold" (shown by hatching in the drawings) is set as the second opportunity color that is more advantageous than the first opportunity color. In addition to the character effect in which whether or not the constituent characters change from "white" to "red" is shown character by character (see FIG. 31(a-1)), a character effect in which whether or not the constituent characters change from "white" to "gold" is shown character by character (see FIG. 31(a-2)) may occur. In the case where N constituent characters become "red" and the case where N constituent characters become "gold," the latter is more likely to lead to an advantageous outcome (if the number of characters that change is the same is compared, the latter is more advantageous). In this way, when a character effect occurs, attention should be paid not only to whether the first character changes, but also to the color of the first character after it has changed.

Also, if multiple types of opportunity colors are set as described above, a character performance (first character performance) may occur in which it is shown, character by character, whether the constituent characters will change from "white" to "red", and if the result is that the color of all the constituent characters change from "white" to "red", a character performance (later character performance) may be executed in which it is shown, character by character, whether the constituent characters will change from "red" to "gold" (see FIG. 31(b)). In other words, if all the constituent characters have changed in the first character performance, a later character performance may occur in which it is shown whether the constituent characters will change to a more favorable color.

Also, although not shown, a presentation may be created in which the constituent characters are initially set to "red," and then a presentation is created in which whether or not the constituent characters change from "red" to "gold" is indicated for each character.

Specific example 5-6
As explained above, the character effects in the above embodiment indicate whether or not each constituent character changes one by one. However, the target string (the title in the above embodiment) may also be divided into multiple character groups, and whether or not each character group changes may be indicated in turn (each character group includes one or more characters).

It is preferable to divide the target character string into "phrases" and make each "phrase" into the character group (one or more characters that make up the character group are themselves considered to have a meaning). For example, if the target character string is "Desperate Jump" as in the above embodiment, then each of "Desperate", "Of", and "Jump" is made into a character group. That is, first it is shown whether the color of "Desperate" will change, and if that color changes, it is shown whether the color of "Of" will change, and if that color changes, it is shown whether the color of "Jump" will change (see FIG. 32).

Specific example 5-7
In the above embodiment, the target of the character effect is the title image 50 of a specific effect, but other images including two or more characters can be used as the target. For example, a character effect is known in which the color of the characters representing the lines of a character or the lyrics of a song indicates the reliability, and a character effect may be generated in which whether or not the constituent characters change for the lines or lyrics is indicated character by character.

8) Image Displacement Presentation The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is capable of executing an image displacement presentation as a presentation constituting a variation presentation. Note that the image displacement presentation in the present embodiment occurs in a normal game state, but may occur in a special game state.

In this embodiment, the image displacement effect may occur during a specific type of battle effect (hereinafter simply referred to as a battle effect) (the image displacement effect is executed as part of the battle effect). In the battle effect, a friendly character (represented in the drawings with the character "Friend"), which is a character on the player's side, fights against an enemy character (represented in the drawings with the character "Enemy") that faces it, and the end result is a victory result in which the friendly character wins (a favorable result for the player) (see FIG. 34(c-1)) or a defeat result in which the friendly character loses (the enemy character wins) (a disadvantageous result for the player) (see FIG. 34(c-2)). Note that the victory result also includes a so-called reversal (resurrection) pattern in which the friendly character appears to have been defeated, but this is overturned. In this way, the battle effect shows the result based on the situation of the friendly character, and if the friendly character is the main performance element, it can be said that the advantageous result is when the main performance element is in a specified situation, and the disadvantageous result is when the main performance element does not reach the specified situation.

In this embodiment, the battle effect can occur as a type of reach effect. If the hit/miss lottery result (target hit/miss lottery result) corresponding to the during-variation effect (target during-variation effect) including the battle effect is a jackpot, a winning result (see FIG. 34(c-1)) is reached, and if it is a miss, a losing result (see FIG. 34(c-2)) is reached. Note that executing a battle effect as a type of reach effect is merely one example. It is also possible to set it so that a jackpot is not confirmed when a winning result is reached, but rather that the probability that the target hit/miss lottery result will be a jackpot increases (it is limited to an increased chance).

The image displacement effect is a state in which the reference image 60 is displayed in the display area 911 from a reference state (see FIG. 33(a)) to a displaced state (see FIG. 33(b)) in which the reference image 60 is displayed as if displaced (as if "shifted") relative to the display area 911. In this embodiment, the reference image 60 is displayed in the entire display area 911 in the reference state. Since the image displacement effect is executed during the battle effect, the reference image 60 includes at least one of an ally character and an enemy character. In this embodiment, the reference image 60 includes a decorative pattern 80 to enhance the impression that the reference image 60 is "shifted" relative to the display area 911. In other words, the image including the decorative pattern 80 is displayed as if it is "shifted" relative to the display area 911. In this embodiment, the reserved pattern 10 is not displayed during the battle effect, but the reference image 60 may include the reserved pattern 10 if the reserved pattern 10 is displayed. However, only the parts specific to the battle presentation, excluding the decorative patterns 80 and reserved patterns 10, may be displaced relative to the display area 911 as the reference image 60. Also, in this embodiment, the reference image 60 in the displaced state is a still image, but it may also be a video that indicates that the battle is progressing (the reference image 60 may indicate the progress of the battle even during the displaced state).

In this way, the image displacement effect is such that the reference image 60, which was displayed in the entire display area 911 in the reference state, is displaced relative to the display area 911, and therefore the outer edge of the reference image 60 appears in the displaced state (see FIG. 33(b)). That is, in the displaced state, a portion corresponding to the outer edge (approximately rectangular shape) of the display area 911 in the reference state is displayed in the display area 911. In the image displacement effect in this embodiment, the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has been displaced in the depth direction relative to the display area 911, and therefore the outer edge of the reference image 60 in the displaced state is made approximately rectangular (the reference image 60 is displayed as if its entire size is smaller in the displaced state than in the reference state). Note that the reference image 60 may be displayed as if it has been displaced in the left-right direction or the up-down direction relative to the display area 911. The reference image 60 may also be displayed as if it has been displaced three-dimensionally relative to the display area 911 (in this case, the outer edge of the reference image 60 in the displaced state is made approximately parallelogram-shaped).

Since the reference image 60 is displaced relative to the display area 911 as described above, in the displaced state, an area in which the reference image 60 is not displayed in the display area 911 (hereinafter referred to as a non-reference area 911x) is generated (see FIG. 33(b)). The non-reference area 911x can also be said to be the area from the outer edge of the reference image 60 to the outer edge of the display area 911.

When an image displacement effect occurs during a battle effect (before the battle effect has reached its conclusion) and a displacement state is reached, a non-standard image 62 is displayed in the non-standard area 911x. The non-standard image 62 is considered to include a sub-effect element. In this embodiment, the sub-effect element is a character on the player's side that helps an ally character (hereinafter referred to as a support character; in the drawings, this is indicated by the character "assist") (see FIG. 33(b)).

In the displaced state, the auxiliary character is displayed as if it is "running" towards the reference image 60. In this embodiment, in the displaced state, the reference image 60 changes to become gradually smaller (over time). In other words, the non-reference area 911x changes to become gradually larger (over time). The smaller the reference image 60 becomes (the larger the non-reference area 911x becomes), the more the auxiliary character included in the non-reference image 62 displaces so as to move closer to the reference image 60 (see the change from (b) to (c) in Figure 33).

The image displacement presentation ultimately leads to an inclusive ending (see Figures 33(d-1), 34(a-1)) in which the auxiliary character (secondary presentation element) is included in the reference image 60, or a non-inclusive ending (see Figures 33(d-2), 34(a-2)) in which the auxiliary character (secondary presentation element) is not included in the reference image 60. As mentioned above, the auxiliary character is a player's character that helps an ally character, so an inclusive ending can be said to indicate that the auxiliary character has joined the battle to help the ally character. On the other hand, a non-inclusive ending can be said to indicate that the auxiliary character does not join the battle.

In this embodiment, when an inclusive ending is reached, the reference image 60 in the displaced state includes the auxiliary character (secondary performance element) (see FIG. 33(d-1)), and the reference image 60 returns to its original size (returns to the reference state) (see FIG. 34(a-1)). However, the reference image 60 may be configured to include the auxiliary character at approximately the same time as the reference image 60 returns to its original size. Also, when a non-inclusive ending is reached, the reference image 60 returns to its original size (returns to the reference state) without including the auxiliary character. By displaying the auxiliary character in the non-reference area 911x until just before the reference image 60 returns to its original size, the reference image 60 appears to be covered by the returned original size and disappear (see FIG. 33(d-2), FIG. 34(a-2)).

In this way, in both cases where an inclusive or non-inclusive ending is reached, the reference image 60 returns to its original size. The battle performance then progresses to a result (either a winning or losing result). Note that when an inclusive ending is reached, an auxiliary character joins the battle, so it is preferable that the images from the inclusive ending to the non-inclusive ending (at least until the result is reached) be different (see the difference between Figure 34 (b-1) and (b-2)). However, this is not to say that it is impossible to output the same images regardless of which ending is reached (to be able to use common images).

In summary, the image displacement effect in this embodiment occurs while the battle effect is being performed. In the image displacement effect, the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has been displaced relative to the display area 911, so that when the displacement state occurs, a non-reference area 911x (an area in the display area 911 where the reference image 60 is not displayed) is inevitably generated. In this embodiment, the occurrence of the non-reference area 911x is utilized, and an auxiliary character (secondary performance element) is displayed in the non-reference area 911x to suggest the possibility that the auxiliary character will participate in the battle (see FIG. 33(b)). In particular, in this embodiment, the reference image 60 is gradually getting smaller in the displacement state, and the auxiliary character is displayed so as to gradually approach the reference image 60 accordingly (see FIG. 33(b)→(c)), emphasizing the situation in which it is likely to "participate." Finally, when the auxiliary character is finally included in the reference image 60 (inclusive ending) (see Figures 33(d-1) and 34(a-1)), this indicates that "participation" has been achieved (when the auxiliary character is not included in the reference image 60 (non-inclusive ending) (see Figures 33(d-2) and 34(a-2)), this indicates that "participation" has not been achieved).

In this embodiment, the probability of the battle performance leading to a winning result is higher when an inclusive ending is reached than when a non-inclusive ending is reached. In other words, when looking at the image displacement performance alone, it can be said that an inclusive ending is an ending that is more advantageous to the player than a non-inclusive ending. Since the auxiliary character is displayed as a character that helps the ally character aiming for victory, it can be said that it is natural for a series of performances to set the probability of a winning result being higher when "participation" is realized than when it is not realized. In short, since the auxiliary character, which is a sub-performance element, is displayed as a character that helps the ally character, which is the main performance element, reach a situation of a winning result (advantageous result), the player can feel that he is closer to victory when the auxiliary character is included in the reference image 60 than when it does not. Note that in this embodiment, the winning result is not determined when an inclusive ending is reached. In other words, the inclusive ending is set to be merely a chance increase. However, it is not denied that a winning result is determined when an inclusive ending is reached. Also, in this embodiment, it is possible to reach a winning outcome even if a non-inclusive ending is reached.

In this way, the image displacement presentation in this embodiment displays a non-standard image 62 containing a sub-performance element in a non-standard area 911x that is generated by the displacement of the reference image 60 relative to the display area 911, and whether or not the sub-performance element ultimately reaches an inclusive ending that is included in the reference image 60 determines whether or not the ending is favorable to the player, creating an interesting presentation.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above image displacement 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.

Specific example 6-1
In the above embodiment, the image displacement effect is described as being executed as part of a battle effect in which the victory of an ally character (main effect element) (reaching a predetermined situation) is deemed to be an advantageous result for the player, but it may also be executed as part of a target effect different from such a battle effect. The sub-effect elements contained in the non-standard image 62 in the image displacement effect may be displayed as elements that help the target effect reach an advantageous result (the player can understand that the target effect will develop in a favorable manner for the player by the appearance of the sub-effect element, the use of the sub-effect element, etc.). In this way, the sub-effect element reaching a subsuming conclusion becomes a natural flowing form of effect that indicates that the target effect is approaching an advantageous result.

For example, the target performance may be a performance in which a specific character (main performance element) attempts to jump over cliffs, with the advantageous outcome being jumping over and the disadvantageous outcome being unable to jump over (similar to the performance shown in FIG. 26). An image displacement performance may occur during the target performance (see FIG. 35(a) and (b)), and a "jump platform" may be displayed as a secondary performance element included in the non-standard image 62. If an inclusive ending is reached, the character will attempt to jump over the cliffs using the jump platform (see FIG. 35(c-1)), and if a non-inclusive ending is reached, the character will attempt to jump over the cliffs without using the jump platform (see FIG. 35(c-2)). In other words, since the situation in which "the character jumps over the cliffs" is an advantageous outcome (goal) for the player, a "jump platform" is displayed to encourage this, so that the player may feel as if the probability of reaching the advantageous outcome has increased if an inclusive ending is reached.

Specific example 6-2
In the above embodiment, the image displacement presentation has been explained as being such that an inclusive ending is more advantageous to the player than a non-inclusive ending (an ending which is more likely to result in a winning outcome (advantageous outcome) in the battle presentation), but the opposite setting may also be used, i.e., a non-inclusive ending is more advantageous to the player than an inclusive ending.

In such a setting, in the image displacement presentation, anything that prevents the main presentation element from reaching a favorable result that results in a predetermined situation (in other words, anything that encourages an unfavorable result) can be displayed as a sub-presentation element. If the target is a battle presentation as in the above embodiment, anything that indicates that the ally character (main presentation element) is in an unfavorable situation (an advantageous situation for the enemy character) is displayed as a sub-presentation element. For example, a different character (another enemy character, represented by the word "another" in the drawings) that helps the enemy character is displayed as a sub-presentation element (see FIG. 36(b)). Reaching an inclusive conclusion means that another character will join the battle (see FIG. 36(c-1)), which means that the ally character will be in an unfavorable situation, suggesting that it has become difficult for the ally character to win. On the other hand, reaching a non-inclusive ending means that no other characters will join the battle (see Figure 36 (c-2)), and the allied characters are prevented from being placed in an unfavorable situation, suggesting that the allied characters are more likely to win than if the ending were inclusive.

As explained in the above specific example 6-1, when the target performance is a performance other than a battle performance, an inclusive ending can be set to be a more advantageous ending for the player than a non-inclusive ending. As in specific example 6-1, if the performance is set to one in which a specific character (main performance element) attempts to jump over a cliff, and jumping over the cliff is set as an advantageous result and not being able to jump over the cliff is set as an unfavorable result, for example, a representation of "oil" is displayed as a secondary performance element (see FIG. 37(b)). When an inclusive ending is reached, it is expressed that the "oil" has been scattered, making it difficult for the character to jump (see FIG. 37(c-1)). When a non-inclusive ending is reached, the "oil" is not scattered (see FIG. 37(c-2)), so it can be said that the character is in a situation where it is easier to jump than in the case of an inclusive ending.

Specific example 6-3
In the displacement state of the image displacement presentation, the player is prompted to operate the operation means 70 (for example, a push button; see FIG. 1) (an operation presentation occurs). As described above, in the displacement state, the larger the non-standard area 911x, the closer the sub-presentation element (auxiliary character) is to be displayed to the reference image 60, and this change is caused by the operation of the operation means 70. For example, the player is prompted to operate the operation means 70 continuously (continuous tapping), and each time an operation of the operation means 70 during the operation valid period is detected, the non-standard area 911x becomes smaller, and a change in which the sub-presentation element approaches the reference image 60 may occur (see FIG. 38(b)(c)). In this way, a presentation form that gives the impression that the player is approaching the inclusive conclusion through his own power (operation) can be created. In addition, a maintenance operation (long press) to maintain the operating state of the operating means 70 may be required, and each time a maintenance operation for a specified period of time is detected, the non-standard area 911x may become smaller, and a change may occur in which the sub-performance element approaches the reference image 60.

In addition, in the displacement state of the image displacement effect, as described above, the operation of the operation means 70 may be prompted (an operation effect occurs) (see FIG. 39(b-2)), or the operation may not be prompted (no operation effect occurs) (see FIG. 39(b-1)), and the probability of an inclusive ending may be higher when an operation effect occurs than when it does not occur. The operation effect can be said to give the player the impression that he or she is supporting a sub-effect element (auxiliary character) that is approaching the reference image 60 by operating the operation means 70, so the setting may be such that the probability of an inclusive ending is higher when such a situation occurs.

Specific example 6-4
As described above, in the displacement state, the outer edge (frame) of the reference image 60 is displayed in the display area 911. The state of the outer edge can change each time an image displacement performance occurs, and the state of the outer edge suggests the probability of reaching an inclusive ending. In a sense, the image displacement performance is a performance in which whether or not an auxiliary performance element (auxiliary character) displayed in the non-reference area 911x in the displacement state crosses over the outer edge of the reference image 60 and enters the reference image 60 is a branching point as to whether or not an inclusive ending will be reached. Therefore, making the state of the outer edge suggest the probability of reaching an inclusive ending is an operation that is highly compatible with the nature of the image displacement performance.

For example, a first state (see FIG. 40(b-1)) and a second state (see FIG. 40(b-2)) that is more likely to result in an inclusive ending than the first state are set as the state of the outer edge of the reference image 60. The outer edge of the first state is "thicker" than the outer edge of the second state. In this way, the thicker the outer edge is, the lower the probability that the secondary performance element (auxiliary character) will go beyond the outer edge and enter the reference image 60 (resulting in an inclusive ending).

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

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

It is not necessary for all of the various effects and other features described in the above embodiment to be executable. It is also possible for only some of them to be executable.

The matters relating to the "big win" explained in the above embodiment can be replaced with the so-called "small win". For example, the presentation suggesting the probability of a big win (big win reliability) can also be used to suggest the probability of a small win. Also, it may be possible to have a game feature in which a big win can be obtained via a small win in this way (the game feature of a so-called "two-type gaming machine") (this is well known and will not be explained here). If the setting is such that a small win always leads to a big win, then a small win can be treated as a big win.

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

・Means 1-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a display area; an effect execution means for executing an effect during the change from when the decorative pattern displayed in the display area starts to change until it stops in a manner indicating the result of a win/lose lottery; and a win game execution means for executing a win game when the result of the win/lose lottery is a win, wherein an opportunity image is displayed in the display area, and an activation effect can be executed that shows as if an event advantageous to the player has occurred based on the opportunity image, and when the opportunity image is displayed but the activation effect based on the opportunity image does not occur during the change performance and the result of the win/lose lottery is a win, the activation effect occurs during the win game.
According to the above gaming machine, if the opportunity image is not activated during the varying performance, it is possible to realize an interesting gameplay in which it is activated during a winning game.

・Means 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that, when two or more of the opportunity images are displayed, if the activation effect based on all of the two or more opportunity images displayed during the varying effect does not occur, the activation effect based on the remaining opportunity images occurs during the winning game.
By doing so, if all of the two or more opportunity images are not activated during the variable performance, the remaining opportunity images are activated during a winning game.

・Means 1-3
The winning game includes one or more unit games in which a predetermined winning area is opened until a closing condition is established, and when the activation effect occurs during the winning game, the winning game, which was shown as including X number of unit games before the occurrence of the activation effect, may be shown to include Y number of unit games (where X<Y).
In this way, if the opportunity image is not activated during the variable performance, a game property is realized in which the number of unit games of winning games can be expected to increase.

・Means 1-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that a first opportunity image and a second opportunity image are provided as the opportunity images, and the second opportunity image is more likely to cause the activation effect to occur during the winning game without causing the activation effect to occur during the fluctuation effect than the first opportunity image.
In this way, gameplay that will draw the player's attention to the form (type) of the opportunity image is realized.

・Means 2-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a display area; and an effect execution means for executing consecutive effects including two or more unit effects, wherein in the consecutive effects, a count image indicating the number of times the unit effects have occurred is displayed in the display area; and in a reference state in which it is not clear whether the second unit effect has started and the consecutive effect will be executed, a consecutive suggestion image indicating that the unit effect has occurred once may be displayed in the display area.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to easily indicate that a continuous performance will occur.

・Means 2-2
The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that decorative patterns indicating the results of a win/lose lottery are displayed in the display area, and the continuous performance is a pseudo-continuous performance in which the changing decorative patterns pseudo-stop in a predetermined combination and then change again, marking the start of a new unit performance.
By using a continuous indication image, it is possible to give an easy-to-understand indication of the occurrence of a pseudo continuous performance immediately after the decorative pattern begins to change.

・Means 2-3
A gaming machine as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the reference state, the successive suggestion image is set to be either displayed or not displayed, and the probability of the successive performance occurring is higher when the successive suggestion image is displayed in the reference state than when it is not displayed.
If a continuous suggestion image is displayed every time the reference state is reached, it will be difficult to understand what the continuous suggestion image is suggesting, so it is better to make it so that the continuous suggestion image is not always displayed in the reference state.

・Means 2-4
A gaming machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the probability of the continuous performance occurring is higher when a second continuous suggestion image different from the first continuous suggestion image is displayed as the continuous suggestion image than when a first continuous suggestion image is displayed.
In this way, the appearance (type) of the consecutive suggestion image can be used to suggest the likelihood that a consecutive performance will occur.

・Means 3-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a display area for displaying a decorative pattern indicating the result of a win/lose lottery; a performance execution means for executing a during-variation performance from when the decorative pattern starts to change until it stops in a manner according to the result of the win/lose lottery; and a style control means for controlling the performance style of the during-variation performance, wherein until a switching point in the middle of the target during-variation performance, which is the during-variation performance, is reached, a mid-variation style change is possible which maintains the performance style, which is a pre-style, that was set in the previous during-variation performance, which is the during-variation performance immediately preceding the target during-variation performance, and which is capable of changing to a post-style, which is the performance style different from the pre-style, when the switching point is reached.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to make the change in presentation style easy to understand.

・Means 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that a change notification image is displayed to notify the user that a change in the presentation style will occur, and the pre-presentation style remains set even after the change notification image is erased, and then the switching time is reached and the style changes to the post-presentation style.
In this way, after the change preview image warns that a style change will occur, the change from the pre-style to the post-style can actually be shown, making it easy to understand that a style change has occurred.

・Means 3-3
The gaming machine described in means 3-2 is characterized in that the change preview image indicates the type of presentation style that is the post-event style.
This results in a novel configuration in which, even after the type of presentation style that is to be the post-event style is indicated by the change preview image, the pre-event style presentation style remains set (the style change is not complete) until the switching point is reached.

・Means 4-1
A gaming machine in which the results of a win/lose lottery are announced using multiple types of decorative patterns displayed in the display area of a display device, wherein a target decorative pattern, which is at least a part of the multiple types of decorative patterns, includes a main element portion indicating its type and a sub-element portion associated with the main element portion, and wherein specific pattern control can be executed in which, while the target decorative pattern is being displayed in a variable manner, the sub-element portion is displayed inside the main element portion in an inner display mode, and when the target decorative pattern stops or pseudo-stops, the sub-element portion is displayed outside the main element portion in an outer display mode.
According to the gaming machine, by performing specific symbol control, it is possible to make it noticeable that the target decorative symbol has stopped or pseudo-stopped.

・Measure 4-2
The gaming machine described in Means 4-1 is characterized in that when the target decorative pattern stops or pseudo-stops, the secondary element part is displayed in a covered display mode so as to cover at least a portion of the primary element part, and then is changed to the outer display mode.
In this way, when the target decorative pattern stops or pseudo-stops, the sub-element portion of the target decorative pattern can be temporarily made to stand out.

・Means 4-3
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 or 4-2 is characterized in that the target decorative pattern is a part of multiple types of decorative patterns, and the specific pattern control is not executed for non-target decorative patterns, which are decorative patterns other than the target decorative pattern.
By doing so, the target decorative pattern can be made to stand out more than other decorative patterns (non-target decorative patterns).

・Means 4-4
The gaming machine described in means 4-3 is characterized in that if the result of the lottery is a win, a winning combination consisting of the same type of decorative patterns is displayed, and it is more advantageous for the player if the winning combination consisting of the target decorative patterns is displayed than if the winning combination consisting of the non-target decorative patterns is displayed.
In this way, if the target decorative pattern is set to be more valuable to the player than the non-target decorative patterns, it is conceivable that the "valuable" target decorative pattern can be made to stand out by using specific pattern control.

・Means 5-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a display area; and an effect execution means for executing a specific effect as a part of an effect during the change from when the decorative pattern displayed in the display area starts to change until it stops in a manner indicating the result of a win/lose lottery, wherein the specific effect is a character image including two or more constituent characters displayed in the display area, and whether or not the constituent characters change character by character is indicated, and the final state of the character image suggests the likelihood that the outcome of the specific effect will be favorable to the player.
The gaming machine is capable of implementing interesting effects using character images.

・Means 5-2
The gaming machine described in means 5-1 is characterized in that the greater the number of changed constituent characters, the higher the probability of reaching the advantageous outcome.
By doing so, it is possible to create an effect in which the player hopes that the constituent characters will continue to change one by one for as long as possible.

・Means 5-3
The gaming machine described in means 5-1 is characterized in that the probability of reaching the advantageous outcome is higher when all of the constituent characters have changed than when some of the constituent characters have not changed, and when some of the constituent characters have not changed, the probability of reaching the advantageous outcome is the same regardless of the number of constituent characters that have changed.
This provides an easy-to-understand presentation in which whether or not all of the constituent characters change determines whether or not there is a chance of an increase.

・Means 5-4
The gaming machine described in any one of means 5-1 to 5-3 is characterized in that the specific performance is a reach performance that leads to the advantageous outcome when the result of a win/lose lottery is a win, and the character image represents the title of the reach performance using the constituent characters.
Since the title of the reach effect attracts the player's attention, it is preferable to use constituent characters that represent the title.

・Means 6-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a display area; and an effect execution means for executing an image displacement effect that changes from a reference state in which a reference image is displayed in the display area to a displaced state in which the reference image is displayed as if displaced relative to the display area, wherein the image displacement effect leads to an inclusive ending in which the reference image includes the sub-performance element, or a non-inclusive ending in which the reference image does not include the sub-performance element, in which one of the outcomes is set as being more advantageous to the player than the other.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to execute an interesting presentation that utilizes the out-of-standard area that is generated by the displacement state.

・Measure 6-2
The gaming machine described in means 6-1 is characterized in that in the displacement state, the larger the non-standard area becomes, the closer the sub-performance elements contained in the non-standard image are displayed to the standard image.
By doing this, it is suggested that there is a possibility that the sub-performance element may enter the base image (there is a possibility that it may lead to an inclusive ending), making the performance easier to understand.

・Means 6-3
The image displacement presentation occurs as part of a presentation set as an advantageous result advantageous to the player when a main presentation element different from the sub-performance element reaches a predetermined state, and in the displacement state, the non-standard image including the sub-performance element representing something that will help reach the advantageous result is displayed in the non-standard area, and the gaming machine described in means 6-1 or 6-2 is characterized in that the probability of reaching the advantageous result is higher in the case of the inclusive ending in which the sub-performance element is included in the standard image than in the case of the non-inclusive ending in which the sub-performance element is not included in the standard image.
In this way, by using sub-presentation elements that represent things that encourage reaching an advantageous result, it is possible to create a presentation format in which reaching an inclusive ending is advantageous for the player.

・Means 6-4
The image displacement presentation occurs as part of a battle presentation set as the advantageous result, in which an ally character, which is the player's character displayed as the main presentation element, fights against an enemy character opposing it, and the victory of the ally character is the outcome of the battle, and in the displacement state, the non-standard image including the sub-performance element representing something that will help the ally character win is displayed in the non-standard area.In this way, by using sub-performance elements that represent something that will help the ally character win, a presentation form can be created in which reaching an inclusive ending is advantageous for the player (ally character).

・Means 6-5
The image displacement presentation occurs as part of a presentation set as an advantageous result advantageous to the player when a main presentation element different from the sub-performance element reaches a predetermined state, and in the displacement state, the non-standard image including the sub-performance element representing something that prevents the advantageous result from being reached is displayed in the non-standard area, and the gaming machine described in means 6-1 or 6-2 is characterized in that the probability of reaching the advantageous result is higher in the case of the non-inclusive ending in which the sub-performance element is not included in the standard image than in the case of the inclusive ending in which the sub-performance element is included in the standard image.
In this way, by using sub-presentation elements that represent obstacles to reaching an advantageous result, it is possible to create a presentation format in which reaching an inclusive ending is disadvantageous to the player.

・Means 6-6
The image displacement presentation occurs as part of a battle presentation set as the advantageous result, in which an ally character, which is the player's character displayed as the main presentation element, fights against an enemy character opposing it, with the ally character's victory being the outcome of the displacement, and the gaming machine described in means 6-5 is characterized in that in the displacement state, a non-standard image including a sub-performance element representing something that hinders the victory of the ally character is displayed in the non-standard area.In this way, by using a sub-performance element that represents something that hinders the victory of the ally character, a presentation form can be created in which reaching an inclusive ending is disadvantageous to the player (ally character).

1 Gaming machine 10 Reserved pattern 11 Changing reserved pattern (changing reserved information)
12 Pre-change reserved pattern (pre-change reserved information)
20 Opportunity image (21 First opportunity image 22 Second opportunity image)
30 Continuous suggestion image 32 Number of times image 40 Change notice image 50 Title image (text image)
60 Reference image 62 Non-reference image 911x Non-reference area 70 Operation means 80 Decorative pattern 80T Target decorative pattern 80Tm Main element part 80Ts Sub-element part 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

A winning/losing lottery means for performing a winning/losing lottery when a gaming ball enters a starting area;
A performance execution means for executing a variable performance that notifies the winning/losing lottery result by the winning/losing lottery means;
A winning game execution means for executing a winning game after a winning variation performance, which is the variation performance that notifies the player that the winning/losing lottery result by the winning/losing lottery means is a winning game,
Equipped with
In the above-mentioned variation performance, an opportunity image may be displayed,
As a performance constituting the variable performance, it is possible to execute an activation performance that is not executed unless an opportunity image is displayed,
The winning variation performance may be a specific winning variation performance in which the opportunity image is displayed and the activation performance is executed, or a non-specific winning variation performance in which the opportunity image is displayed but the activation performance is not executed,
The probability that a specific event advantageous to a player occurs during a winning game is higher in the winning game executed after the non-specific winning variation performance than in the winning game executed after the specific winning variation performance ,
When a second opportunity image different from the first opportunity image is displayed as the opportunity image, the probability of the specific win variation effect being the non-specific win variation effect is higher than when a first opportunity image is displayed as the opportunity image.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images