JP7766342B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

For example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, there is a known gaming machine in which the condition for awarding a jackpot (a bonus) is that the gaming ball enters a specified area (a bonus area) when a small jackpot is won.

JP 2016-005662 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the risk of an event occurring in which a gaming ball does not enter a bonus area even though the bonus area has been opened.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which was developed to solve the above problems, comprises a display means having a display area, and a bonus area, which is an area that opens after the winning fluctuations, from when the decorative symbols displayed in the display area start to fluctuate until the winning/losing lottery result stops in a manner indicating a winning result, and in which the entry of a gaming ball is a condition for granting a bonus, and is characterized in that a warning image is displayed in the display area during the winning fluctuations, notifying the start of the launch period in which gaming balls should be launched toward the opened bonus area.

This invention makes it possible to reduce the risk of an incident occurring in which a gaming ball does not enter a bonus area even though the bonus area has been opened.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a bonus area provided within the big prize area. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns, etc. displayed in the display area. 10A is a diagram for explaining the transition of game states, FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining the allocation of jackpots (benefits), and FIG. 10C is a diagram for explaining specific benefits and non-specific benefits. This is a diagram for explaining the special effects. The images displayed at the times (b-1) to (b-5) shown in (a) correspond to (b-1) to (b-5) in (b). Also, (c) is a diagram showing the special effects that occur when the special bonus is won 20 times since the start of the special period. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a presentation image (presentation character). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-1. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-5. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-6. This is a diagram for explaining the preview image (preview period) and the launch instruction image (launch period). Note that the images displayed at times (b-1) to (b-6) shown in (a) correspond to (b-1) to (b-6) in (b). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-5. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-6.

1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine One embodiment of the gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 1. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term "image" includes not only still images but also moving images. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the following description is based on the assumption that the player plays according to instructions (the player plays normally without performing special moves). Furthermore, when a phrase such as "a gaming ball enters XX (wins)," strictly speaking, it means that the sensor installed in the XX has detected the entering gaming ball.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of approximately square plywood, and is provided with a guide rail 903 that is approximately arc-shaped and forms a path that guides gaming balls launched by operating the launching device 908 (launching handle) into the playing area 902.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a starting area 904, a big win 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 multiple game pins that act as obstacles that change the way game balls flow down when they collide with them. Game balls flowing down the game area 902 change into various forms depending on the conditions when they collide with the game pins.

In this type of 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 hole such as the starting area 904 or the big prize area 906, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by the payout device.

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

2) Specifications The player aims to win a jackpot (a prize) through a winning/losing lottery that is triggered when a gaming ball enters the starting area 904. A jackpot cannot be won unless the winning/losing lottery is won. In this embodiment, the starting area 904 includes 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) (see FIG. 1). Hereinafter, the winning/losing lottery that is triggered when a gaming ball enters the first starting area 904a may be referred to as the first winning/losing lottery (special chart 1 lottery), and the winning/losing lottery that is triggered when a gaming ball enters the second starting area 904b may be referred to as the second winning/losing lottery (special chart 2 lottery).

Winning patterns in the win/lose lottery include a "big win" and a "small win." If neither a big win nor a small win is won, it is a "lose." Regardless of the game state described below, whether the first win/lose lottery or the second win/lose lottery is executed, the probability of a big win is approximately 1/319. Furthermore, regardless of the game state described below (normal game state or special game state), if the second win/lose lottery is executed, the probability of a small win is approximately 1/2.08. Note that in this embodiment, even if the first win/lose lottery is executed, a small win will not be won.

When a jackpot is won, a jackpot game is executed. A jackpot game involves one or more unit games (referring to one "round" of play; sometimes referred to as "rounds" in the following explanation) in which the jackpot area 906 (normally closed) is opened until a predetermined condition is met. A unit game ends (the jackpot area 906 is closed) when either the winning condition of C game balls entering the jackpot area 906 or the time condition of a predetermined time elapses is met. In this embodiment, C = 10 (the value of C is generally referred to as a "count"). In each unit game, if game balls are continuously fired toward the jackpot area 906, the winning condition will almost certainly be met before the time condition is met. In other words, if the game is played as instructed, at least 10 game balls will enter the jackpot area 906 in one unit game. In this embodiment, when one gaming ball enters the big prize area 906, the payout (number of prize balls) is 15, so at least 150 prize balls can be obtained in one unit play (the number of prize balls can increase if a so-called over-win occurs). The more unit plays (number of rounds) a jackpot game includes, the greater the player's profit (expected profit) from that jackpot game. In this embodiment, the big prize area 906 is located to the right of the play area 902 (see Figure 1), and the player plays so that the gaming ball enters the right side of the play area 902 (so-called "right hit").

In this embodiment, a big win can be won via a small win. When a small win is won, a small win game is executed. In the small win game, the big win area 906 is opened, and the bonus area 20 (see Figure 2) located within the big win area 906 is also opened. The letter "V" is marked near the bonus area 20 (see Figures 1 and 2), and this "V" is used to indicate the bonus area 20 to the player. The bonus area 20 is normally closed (see Figure 2(a)), but is temporarily opened when a small win is won (see Figure 2(b)). The big win area 906 has two exit areas, and a gaming ball that enters the big win area 906 will pass through one of the two exit areas. One of the two exit areas is the bonus area 20 (see Figure 2). A sensor is provided in each of these exit areas, and a gaming ball that passes through one of these exit areas is treated as having won in the big prize area 906. In other words, a gaming ball that enters the bonus area 20 also wins in the big prize area 906.

The condition for winning a jackpot is for a gaming ball to enter the bonus area 20 during the small jackpot game (to win a jackpot, it is sufficient for one gaming ball to enter the bonus area 20). In the following explanation, the entry of a gaming ball into the bonus area 20 is sometimes referred to as a "V entry" ("V entry = winning a jackpot (guaranteed jackpot)"). Note that the bonus area 20 may be located outside the big prize area 906. A small jackpot game is considered to be one unit play of the jackpot game won through that game. For example, a 10-round jackpot (a jackpot in which 10 unit games are executed) that results from a small win would involve the small win game (a game in which the large prize area 906 is opened and the bonus area 20 is also opened) being the first round of play, followed by the opening of the large prize area 906, which is executed as the subsequent jackpot game, being executed as rounds 2 through 10 of play (if a game ball does not enter the bonus area 20, a so-called "break" occurs, and the second through tenth rounds are not executed, and only the small win game ends). Like the unit games that make up a jackpot game, a small win game ends when at least one of the time condition and the winning condition (10 balls are won in this embodiment) is met. Continuously firing game balls will first meet the winning condition, so the small win game can earn the same number of prize balls as a single unit game.

In this embodiment, in a small win game, the bonus area 20 is opened along with the large prize area 906, but the time during which the bonus area 20 is opened is long enough to allow the game ball to enter the bonus area 20. The bonus area 20 is located to the right of the game area 902, and to allow the game ball to enter the bonus area 20, the player must hit the ball to the right. If the player continues to hit the ball to the right, the game ball will almost certainly enter the bonus area 20 (see Figure 2 (b)). When a small win is won, an instruction to hit the ball to the right is displayed in the display area 911, so the player simply needs to follow that instruction. The game ball is set to almost certainly enter the bonus area 20 even if the player starts hitting the ball to the right several seconds after the instruction is issued. In this way, when a small win game is executed as a result of a small win, the game ball will enter the bonus area 20 as long as the game is played according to instructions (barring any unexpected abnormalities (such as a power outage or malfunction)), so essentially, a "small win = big win" (a small win leads to a big win). Note that in this embodiment, bonus area 20 is closed (see Figure 2(a)) during unit games (from the second round onwards) that constitute big win games other than small win games.

As such, there are two routes to winning a jackpot (jackpot game): the "direct jackpot route" in which a player wins a jackpot, and the "small jackpot route" in which a player wins a small jackpot and then the game ball enters the bonus area 20. Pachinko gaming machines that have these two routes to winning a jackpot are generally referred to as type 1/type 2 hybrid machines.

The result of the lottery is basically notified to the player by the combination of decorative patterns 80 (see Figure 3) 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), which include multiple types of decorative patterns 80, begin to fluctuate, and eventually one decorative pattern 80 is selected from each decorative pattern group 80g and stops. If the result of the lottery is a win (in this embodiment, a big win or small win), the combination of decorative patterns 80 selected from each decorative pattern group 80g and stopped will be a predetermined winning combination (for example, three decorative patterns 80 of the same type). If the result is a loss, the combination will be something other than the winning combination (a combination other than a winning combination). Hereinafter, the effect from when the decorative patterns 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) start to change until they completely stop in the combination that indicates the win/lose lottery result will be referred to as the change-in-progress effect (it may also be simply referred to as "change". Unless otherwise specified, "change (in progress)" refers to when at least one of the three decorative patterns 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) is changing (not all are stopped). The number of decorative pattern groups 80g (the number of decorative patterns 80 that make up the combination that notifies the win/lose lottery result) can be two or more, and this number can be changed as appropriate.

In this embodiment, along with the decorative pattern 80, a pattern other than the decorative pattern 80 (hereinafter referred to as the "small pattern"; not shown in the figures for clarity) is displayed small near the outer edge of the display area 911, and the accurate result of the win/lose lottery is announced by the small pattern. Gaming machines that display this type of pattern are well known to those skilled in the art, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but while the during-variation effect is being executed, the pattern is in a variable state, and when the during-variation effect ends, the variation stops in a manner that indicates the result of the win/lose lottery. The small pattern can also be seen as an auxiliary pattern (substitute pattern) when the decorative pattern 80 is no longer displayed. Even when the decorative pattern 80 is no longer displayed, the start and end of the during-variation effect (variation start) can be understood by the start and stop of the small pattern variation, and the result of the win/lose lottery can also be understood. However, as mentioned above, a "small win" essentially equals a "big win," and whether a player wins a small win or a big win, decorative symbols 80 are displayed as a winning combination, allowing the player to play without being aware of the small symbols.

As game states in which a player aims to win a jackpot (a bonus), a normal game state and a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state are set (see Figure 4(a)). The normal game state is a state in which the game ball should be launched so that it flows down the left side of the game area (the left side of the display device 91) (a state in which a "left hit" should be made). If a left hit is made, there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the first starting area 904a. In other words, the normal game state is a state in which a player aims to win a jackpot through the first win/lose lottery. Note that if a left hit is made, there is no possibility that the game ball will enter the second starting area 904b. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, a small win cannot be won through the first win/lose lottery, so winning a jackpot via a small win is not possible in the normal game state. Furthermore, although it is possible to win a small prize in the first lottery, the opening time of the bonus area 20 in that case is extremely short, and it may be configured so that it is virtually impossible to get a gaming ball into the bonus area 20, making it impossible to win a big prize via a small prize in normal gameplay.

In this way, in normal game mode, players aim to win the jackpot in the first win/lose lottery (in this embodiment, the winning rate is approximately 1/319). When a gaming ball enters the first starting area 904a, a numerical value (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first win/lose lottery information) is obtained from a random number source. If the numerical value is the same as the predetermined jackpot value, the jackpot is reached; if it is different, the jackpot is reached. In this embodiment, the results of the win/lose lottery are announced in the order in which the first win/lose lottery information is acquired (the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) begins to change). Furthermore, first win/lose lottery information for which the corresponding win/lose lottery result has not yet been announced is stored in a storage means (not shown). This first win/lose lottery information is divided into first during-change information for which the corresponding during-change performance has begun, and first pending information for which the corresponding during-change performance has not yet begun. In this embodiment, the number of first pending information that can be stored in the storage means is "4" (the upper limit of special pattern 1 pending = 4).

The fact that the first pending information is stored in the storage means is indicated by the display of the currently changing symbol 11 (so-called "relevant pending change (symbol)") in the display area 911. The fact that the first pending information is stored in the storage means is indicated by the display of the reserved symbol 12 in the display area 911. The number of reserved symbols 12 displayed is the same as the number of first pending information. In this embodiment, the currently changing symbol 11 and the reserved symbol 12 have the same basic shape but different sizes (see Figure 3). The currently changing symbol 11 and the reserved symbol 12 may also have completely different basic shapes. It is also possible for the currently changing symbol 11 to not be displayed. The reserved symbols 12 are displayed in the order in which the notification of the corresponding winning/losing lottery results is completed (so-called "consumption order").

The special gaming state is a state in which the gaming ball should be launched so that it flows down the right side of the gaming area (the right side of the display device 91) (a state in which a "right hit" should be made). If a right hit is made, there is a possibility that the gaming ball will enter the second starting area 904b. In other words, this is a state in which the aim is to win a jackpot through a second win/lose lottery. Note that if a right hit is made, there is no possibility that the gaming ball will enter the first starting area 904a. As described above, in this embodiment, if the second win/lose lottery is executed, there is not only a possibility of winning a jackpot but also a possibility of winning a small win. Therefore, the special gaming state is a state in which there is a possibility of winning a jackpot (bonus) through a direct win (a direct win) or a jackpot (bonus) through a small win. Because the probability of winning a small win (approximately 1/2.08) is significantly higher than the probability of winning a jackpot (approximately 1/319), it can be said that this is essentially a state in which the aim is to win a small win (a jackpot through a small win). In this way, since there is a chance of winning a jackpot via a small win, the special gaming state can be said to be more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state (where it is not possible to win a jackpot via a small win).

Unlike the first starting area 904a, which is an area that is always open, the second starting area 904b (see Figure 1) is an area that is normally closed. The second starting area 904b is opened when a regular lottery is won. The regular lottery is triggered by a game ball entering the regular starting area 905 (see Figure 1). The regular starting area 905 is an area that is always open and can be entered by a game ball hit with the right (a game ball hit with the left cannot enter). In the special game state, the probability of winning the regular lottery is extremely high (compared to the regular game state), and the opening time of the second starting area 904b when the regular lottery is won is also relatively long. Therefore, if a certain amount of continuous right-handed hitting is performed, it is relatively easy for a game ball to enter the second starting area 904b (allowing a second win/lose lottery to be held). Note that in the regular game state, the probability of winning the regular lottery is set to be extremely low. Furthermore, even if a player wins, the second starting area 904b is open for an extremely short time. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to take part in the second winning/losing lottery in normal game mode (hitting to the right in normal game mode is set to be more disadvantageous to the player (than hitting to the left)).

When a gaming ball enters the second starting area 904b, a number (hereinafter sometimes referred to as second win/lose lottery information) is obtained from a random number source. If the number is the same as a predetermined big win number, it is a big win; if the number is the same as a predetermined small win number (different from the big win number), it is a small win; and if it is different from either of these, it is a loss. In this embodiment, the results of the win/lose lottery are announced in the order in which the second win/lose lottery information is acquired (the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) begins to change). Furthermore, second win/lose lottery information for which the corresponding win/lose lottery result has not yet been announced is divided into second in-change information for which the corresponding in-change performance has started, and second reserved information for which the corresponding in-change performance has not started. In this embodiment, the number of second reserved information that can be stored in the storage means is "1" (the upper limit of special pattern 2 reserved = 1).

In this embodiment, symbols indicating that second in-fluctuating information or second reserved information is stored in the storage means (symbols corresponding to the above-mentioned in-fluctuating symbol 11 or reserved symbol 12) are not displayed. Instead, the existence of second in-fluctuating information or second reserved information is indicated by small characters (numbers, etc.) (not shown) displayed near the outer edge of the display area 911. However, this does not preclude a configuration in which symbols corresponding to the above-mentioned in-fluctuating symbol 11 or reserved symbol 12 are displayed for the second win/lose lottery information as well.

If both the first winning/losing lottery information and the second winning/losing lottery information are stored in the storage means, the notification of the winning/losing lottery result based on the second winning/losing lottery information takes priority. In other words, in this embodiment, "Special Chart 2 is consumed first." However, this does not mean that "Special Chart 1 is consumed first" is also possible.

Jackpots (including those that occur via small jackpots) are roughly divided into regular jackpots and special jackpots. A regular jackpot is one in which the game state after the jackpot game ends is the regular game state. A special jackpot is one in which the game state after the jackpot game ends is the special jackpot. In terms of the game state after the jackpot game ends, a special jackpot can be said to be more advantageous to the player than a regular jackpot.

Since it is rare for a machine to be empty in a special game state that is advantageous to the player, players will normally start play from the normal game state. That is, they play (with their left hand) with the aim of winning a jackpot after the first win/lose lottery. 50% of the jackpots won after the first win/lose lottery are normal jackpots, and the remaining 50% are special jackpots (see Figure 4 (b-1)). In this embodiment, 50% are 3-round normal jackpots (3R normal), and 50% are 3-round special jackpots (3R special). If a normal jackpot is won, after the jackpot game ends, the game will transition back to the normal game state, and the player will play in the normal game state with the aim of winning a jackpot. If a special jackpot is won, after the jackpot game ends, the game will transition to the special game state (see Figure 4 (a)). Hereinafter, a jackpot won after the first win/lose lottery will also be referred to as the "first win."

In the special game state, players play (hit right) with the aim of winning a jackpot after the second win/loss lottery. Jackpots won after the second win/loss lottery (jackpots won via a direct win or a small win) are 100% special jackpots (see Figure 4(b-2)). Therefore, if a jackpot is won after the second win/loss lottery, the game will transition back to the special game state after the jackpot game ends (see Figure 4(a)). In this embodiment, 65% of jackpots won after the second win/loss lottery are 3-round special jackpots (3R special), 20% are 7-round special jackpots (7R special), and 15% are 10-round special jackpots (10R special). A 3-round special jackpot corresponds to a special bonus, which will be described later, and the allocation of such 3-round special jackpots is set to over 50%. Therefore, a jackpot won after the second win/loss lottery has the highest probability of being a 3-round special jackpot.

The special game state ends when the number of consecutive losses in the second win/loss lottery executed after transitioning to the special game state reaches a predetermined number, and the game transitions to the normal game state. In this embodiment, the predetermined number (the so-called time-saving number) is set to 3. In other words, the game basically transitions to the normal game state when the second win/loss lottery is lost three times after transitioning to the special game state. Note that the number of time-saving number does not include losses in the first win/loss lottery. When transitioning to the special game state after the end of the first special jackpot, if the first reserved information is stored in the storage means, the fluctuation time of the in-fluctuating presentation for the win/loss lottery result (loss) based on the first reserved information is set to an extremely short time (e.g., 0.5 seconds). In other words, the remaining reserved numbers on special chart 1 are "quickly consumed." Note that, although rare, there is also a possibility that the first reserved information already acquired before the first win will result in a jackpot (approximately 1 in 319). In this case, the jackpot will be awarded after the first lottery, and the jackpot distribution will be as shown in Figure 4 (b-1) (50% will be regular jackpots, and the remaining 50% will be special jackpots).

In this embodiment, the storage means can store one second reserved information (the "special game mode 2 reserved upper limit = 1"). Therefore, even if the special game mode ends and the game transitions to the normal game mode, if the second reserved information is stored in the storage means (if the special game mode 2 reserved is full), one second winning/losing lottery will be executed. (Hereinafter, the second reserved information stored in the storage means when the special game mode ends and the game transitions to the normal game mode will be referred to as "remaining reserved (information)," and the lottery based on the remaining reserved information will be referred to as "remaining reserved lottery" (remaining reserved chance).) In this embodiment, after the transition to the special game mode, the duration (variation time) of the first variable-variation effect (which is also the final variable-variation effect in the special game mode) is ensured to be long enough to acquire the second reserved information. Therefore, if you continue to hit the right button after the transition to the special game mode, the second reserved information will almost certainly be acquired by the time the first variable-variation effect ends (the special game mode 2 reserved is full). Note that in this embodiment, an instruction to acquire the second reserved information is issued during the first variable-variation effect. Furthermore, if it is detected that the second pending information has not been acquired during the first variation performance, a warning is issued to prompt the player to aim the game ball at the second starting area 904b (to hit to the right).

Because of this configuration, when a player transitions to the special game state, they can take up to four second draws (hereinafter, the maximum number of second draws that can be taken when transitioning to the special game state is referred to as the "number of chances"). In other words, there are four chances to win a special jackpot after winning a small jackpot with a probability of approximately 1/2.08. If a player wins either a small jackpot with a probability of approximately 1/2.08 or a jackpot with a probability of approximately 1/319 during those four chances, they will win the special jackpot, and after the jackpot game ends, they will transition back to the special game state and be able to take four second draws. In other words, if a player wins either a small jackpot with a probability of approximately 1/2.08 or a jackpot with a probability of approximately 1/319 during those four second draws, they will enter a "cascade," and if all four second draws end in a loss, the "cascade ends" (see Figure 4(a)). This is known as ST-type gameplay (gameplay in which the number of STs (number of high-probability draws) = 4). If a player wins either a small win or a jackpot in the fourth second draw after the special game state has begun, then strictly speaking, the jackpot is won in normal game mode; however, since the jackpot is won without playing (left-handed) according to normal game mode, it effectively (to the player's eyes) appears as if the "special game mode is continuing." If the special game mode is named "XX RUSH," for example, then whether the player wins a jackpot in the first three second draws after the transition to the special game mode (when the jackpot is won in the special game mode), or whether the jackpot is won in the fourth second draw (when the jackpot is won in normal game mode), the display will say that "XX RUSH" continues. When the "successive wins end," the player will resume playing in normal game mode (first draw) with the aim of winning a jackpot.

Setting the number of losses in the second draw (the above-mentioned specified number), which is the condition for ending the special game state, to three is merely an example. Also, setting the number of second reserve information that the storage means can store to one (the "upper limit of special game 2 reserve = 1") is merely an example. If these numbers are different, the number of chances mentioned above will change. For example, if the special game state is set to end when the second draw is lost six times in a row after transitioning to the special game state, and the upper limit of special game 2 reserve = 4, then the number of chances mentioned above will be 10 (winning a big or small win between transitioning to the special game state and the execution of 10 second draws is a game feature that constitutes a "consecutive win" condition).

These specifications are just one example, and the various effects and controls described below can also be applied to gaming machines with different specifications, except for those that are only possible with the above specifications. For example, it is possible to use specifications that do not anticipate the acquisition of a jackpot via a small jackpot (a "type 1" gaming machine).

3) Specific Effects 3-1) Specific Period In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, specific effects are executed during a specific period. The specific period is the period during which a player is on a so-called "consecutive winning streak." In this embodiment, the specific period is the period from when the first special jackpot (3R special) is won until the remaining reserve lottery (remaining reserve chance) is unsuccessful (see FIG. 5(a)). In other words, the first special jackpot is included in the jackpots acquired during the specific period. However, the specific period may be the period from the end of the first special jackpot (the start of the special game state after the end of the first special jackpot game) until the remaining reserve lottery is unsuccessful, i.e., the first jackpot may not be included in the jackpots acquired during the specific period.

As described below, special effects can progress when a special bonus is obtained, but are reset (returned to their initial state) when the special period ends. In other words, the end of the special period is the reset condition for resetting the special effects.

3-2) Specific Benefits and Non-Specific Benefits The jackpots (benefits) that can be obtained by winning or losing during a specific period are divided into specific benefits and non-specific benefits. However, this division into specific and non-specific benefits is not explicitly communicated to the player. In this embodiment, the multiple types of benefits ("candidate" benefits) that can be obtained during the specific period are three types: a 3-round special jackpot (3R special), a 7-round special jackpot (7R special), and a 10-round special jackpot (10R special). The 3-round special jackpot, which has the lowest expected profit value for the player, is considered the specific benefit, while the remaining 7-round special jackpot and 10-round special jackpot are considered non-specific benefits (see FIG. 4(c)). In other words, both jackpots have in common the transition to a special game state after the jackpot game ends, but because the number of unit games (number of rounds) that make up the jackpot game differs, the expected value of prize balls obtained in the jackpot game differs, and the 3-round special jackpot, which has the smallest expected value of prize balls, is considered the specific bonus. Therefore, it can be said that winning a non-specific bonus during a specific period is a more pleasing event for players than winning a specific bonus.

As shown in the jackpot allocation for the special chart 2 lottery in Figure 4 (b-2), the jackpot won by winning the second lottery held in the special game mode has a higher probability of becoming a 3-round special jackpot than any other jackpot. In other words, the probability that a bonus won during a specific period will be a specific bonus is higher than the probability that it will be any of the non-specific bonuses. In other words, of the multiple bonuses that can be won during a specific period, a specific bonus is the bonus with the highest probability of being won.

3-3) Specific Aspects of the Specific Effects The specific effects are effects that are executed during a 3-round special jackpot game (unit game), which is a specific benefit, and are not executed during a 7-round special jackpot game or a 10-round special jackpot game, which are non-specific benefits. In other words, the specific effects can progress when a specific benefit is obtained, but cannot progress when a non-specific benefit is obtained.

In this embodiment, the three-round special jackpot, which is a specific benefit, is named "Combo Bonus," and during a three-round special jackpot game, this name is displayed to indicate that the jackpot game is being played (see Figures 5(b-1), (b-2), and (b-4)). Also, in this embodiment, the number of times the "Combo Bonus" has been acquired since the start of the specific period is displayed (in this embodiment, "×○" (where ○ is the number of times the Combo Bonus has been acquired since the start of the specific period) is displayed). However, displaying the number of times the Combo Bonus has been acquired is not the specific effect described above. In other words, an effect that numerically indicates the number of times the specific benefit has been acquired is not considered a specific effect. Also, an effect that numerically indicates the profit (number of winning balls, etc.) obtained from the specific benefit is not considered a specific effect. In this embodiment, the seven-round special jackpot, which is a non-specific benefit, is named "Big Bonus" (see Figure 5(b-3)), and the ten-round special jackpot is named "MAX Bonus" (see Figure 5(b-5)). During each jackpot game, the name will be displayed to indicate that the jackpot has been played.

In this embodiment, the special effect involves displaying a special effect image 30 representing a character (hereinafter referred to as a special effect character) each time a special benefit is acquired during the special period. In this embodiment, a total of 20 different characters (as long as the player can recognize them as different characters) are prepared as characters that can be displayed as special effect characters (see Figure 6). In the following explanation, these 20 types of characters are referred to as characters A to T. A predetermined order (prescribed order) is set for these 20 types of characters (in the following explanation, alphabetical order is assumed to be the prescribed order). Each time a new special benefit is acquired after the start of the special period, a new type of character is displayed in accordance with this prescribed order.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the first 3-round special jackpot is included in the special bonuses acquired during the special period, so character A is displayed as the initial special bonus effect. That is, character A is displayed during the 3-round special jackpot game, which is the first special bonus after the start of the special period (see FIG. 5(b-1)). As special bonuses are acquired (continuous wins) without the special period ending, a new special bonus effect character (shown in image 30) is displayed. Character B is displayed during the second special bonus after the start of the special period (see FIG. 5(b-2)), and character C is displayed during the third special bonus (see FIG. 5(b-4)). While different from the example shown in FIG. 5(a), if the 20th special bonus is acquired without the special period ending, character T is displayed during the 20th special bonus (the fact that character T is displayed indicates that at least 20 consecutive wins have been achieved, including the first win) (see FIG. 5(c)). Note that in this embodiment, the special bonus effect character (shown in image 30) that has already been displayed is also displayed when a new special bonus is acquired. In other words, the number of effect characters displayed increases each time a new specific period is acquired within a specific period (see the changes in Figure 5 (b-1) → (b-2) → (b-4)). The number of effect characters will match the number of specific benefits acquired since the start of the specific period. However, the character displayed when the previous specific benefit was acquired may not be displayed when the next specific benefit is acquired. In other words, the progress of the specific effect may be indicated by changing the type of effect character displayed when a specific benefit is acquired.

After 20 special bonuses have been acquired since the start of the special period and character T (the last special character in the specified order) is displayed (all types of special characters have been displayed), the progress of the special effect may be stopped. Alternatively, after the last special character in the specified order is displayed, the first special character in the specified order may be displayed again. In other words, the special characters may be displayed in a cyclical manner in the specified order.

This display of a new type of effect character (change in effect character) does not occur when a non-specific bonus is won. In other words, when a 7-round special jackpot (big bonus) or a 10-round special jackpot (max bonus) is won, no new effect character is displayed and the specific effect does not progress (see Figures 5 (b-3) and (b-4)). For example, if after winning the first 3-round special jackpot, no 3-round special jackpots are won and only 7-round special jackpots and 10-round special jackpots are won, the specific effect will not progress at all (the last effect character displayed will remain as character A and the specific effect will remain in a stopped state).

As explained above, the gaming machine of this embodiment executes a special effect that progresses when a special effect with the lowest expected profit value is acquired among multiple types of benefits that can be acquired during a specific period, but does not progress when a non-specified benefit (a benefit that is not the lowest value) that is not a special benefit is acquired. When a special benefit is acquired, a player may imagine that they could have earned an even greater profit if they had acquired a non-specified benefit, and may feel disappointed that the special benefit was acquired, which could reduce their motivation to play. However, because the special effect progresses when the special benefit is acquired (it does not progress when a non-specified benefit is acquired), this decrease in motivation to play can be suppressed. In other words, because the special effect progresses even when the special benefit with the lowest profit is acquired, the player can feel a sense of fulfillment.

In particular, as in this embodiment, when the probability that the special bonus (3-round special jackpot) that can be acquired during the special period is higher than the probability that it will be either of the non-special bonuses (7-round special jackpot or 10-round special jackpot) (see Figure 4(b-2)), that is, when the special bonus is the "most likely bonus to be acquired," the special bonus will be acquired frequently. Therefore, it is highly significant that the special effect will proceed when the special bonus is acquired, in order to prevent a decrease in motivation to play due to the acquisition of the special bonus.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the specific effects described above. Furthermore, to the extent possible, configurations may be created that combine multiple technologies described using the specific examples below.

○Specific example 1-1
As a component of the specific effect, an effect (hereinafter, a "count-condition effect") may occur that will not occur unless the number of times a specific benefit has been acquired since the start of a new specific period reaches a predetermined number (this does not include the number of times a non-specific benefit has been acquired). In other words, in order to encounter the count-condition effect, the number of times a specific benefit has been acquired since the start of the specific period must reach the predetermined number. During the specific period, an image indicating the number of times a specific benefit has been acquired since the start of the specific period or an image indicating the predetermined number of times may be displayed. For example, by displaying an image that reads "Number of times specific benefit has been acquired/prescribed number of times" (see the upper right of Figure 7(a)), it is easy to understand how many more times a specific benefit needs to be acquired to reach the predetermined number of times.

The number of times a specific benefit is obtained is proportional to the total number of rounds consumed by obtaining the specific benefit (if the specific benefit is three rounds as in the above embodiment, then "number of times a specific benefit is obtained x 3 = total number of rounds consumed by obtaining the specific benefit"). Therefore, the configuration of this example can also be seen as a number of rounds condition effect occurring when the total number of rounds consumed by obtaining the specific benefit reaches a specified number. The total number of rounds consumed by obtaining the specific benefit may actually be displayed, and the number of rounds condition effect occurring when the specified number of rounds is reached.

The specific form of the count condition effect may be any (however, the count condition effect does not itself indicate that the specific bonus has been obtained a specified number of times). For example, the count condition effect could be the display of an image of a special character congratulating the player (referred to as count reached image 35) (see Figure 7(c)). In this way, the player's goal (the goal for triggering the count condition effect) becomes the number of times the specific bonus has been obtained a specified number of times, further reducing the player's desire to play due to the acquisition of the specific bonus.

When doing as in this example, the number of types of effect images 30 (effect characters) displayed each time a specific benefit is obtained (20 types in the above embodiment) may be the same as the specified number of times. In other words, the number-of-times condition effect is executed (see Figure 7(c)) when all types of effect images 30 prepared in advance are displayed (see Figure 7(b)). In this way, the effect mode aims to display all types of effect images 30.

Note that, in this example, the effect image 30 (effect character) described in the above embodiment may not be displayed. In other words, a count-condition effect will occur as a specific effect when the number of times a specific benefit has been obtained reaches a specified number of times, and the specific effect will not occur until the specified number of times has been obtained.

○Specific example 1-2
As a component of the special effect, an effect (hereinafter referred to as the "profit condition effect") (see FIG. 8(b)) can occur that will not occur unless the profit obtained by acquiring a special benefit after the start of a new special period reaches a specified value of 40m (profit obtained by acquiring a non-specified benefit is not included). In other words, in order to access the profit condition effect, the profit obtained by acquiring a special benefit after the start of the special period must reach the specified value of 40m. This profit can be considered to be the "number of prize balls." In other words, the profit condition effect is triggered when the number of prize balls paid out in one or more special benefits since the start of the special period reaches the specified value of 40m. If the special benefit is "three rounds" as in the above embodiment, a minimum of 450 prize balls will be obtained in the special benefit.

Note that the number of prize balls referred to here may include not only those paid out by winning the big prize area 906 that opens in a unit game, but also those paid out by winning in other areas (general prize areas). In other words, it may also include other benefits that arise from firing game balls at areas that open in a unit game. Furthermore, the benefit may be the "net increase in number" rather than the "number of prize balls."

In this example, the total number of prize balls earned from all bonuses, regardless of whether they are specific or non-specific bonuses (total number of prize balls 40t) (indicated by "TOTAL" in the drawings) and the number of specific prize balls 40s (indicated by "COMBO" in the drawings), which represents the number of prize balls earned from specific bonuses but does not include the number of prize balls earned from non-specific bonuses, should be displayed together. The specified value 40m (target value) should also be displayed in conjunction with the number of specific prize balls 40s (for example, if the specified value 40m = 5000, the number 5000 would be displayed in conjunction with the number of specific prize balls 40s) (see Figure 8(a)). When the number of specific prize balls 40s reaches the specified value 40m, a profit condition presentation will occur. However, the specified value 40m may not be displayed.

The specific form of the profit condition presentation may be any (however, the profit condition presentation does not itself indicate that the specific number of prize balls 40s has reached the specified value of 40m). For example, one possible profit condition presentation would be to display an image of a special character congratulating the player (hereinafter referred to as the profit achievement image 36) (see Figure 8 (b)). In this way, the player's goal (the goal for triggering the profit condition presentation) is for the profit (number of prize balls) obtained through the specific bonus to reach the specified value of 40m, further reducing the player's motivation to play due to the acquisition of the specific bonus.

Note that, when doing as in this example, it is also possible to prevent the display of the effect image 30 (effect character) as described in the above embodiment. In other words, the special effect, the special effect, will occur when the profit (number of prize balls) obtained through the special benefit reaches a specified value of 40m, and the special effect will not occur until the specified value of 40m is reached.

○Specific example 1-3
The progress of the specific effects can be grasped even during a 7-round special jackpot game or a 10-round special jackpot game, which are non-specific bonuses. In other words, a new effect image 30 (effect character) is not displayed when a non-specific bonus is acquired, but the effect image 30 (effect character) displayed as a result of the acquisition of a specific bonus up to that point is displayed during a non-specific bonus jackpot game (see FIG. 9(b)), so that the progress of the specific effects can be grasped. In other words, the type of one or more effect images 30 displayed during a non-specific bonus jackpot game (see FIG. 9(b)) matches the type of one or more effect images 30 displayed during the most recent specific bonus jackpot game (see FIG. 9(a)).

By doing this, the player can be made aware of the existence of a specific effect even when a non-specific benefit is won. Furthermore, because a new effect image 30 (effect character) is not displayed when a non-specific benefit is won, this also serves as an opportunity for the player to know that the specific effect will not proceed when a non-specific benefit is won.

○Specific example 1-4
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the specific benefit is the one (three-round special jackpot) that offers the player the lowest profit among the multiple types of benefits that can be obtained during the specific period. However, it is also possible for two or more of the lowest-profit benefits to be specific benefits, and for one or more of the remaining benefits to be non-specific benefits. As in the above embodiment, if the multiple types of benefits that can be obtained during the specific period are three types: a three-round special jackpot, a seven-round special jackpot, and a ten-round special jackpot, then the three-round special jackpot and the seven-round special jackpot are specific benefits, and the ten-round special jackpot is a non-specific benefit. The specific effects are performed not only when a three-round special jackpot is obtained, but also when a seven-round special jackpot is obtained.

○Specific example 1-5
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the probability of the special benefit (3-round special jackpot) being acquired during the special period is higher than the probability of any of the non-special benefits (7-round special jackpot, 10-round special jackpot), i.e., that the special benefit is the "most likely to be acquired." However, the probability of acquiring the special benefit may be lower than the probability of any of the non-special benefits. In other words, the special benefit may be the "least likely to be acquired." For example, the jackpot allocation for the case of acquisition through the second winning/losing lottery is configured as shown in FIG. 10.

In this case, if a specific bonus is acquired, there is a high risk that the player will be disappointed because they have acquired the bonus that is the least likely to be won (the rarest bonus), yet offers the least profit. Therefore, it is advisable to have a specific effect proceed when such a specific bonus is acquired, so as to disguise the fact that a specific bonus has been acquired. Note that bonuses other than specific bonuses and non-specific bonuses may also be provided as bonuses that can be acquired during the specific period.

○Specific example 1-6
A transition to the special gaming state may be a so-called loop-type game in which the next jackpot is essentially guaranteed (as long as the player does not stop playing). The special gaming state, which makes it easier to win a jackpot (a bonus) than the normal gaming state, may continue until the next jackpot is won (the number of time-saving periods is set to ∞), or it may be set so that it is virtually impossible to end the special gaming state without winning the next jackpot (the number of time-saving periods is set to a value that makes it practically impossible to win consecutive jackpots equal to the number of time-saving periods (a 99.9% or higher probability of winning consecutive jackpots) based on the actual jackpot probability, taking into account wins via small jackpots) (see FIG. 11(a)). Then, some of the jackpots won through the second winning/losing lottery are special jackpots, and the other are regular jackpots (see FIG. 11(b-2)). If a special jackpot is won, the game transitions back to the special gaming state after the jackpot game ends (the special gaming state loops). If a regular jackpot is won, the game transitions back to the regular gaming state after the jackpot game ends, ending the jackpot game (see FIG. 11(a)).

Based on this premise, of the special jackpots (jackpots excluding regular jackpots that end consecutive wins) that can be won in the special game state, the one with the lowest expected profit value is designated as the specific bonus, and all other special jackpots are designated as non-specific bonuses. For example, a configuration is possible in which three types of special jackpots can be won: a 3-round special jackpot, a 7-round special jackpot, and a 10-round special jackpot, with the 3-round special jackpot being the specific bonus, and the 7-round special jackpot and the 10-round special jackpot being non-specific bonuses (see Figure 11(c)).

In ST-type gameplay, such as in the above embodiment, the acquisition of the next bonus (jackpot) is not guaranteed; rather, the condition for continuing the winning streak is to acquire a bonus by the end of the game. Therefore, even if the acquired bonus is a specific bonus, the player will often feel relieved that the winning streak has continued. On the other hand, in loop-type gameplay, as in this example, the acquisition of the next bonus (jackpot) is essentially guaranteed, so the player will hope that the type of bonus will be more advantageous. However, if the bonus in question is a specific bonus, the player is more likely to become depressed. Therefore, it can be said that there is great significance (greater significance than in ST-type gameplay) in progressing a specific presentation when a specific bonus is acquired, thereby making it difficult to discern that a specific bonus has been acquired.

4) Preview image 4-1) Launch instruction image (launch period)
As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment allows a player to win a jackpot via a small win. Entering the bonus ball into the bonus area 20 (entering the V) during a small win game is a condition for awarding a jackpot. Therefore, in a situation where a game ball should be launched aiming at the bonus area 20, an instruction (launch instruction) to aim the game ball at the bonus area 20 is issued. In this embodiment, the bonus area 20 is located in a position where the game ball can be reached by hitting the ball to the right, so a launch instruction is issued to aim at the bonus area 20 (V). Hereinafter, the period during which this launch instruction is issued is referred to as the launch period (see FIG. 12(a)).

During the launch period, a launch instruction image 50F is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 12(b-5)). In this embodiment, the launch instruction image 50F includes an instruction image section 51 indicating that the player should aim for the bonus area 20, an area image section 52 representing the bonus area 20, and a remaining time image section 53 showing the approximate time (time limit) until the bonus area 20 closes. In this embodiment, the instruction image section 51 includes text indicating that the player should aim for the bonus area 20 (for example, the text "Aim for V"). The area image section 52 is used to show the player the location of the bonus area 20 and is an image that represents a cropped version of the bonus area 20 and its surrounding area. Displaying such an image allows the player to easily identify the area to aim for (bonus area 20). The area image section 52 may include an arrow pointing toward the bonus area 20. This allows the player to visually understand that the game ball should be launched toward the bonus area 20. The remaining time image section 53 is a meter that changes as the firing period progresses and indicates the remaining time of the firing period. As will be described later, if a V win is achieved, the firing period will end there, and the remaining time indicates the time until the end of the firing period assuming that a V win has not been achieved. If the firing period ends without a V win, the bonus area 20 will be closed and a V win will no longer be possible (a so-called "break" will occur and the jackpot will not be awarded). In other words, the remaining time image section 53 indicates the remaining time in which a V win can be achieved. Instead of a meter, the remaining time may be indicated by a countdown number (a decreasing number).

The firing period begins a predetermined time after the end of the in-variation effect (hereinafter referred to as the "winning variation") that notifies the player of a small prize win. In this embodiment, the bonus area 20 opens when the large prize area 906 opens, and the firing period begins when the bonus area 20 opens. However, the firing period may also start before the bonus area 20 opens. Alternatively, the firing period may start after the bonus area 20 opens. It is sufficient that the firing instruction image 50F is set so that the V prize can be won in time if the player fires the game ball in response to the firing instruction image 50F. When a V prize is detected, the firing instruction (firing period) ends, and the firing instruction image 50F is erased (see FIG. 12 (b-6)). However, the end of the firing instruction here means that the instruction to aim for the bonus area 20 ends (the instruction by the firing instruction image 50F ends), and the instruction to hit the right to obtain the prize ball continues.

In this embodiment, the launch period is set even if the result of the lottery is a jackpot. Although there is no need to have the game ball enter the bonus area 20 when a jackpot is won, the situation still requires the game ball to be launched with the aim of aiming at the large prize area 906. Therefore, even when a jackpot is won, the launch instruction image 50F is displayed to encourage the ball to aim at the bonus area 20. This has the advantage of eliminating the need to control the launch period (controlling whether the launch instruction image 50F is displayed or not) based on whether the win is a small win or a jackpot.

4-2) Preview image (preview period)
The period before the launch period is the notice period (see FIG. 12(a)). During the notice period, a notice image 50P (see FIGS. 12(b-2) to (b-4)) is displayed. The notice image 50P notifies the player of the start of the launch period in which the game ball should be launched toward the bonus area 20. In this embodiment, the notice image 50P includes an instruction image section 51, an area image section 52, a remaining time image section 53, and a signal image section 54. The instruction image section 51 and the area image section 52 included in the notice image 50P are the same as the instruction image section 51 and the area image section 52 included in the launch instruction image 50F. In other words, the instruction image section 51 and the area image section 52 are continuously displayed from the notice period through the launch period. The remaining time image section 53 represents the meter before the change begins. As described above, at the start of the firing period, the remaining time image section 53 (meter) is in the initial state ("full" state), and as the firing period begins, the remaining time image section 53 begins to change (the meter decreases over time), and the preview image 50P includes the remaining time image section 53 in the initial state (the remaining time image section 53 before the change).If the remaining time image section 53 is a number (representing the remaining firing period as a countdown number), the preview image 50P includes the number in the initial state (initial value).

The signal image section 54 indicates the start of the launch period in advance. In this embodiment, the signal image section 54 represents a so-called "start signal." Specifically, the lamps light up in the order "red," "red," and "green (blue)," with the start time being the time when the green lamp lights up (the colors of the lamps are represented by letters in the drawings). When each lamp lights up, a sound effect is output from the speaker 70 (see FIG. 1) (for example, a "pu" sound effect is output when the lamp is red, and a "bong" sound effect is output when the lamp is green, with the overall sound effect of "bong-bong-bong" being output in approximately one-second intervals). The start time predicted by this start signal (when the "green" lamp lights up) is the start of the launch period (see FIG. 12 (b-4)). In other words, the signal image section 54 counts down to the start of the launch period. By displaying the preview image 50P having this signal image section 54 in advance, the player can easily determine the timing to launch the game ball toward the bonus area 20.

The preview image 50P includes the remaining time image section 53 (a stationary meter) and signal image section 54 in their initial state, so even though it includes the instruction image section 51 and area image section 52, the player can sense that they are in the "preview" stage before reaching the situation where they should aim for the bonus area 20.

4-3) Setting Timing of the Notice Period and Launch Period The notice period and launch period are set at the following times (timings). In a winning variation resulting from a small win, decorative symbols 80 are considered to be the winning combination. Specifically, after a winning combination is formed and a pseudo-stop state (which appears to the player to be stopped but is not completely stopped (e.g., slightly swaying)) (see FIG. 12(b-1)), the winning combination completely stops and the winning variation ends (see FIG. 12(b-3)). The notice period (display of notice image 50P) begins between the time when the winning combination pseudo-stops (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the pseudo-stop time) and the time when the winning combination completely stops (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the variation end time) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the end part (of the winning variation)) (see FIG. 12(a)) (see FIGS. 12(a) and (b-2)). Although the pseudo stop time is before the end of the variation (not the end of the winning variation), the result of the lottery is determined to be a win (small win or big win), so a notice image 50P is displayed after the pseudo stop time and before the end of the variation to inform the player that a situation will come in the future where he should shoot a game ball aiming at the bonus area 20.

After the winning change, the small win game begins. The small win game includes an initial section before the large win area 906 (bonus area 20) is actually opened, and an open section from when the large win area 906 is actually opened until the small win game ends (when one of the winning conditions or the time condition is met) (see Figure 12 (a)). Note that in this embodiment, winning combinations of decorative patterns 80 are displayed even in the small win game, but the winning combinations may not be displayed in the small win game. Also, the winning combinations are displayed in the initial section, but may be hidden when the game transitions to the open section.

The warning period that begins during a winning fluctuation lasts until the end of the initial portion (see Figure 12(a)). In other words, the warning period is set to span the end point of the winning fluctuation (see Figures 12(a) and (b-3)). As described above, the warning image 50P includes a signal image portion 54, and the warning of the start point by this signal image portion 54 begins during the winning fluctuation. In other words, the first red lamp begins to light up during the winning fluctuation (see Figure 12(b-2)), and the lighting point of the green lamp is set to roughly coincide with the end point of the initial portion (see Figure 12(b-4)). In this way, the warning of the start of the firing period by the warning image 50P is executed using the final portion of the winning fluctuation and the initial portion of the small winning game.

The launch period begins at approximately the same time as the opening portion that follows ends (see FIG. 12(a)). In other words, the launch period begins at approximately the same time as the big win area 906 (bonus area 20) actually opens, and the launch instruction image 50F is displayed (see FIG. 12(b-5)). The display of the launch instruction image 50F means that the remaining time image section 53 begins to decrease (the remaining time of the launch period decreases). As described above, the launch period (display of the launch instruction image 50F) ends when the game ball enters the bonus area 20 (a V win is achieved), and an image indicating that a V win has been achieved (an image indicating that a jackpot has been won) is displayed (see FIG. 12(b-6)).

In this way, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the preview image 50P is displayed during a winning variation, indicating that a situation in which the game ball should be fired toward the bonus area 20 is imminent, thereby reducing the risk of an event in which the game ball does not enter the bonus area 20 (a so-called blowout). Furthermore, if such a preview image 50P were displayed after the winning variation ended, the player would likely prepare to fire the game ball toward the bonus area 20 after the winning variation ended, which would likely lengthen the time from the end of the winning variation to the realization of a V win (the timing of the V win would likely be delayed). However, by displaying the preview image 50P from the winning variation as in this embodiment, the player would likely prepare to fire the game ball toward the bonus area 20 while the winning variation is still ongoing, which has the advantage of likely shortening the time from the end of the winning variation to the realization of a V win.

Furthermore, by including a signal image portion 54, as in the preview image 50P of this embodiment, it is possible to more specifically predict the start point of the firing period while the winning variation is being executed. Furthermore, by including a remaining time image portion 53 in the initial state, as in the preview image 50P of this embodiment, it is possible to know in advance that the firing period is finite (there is a time limit).

In addition, the signal image portion 54 included in the preview image 50P and the remaining time image portion 53 in its initial state (the meter before the change) also function to indicate that the situation in which it is necessary to fire at the bonus area 20 has not yet arrived, and that the current situation is still in the preparation stage. In other words, the preview image 50P merely indicates that the current situation is the preparation stage for firing at the bonus area 20, and does not indicate that the current situation is one in which it is necessary to aim at the bonus area 20. Therefore, it can be said that the preview image 50P can be displayed while the win fluctuation is in progress (when the notification of the small win has not yet completely ended).

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the preview image 50P described above. Note that, to the extent possible, multiple techniques described using the specific examples below may be combined and applied in a configuration.

○Specific example 2-1
The preview image 50P does not include the instruction image portion 51. In accordance with the above embodiment, the launch instruction image 50F includes the text "Aim for V" (see FIG. 13(b)), but the preview image 50P does not (see FIG. 13(a)). In other words, the instruction image portion 51 is displayed upon the end of the preview period (i.e., the start of the launch period). The preview image 50P is merely an image indicating that the player is in the preparation stage for the situation in which the game ball should be aimed at the bonus area 20 and launched (it is merely a "preview" of the launch period), and therefore does not include the instruction image portion 51 indicating that the game ball should be aimed at the bonus area 20 and launched. This makes it clearer that the preview image 50P is a "preview" of the launch period. Furthermore, the new display of the instruction image portion 51 indicates the transition from the preview period to the launch period, making the "division" between before and after the transition to the situation in which the game ball should be aimed at the bonus area 20 and launched becomes clearer.

○Specific example 2-2
The preview image 50P does not include the area image portion 52. In accordance with the above embodiment, the launch instruction image 50F includes an image that represents a cutout of the bonus area 20 and its surrounding area (see FIG. 14(b)), but the preview image 50P does not include this image (see FIG. 14(a)). In other words, the area image portion 52 is displayed upon the end of the preview period (i.e., the start of the launch period). Because the display of the area image portion 52 may lead some players to believe that they should launch a game ball toward the bonus area 20 represented by the area image portion 52, such an area image portion 52 is not displayed during the preview period, which is the preparation stage. The new display of the area image portion 52 indicates the transition from the preview period to the launch period, making the "division" between before and after the transition to the situation in which a game ball should be launched toward the bonus area 20 more clear.

○Specific example 2-3
The preview image 50P may not include the signal image portion 54. The signal image portion 54 is intended to make it easier to predict the start timing of the firing period, and even if such a signal image portion 54 is not displayed, it is possible to grasp during the winning fluctuation that the firing period will soon begin. However, by including the signal image portion 54 in the preview image 50P as in the above embodiment, there is an advantage in that the signal image portion 54 allows the player to easily sense that the firing period has not yet arrived.

○Specific example 2-4
The preview image 50P may not include the remaining time image portion 53 in the initial state. Because the basic function of the remaining time image portion 53 is to indicate the remaining firing period, such remaining time image portion 53 may not be displayed during the preview period (preparation stage). However, by including the remaining time image portion 53 in the initial state (the remaining time image portion 53 that has not started to change) as in the above embodiment, there is an advantage in that the player can easily sense that the firing period has not yet started.

○Specific example 2-5
When the preview image 50P is displayed during a winning variation, an image (a variation image 60) is displayed in association with the preview image 50P (as if it were part of the preview image 50P) to indicate that the variation is still occurring. The variation image 60 may be any image that directly or indirectly indicates (emphasizes) that the variation is still occurring. For example, the text "After the variation ends" may be displayed in association with the instruction image portion 51 included in the preview image 50P (see FIG. 15(a)). By doing so, during the preview period during the winning variation, the text (character string) "After the variation ends, aim for V" is displayed, allowing the player to sense that a situation will arise in which they will play by aiming for V after the variation ends (or, conversely, that the variation is currently occurring). As an alternative example, the variation may be directly indicated. For example, the text "Still varying" may be displayed as the variation image 60.

When the winning variation ends (when the variation end point is reached), the variation image 60 is erased. Therefore, the variation image 60 is not displayed together with the launch instruction image 50F during the subsequent firing period (see Figure 15 (b)). By erasing the variation image 60, the player can easily understand that the variation (winning variation) has ended. Naturally, the variation image 60 is not displayed while the launch instruction image 50F is being displayed.

○Specific example 2-6
The gameplay is of so-called loop type (an example of such gameplay is shown in FIG. 11). This type of configuration differs from ST type gameplay in that the next jackpot is essentially guaranteed. In other words, when a special game state begins after the end of a special jackpot game, a win in the special game state, i.e., the occurrence of a win variation, is essentially guaranteed, so the player does not pay much attention to the occurrence of the win variation itself (in the case of ST type, it is important to win before the "ST run-out" occurs, so the player pays attention to whether a win variation occurs). Therefore, with this type of loop type gameplay, the preview image 50P is displayed during a win variation that the player does not pay much attention to, so there is little risk of the gameplay being reduced by the display of the preview image 50P (risk of the player losing interest due to the preview image 50P being displayed during a potentially exciting win variation).

○Specific example 2-7
In the above embodiment, the notification period is described as starting after the decorative symbols 80 pseudo-stop in a winning combination. However, the notification period may start after the winning/losing lottery result is determined to be a winning combination, and the notification period may also start before the decorative symbols 80 pseudo-stop in a winning combination. For example, in a configuration in which a reach effect is executed that leads to a favorable outcome (see FIG. 16(b-1)) indicating a favorable situation for the player if the winning/losing lottery result is a winning one, or to an unfavorable outcome (see FIG. 16(b-2)) indicating a disadvantageous situation for the player if the winning/losing lottery result is a losing one, the notification period may start (the notification image 50P is displayed) (see FIG. 16(b-1)) after the reach effect reaches a favorable outcome and before the end of the variation (see FIG. 16(c-1)). In other words, since a winning combination is determined when the reach effect reaches a favorable outcome, the notification period may also start even when the winning combination has not pseudo-stopped.

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

The gaming machine according to the above embodiment has "type two" gameplay, which allows a big win (bonus) to be won via a small win. However, the technical details described in the above embodiment can also be applied to gaming machines with "type one" gameplay (type one gaming machine), except for the use of the configuration unique to this "type two" gameplay.

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

・Means 1-1
This gaming machine is provided with a plurality of types of benefits that can be obtained when a predetermined condition is met, each having a different expected value of the profit that the player can obtain, and is characterized in that it is possible to execute a specific performance that can proceed if a specific benefit that has the lowest expected value of the profit that the player can obtain is obtained among the plurality of types of benefits, but that does not proceed if a non-specific benefit other than the specific benefit is obtained.
According to the gaming machine, the specific performance continues even when the specific benefit with the lowest expected profit value is acquired, so that the player's motivation to play can be prevented from decreasing.

・Means 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that, as an effect constituting the specific effect, a number of times condition effect is provided which does not occur unless the number of times the specific benefit is obtained reaches a specified number of times.
By doing so, one of the goals becomes to reach the specified number of times of acquisition of the special benefit, and therefore, the decrease in motivation to play when the special benefit is acquired is further suppressed.

・Means 1-3
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that, as a performance constituting the specific performance, a profit condition performance is provided which will not occur unless the profit obtained by the specific benefit reaches a specified value.
By doing so, one of the goals becomes for the profit obtained by the special benefit to reach a specified value, so that the decrease in motivation to play when the special benefit is acquired is further suppressed.

・Means 1-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that the probability that the benefit obtained when the predetermined condition is met will be the specific benefit is higher than the probability that it will be one of the non-specific benefits.
With this configuration, special benefits will be acquired frequently, so it is very important to have the special presentation proceed when the special benefit is acquired, in order to prevent a decrease in motivation to play due to the acquisition of the special benefit.

・Means 2-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display means having a display area; and a bonus area, which is an area that opens after the winning fluctuations from when the decorative pattern displayed in the display area starts to fluctuate until the winning/losing lottery result stops in a manner indicating a winning result, and in which the entry of a gaming ball is a condition for granting a bonus, and which is characterized in that a warning image that warns of the start of a launch period in which a gaming ball should be launched aiming at the opened bonus area is displayed in the display area during the winning fluctuations.
According to the gaming machine, the situation in which the gaming ball should be launched aiming at the bonus area is indicated during the winning fluctuation, so that the risk of an event in which the gaming ball does not enter the bonus area (so-called blowout) can be reduced.

・Means 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that the preview image includes a signal image portion that indicates in advance the start time of the launch period.
By doing this, it is possible to more specifically predict the start point of the firing period while the winning variation is being executed.

・Means 2-3
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 or 2-2 is characterized in that the launch instruction image displayed during the launch period is in an initial state at the start of the launch period and includes a remaining time image section that changes as the launch period progresses to indicate the remaining time of the launch period, and the preview image includes the remaining time display section in the initial state.
This way, you can know in advance that the launch period is limited.

1 gaming machine 20 bonus area 30 performance image 35 number of times reached image 36 profit reached image 40t total number of prize balls 40s specific number of prize balls 40m specified value 50F launch instruction image 50P notice image 51 instruction image section 52 area image section 53 remaining time image section 54 signal image section 91 display device 911 display area

Claims (3)

a display means having a display area;
A bonus area is an area that is opened after the completion of the winning variation from when the decorative pattern displayed in the display area starts to vary until the winning/losing lottery result stops in a manner that indicates a winning, and in which the entry of a game ball is a condition for granting a bonus;
Equipped with
The game machine is characterized in that a notice image for notifying the start of a launch period in which game balls should be launched aiming at the opened bonus area is displayed in a display area during the winning variation. The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that the preview image includes a signal image portion that indicates in advance the start of the firing period. The firing instruction image displayed during the firing period is in an initial state at the start of the firing period, and includes a remaining time image portion that changes as the firing period progresses to indicate the remaining time of the firing period,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the preview image includes the remaining time image portion in the initial state.