JP7789385B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

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

As an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine has been known in the past that displays a hold icon in a specified display area when a starting win occurs, as described in Patent Document 1 below. In this gaming machine, the display mode of the hold icon changes from the usual white to a special blue or red, etc., to make the player hope for a jackpot win.

JP 2016-112132 A

However, the method of using icons to perform effects, as described in Patent Document 1, is now commonly seen, and there is room for improvement in order to provide players with more excitement.

The gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
Executing an icon display effect that displays a predetermined icon image;
It is possible to execute a change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image,
The above-mentioned change performance includes:
a first position change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image to a specific position;
a second position change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image to a non-specific position different from the specific position,
The display modes of the icon image that can be changed include a first mode and a second mode that has a different expectation of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player from the first mode,
the first position change presentation and the second position change presentation have different expectations of success in changing the display mode of the icon image;
the probability that the display mode of the icon image after the change will be the first mode when the change in the display mode of the icon image is successful in the first position change performance is higher than the probability that the display mode of the icon image after the change will be the first mode when the change in the display mode of the icon image is successful in the second position change performance ;
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when the change in the display mode of the icon image is successful in the first position change presentation, the probability that the display mode of the icon image after the change will be the second mode is lower than the probability that the change in the display mode of the icon image after the change will be the second mode when the change in the display mode of the icon image is successful in the second position change presentation.

The gaming machine of the present invention can increase the excitement of the game through its presentation.

FIG. FIG. A front view showing the second large prize device and other details. FIG. (A) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are in standby state, and (B) is a front view of the performance unit when the above-board movable device and the below-board movable device are activated. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the back side of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a 7-segment display. (A) is a table showing random numbers related to the general map, and (B) is a table showing random numbers related to the special map. (A) is an example of a hit determination table, (B) is an example of a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an example of an auxiliary game control table. (A) is an example of a jackpot determination table, (B) is an example of a jackpot symbol type determination table, and (C) is an example of a reach determination table. This is an example of a special chart 1 variation pattern determination table. This is an example of a special chart 2 variation pattern determination table. 10 is an example of a look-ahead determination table. 10 is an example of a jackpot game control table. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a presentation mode. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of normal fluctuations in special chart fluctuation effects. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of N reach in the special chart change performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an SP reach in the special chart change performance. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a hold effect. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a movable object effect. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an operation presentation. 10 is a flowchart of a main control process. 10 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 10 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 10 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 10 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 10 is a jackpot game control table relating to a characteristic feature of the pachinko game machine PY1. This is a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for the non-time-saving state related to the characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1. This is a special chart 1 pre-reading judgment table for the non-time-saving state related to the characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1. A diagram to explain the types of icons (reserved icons, relevant icons) displayed based on the starting winnings. A figure showing a specific example of an icon display presentation when starting winnings occur non-consecutively. A figure showing a specific example of an icon display effect when starting winnings occur consecutively. This is a timing chart showing the status of the first start gate sensor 11a, the door image GD, and the hold icon HA when start winnings occur discontinuously. This is a timing chart showing the status of the first start gate sensor 11a, the door image GD, and the hold icon HA when start winnings occur consecutively. (A) is a lottery table for selecting the execution of the pending icon change effect, (B) is a lottery table for selecting the execution of the pending icon change prompt, (C) is a lottery table for selecting the execution of the icon change effect, and (D) is a lottery table for selecting the execution of the icon change prompt. A figure showing a specific example of a downward sword thrust against a hold icon HA. A figure showing a specific example of an upward sword thrust against a hold icon HA. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a downward sword thrust against the icon TA. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of an upward sword thrusting motion for the icon TA. This figure shows a specific example of an upward sword thrust against the icon TA, and shows a different presentation pattern from the presentation pattern shown in Figure 42. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of icon grabbing and tilting the icon TA. This figure shows a specific example of icon grabbing and tilting the icon TA, and shows a different presentation pattern from the presentation pattern shown in Figure 44.

Embodiments of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to, identical parts will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations of identical parts will generally be omitted. For the sake of simplicity, this specification may use symbols or signs that refer to information, signals, physical quantities, components, etc., and omit or abbreviate the names of the information, signals, physical quantities, components, etc. associated with those symbols or signs. Furthermore, in any of the flowcharts described below, the execution order of multiple processes in any of the steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistencies occur in the process content.

1. Structure of the Gaming Machine A pachinko gaming machine PY1 according to a first embodiment will be described. First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described using FIGS. 1 to 5. In the following description, the left, right, up, and down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 refer to the left, right, up, and down directions (as viewed from the front) of a player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Furthermore, "forward" refers to the direction from the pachinko gaming machine PY1 toward the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and "rearward" refers to the direction from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 toward the pachinko gaming machine PY1. In this specification, the conventional and general configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described first, followed by a description of its characteristic configuration (characteristic parts). For this reason, the configuration explained before the section "7. Characteristic parts of the pachinko gaming machine PY1" may also be explained in the section "7. Characteristic parts of the pachinko gaming machine PY1" and subsequent sections, but in this case, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is considered to be configured with the contents explained in the section "7. Characteristic parts of the pachinko gaming machine PY1" and subsequent sections.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 has a gaming machine frame 2. The gaming machine frame 2 has a gaming board mounting frame 2A to which a gaming board unit YU (described later) is attached, and a front frame 23m that is rotatably supported on the gaming board mounting frame 2A via a hinge 2B. The front frame 23m can be opened and closed relative to the gaming board mounting frame 2A. A transparent plate 23t is attached to the front frame 23m. When the front frame 23m is closed, the gaming board 1 attached to the gaming board mounting frame 2A faces the transparent plate 23t. Therefore, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is installed in a gaming parlor, a player standing in front of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can see the playing area 6 formed on the gaming board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t can be a transparent glass plate, a transparent synthetic resin plate, or the like. The transparent plate 23t only needs to allow the playing area 6 to be visible from the front of the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

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

A first input device (hereinafter referred to as the "normal button") 40 that can be pressed downward is provided on the top surface of the lower decorative body 36, forward of the upper tray 34. Furthermore, a second input device (hereinafter referred to as the "special button") 41 that can be pressed downward is provided on the right decorative body 32, which protrudes forward from the right edge of the surface of the front frame 23m. The normal button 40 is configured to vibrate. That is, the normal button 40 has a built-in vibration mechanism for vibrating the normal button 40, and when the vibration motor included in this vibration mechanism is driven, the normal button 40 vibrates sufficiently to be noticeable to the player. It should be noted that any known configuration can be used as the vibration mechanism for vibrating the normal button 40. The normal button 40 is an example of an operation unit and also an example of a vibrator.

A speaker 52 capable of outputting sound is provided on the bottom surface of the upper decorative body 31, which protrudes forward from the top of the surface of the front frame 23m. The speaker 52 consists of a left speaker 52L located on the left side and a right speaker 52R located on the right side. Illuminating frame lamps 53 are also provided on the right edge of the front frame 23m and on the left and right sides of the lower tray 35 at the front of the lower decorative body 36. Furthermore, movable frame movable devices 58 are attached to the upper left and right edges of the front frame 23m as presentation devices intended to heighten the enjoyment of the game. The frame movable devices 58 consist of a left frame movable device 58L located on the left side and a right frame movable device 58R located on the right side.

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

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

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

The play area 6 is an area where game balls launched by operating the handle 72k can flow down, and is provided for playing on the pachinko game machine PY1. Numerous game nails (not shown) protrude from the play area 6. The game nails form paths that appropriately guide game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the play area 6 to the first start gate 11, second start gate 12, general prize gate 10, gate 13, first large prize gate 14, and second large prize gate 15, which will be described later. Note that start gates such as the first start gate 11 and second start gate 12 are referred to as ball entry gates, large prize gates such as the first large prize gate 14 and second large prize gate 15 are referred to as special prize gates or specific prize gates, and gates can be referred to as passage gates or passage areas.

A center frame (center ornament) 61 is provided near the center of the game area 6, decorating the periphery of the opening 1A. The center frame 61 is provided with a stage that can guide game balls to the first starting hole 11 (described below), and a warp that can guide game balls to the stage.

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

The first start entry device 11D is stationary. Therefore, the ease with which a gaming ball can enter the first start opening 11 remains constant (unchanging). The entry of a gaming ball into the first start opening 11 triggers a lottery for a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 1") (obtaining and determining a Special Symbol 1-related random number, described below; hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 1 lottery") and the variable display of Special Symbol 1. Furthermore, when a gaming ball enters the first start opening 11, a predetermined number of gaming balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an operable electric chute opening/closing member 12k. The electric chute opening/closing member 12k is normally (in its normal state) in a closed position that prevents game balls from entering the second starting hole 12. When a special state is entered, it moves to an open position that allows game balls to enter the second starting hole 12. In this way, the movement of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k to the open position is also referred to as the "open state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D, and game balls can enter the second starting hole 12 only when it is in the open state. On the other hand, the electric chute opening/closing member 12k in its closed position is also referred to as the "closed state" of the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D. In addition, when the second starting hole 12 or the electric chute 12D is in the "open state," it is also referred to as "the electric chute 12D being open," and when the electric chute 12D is in the "closed state," it is also referred to as "the electric chute 12D being closed."

The entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers a lottery for a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "Special Symbol 2") (obtaining and determining a Special Symbol 2-related random number, described below; hereinafter also referred to as "Special Symbol 2 lottery") and the variable display of Special Symbol 2. Furthermore, when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of gaming balls (four in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls. The gaming area 6 is provided with a guidance stage 12g that guides gaming balls to the second starting hole 12.

The gaming area 6 also has a general winning opening (normal winning opening) 10 through which gaming balls can enter. When a gaming ball enters the general winning opening 10, a predetermined number of gaming balls (three in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

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

The game area 6 is also provided with a first large prize device 14D (hereinafter also referred to as "normal AT 14D") having a first large prize opening 14 through which game balls can enter. The first large prize device 14D is equipped with a normal AT opening/closing member 14k that can be operated between an open state and a closed state. The first large prize opening 14 is opened and closed by operation of the normal AT opening/closing member 14k. The normal AT opening/closing member 14k is normally in a closed state that blocks the first large prize opening 14, making it impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 14. When the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is operated to the open state, game balls can enter the first large prize opening 14. In this way, game balls can enter the first large prize opening 14 only when the normal AT opening/closing member 14k is in the open state. When a gaming ball enters the first large prize opening 14, a predetermined number of gaming balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

The game area 6 is also provided with a second large prize device 15D (hereinafter also referred to as "VAT 15D") having a second large prize opening 15 through which a game ball can enter. The second large prize device 15D is equipped with an operable VAT opening/closing member 15k. The VAT opening/closing member 15k normally blocks the second large prize opening 15. The VAT opening/closing member 15k can be in an open state. Game balls can enter the second large prize opening 15 only when the VAT opening/closing member 15k is in the open state. On the other hand, the state in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k blocks the second large prize opening 15 is also referred to as the "closed state." In this way, the second large prize opening 15 is opened and closed by the operation of the VAT opening/closing member 15k. When a game ball enters the second large prize opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out as prize balls.

Now, using Figure 3, we will explain the second large prize device 15D in detail. Inside the second large prize device 15D, there is a gate-shaped second large prize opening sensor 15a that detects a gaming ball that has entered the second large prize opening 15 and can allow the gaming ball to pass downward.

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

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

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

The distributing member 16k is basically held in the first state. In other words, the first state can be said to be the normal state of the distributing member 16k. Then, only during a specified round of play (e.g., 16R), the distributing solenoid 16s is energized and the distributing member 16k can change to the second state. The operating mode of the distributing member 16k can be changed as appropriate.

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

It is possible to provide only one of the first large prize device 14D and the second large prize device 15D, as long as it does not interfere with gameplay. Furthermore, depending on the gameplay characteristics, it is possible to provide two large prize devices, such as the first large prize device 14D, which do not have a specific area or allocation device. Although the first large prize device 14D and the second large prize device 15D are provided, it is possible to use only the first large prize device 14D or only the second large prize device 15D, depending on the gameplay characteristics. If the game is configured to use only the first large prize device 14D, processing related to the second large prize device 15D will not be performed, and if the game is configured to use only the second large prize device 15D, processing related to the first large prize device 14D will not be performed.

As shown in Figure 2, two outlets 19 are provided at the bottom of the game area 6 to discharge game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not entered any of the winning slots. The game board 1 is also provided with an illuminating board lamp 54.

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

A first start opening 11 and two general winning openings 10 are provided on the first flow path R1. Therefore, by using a left-handed shot to launch a game ball down the first flow path R1, a player can aim for a win in the first start opening 11 or the general winning opening 10. On the other hand, a second start opening 12, a general winning opening 10, a gate 13, a first large winning opening 14, and a second large winning opening 15 are provided on the second flow path R2. Therefore, by using a right-handed shot to launch a game ball down the second flow path R2, a player can aim for a win in the second start opening 12, the general winning opening 10, the first large winning opening 14, or the second large winning opening 15.

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

In addition, displays 8 are located below and to the left of the play area 6 formed on the front of the game board 1 (in the area other than the play area 6). As shown in Figure 4, displays 8 include a special chart 1 display 81a that variably displays special chart 1, a special chart 2 display 81b that variably displays special chart 2, and a regular chart display 82 that variably displays regular charts. In addition, displays 8 include a special chart 1 reserved indicator 83a that displays the number of special chart 1 reserved (U1: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 1 by the special chart 1 display 81a), and a special chart 2 reserved indicator 83b that displays the number of special chart 2 reserved (U2: the number of reserved variable displays of special chart 2 by the special chart 2 display 81b), which will be described later.

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

The variable display of the special symbol notifies the results of the special symbol lottery. In the variable display of the special symbol, the special symbol is displayed variably and then statically. The statically displayed special symbol (static special symbol, special symbol derived and displayed as a result of the variable display) is one special symbol selected from multiple types of special symbols by the special symbol lottery. If the static special symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (a special symbol with a specific stopping pattern, i.e., a jackpot symbol), a jackpot game (an example of a special game) is played in which the jackpot slots (first jackpot slot 14 and second jackpot slot 15) are opened. The game state in which a jackpot game is being played is called a jackpot game state. The jackpot game state is an example of a special game state that is advantageous to the player.

The special symbol display 81 is composed of, for example, eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged horizontally, and displays a special symbol according to the result of the special symbol lottery depending on how they light up. For example, if the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), the special symbol display 81 displays a jackpot symbol consisting of the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left lit, such as "□□■■□□■■" (□: lit, ■: unlit). Furthermore, if the result of the special symbol lottery is a loss, the special symbol display 81 displays a loss symbol consisting of only the rightmost LED lit, such as "■■■■■■■□." The lighting pattern of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the special symbol lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate. Therefore, for example, all LEDs may be turned off to indicate a loss symbol.

In addition, when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, it is displayed for a predetermined variable time before it is displayed in a static manner. The variable display of the special symbol is, for example, a manner in which each LED lights up so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. The variable display of the special symbol is not particularly limited, and may be set as appropriate, such as all LEDs flashing simultaneously, unless each LED is displayed in a static manner (illuminated in a specific manner).

In the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when a gaming ball enters the first starting port 11 or the second starting port 12, various random numbers (an example of judgment information) may be obtained for use in conducting special drawing lotteries, etc. These various random numbers are temporarily stored as special drawing reserves in the special drawing reserve memory unit 105, described below. Hereinafter, the various random numbers obtained when a gaming ball enters the first starting port 11 are referred to as "special drawing 1-related random numbers," and the various random numbers obtained when a gaming ball enters the second starting port 12 are referred to as "special drawing 2-related random numbers." Herein, the special drawing 1-related random numbers are stored as special drawing 1 reserves in the special drawing reserve memory unit 105a within the special drawing reserve memory unit 105. Meanwhile, the special drawing 2-related random numbers are stored as special drawing 2 reserves in the special drawing reserve memory unit 105b within the special drawing reserve memory unit 105. An upper limit (four in this embodiment) is set for the number of special chart 1 reserves (special chart 1 reserve number) that can be stored in the special chart 1 reserve memory unit 105a and the number of special chart 2 reserves (special chart 2 reserve number) that can be stored in the special chart 2 reserve memory unit 105b. The upper limit for the number of special chart 1 reserves and the number of special chart 2 reserves can be changed as appropriate, and the upper limit may be set to "none." Note that, below, special chart 1 reserves and special chart 2 reserves are collectively referred to as "special chart reserves," and the number of special chart 1 reserves and the number of special chart 2 reserves are collectively referred to as "special chart reserve number." Furthermore, special chart 1-related random numbers and special chart 2-related random numbers are collectively referred to as "special chart-related random numbers."

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

The number of reserved special drawings is then displayed on the reserved special drawing display 83. The reserved special drawing 1 display 83a and the reserved special drawing 2 display 83b each consist of, for example, four LEDs, and the number of reserved special drawings can be displayed by lighting up the LEDs equal to the number of reserved special drawings.

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

The regular map display 82 is made up of, for example, two LEDs, and displays a regular map according to the result of the regular map lottery depending on how they light up. If the result of the regular map lottery is a win, the regular map display 82 displays a winning pattern consisting of both LEDs lit, such as "□□" (□: lit, ■: unlit). If the result of the regular map lottery is a loss, the regular map display 82 displays a losing pattern consisting of only the right LED lit, such as "■□". A losing pattern may also be one in which all LEDs are unlit. The lighting pattern of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the regular map lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate.

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

In pachinko gaming machine PY1, when a gaming ball passes through gate 13, a normal symbol random number (an example of judgment information) for conducting a normal symbol lottery may be obtained. This random number is stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106, described below, provided that the normal symbol variable display or auxiliary game is not being executed. An upper limit (four in this embodiment) is set for the number of normal symbol reserves (normal symbol reserve number) that can be stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106. The upper limit for the number of normal symbol reserves can be changed as appropriate, and may be set to "none." Note that, below, the normal symbol random number obtained when a gaming ball passes through gate 13 is also referred to as a "normal symbol-related random number." Furthermore, in this embodiment, a normal symbol reserve indicator that displays the normal symbol reserve number is not provided, but a normal symbol reserve indicator may be added to the indicators 8. For example, a normal symbol reserve indicator with a configuration similar to that of special symbol reserve indicator 83 can be used as the normal symbol reserve indicator.

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

The image display device 50 is equipped with a display unit (display screen) 50a that is composed of, for example, a 20-inch 3D liquid crystal display and is capable of displaying 3D images. Note that the image display device 50 may also be another display device, such as one composed of multiple liquid crystal displays or one composed of an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, as long as it is capable of displaying images.

The above-board movable device 55 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated above-board movable body 55k. The below-board movable device 56 is configured to be movable along the display unit 50a and includes a decorated below-board movable body 56k.

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

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

2. Electrical Configuration of the Gaming Machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 6-7. As shown in Figures 6-7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 includes a game control board (hereinafter referred to as the "main control board") 100 that controls game profits (game progress) such as special symbol lottery, variable special symbol display, jackpot game, game state setting (described later), normal symbol lottery, variable normal symbol display, and supplemental game. A presentation control board (hereinafter referred to as the "sub-control board") 120 controls game presentations (such as special symbol variable presentations, hold presentations, operation presentations, jackpot game presentations, etc.) and customer waiting presentations according to the progress of the game via the main control board 100. A payout control board 170 controls the payout of game balls, etc., and is located behind the image display device 50 on the gaming board 1. The main control board 100 can be considered the game control unit (main control unit) that controls the game. The sub-control board 120 can be positioned as a performance control unit (sub-control unit) that controls the performance together with the image control board 140, lamp control circuit 151, and audio control circuit 161, which will be described later. The performance control unit is only required to have at least the sub-control board 120 and be able to control various performances using performance means (image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, etc.).

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 also includes a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 supplies power to the main control board 100, sub-control board 120, and payout control board 170, and also supplies necessary power to other devices via these boards. The power supply board 190 is equipped with a depressible RAM clear switch 191. The RAM clear switch 191 (specific operation means) causes the gaming CPU 102 to clear (hereinafter referred to as "RAM clear") game information (e.g., game state information such as high probability states, the number of reserved special symbols, and jackpot determination results) stored in the gaming RAM 104 of the gaming control microcomputer 101 (described below) when the machine is powered on. As shown in Figure 8, the RAM clear switch 191 is located on the power supply board 190, which is located on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Therefore, the RAM clear switch 191 cannot be operated by anyone other than an amusement parlor employee who can open or close the front door 23. In other words, the RAM clear switch 191 can be said to be an operating means that cannot be operated by the player. When the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 191 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 101. In this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190, but the location of the RAM clear switch 191 can be changed as appropriate; for example, it may be provided on the main control board 100 or a dedicated board.

The power supply board 190 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 192. When power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the backup power supply circuit 192 supplies power to the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the presentation RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120, which will be described later. Therefore, the information stored in the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 and the presentation RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 is retained even when power is lost to the pachinko gaming machine PY1. A power switch 193 is also connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is turned on and off by turning the power switch 193 on and off. Note that a backup power supply circuit for the game RAM 104 of the main control board 100 may be provided on the main control board 100, and a backup power supply circuit for the presentation RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 may be provided on the sub-control board 120.

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

The gaming ROM 103 stores programs for performing the main control processing and main timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 also stores a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a look-ahead determination table, a jackpot game control table, a win determination table, a regular symbol variation pattern determination table, and an auxiliary game control table, which will be described later. The gaming ROM 103 may also be external.

The gaming RAM 104 also includes the special game reserve memory unit 105 and regular game reserve memory unit 106 mentioned above. The gaming RAM 104 also includes a non-erasable memory unit 107, which includes a total number of winning balls memory unit 107a, a total number of shot balls memory unit 107b, and a difference in number of balls memory unit 107c. The non-erasable memory unit 107 is designed so that the gaming CPU 102 does not erase the stored contents even when RAM clear is executed.

The game control microcomputer 101 counts the total number of prize balls at any time after the power is turned on, and information on the counted total number of prize balls is stored in the total prize ball number memory unit 107a. The total number of prize balls refers to the number of prize balls won (paid out to the player) in all game states (normal game state, jackpot game state, high probability high base state, low probability high base state, etc.). The game control microcomputer 101 also counts the total number of fired balls at any time after the power is turned on, and information on the counted total number of fired balls is stored in the total fired ball number memory unit 107b. The total number of fired balls refers to the number of balls fired by the player in all game states. The game control microcomputer 101 also calculates the difference in the number of balls by subtracting the total number of fired balls from the total number of prize balls at any time after the power is turned on, and information on the calculated difference in the number of balls is stored in the difference in the number of balls memory unit 107c. The game control microcomputer 101 disables the game when the difference in the number of balls (an example of a specific measurement number) exceeds a reference number (for example, "80,000"). This function is called the over-prize ball prevention function. The over-prize ball prevention function may be activated when the maximum difference in the number of balls (also called the maximum number of balls held, MY, etc.) reaches a predetermined reference number. The maximum difference in the number of balls is the difference between the minimum difference in the number of balls, which is the lowest value of the measured difference in the number of balls, and the peak (highest value) of the difference in the number of balls after the minimum difference in the number of balls is measured. In this case, the maximum difference in the number of balls corresponds to the specific measurement number.

The main control board 100 is also provided with a 7-segment display 300, a setting key cylinder 180, and a special reset switch 181 (special operation means) (see Figure 8). As shown in Figure 9, the 7-segment display 300 is a so-called 4-segment display with a total of 32 illuminated (light-emitting) areas. Specifically, from left to right, the 7-segment display 300 is provided with a first display area 310, a second display area 320, a third display area 330, and a fourth display area 340. Each of the four display areas 310, 320, 330, and 340 has eight illuminated areas (LED elements) LB1 to LB8, LB9 to LB16, LB17 to LB24, and LB25 to LB32, allowing the digits "0" to "9" to be displayed. Display control of the 7-segment display 300 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The setting key cylinder 180 functions as an operating means when setting a setting value corresponding to the probability of determining a jackpot. With a setting key (not shown) inserted inside, the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated between an initial position and a rotation position. Therefore, in this pachinko gaming machine PY1, by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 to the rotation position and turning on the power while pressing the RAM clear switch 191, the machine can enter a setting mode in which a setting value can be set. In this setting mode, the setting value can be set to "1." However, this pachinko gaming machine PY1 only has one setting value, "1." Therefore, the setting value cannot be changed from "1." Note that, when the setting mode is set, rotating the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position to the standby position ends the setting mode and executes a RAM clear.

The main control board 100 is also provided with a special reset switch 181 that can be pressed. As shown in Figure 8, the special reset switch 181 is provided on the main control board 100, which is located on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Therefore, only arcade employees who can open and close the front door 23 can operate the special reset switch 181. In other words, the special reset switch 181 can essentially be described as an operating means that cannot be operated by players. The function of the special reset switch 181 will be described in detail later. The main control board 100 is also equipped with a gaming I/O (Input/Output) port unit 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals.

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

The various sensors MS connected to the main control board 100 include a first start opening sensor 11a, a second start opening sensor 12a, a general prize opening sensor 10a, a gate sensor 13a, a first large prize opening sensor 14a, a second large prize opening sensor 15a, a specific area sensor 16a, and a non-specific area sensor 17a.

The first start opening sensor 11a detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 11. The second start opening sensor 12a detects game balls that have entered the second start opening 12. The general winning opening sensor 10a detects game balls that have entered the general winning opening 10. A general winning opening sensor 10a is provided for each general winning opening 10. The gate sensor 13a is provided at the gate 13 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 13. The first large winning opening sensor 14a detects game balls that have entered the first large winning opening 14. The second large winning opening sensor 15a detects game balls that have entered the second large winning opening 15. The specific area sensor 16a detects game balls that have passed through the specific area 16 (entered the specific area 16). The non-specific area sensor 17a detects gaming balls that pass through (enter) the non-specific area 17. When each sensor detects a gaming ball, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 according to the detection result.

Although not shown in Figure 6, the various sensors MS also include an outlet sensor that detects all game balls (total number of balls fired) flowing down the game area 6. Game balls that flow down outside the game area 6 pass through an outlet path (not shown) located at the bottom of the game board mounting frame 2A and are discharged to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1. For this reason, the outlet sensor is located within the outlet path. The various sensors MS also include a magnetic sensor that detects illegal magnetism. The magnetic sensor detects the magnetic field generated when a player uses a magnet or other device to illegally cause game balls to enter the various winning holes 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15. When each of the above sensors detects a game ball, it outputs a signal corresponding to the detection content to the main control board 100.

The various sensors MS also include a front door open sensor that detects the opening of the front door 23 relative to the outer frame 22, and a front frame sensor that detects the opening of the front frame 23m relative to the game board mounting frame 2A. When the front door open sensor detects the opening of the front door 23, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 according to the detection content. When the front frame sensor detects the opening of the front frame 23m, it outputs a signal to the main control board 100 according to the detection content. The type and number of sensors connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators MA connected to the main control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid 12s, a first large prize opening solenoid 14s, a second large prize opening solenoid 15s, and a distribution solenoid 16s. The electric chute solenoid 12s drives the electric chute opening/closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D. The first large prize opening solenoid 14s drives the normal AT opening/closing member 14k of the first large prize device 14D. The second large prize opening solenoid 15s drives the VAT opening/closing member 15k of the second large prize device 15D. The distribution solenoid 16s drives the distribution member 16k of the distribution device 16D.

The type and number of actuators connected to the main control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

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

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

The payout control board 170 drives the prize ball motor 73m of the prize ball payout device 73 to pay out prize balls or loan balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU. The paid-out game balls are detected by a prize ball sensor 73a, which counts the game balls, and a detection signal from the prize ball sensor 73a is output to the payout control board 170.

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

The payout control board 170 is also connected to the external terminal board 160. In other words, the external terminal board 160 is connected to the main control board 100 via the payout control board 170. The external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal sent from the main control board 100 to an external unit GU (data counter, hall computer, etc.) located outside the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Information contained in the outer end signal includes, for example, information indicating whether a jackpot has been won, information about the game status, and information indicating errors or fraud (abnormalities). Note that while the external terminal board 160 transmits the outer end signal to the external unit GU via parallel communication, it may also be configured to transmit the outer end signal via asynchronous serial communication (a common asynchronous serial communication port). Furthermore, although the main control board 100 is connected to the external terminal board 160 via the dispensing control board 170, the main control board 100 may be connected to the external terminal board 160 via a board other than the dispensing control board 170 (for example, a relay board), or the main control board 100 and external terminal board 160 may be connected directly.

In addition, the main control board 100 sends various commands containing information about the game to the sub-control board 120 as the game progresses. The sub-control board 120 can grasp the progress of the game (the content of game control) by the main control board 100 based on the various commands sent from the main control board 100. The connection between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 is a unidirectional communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 120. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (e.g., a circuit using a diode) (not shown) is interposed between the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 120 as a means for restricting communication direction.

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

The performance ROM 123 also stores programs for performing the sub-control main processing, reception interrupt processing, 1 ms timer interrupt processing, and 10 ms timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The performance ROM 123 may also be external.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The various actuators SA connected to the sub-control board 120 include an upper board drive motor 55m that drives the upper board movable device 55, a lower board drive motor 56m that drives the lower board movable device 56, and a frame drive motor 58m that drives the frame movable device 58. The presentation control microcomputer 121 drives these motors to cause each movable device to perform a specified operation. In more detail, the presentation control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data that determines the operating mode of each movable device and controls the operation of each movable device via the lamp control circuit 151. A vibration motor (not shown) that vibrates the normal button 40 is also connected to the sub-control board 120. The type and number of actuators connected to the sub-control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various lamps SL connected to the sub-control board 120 include a frame lamp 53, a board lamp 54, etc. The performance control microcomputer 121 is capable of illuminating each lamp. In more detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates illumination pattern data (data that determines the on/off status, illumination color, etc., also known as lamp data) that determines the illumination mode of each lamp, and controls the illumination of each lamp in accordance with the illumination pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the sub-control board 120 is used to create the illumination pattern data.

A CPU may be mounted on the lamp control circuit 151 board. In this case, the CPU may be configured to control the lighting of each lamp and the operation of each movable device. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board, and data related to lighting patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM. The type and number of lamps connected to the sub-control board 120 may also be changed as appropriate, provided that this does not interfere with gameplay.

3. Main Games Played by the Gaming Machine Next, the main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described using Figures 10 to 17. Note that the tables shown in Figures 10 to 17 are general ones for the purpose of this explanation, and if a different table is shown in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" below, it will be assumed that that table is used in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. However, for configurations that do not show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" below, it will be assumed that the table shown in this section is used, and also for configurations that show a different table in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Gaming Machine PY1" below, it will be assumed that the table shown in this section can be used.

3-1. Games Related to Regular Symbols First, we will explain games related to regular symbols. When a launched game ball passes through the gate 13, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a regular symbol lottery. After the regular symbol lottery is performed, the regular symbol display 82 displays a variable regular symbol (a variable display followed by a static display). The statically displayed regular symbols include winning symbols and losing symbols. Note that losing symbols on regular symbols are also referred to as "losing regular symbols" to distinguish them from the losing symbols on special symbols, which will be described later. When a winning symbol is statically displayed, an auxiliary game is executed, and the game related to the passage through the gate 13 ends. On the other hand, when a losing regular symbol is statically displayed, no auxiliary game is executed, and the game related to the passage through the gate 13 ends. In the following, the passing of the game ball through the gate 13 is referred to as the "establishment of the regular symbol start condition."

When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs this series of games (regular symbol lottery, variable regular symbol display, auxiliary games), it acquires regular symbol-related random numbers when the regular symbol start conditions are met. The acquired regular symbol-related random numbers include regular symbol random numbers, as shown in Figure 10 (A). Regular symbol random numbers are random numbers used to determine whether a win has occurred. Random numbers are also called determination information. Appropriate ranges are set for the random numbers.

3-1-1. Win Determination Win determination is a determination to determine whether or not a win has occurred (whether or not an auxiliary game is executed) according to a win determination table such as that shown in FIG. 11(A). The win determination table is associated with the game state, which will be described later. That is, the win determination table includes a win determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving win determination table) and a win determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving win determination table). In each win determination table, a determination value (normal symbol random number value) of the normal symbol random number is assigned to the win or miss result of the win determination. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 determines whether or not a win has occurred by determining the acquired normal symbol random number according to the win determination table. Then, based on the result of the win determination, a normal symbol variation pattern is determined to display the variable normal symbol. If the result of the win determination is a win, a winning symbol is basically displayed as a static symbol in the variable normal symbol display. On the other hand, if the result of the win determination is a miss, a missing normal symbol is basically displayed as a static symbol in the variable normal symbol display. The probability of winning can be changed as appropriate. Also, the win determination table does not need to be divided for each gaming state.

3-1-2. Map fluctuation The map fluctuation pattern determination is a determination to determine the map fluctuation pattern according to the map fluctuation pattern determination table as shown in Figure 11 (B). The map fluctuation pattern is identification information regarding predetermined items related to the variable display of the map, such as the map fluctuation time.

The normal map fluctuation pattern determination table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). In other words, there are normal map fluctuation pattern determination tables: a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table) and a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table). Note that it is not necessary to separate the normal map fluctuation pattern determination tables for each game state.

Each normal map fluctuation pattern determination table stores one normal map fluctuation pattern, which is the result of the normal map fluctuation pattern determination, for each stopped normal map. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can vary the normal map fluctuation time between the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. For example, in the non-time-saving state, when a losing normal map (a losing normal map) is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of, for example, 30 seconds is determined for the variable display of the normal map, and when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of, for example, 30 seconds is determined for the variable display of the normal map. Also, in the time-saving state, when a losing normal map is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of, for example, 5 seconds is determined for the variable display of the normal map, and when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of, for example, 5 seconds is determined for the variable display of the normal map. The variable display of the normal map with the normal map fluctuation time corresponding to the normal map fluctuation pattern determined by this determination is performed by the normal map display device 82. Furthermore, the time for these map fluctuations can be changed as appropriate. In this way, hit detection and map fluctuation pattern detection are performed, and the map display 82 displays the map in a variable manner.

3-1-3. Auxiliary Game Auxiliary game is executed when a winning symbol is displayed (derived) as a display result (a result of a regular symbol lottery) in the variable display of the regular symbol.

The elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components) include various factors such as the number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening. Each of these elements is associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The pachinko gaming machine PY1 controls the auxiliary game in accordance with an auxiliary game control table such as that shown in Figure 11 (C) based on the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). The auxiliary game control table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). Each auxiliary game control table stores auxiliary game components. The number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each of these elements can be changed as appropriate.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 has different opening times for the electric chute 12D during auxiliary play in the non-time-shortened state and during auxiliary play in the time-shortened state. For example, during auxiliary play in the non-time-shortened state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a first opening time (a time during which it is difficult to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 0.08 seconds)). Hereinafter, auxiliary play in the non-time-shortened state is also referred to as a "short-open auxiliary play." Furthermore, during auxiliary play in the time-shortened state, the electric chute 12D is opened for a second opening time that is longer than the first opening time (a time during which it is easy to get the game ball to enter the electric chute 12D (e.g., 3.0 seconds)). Hereinafter, auxiliary play in the time-shortened state is also referred to as a "long-open auxiliary play." Note that the opening times for the electric chute 12D may be the same during auxiliary play in the non-time-shortened state and auxiliary play in the time-shortened state.

3-2. Games Related to Special Symbols Next, we will explain games related to special symbols. When a launched game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 conducts a special symbol 1 lottery. When the special symbol 1 lottery is conducted, the special symbol 1 display 81a displays a variable special symbol 1 (a variable display followed by a static display) to notify the result of the special symbol 1 lottery. Here, the statically displayed special symbol 1 includes a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. In other words, the results of the special symbol 1 lottery include a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. When a jackpot symbol is displayed statically, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is established, and the game based on the winning is terminated. On the other hand, when a losing symbol is displayed statically, the jackpot game is not conducted, and the game based on the winning is terminated.

Similarly, when a fired game ball enters the second starting hole 12, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 conducts a special drawing for the special symbol 2. When the special symbol 2 drawing is conducted, the special symbol 2 display 81b displays a variable special symbol 2 (a variable display followed by a static display) to notify the result of the special symbol 2 drawing. Here, the statically displayed special symbol 2 includes a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. In other words, the results of the special symbol 2 drawing include a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. When a jackpot symbol is displayed as a static jackpot symbol, a jackpot game is executed, a new game state is established, and the game based on that winning is terminated. On the other hand, when a losing symbol is displayed as a static jackpot symbol, the jackpot game is not conducted and the game based on that winning is terminated.

In the following, the entry of a gaming ball into the first start hole 11 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the first start condition," and the entry of a gaming ball into the second start hole 12 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the second start condition." Furthermore, the "fulfillment of the first start condition" and the "fulfillment of the second start condition" are collectively referred to as the "fulfillment of the start condition." Furthermore, the losing special symbols are also referred to as "losing special symbols" to distinguish them from the aforementioned losing regular symbols.

When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs this series of games (special symbol lottery, variable display of special symbols, jackpot game, and game state setting), it acquires special symbol-related random numbers when the start conditions are met and makes various judgments about these random numbers. The acquired special symbol-related random numbers include special symbol random numbers (jackpot random numbers), jackpot symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special symbol variation pattern random numbers, as shown in Figure 10 (B). Special symbol random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot judgments. Jackpot symbol type random numbers are random numbers used to make jackpot symbol type judgments. Reach random numbers are random numbers used to make reach judgments. Special symbol variation pattern random numbers are random numbers used to make special symbol variation pattern judgments. Random numbers are also referred to as judgment information. An appropriate range is set for each random number.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination Jackpot determination is a determination to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed) according to a jackpot determination table such as that shown in FIG. 12(A). The jackpot determination table is associated with the game state, specifically, whether it is a normal probability state or a high probability state. That is, the jackpot determination table includes a jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (normal probability jackpot determination table) and a jackpot determination table used in the high probability state (high probability jackpot determination table).

In each jackpot determination table, a special symbol random number determination value (special symbol random number value) is assigned to the jackpot and miss results of the jackpot determination. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 determines whether the acquired special symbol random number is a jackpot or a miss by judging it according to the jackpot determination table. As shown in Figure 12 (A), the high-probability jackpot determination table has more special symbol random number determination values that result in a jackpot than the normal-probability jackpot determination table. In addition, the probability of winning a jackpot can be changed as appropriate.

3-2-2. Jackpot Symbol Type Determination Jackpot symbol type determination is a determination to determine the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type) according to a jackpot symbol type determination table as shown in Fig. 12(B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. Each type of jackpot symbol is associated with the content of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot that are made up of the gaming benefits granted to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table is associated with the type of special symbol (special symbol 1/special symbol 2) that is variably displayed; in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) where the winning combination that caused the jackpot symbol type determination (the winning combination that triggered the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. In other words, the jackpot symbol type determination table includes a jackpot symbol type determination table (first jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 1, and a jackpot symbol type determination table (second jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variable display of special symbol 2.

There are multiple types of jackpot symbols, and in each jackpot symbol type determination table, a determination value of the jackpot symbol type random number (jackpot symbol type random number value) is assigned to the jackpot symbol type, which is the result of the jackpot symbol type determination. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 determines the type of jackpot symbol by judging the acquired jackpot symbol type random number according to the jackpot symbol type determination table. Then, in the first jackpot symbol type determination table and the second jackpot symbol type determination table, the jackpot symbol type random number value is assigned appropriately to various jackpot symbols. Note that the allocation rate for jackpot symbol types can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the number of jackpot symbol types can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

For example, as shown in Figure 12 (B), the allocation rate for the jackpot symbol type determined for special chart 1 can be set to 50% for jackpot symbol A and 50% for jackpot symbol B, and the allocation rate for the jackpot symbol type determined for special chart 2 can be set to 100% for jackpot symbol C. In this way, it is possible to have different allocation rates for the jackpot symbol type between the special chart 1 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the first starting slot 11, and the special chart 2 lottery, which is held when a gaming ball enters the second starting slot 12.

3-2-3. Reach judgment Reach judgment is a judgment to determine whether or not to generate a reach in the special chart variation performance described later, according to the reach judgment table as shown in FIG. 12 (C) when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss.

The reach determination table is associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are reach determination tables: a reach determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving reach determination table) and a reach determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving reach determination table). Note that it is not necessary to separate reach determination tables for each game state.

In each reach determination table, reach random number determination values (reach random number values) are assigned to the reach determination results of "reach in progress (reach occurs)" and "reach not in progress (reach not occurs)." Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 determines whether a reach is in progress or not (whether a reach will occur) by judging the acquired reach random number according to the reach determination table. As shown in Figure 12 (C), the number of reach random number values determined as "reach in progress (reach will occur)" differs between the non-time-saving reach determination table and the time-saving reach determination table. Note that the probability of determining that a reach is in progress can be changed as appropriate. In the following, "reach in progress (reach will occur)," which is performed on the assumption that the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss," is referred to as "reach in progress, miss," and "no reach (reach not occurs)" is sometimes referred to as "no-reach, miss."

3-2-4. Special symbol variation pattern determination Special symbol variation pattern determination is a determination to determine the variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol (special symbol variation pattern) using a special symbol variation pattern determination table (special symbol variation pattern determination table) as shown in Figures 13 and 14, and is performed whether the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss. The special symbol variation pattern is identification information for identifying predetermined items such as the special symbol variation time and the presentation flow (presentation content) of the special symbol variation effect described below. Note that the special symbol variation pattern includes identification information regarding the results of the jackpot determination and the reach determination, as well as the special symbol variation time and the presentation flow (presentation content) of the special symbol variation effect. The identification information included in the special symbol variation pattern can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to use multiple types of special symbol variation patterns, each with different identification information, and the number of such patterns can be changed as appropriate.

The special symbol variation pattern determination table is associated with the type of special symbol (special symbol 1/special symbol 2) that performs the variable display that is the subject of the determination; in other words, the type of starting gate (first starting gate 11/second starting gate 12) where the winning that triggered the special symbol variation pattern determination occurred. In other words, the special symbol variation pattern determination table includes a special symbol variation pattern determination table (special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table: Figure 13) that is used when performing the variable display of special symbol 1, and a special symbol variation pattern determination table (special symbol 2 variation pattern determination table: Figure 14) that is used when performing the variable display of special symbol 2. Note that the special symbol variation pattern determination tables do not need to be separated according to the type of special symbol (special symbol 1/special symbol 2).

Each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table includes a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table) and a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table). Similarly, the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table includes a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table) and a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table). Note that the special chart fluctuation pattern determination tables do not need to be separated by game state.

In addition, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state) is also associated with the jackpot determination result and the reach determination result. That is, the non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach-and-miss, and a reach-and-miss. Similarly, the time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach-and-miss, and a reach-and-miss. Note that the special chart fluctuation pattern determination tables do not have to be separated according to the jackpot determination result or the reach determination result.

Furthermore, each special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss is also associated with the number of reserved special charts. For example, there is a special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss that is used when the number of reserved special charts 1 (U1) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss that is used when the number of reserved special charts 1 (U1) is 3 to 4. Furthermore, each special chart 2 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss is also associated with the number of reserved special charts. Specifically, there is a special chart 2 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss that is used when the number of reserved special charts 2 (U2) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 2 variation pattern determination table for a no-reach miss that is used when the number of reserved special charts 2 (U2) is 3 to 4. Note that it is not necessary to separate the special chart variation pattern determination tables according to the number of reserved special charts.

The special symbol display 81 then performs a variable display of the special symbol for the special symbol variation time according to the special symbol variation pattern determined by each special symbol variation pattern determination. When the jackpot symbol is displayed as a static display result (the result of the special symbol lottery) in the variable display of the special symbol, the next variable display of the special symbol is not immediately performed, and the jackpot game continues.

In addition, each special chart change pattern is associated with a special chart change effect presentation flow as shown in the second column from the right in the tables in Figures 13 and 14. Note that it is not necessary to associate a special chart change effect presentation flow with a special chart change pattern.

Also, as shown in the rightmost columns of the tables in Figures 13 and 14, special chart variation patterns are sometimes referred to by names that relate to the special chart (jackpot determination result) and the content of the special chart variation presentation. For example, a special chart variation pattern related to a jackpot is called a "jackpot variation," and a special chart variation pattern related to a miss is called a "miss variation." Among jackpot variations, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called an "SP jackpot variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach is performed is called an "L jackpot variation," a special chart variation pattern in which the special chart variation presentation ends with an N reach is called an "N jackpot variation," and a special chart variation pattern in which double numbers line up as soon as a reach is achieved is called an "instant jackpot variation." On the other hand, among misses with reach, the special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called an "SP miss variation," the special chart variation pattern in which an L reach, which is a type of reach, is performed is called an "L miss variation," the special chart variation pattern in which the special chart variation performance ends with an N reach, which is a type of reach, is called an "N miss variation," and the special chart variation pattern related to misses without reach is called a "normal miss variation." There are three types of normal miss variations with different variation times (normal A miss variation, normal B miss variation, normal C miss variation). Also, the special chart variation pattern related to misses without reach that has a shorter variation time than the "normal miss variation" is called a "shortened miss variation." There are two types of shortened miss variations with different variation times (shortened A miss variation, shortened B miss variation). Furthermore, when referring collectively to SP jackpot and SP miss fluctuations, they are called SP fluctuations or SP reach fluctuations.

3-2-5. Prediction Judgment Based on the acquired special symbol-related random number, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs a prediction judgment in accordance with a prediction judgment table such as that shown in FIG. 15. The prediction judgment is performed before the jackpot judgment (specifically, for example, when the ball enters the starting slot). Prediction judgments include, for example, determining whether a special symbol random number is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot judgment, determining which jackpot symbol type a jackpot symbol type a jackpot symbol type random number is determined to be, and determining which special symbol variation pattern a special symbol variation pattern random number is determined to be in the special symbol variation pattern judgment. The prediction judgment table is associated with the type of starting slot (first starting slot 11/second starting slot 12) associated with the starting slot. That is, the prediction judgment table includes a prediction judgment table (first prediction judgment table) for when the ball enters the first starting slot 11 and a prediction judgment table (second prediction judgment table) for when the ball enters the second starting slot 12. Since the first starting port 11 is the starting port that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 1, the first look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 1 look-ahead judgment table. Also, since the second starting port 12 is the starting port that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 2, the second look-ahead judgment table can also be called the special drawing 2 look-ahead judgment table. Note that the look-ahead judgment table does not need to be divided according to the type of starting port (first starting port 11/second starting port 12). Also, a starting winning refers to winning at a starting port.

The look-ahead judgment table is also associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). That is, there are look-ahead judgment tables: one used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving look-ahead judgment table), and one used in the time-saving state (time-saving look-ahead judgment table).

In other words, the look-ahead judgment tables include a first look-ahead judgment table used when the game is not in a time-saving state, a second look-ahead judgment table used when the game is not in a time-saving state, and a third look-ahead judgment table used when the game is in a time-saving state. Note that the look-ahead judgment tables do not need to be separated for each game state. Also, the types of judgments included in the look-ahead judgment can be changed as appropriate.

3-3. Jackpot Game Next, we will explain the jackpot game. The jackpot game includes multiple rounds of play accompanied by the opening and closing of the jackpot opening (first jackpot opening 14 or second jackpot opening 15), an opening (also referred to as OP) from the start of the jackpot game until the start of the first round of play, and an ending (also referred to as ED) from the end of the final round of play until the end of the jackpot game. Each round of play begins with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round of play, and ends with the start of the next round of play or the start of the ending. It is also possible to eliminate the OP or ED. Note that, hereinafter, a predetermined number of rounds of play (predetermined order) will simply be referred to as a "round." For example, the first round of play will be referred to as "1st round (1R)," and the tenth round of play will be referred to as "10th round (10R)."

The elements that make up such a jackpot game (jackpot game components) include the number of rounds of play, the number of times the large prize openings (first large prize opening 14, second large prize opening 15) are opened in each round of play, the type and opening time of each large prize opening, the time until the next opening (closing time or interval time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time). After the special symbol is displayed, the pachinko game machine PY1 controls the jackpot game in accordance with a jackpot game control table such as that shown in Figure 16.

As shown in FIG. 16, the jackpot game control table stores jackpot game components for each jackpot game (e.g., for each jackpot game A to C). In each jackpot game, from Round 1 to Round 15, a round game is played in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round game in which the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Then, in Round 16 (the final round), a round game is played in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, or a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds. Furthermore, in each round game, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) are detected by the large prize opening sensors 14a, 15a, the round game is terminated even before the maximum opening time of the large prize openings 14, 15 has elapsed.

It is possible to configure the jackpot game A shown in Figure 16 to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot symbol is jackpot symbol A (see Figure 12 (B)), the jackpot game B to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot symbol is jackpot symbol B, and the jackpot game C to be executed when the type of the winning jackpot symbol is jackpot symbol C.

The number of times and duration of each jackpot game component can be changed as appropriate. The jackpot game can be played using both the first jackpot opening 14 and the second jackpot opening 15, or just one of them. In a configuration where only the first jackpot opening 14 is used, or where only the second jackpot opening 15 is used, the unused jackpot opening may not be provided. The number of types of jackpot games that can be played may be multiple or just one.

Here, the specific area 16 will be explained in detail. The specific area 16 is placed in a closed state where prizes are not possible and an open state where prizes are possible, by the distribution member 16k. Therefore, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be referred to as the opening/closing mode of the specific area 16. Hereinafter, the operating mode of the distribution member 16k will also be referred to as the "opening/closing mode of the specific area 16." Furthermore, the open state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-open," and the closed state of the specific area 16 will also be referred to as "V-closed."

The distribution member 16k is controlled in a fixed operating mode (i.e., the specific area 16 is controlled in a fixed opening/closing mode). For example, for 15 seconds after the second large prize opening 15 begins to open, the distribution solenoid 16s is energized and the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state (Figure 3(B)). Therefore, in a round game in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds, the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing that the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state makes it easy for the gaming ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to enter the specific area 16). On the other hand, in round play, in which the second large prize opening 15 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, the relationship between the opening time and timing of the second large prize opening 15 and the time and timing for which the distribution member 16k is controlled to the second state makes it nearly impossible (difficult) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (to enter the specific area 16). In this way, by combining a certain operating mode of the distribution member 16k (a certain opening/closing mode of the specific area 16) with the opening/closing mode of the second large prize opening 15 during a jackpot game, it is possible to set the difficulty (ease) of the game ball entering the specific area 16 during a jackpot game. Note that the operating mode of the distribution member 16k can be changed as appropriate. If a different operating mode is indicated in the description of "Characteristics of the Pachinko Game Machine PY1" below, it will be assumed that the pachinko game machine PY1 employs that operating mode.

Note that during a jackpot game, a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the first opening pattern (V-long opening pattern), which makes it easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16 (hereinafter also referred to as "V passage"), is called a "V-long jackpot," and a jackpot in which the VAT opening/closing member 15k and the distribution member 16k operate in the second opening pattern (V-short opening pattern), which makes it difficult or impossible for the game ball to pass through the specific area 16, is called a "V-short jackpot."

3-4. Game States Next, the game states will be explained. As shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko game machine PY1 can be set to any one of the game states of a "low-probability low base game state," a "low-probability high base game state," a "high-probability low base game state," a "high-probability high base game state," and a "jackpot game state." The "low-probability low base game state" may be abbreviated as a "low-probability low base state," the "low-probability high base game state" as a "low-probability high base state," the "high-probability low base game state" as a "high-probability low base state," and the "high-probability high base game state" as a "high-probability high base state." The game states include a state related to the probability of determining a "jackpot" in the jackpot determination and a state related to the ease of opening the electric chute 12D. The former includes a normal probability state and a high probability state. The latter includes a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state.

The normal probability state is set in a "low probability, low base game state" or a "low probability, high base game state," and is a state in which the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination is normal. The high probability state is set in a "high probability, low base game state" or a "high probability, high base game state," and is a state in which the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination is higher than the normal probability. Therefore, the high probability state can be said to be a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state. When the pachinko game machine PY1 is first turned on, the normal probability state is set. Then, by winning a jackpot, it is possible to switch from the normal probability state to the high probability state. For example, during a jackpot game, it is possible to switch to the high probability state by the game ball passing through specific area 16. It is also possible to switch to the high probability state based on the type of jackpot symbol. Whether the trigger for switching to the high probability state is the passing of a V or the type of jackpot symbol is determined in advance depending on the gameplay desired. In the high probability state, a predetermined number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning a jackpot, or the high probability state can be switched to the normal probability state by winning the next jackpot.

The non-time-saving state is set in the "low-probability, low-base game state," "high-probability, low-base game state," or "jackpot game state." The time-saving state is set in the "low-probability, high-base game state" or "high-probability, high-base game state," and is a game state in which the electric chute 12D is more likely to open for a longer period of time during a single supplementary game compared to the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for a longer period (e.g., 3.0 seconds) than in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 0.08 seconds). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the special symbol fluctuation pattern is determined according to a special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table that is designed to select a special symbol fluctuation pattern with a shorter special symbol fluctuation time more frequently than in the non-time-saving state (see Figures 13 and 14). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of reserved special symbols is increased, making it easier for valid winnings (winnings that can be recorded as reserved special symbols) to occur in the starting slot. This allows for smooth gameplay and the aim of winning a jackpot.

In addition, the normal map variation time is more likely to be shorter in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, the normal map variation time (5 seconds) is determined, which is shorter than the normal map variation time (30 seconds) determined in the non-time-saving state (Figure 11 (B)). Therefore, the number of normal map lottery draws per unit time is greater in the time-saving state.

In addition, the time-saving state is more likely to be judged as a hit in the hit detection process than the non-time-saving state. For example, in the time-saving state, a hit is detected with a higher probability (e.g., 59,936/65,536) than the probability of a hit being detected in the non-time-saving state (e.g., 6,600/65,536) (Figure 11 (A)). Therefore, the time-saving state is judged as a hit more often per unit time.

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

When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is first powered on, it is set to the non-time-saving mode. Then, for example, the time-saving mode can be set by winning a jackpot. In the time-saving mode, a predetermined number of jackpot determinations can be made without winning a jackpot, or the machine can change from the time-saving mode to the non-time-saving mode by winning the next jackpot.

In addition, in the time-shortened state, compared to the non-time-shortened state, it is easier to win, the normal symbol fluctuation time is more likely to be shorter, and the electric chute 12D is more likely to be open for a longer time during one supplementary play. In other words, three points are set to be advantageous to the player when playing normal symbols. However, these points may only be part of these. Furthermore, the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table in the time-shortened state does not have to be one that makes it easier to select special symbol fluctuation patterns with shorter special symbol fluctuation times than in the non-time-shortened state.

The gaming state after the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is first powered on is a "low probability, low base gaming state" in which a normal probability state and a non-time-saving state are set. This gaming state is also called the "normal gaming state." In the "jackpot gaming state," a normal lottery (a hit determination for a normal lottery) is conducted, but a special lottery (a hit determination for a jackpot) is not conducted, so a non-time-saving state is set upon the start of the jackpot game. It is also possible to use all or some of the gaming states described above. The various gaming states described in this specification can be arbitrarily expressed in the form of an "nth gaming state" (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1). In addition, a low-probability, low-base game state (low-probability, low-base state) can be called a low-probability, non-time-shortened state, a low-probability, high-base game state (low-probability, high-base state) can be called a low-probability, time-shortened state, a high-probability, low-base game state (high-probability, low-base state) can be called a high-probability, non-time-shortened state, and a high-probability, high-base game state (high-probability, high-base state) can be called a high-probability, time-shortened state.

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

4-1. Presentation Mode First, the presentation mode will be explained. Presentation mode refers to a category of presentation (or a higher-level conceptual attribute). The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can set the following presentation modes: customer waiting presentation mode, normal presentation mode, probability variation presentation mode, time-saving presentation mode, and jackpot presentation mode.

The customer waiting mode can be set when special symbol variation effects are not being performed in the "low probability low base game state," "low probability high base game state," "high probability low base game state," and "high probability high base game state." This mode indicates a standby state in which special symbol variation effects are not being performed. When the customer waiting mode is set, customer waiting effects are performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 18 (A-1), a customer waiting demo video G100 introducing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is displayed on the display unit 50a during customer waiting effects. Furthermore, when the normal button 40 is operated while the customer waiting demo video G100 is being displayed, a settings screen G101 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 18 (A-2), for configuring settings related to the effects of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Settings related to effects include the volume of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness of the display unit 50a, and the frequency of effects that are executed.

The normal presentation mode can be set when a special symbol variation presentation is being performed in a "low-probability, low-base game state" or a "high-probability, low-base game state," and is a presentation mode that indicates a non-time-saving mode. The normal presentation modes include, for example, a first normal presentation mode in which a background image depicting a daytime mountain scene (normal daytime background image G102) is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-1); a second normal presentation mode in which a background image depicting an evening mountain scene (normal evening background image G103) is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-2); and a third normal presentation mode in which a background image depicting a nighttime mountain scene (normal nighttime background image G104) is displayed on the display unit 50a as shown in FIG. 18 (B-3). Switching between these modes is based on one condition: the special symbol variation presentation being performed one or more times without a jackpot win. Furthermore, each of the first to third normal presentation modes has a normal early presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special chart variation presentation, and a normal late presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the normal early presentation mode, one of the daytime normal background image G102, evening normal background image G103, or nighttime normal background image G104 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the normal late presentation mode, a dedicated background image corresponding to the type of reach is displayed. In addition, a special presentation mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" may be provided.

The probability variation presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a special symbol variation presentation is being performed in a "high probability, high base game state," and is a presentation mode that indicates a high probability state and a time-saving state. In the probability variation presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (B-4), a background image representing space (probability variation background image G105) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the probability variation presentation mode includes a probability variation pre-stage presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special symbol variation presentation, and a probability variation post-stage presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the probability variation pre-stage presentation mode, the probability variation background image G105 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the probability variation post-stage presentation mode, a dedicated background image corresponding to the type of reach is displayed.

The time-saving presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a special symbol variation presentation is being performed in a "low probability, high base game state," and is a presentation mode that indicates that the normal probability state and the time-saving state are in effect. In the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 (B-5), a background image representing the sky (time-saving background image G106) is displayed on the display unit 50a. Furthermore, the time-saving presentation mode includes a pre-time-saving presentation mode before a reach is achieved in the special symbol variation presentation, and a post-time-saving presentation mode after a reach is achieved. In the pre-time-saving presentation mode, the time-saving background image G106 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while in the post-time-saving presentation mode, a dedicated background image corresponding to the type of reach is displayed.

The jackpot presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a jackpot game is being played in the "jackpot game state," and is a presentation mode that indicates that a jackpot game is being played. In the jackpot presentation mode, for example, during the opening of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-1), the display unit 50a displays a jackpot opening presentation in which an opening image G107 suggesting the start of the jackpot game and a right-hit image G108 encouraging a "right hit" are displayed. During a round of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-2), the display unit 50a displays a round presentation in which a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds and a prize ball number image G110 indicating the number of prize balls paid out are displayed. During the ending of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18 (C-3), the display unit 50a displays a jackpot ending presentation in which an ending image G111 suggesting the presentation mode that will be set after the jackpot game and a total prize ball number image G112 indicating the total number of prize balls paid out are displayed.

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

4-2. Special symbol variation effect Next, the special symbol variation effect (also simply referred to as "variation effect") will be explained. When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 starts the variable display of the special symbol, it executes the special symbol variation effect based on the special symbol variation pattern related to the variable display of the special symbol and the special symbol lottery result (jackpot determination result, jackpot symbol type determination result, reach determination result, and special symbol variation pattern determination result). In the special symbol variation effect, the display unit 50a displays the variation of the effect symbol superimposed on a predetermined background image. In the variable display of the effect symbol, the effect symbol changes and then stops. In other words, after the special symbol variation time and the variable display of the effect symbol are performed, the variation stops and the effect symbol is displayed as still. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is announced by the stopped display of the effect symbol.

In addition to the display of changing special symbols, other effects can be produced using various display devices such as the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, normal button 40, and special button 41. In this case, other effects can continue to be produced even after the display of the stopped symbol.

4-2-1. Display Area of the Display Device 50 As shown in FIG. 19(A), the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be divided horizontally into three approximately equal sections: the left, center, and right sides, each with a left display area 50b1, a middle display area 50b2, and a right display area 50b3. The left display area 50b1 is an area that displays the left display area EZ1 when the display area is stopped during the special variable display. Similarly, the middle display area 50b2 and the right display area 50b3 are areas that display the middle display area EZ2 and the right display area EZ3.

In addition, as shown in Figure 19 (A), a small symbol area 50c can be provided in a section at the left end (upper left corner) of the top edge of the display unit 50a. The small symbol area 50c is an area that variably displays the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 when variable display of special symbols is being performed.

In Figure 19 (A), the left effect pattern area 50b1, the middle effect pattern area 50b2, the right effect pattern area 50b3, and the small effect pattern area 50c are clearly indicated by dashed double-dashed lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left effect pattern area 50b1, the middle effect pattern area 50b2, the right effect pattern area 50b3, and the small effect pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed. Furthermore, the range of each area can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, not only the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 (left effect pattern EZ1, middle effect pattern EZ2, and right effect pattern EZ3), but also the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are examples of "effect patterns" because they are patterns displayed on the display unit 50a for effects.

4-2-2. Normal Variation In the special symbol variation effect, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can first perform a normal variation. The normal variation functions as an effect that indicates that the variable display of the special symbol has begun.

When the variable display of the special chart begins, for example, as shown in Figure 19 (A), the left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2 and right performance pattern EZ3 are displayed frozen on the display unit 50a, and the left small pattern KZ1, middle small pattern KZ2 and right small pattern KZ3 are displayed frozen, and the variable display of the special chart is not being performed and the state is waiting for the variable display of the special chart.As shown in Figure 19 (B), as the display begins, the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2 and EZ3 begins, and the variable display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2 and KZ3 begins. Then, when the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, a "normal miss variation," as shown in FIG. 19 (C-1), the left effect symbol EZ1 and the right effect symbol EZ3 temporarily stop in different stop patterns, and then, as shown in FIG. 19 (D), the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop and display in a stop pattern suggesting a miss (so-called "variable pattern"). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 also stop and display simultaneously in a stop pattern suggesting a miss. On the other hand, when the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, a special symbol variation pattern with a reach, such as an "N miss variation," as shown in FIG. 19 (C-2), the left effect symbol EZ1 and the right effect symbol EZ3 temporarily stop in the same stop pattern, and a reach is established. At this time, the variable display of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continues, and a reach performance is performed according to the special symbol variation pattern. The order and manner in which the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols stop can be changed as desired.

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

In an N reach, as shown in Figure 20 (A), the reach state is maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), and as shown in Figure 20 (B), the rate of change of the middle effect symbol EZ2 gradually slows down. If the special symbol change pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "N miss change," then, as shown in Figure 20 (C-1), the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a miss (so-called "variant numbers"), as indicated by the arrows. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a miss. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "N jackpot change," then, as shown in Figure 20 (C-2), the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a jackpot (so-called "double numbers"). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a jackpot. Note that the effects of N Reach are not limited to the gradual slowdown of the EZ2 middle effect symbol, and can be changed or added as appropriate.

Furthermore, with regard to the stopping patterns of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that indicate a miss, the spread when a reach is not achieved is referred to as a "non-reach spread symbol" or a "non-reach miss symbol," and the spread when a reach is achieved is referred to as a "reach spread symbol" or a "reach miss symbol." The combination of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the non-reach spread symbol (for example, "2, 3, 1" or "5, 8, 6") and the combination of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the reach spread symbol (for example, "2, 1, 2" or "5, 4, 5") are selected by the effect control microcomputer 121. Additionally, the combination of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that make up the stopping pattern (double number) that indicates a jackpot (for example, "2-2-2" or "7-7-7") is selected by the effect control microcomputer 121 based on the type of jackpot symbol that has been won.

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

In an SP Reach, after an N Reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 21(A), a background image dedicated to the SP Reach (SP Reach background image G113) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and an image indicating that the SP Reach has begun (SP Reach start title image) G1 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. Then, as shown in FIG. 21(B), a special SP Reach effect (e.g., a battle effect) is performed. Then, when the final stage of the special Reach effect is reached, if the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "SP jackpot variation," then, as shown in FIG. 21(C-1), a presentation suggesting a jackpot (e.g., a display in which the main character (one of the ally characters) has won the battle and is standing with his/her arms crossed) is performed on the display unit 50a, and the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a stopping pattern suggesting a jackpot (so-called double numbers). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner suggesting a big win. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol is, for example, "SP miss variation," then, as shown in FIG. 21 (C-2), an effect suggesting a miss (for example, a display of an enemy character standing with its arms crossed after winning a battle) is displayed, and the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner suggesting a miss (so-called barakeme). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a manner suggesting a miss. The effect content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

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

4-2-5. L Reach The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an L Reach after an N Reach. The L Reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the special chart lottery is likely to be a "jackpot," lower than an SP Reach but higher than an N Reach, and functions as a presentation that makes the player anticipate a jackpot. Note that the execution time of the L Reach reach presentation is shorter than that of the SP Reach reach presentation (FIGS. 13 and 14). Therefore, in the L Reach reach presentation, for example, a video shorter than that of the SP Reach reach presentation is displayed on the display unit 50a. Note that the content of the L Reach reach presentation can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, a special chart variation pattern may be provided in which the L Reach reach presentation is followed by the SP Reach reach presentation.

4-3. Hold Icon Display Area The display unit 50a of the image display device 50 can be provided with a hold icon display area 50d consisting of four display areas, as shown in FIG. 22(A). The hold icon display area 50d is composed of a first display area 50d1, a second display area 50d2, a third display area 50d3, and a fourth display area 50d4. A hold icon HA can be displayed in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, or 50d4 depending on the number of special 1 or special 2 reservations. For example, if the number of special 1 reservations is "1," the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and if the number of special 1 reservations is "2," the hold icon HA is displayed in both the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2. In addition, when the number of reserved special charts 1 is "3", the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, the second display area 50d2, and the third display area 50d3, and when the number of reserved special charts 1 is "4", the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, the second display area 50d2, the third display area 50d3, and the fourth display area 50d4.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22(A), it is possible to provide an icon display area 50e consisting of a single display area near the hold icon display area 50d. In response to the start of the special chart change performance, the icon display area 50e can display the icon TA (also referred to as the hold icon TA) that is the same as the hold icon HA. Note that the icon TA may be an icon different from the hold icon HA.

The number of display areas that make up the hold icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate. It is also possible for the hold icon display area 50d to be a display area that displays both the special chart 1 hold number and the special chart 2 hold number, or a display area that displays only one of them. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the hold icon display area 50d is provided but the icon display area 50e is not provided, or to have neither.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can perform a hold effect in response to a game ball entering the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12. The hold effect can notify the player of the number of special 1 reserves or special 2 reserves.

In the reserve effect, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 while the number of reserved balls in special chart 1 is "0," the special chart change effect begins, and the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e, as shown in FIG. 22(B), for example. Then, when two more game balls enter the first starting hole 11 during the special chart change effect, the reserve icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the reserve icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 22(C), and the player is notified that the number of reserved balls in special chart 1 is "2." After that, when the special symbol change effect ends and a new special symbol change effect begins, as shown in FIG. 22(D), the hold icon HA displayed in the first display area 50d1 of the hold icon display area 50d moves to the icon display area 50e and is displayed as the icon TA, and the hold icon HA displayed in the second display area 50d2 of the hold icon display area 50d moves to the first display area 50d1 and is displayed, notifying the player that the number of special symbols 1 reserved is "1." Note that the effect of displaying the hold icon HA in the hold icon display area 50d (first display area 50d1, second display area 50d2, third display area 50d3, or fourth display area 50d4) or displaying the icon TA in the icon display area 50e is also referred to as an icon display effect.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a preview performance at any timing during the special chart variation performance. The preview performance is a performance using the image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, movable devices 55, 56, 58, input devices (normal button 40, special button 41), etc., and can suggest the results of the jackpot determination and the special chart variation pattern determination.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a movable body effect as a preview effect using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58. The movable body effect is an effect in which the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 are activated, and functions as an effect to make the player anticipate a jackpot.

In the moving object effect, for example, when an N reach progresses to an SP reach, as shown in FIG. 23(A), the above-board movable device 55 and the below-board movable device 56 are activated, and the above-board movable device 55k and the below-board movable device 56k move to overlap on the display unit 50a, suggesting the development to an SP reach. At this time, an effect image is displayed in the space on the display unit 50a that does not overlap with the above-board movable device 55k and the below-board movable device 56k. Then, as shown in FIG. 23(B), the above-board movable device 55k and the below-board movable device 56k return to their normal standby state (initial position), and the development progresses to an SP reach. This moving object effect is an example of a development effect. Note that the moving object effect is not limited to suggesting the development to an SP reach, and can be modified or added as appropriate. Furthermore, the operation of the moving device in the moving object effect can be modified or added as appropriate. Furthermore, the moving device operated in the moving object effect can be modified as appropriate. Additionally, if the effect does not develop (for example, in the case of an N miss variation), it is possible to perform a moving body effect as a so-called false effect. A moving body effect is also called a moving body drive effect.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform operation effects as advance notice effects using the normal buttons 40 and the special buttons 41. The operation effects are effects that prompt the player to operate the normal buttons 40 and the special buttons 41, and function as effects that make the player anticipate a jackpot.

In the operation presentation, for example, in an SP reach, a period (valid operation period) occurs during which pressing the input device (special button 41) is valid. With the occurrence of this valid operation period, an operation prompting presentation (operation prompt presentation) is presented, encouraging the player to press the special button 41, as shown in FIG. 24(A). In the operation prompt presentation, an operation prompt image G30 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The operation prompt image G30 includes an image (special button image G31) that resembles the special button 41, an image (operation method instruction image G32) showing how to operate the special button 41 (i.e., the pressing operation), and an image (valid period image G33) showing the remaining time in the valid operation period. The valid period image G33 consists of a generally curved progress bar that changes over time to allow the player to easily understand the remaining time in the valid operation period. Thereafter, in response to the special button 41 being pressed during the valid operation period, or after the valid operation period has elapsed without the special button 41 being operated, the on-board movable device 55 is activated as shown in FIG. 24(B), and the on-board movable body 55k moves to overlap the display unit 50a, indicating the likelihood of a jackpot. Note that the operation effects are not limited to the activation of the on-board movable device 55, and can be changed or added as appropriate. Furthermore, operation promotion effects that encourage the operation of operating means (operation units) such as the special button 41 or normal button 40 are also referred to as operation instruction effects.

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a pre-reading effect for the special chart 1 reserve or special chart 2 reserve for which the special chart lottery has not yet been held as a notice effect. The pre-reading effect functions as an effect to suggest in advance the result of the special chart lottery for the special chart 1 reserve or special chart 2 reserve.

In a pre-reading effect, for example, if the result of the pre-reading judgment for the special chart 1 hold is a "jackpot," the hold icon HA, which is normally displayed as a "circle," may be displayed as a "star" in the hold icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 22 (C). Furthermore, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a "miss," the hold icon HA may be displayed as a "star" as a so-called false effect. This pre-reading effect, in which the hold icon HA or the icon TA is displayed in a special mode (e.g., a "star," also referred to as a special display mode in this embodiment) rather than in its normal mode (in this embodiment, a "circle," also referred to as a normal display mode), is referred to as a hold change effect or icon change effect. Furthermore, the hold icon HA and the icon TA are collectively referred to as a hold display or icon. In this embodiment, the hold icon HA and the icon TA are displayed as the hold display, but it is also possible to display only the hold icon HA and not the icon TA. Furthermore, the timing for displaying a special mode of hold in the hold change presentation may be when the start winning event that triggers the hold display occurs, when the hold display shifts (when the display area of the hold icon HA is changed), or when the special chart change (the so-called change in question) corresponding to the hold display is in progress (when it is displayed as the icon TA). There may also be multiple types of special modes for hold displays.

Note that the predictive effect can be performed on both or either the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. Furthermore, predictive effects are not limited to changes in the display mode of the reserve icon HA or the icon TA, and can be changed or added as appropriate. Examples of predictive effects other than reserve change effects include so-called continuous previews.

5. Game Control by Game Control Microcomputer 101 Next, game control by game control microcomputer 101 will be explained with reference to Figures 25 and 26. Note that counters, timers, buffers, etc. that appear in the game control by game control microcomputer 101 described below are provided in game RAM 104.

[1. Main control main processing]
When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is powered on, the gaming control microcomputer 101 provided on the main control board 100 reads out and executes the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 25 from the gaming ROM 103. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing first performs power-on processing (S001). The power-on processing performs settings such as permission to access the gaming RAM 104, settings for the gaming CPU 102, and settings for the SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time).

Furthermore, during the power-on process (S001), the game control microcomputer 101 executes RAM clear when a signal based on pressing the RAM clear switch 191 is input. When RAM clear is executed, game information stored in game RAM 104 (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information such as the number of reserved special symbols and the result of the jackpot hit/miss determination) is erased. This sets the game state to the normal game state (low probability low base state, low probability non-time-saving state). However, even if RAM clear is executed, the information on the total number of prize balls stored in total prize ball count memory unit 107a, the information on the total number of fired balls stored in total shot ball count memory unit 107b, and the information on the difference in number of balls stored in difference in number of balls memory unit 107c are not cleared.

Following the power-on process, interrupts are prohibited (S002) and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B) are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the counter value of each random number reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. Furthermore, at least some of the random numbers may be so-called hardware random numbers generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

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

[2. Main-side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in Figure 26, in the main timer interrupt process (S005), first, input process (S102) is executed. In the input process (S102), the game control microcomputer 101 receives, for example, a detection signal from a lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 35 is full, and stores this as lower tray full data in the output buffer of the game RAM 104.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is carried out next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is carried out in the main control main process of Figure 25. In other words, the update process for the counter values of the various random numbers shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B) is carried out both during the execution period of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) until the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S103), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a sensor detection process (S104), then a normal action process (S105), and then a special action process (S107). The sensor detection process, normal action process, and special action process will be described later.

Following the special operation process (S107), a sorting device control process (S108) is performed to control the sorting device 16D. The sorting device 16D is operated when a special game using the second special prize device 15D is being played. However, the sorting device 16D may also be operated in a constant manner from the time the power is turned on.

Next, the gaming control microcomputer 101 executes the output process (S112). In the output process (S112), the commands and other information set in the output buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 of the main control board 100 in each of the above processes are output to the sub-control board 120, payout control board 170, etc.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S113) and ends the main timer interrupt processing (S005). Other processing (S113) includes power-off monitoring processing when the power is cut off and updating the timer stored in the game RAM 104. Another other processing (S113) is payout control processing, which pays out prize balls to the player. In the payout control processing, a prize ball request signal is sent to the payout control board 170 in response to the entry of game balls into each winning slot. In other words, the payout control board 170 pays out prize balls based on the prize ball request signal.

The gaming control microcomputer 101 then repeatedly executes steps S002 to S004 of the main control processing until the next interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102 (see Figure 25), and once the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), it again executes the main timer interrupt processing (S005).

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

The general prize opening sensor process determines whether a game ball has been detected by the general prize opening sensor 10a. Furthermore, a command for the general prize opening sensor is generated based on the results of this process.

The gate sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the gate sensor 13a. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, the normal symbol random number indicated by the counter value of the normal symbol random number counter is obtained, and the obtained normal symbol random number is stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106 provided in the gaming RAM 104. Note that if a predetermined number of normal symbol random numbers (for example, four) are stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106, the newly obtained normal symbol random number is not stored. Furthermore, a command for the gate sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

The second start opening sensor processing determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the second start opening sensor 12a. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, special symbol 2-related random numbers consisting of a special symbol random number counter, a jackpot symbol type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special symbol variation pattern random number counter are acquired, and the acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers are stored in the special symbol 2 reserve memory unit 105b provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special symbol 2 reserve memory unit 105b has multiple memory areas from area 1 to area n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers are stored in order starting from area 1. Note that if special symbol 2-related random numbers have been stored up to area n, newly acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers are not stored. In addition, a second look-ahead determination is performed using the acquired special symbol 2-related random numbers and a second look-ahead determination table. In addition, depending on the results of this processing, a command for the second start gate sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 2 reserved number command indicating the number of special chart 2 related random numbers (special chart 2 reserved number) stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a second start winning command indicating the result of the second pre-reading judgment.

The first start gate sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the first start gate sensor 11a. If it is determined that a gaming ball has been detected, special symbol 1 related random numbers consisting of a special symbol random number counter, a jackpot symbol type random number counter, a reach random number counter, and a special symbol variation pattern random number counter are acquired, and the acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers are stored in the special symbol 1 reserve memory unit 105a provided in the gaming RAM 104. The special symbol 1 reserve memory unit 105a has multiple memory areas from area 1 to area n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, for example, "4"), and the acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers are stored in order starting from area 1. Note that if special symbol 1 related random numbers have been stored up to area n, newly acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers are not stored. In addition, a first pre-reading judgment is performed using the acquired special symbol 1 related random numbers and the first pre-reading judgment table. In addition, depending on the results of this processing, a command for the first start gate sensor is generated, which includes a special chart 1 reserved number command representing the number of special chart 1-related random numbers (special chart 1 reserved number) stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a first start winning command representing the result of the first pre-read judgment.

The first large prize opening sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the first large prize opening sensor 14a. It also generates a command for the first large prize opening sensor according to the results of this process.

The second large prize opening sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the second large prize opening sensor 15a. It also generates a command for the second large prize opening sensor according to the results of this process.

The specific area sensor process determines whether a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 16a. Furthermore, a command for the specific area sensor is generated depending on the results of this process.

The outlet sensor process determines whether a game ball has been detected by the outlet sensor.

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

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

Normal pattern change processing is a process that is performed during the variable display of the normal map. In the normal pattern change processing, the normal map is stopped and displayed based on the result of the hit determination as the normal map change time elapses since the variable display of the currently running normal map began. Then, a normal map change stop command is generated, indicating the end of the variable display of the normal map.

The normal symbol determination process is performed when a normal symbol is displayed as stopped. During the normal symbol determination process, a determination is made as to whether the stopped normal symbol is a winning symbol after a predetermined stop time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stopped display of the active normal symbol. If a winning symbol is displayed as stopped, auxiliary play is started based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table, and an auxiliary game start command indicating the start of auxiliary play is generated.

The auxiliary game control process is performed when an auxiliary game is being played. The auxiliary game control process controls the auxiliary game based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table. Furthermore, an auxiliary game control command is generated depending on the results of this process.

[2-3. Special Action Processing]
In the special operation process (S107), the following processes are sequentially performed: special symbol standby process, special symbol variation process, special symbol determination process, jackpot game control process, and game state setting process. Then, the commands generated in each process are set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

[2-3-1. Special symbol standby process]
The special symbol standby process is a process that is performed not in a jackpot game state but during standby when the variable display of the special symbol is not being performed. In the special symbol standby process, based on the special symbol 2 related random number stored in the special symbol 2 reserve memory unit 105b, a special symbol 2 determination process and a special symbol 2 variation pattern determination process are performed, and a special symbol 2 reserve memory unit shift process is also performed. Also, based on the special symbol 1 related random number stored in the special symbol 1 reserve memory unit 105a, a special symbol 1 determination process and a special symbol 1 variation pattern determination process are performed, and a special symbol 1 reserve memory unit shift process is also performed.

In the special symbol 2 determination process, a jackpot determination is made to determine whether there is a jackpot or a miss using the special symbol random number among the special symbol 2 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special symbol 2 reserved memory unit 105b and a jackpot determination table corresponding to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot symbol type determination is made to determine the type of jackpot symbol using the jackpot symbol type random number among the special symbol 2 related random numbers and the special symbol 2 jackpot symbol type determination table. A symbol designation command indicating the determined jackpot symbol type is then generated. If the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a symbol designation command indicating a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss symbol may be determined. In this case, the symbol designation command may include information indicating the type of miss symbol.

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

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

In the special symbol 1 determination process, a jackpot determination is made to determine whether there is a jackpot or a miss using the special symbol random number among the special symbol 1 related random numbers stored in the first area of the special symbol 1 reserved memory unit 105a and a jackpot determination table corresponding to the current game state. If the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot symbol type determination is made to determine the type of jackpot symbol using the jackpot symbol type random number among the special symbol 1 related random numbers and the special symbol 1 jackpot symbol type determination table. A symbol designation command indicating the determined jackpot symbol type is then generated. If the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, a symbol designation command indicating a miss is generated. Note that multiple types of misses may be provided, and if the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, the type of the miss symbol may be determined. In this case, the symbol designation command may include information indicating the type of miss symbol.

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

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

Note that if both the number of reserved special charts 2 and the number of reserved special charts 1 exist, the special chart 2 determination process takes priority, and the variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 are not performed in parallel. In other words, if there is a reserved special chart 2, the game control microcomputer 101 will not perform the special chart 1 determination process even if there is a reserved special chart 1. Note that the variable display of special chart 2 and the variable display of special chart 1 may be configured to be performed in the order of winning, or to be performed simultaneously.

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

[2-3-3. Special symbol determination process]
The special symbol determination process is a process performed when a special symbol is stopped and displayed. In the special symbol determination process, if the currently stopped special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the game transitions to a jackpot game state. An opening command indicating the start of a jackpot game is then generated. The opening command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot symbol type determination. If the currently stopped special symbol is a losing symbol and the high probability state is to be ended, a normal probability state is set. A high probability end command indicating a transition to the normal probability state is then generated. If the currently stopped special symbol is a losing symbol and the time-saving state is to be ended, a non-time-saving state is set. A time-saving end command indicating a transition to a non-time-saving state is then generated. If the currently stopped special symbol is a losing symbol and the number of reserved special symbols 2 and 1 is "0", a customer waiting command indicating that the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a standby state is then generated.

[2-3-4. Jackpot game control process]
The jackpot game control process is a process performed in the jackpot game state. In the jackpot game control process, a jackpot game is played in accordance with the jackpot game control table. After transitioning to the jackpot game state, each round of play begins according to the passage of the opening time or closing time. Then, a round game command indicating the start of the round of play is generated. Furthermore, an ending is started according to the end of the final round of play. Then, an ending command indicating the end of the jackpot game is generated. The ending command includes information regarding the result of the jackpot symbol type determination.

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

Note that the commands generated by the game control microcomputer 101 for each process can be added or modified as appropriate.

6. Control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 Next, the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 29. Note that counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the control of performance by performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in performance RAM 124.

[1. Sub-control main processing]
When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is powered on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the sub-control board 120 reads out the sub-control main processing program shown in Fig. 27 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main processing first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). The power-on processing performs, for example, setting of the performance CPU 122, setting of the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and random number update processing is executed (S4003). In the random number update processing (S4003), the values of various effect determination random number counters used to make judgments regarding various effects are updated. As an example, the method for updating the effect determination random number counters for various effects can be the same as the random number update processing performed by the main control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number values may be incremented by 2 rather than by 1. This is also true for the random number update processing performed by the main control board 100 described above.

Once the random number update process is completed, the command transmission process is executed (S4004). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the effect RAM 124 of the sub-control board 120 are sent to the image control board 140. Upon receiving the commands, the image control board 140 displays an image on the display unit 50a (executing various image-based effects) according to the received commands. In addition to the various effects performed by the image control board 140, the sub-control board 120 also outputs audio from the speaker 52 via the audio control circuit 161 (executing various audio-based sound effects), illuminates the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 via the lamp control circuit 151 (executing various light-emitting effects), and activates the movable devices 55, 56, and 58 (executing various movable object effects). In this way, various effects (such as special chart change effects, hold effects, operation effects, pre-reading effects, other preview effects, jackpot game effects, customer waiting effects, and effect mode control) are realized.

The performance control microcomputer 121 then enables interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, it becomes possible to execute receive interrupt processing (S4010), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012).

The reception interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time a command sent from the main control board 100 is input to the performance control microcomputer 121. In the reception interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S112) of the main control board 100 in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124. This reception interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011, S4012).

[2.1ms timer interrupt processing]
The 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 1 ms period is input to the sub-control board 120. In the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011), as shown in Fig. 28, input process (S4101), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), and watchdog timer process (S4104) are performed in this order.

The input process detects operations on player-operable control elements such as the normal button detection switch 40a and the special button detection switch 41a, and sets commands and creates performance data based on the detection results. The light-emission data output process outputs light-emission data to the lamp control circuit 151 to illuminate lamps such as the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54 at timings consistent with image effects, etc., based on the performance data created in the input process and the performance data creation process described below. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 causes the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, etc. to emit light in a predetermined light-emission pattern in accordance with the light-emission data. The movable device control process outputs drive data to perform movable object effects that operate movable devices such as movable devices 55, 56, and 58 at predetermined timings based on the performance data created in the input process and the performance data creation process described below. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs movable object effects that operate movable devices 55, 56, and 58 in a predetermined operating pattern in accordance with the drive data. The watchdog timer process resets the watchdog timer.

[3. 10ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 10 ms period is input to the sub-control board 120. As shown in Fig. 29, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012) sequentially performs a received command analysis process (S4201), a performance timer update process (S4202), a sound control process (S4203), and a performance data creation process (S4204).

In the received command analysis process, the command stored in the receive buffer of the performance RAM 124 by the receive interrupt process (S4010) is analyzed, and processing according to the command (for example, selecting a performance, setting a performance mode, setting a command, etc.) is performed. In the performance timer update process, the timer used to measure the time related to each performance is updated. For example, in the performance timer update process, the start and end timings of the effective operation periods of operation parts such as the normal button 40 and special button 41 are measured. In the audio control process, audio data (data that controls the audio output from the speaker 52) is created and output to the audio control circuit 161 based on the results of the input process and received command analysis process. In the performance data creation process, performance data is created based on the results of the received command analysis process.

Here, an example of the processing when the presentation control microcomputer 121 receives a command from the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The command received by the presentation control microcomputer 121 is a special chart variation start command (special chart 1 variation start command or special chart 2 variation start command). If the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines in the received command analysis process (S4201) that it has received a special chart variation start command, it performs the following processing upon receiving the variation start command: selects a presentation pattern (sub-variation pattern) for the special chart variation presentation based on the special chart variation pattern indicated by the command, sets information for that sub-variation pattern, and sets a variation presentation start command including information for that sub-variation pattern in the output buffer. For example, if the special chart variation pattern indicated by the special chart variation start command is an SP variation (SP jackpot variation or SP miss variation), it selects a sub-variation pattern that will result in an SP reach, and sets a variation presentation start command corresponding to that sub-variation pattern in the output buffer. After that, various processes (command transmission process (S4004), light emission data output process (S4102), movable device control process (S4103), audio control process (S4203), etc.) are executed, thereby realizing a special chart change effect corresponding to the selected sub-change pattern. Note that the process flow for realizing such effects is basically the same for other effects such as jackpot game effects, customer waiting effects, pre-reading effects, and so-called advance notice effects associated with the change.

7. Characteristic Parts of the Pachinko Game Machine PY1 The characteristic parts of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described in detail below. One of the characteristics of the pachinko game machine PY1 is the icon display effect that displays an icon A such as the reserved icon HA or the icon TA, and the icon change effect that displays the display mode of the icon A in a special mode different from the normal mode (reserved icon change effect, icon change effect).

First, we will explain the jackpot games that can be executed by the game control microcomputer 101 of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. The game control microcomputer 101 can execute various jackpot games (jackpot games 1 to 4) shown in the jackpot game control table in Figure 30.

As shown in FIG. 30, the game control microcomputer 101 can determine either "jackpot symbol 1" or "jackpot symbol 2" when determining the type of jackpot symbol in the special symbol 1 determination process (special symbol determination process based on winning at the first starting port 11). More specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 determines "jackpot symbol 1" 60% of the time and "jackpot symbol 2" 40% of the time. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 101 can determine either "jackpot symbol 3" or "jackpot symbol 4" when determining the type of jackpot symbol in the special symbol 2 determination process (special symbol determination process based on winning at the second starting port 12). More specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 determines "jackpot symbol 3" 60% of the time and "jackpot symbol 4" 40% of the time.

The game control microcomputer 101 then executes a jackpot game according to the type of jackpot symbol determined. Specifically, 10 rounds of play are played in "Jackpot Game 1," which is executed when "Jackpot Symbol 1" is determined, and "Jackpot Game 2," which is executed when "Jackpot Symbol 2" is determined. The first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round of play from Round 1 to Round 4, and for a maximum of 0.1 seconds per round of play from Round 5 to Round 10. The opening time of the first large prize opening 14 is extremely short from Round 5 to Round 10 of this jackpot game, making it unlikely that a prize will actually be won in this round. In other words, although the total number of rounds in this jackpot game is 10, the actual number of rounds is four.

Furthermore, in "Jackpot Game 3," which is executed when "Jackpot Symbol 3" is determined, and "Jackpot Game 4," which is executed when "Jackpot Symbol 4" is determined, 10 rounds of play are played. Furthermore, in all rounds from Round 1 to Round 10, the first large prize opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round of play. In other words, the total number of rounds and the actual number of rounds in this jackpot game are both 10.

Therefore, "Jackpot Game 3" and "Jackpot Game 4," which have an effective number of rounds of play of 10, can be said to be jackpot games that are more advantageous to the player than "Jackpot Game 1" or "Jackpot Game 2," which have an effective number of rounds of play of 4, and the jackpot game state in which "Jackpot Game 3" or "Jackpot Game 4" is executed can be said to be a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game state in which "Jackpot Game 1" or "Jackpot Game 2" is executed.

Next, the game states that can be controlled by the game control microcomputer 101 will be explained. The game control microcomputer 101 sets the game state after a jackpot game to a time-shortened state (high base state) regardless of whether a jackpot game of "jackpot game 1," "jackpot game 2," "jackpot game 3," or "jackpot game 4" is executed. Furthermore, when either a jackpot game of "jackpot game 1" or "jackpot game 3" is executed, the game state after the jackpot game is set to a high probability state, whereas when either a jackpot game of "jackpot game 2" or "jackpot game 4" is executed, the game state after the jackpot game is set to a normal probability state. In other words, after "Jackpot Game 1" or "Jackpot Game 3", the game state is controlled to a high probability, high base game state (high probability state and time-saving state), and after "Jackpot Game 2" or "Jackpot Game 4", the game state is controlled to a low probability, high base game state (normal probability state and time-saving state).

In this mode, if a player wins a jackpot (referred to as a "probability variable jackpot") that is controlled to a high-probability, high-base game state upon the completion of jackpot play, the final stopping pattern of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the variable effect will be a double-digit odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) or a double-digit even number (2, 4, 6, or 8). On the other hand, if a player wins a jackpot (referred to as a "normal jackpot" or "time-limited jackpot") that is controlled to a low-probability, high-base game state upon the completion of jackpot play, the final stopping pattern of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the variable effect will be a double-digit even number, and no double-digit odd number will be displayed. In other words, a double-digit odd number confirms a probability variable jackpot. Therefore, odd number symbols are also referred to as "probability variable symbols." Additionally, even number patterns with the same number usually have the potential to result in a jackpot. Therefore, even number patterns are also called normal patterns.

In this embodiment, the "high probability, high base game state" can continue until the next jackpot game is executed. On the other hand, the "low probability, high base game state" can continue until the number of times the special symbol is displayed variably reaches 100 (the specified upper limit number of times it is executed).

Therefore, "Jackpot Game 1" or "Jackpot Game 3," which are subsequently set to a high probability state, can be said to be a jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than "Jackpot Game 2" or "Jackpot Game 4," which are subsequently not set to a high probability state. Furthermore, the jackpot game state in which "Jackpot Game 1" or "Jackpot Game 3" is executed can be said to be a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game state in which "Jackpot Game 2" or "Jackpot Game 4" is executed.

The jackpot gaming state can be said to be a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, regardless of the type of jackpot symbol. Furthermore, the "high probability high base gaming state," which is one of the high probability states, can be said to be a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the "low probability high base gaming state," which is one of the normal probability states. In this specification, a gaming state that is advantageous to the player may be referred to as an advantageous gaming state or advantageous state.

Next, we will explain how to determine the variation pattern of special chart 1 when the time is not reduced. When the time is not reduced, the game control microcomputer 101 determines the variation pattern of special chart 1 using the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table shown in Figure 31.

When the game control microcomputer 101 is set to the non-time-saving mode, it determines the special symbol 1 variation pattern during the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination process based on the result of the jackpot determination (special symbol determination) performed during the special symbol 1 determination process, the result of the reach determination, and the special symbol variation pattern random number. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 31, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines that a jackpot has been won during the jackpot determination process, it can determine one of "THP001" to "THP002" as the special symbol 1 variation pattern, regardless of whether the jackpot is "jackpot symbol 1" or "jackpot symbol 2." The special symbol 1 variation pattern to be selected is determined based on the special symbol variation pattern random number. The allocation rate is as shown in FIG. 31. The allocation rate (selection ratio) of the special symbol variation pattern can be changed as appropriate within the range that does not interfere with gameplay. This also applies to special symbol variation patterns other than "THP001" to "THP002."

In addition, if the game control microcomputer 101 determines that the jackpot has been lost and the reach determination result is "reach," it can determine one of "THP021" to "THP022" as the special chart 1 variation pattern.

Furthermore, if the game control microcomputer 101 determines a miss in the jackpot determination and the reach determination result is "no reach," it can determine one of two types of special chart 1 variation patterns, "THP041" to "THP042." Which of these two types of special chart 1 variation patterns is determined is determined by the number of special chart 1 reserved. When the number of special chart 1 reserved is 0 to 2, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively long special chart variation time is likely to be determined, and when the number of special chart 1 reserved is 3 to 4, a special chart variation pattern with a relatively short special chart variation time is likely to be determined.

Here, special chart 1 variation pattern "THP001" is a variation (SP jackpot variation) in which, when the display of the effect patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 begins to change, it progresses through N reach and then to SP reach, and as a result of that SP reach, a successful effect (win notification effect) is executed; special chart 1 variation pattern "THP002" is a variation (N jackpot variation) in which a win is announced during N reach, and the result ends without progressing to SP reach.

In addition, special chart 1 variation pattern "THP021" is a variation (SP miss variation) in which, when the display of the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols begins to change, it progresses through N reach and then to SP reach, and as a result of that SP reach, a failure effect (loss notification effect) is executed, and special chart 1 variation pattern "THP022" is a variation (N miss variation) in which a loss is announced during N reach and the pattern ends without progressing to SP reach.

Special Chart 1 variation pattern "THP041" is a "normal A miss variation" in which the variation ends in 13 seconds without the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols reaching a reach, while "THP042" is a "normal B miss variation" in which the variation ends in 5 seconds without the EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 symbols reaching a reach. A reach is a state in which there is only one of the multiple variation symbols remaining, and depending on which of the variation symbols stops, a combination of symbols (such as a "7↓7" state) can result in a game state advantageous to the player (such as a jackpot game state).

In this mode, as shown in Figure 31, when a jackpot is won (in the case of a jackpot fluctuation), a fluctuation effect that develops into an SP reach is more likely to be executed than a fluctuation effect that ends in an N reach. On the other hand, when a miss is won (in the case of a miss fluctuation), a fluctuation effect that ends in an N reach is more likely to be executed than a fluctuation effect that develops into an SP reach. In other words, in this mode, an SP reach is an effect that has a higher chance of resulting in a jackpot than an N reach.

In this form, a battle reach is executed as an SP reach. A battle reach is a reach effect in which a battle takes place between a main character and an enemy character. A battle reach has a win/lose branch, and branches into a success effect (victory effect) in which the main character defeats the enemy character, or a failure effect (defeat effect) in which the main character is defeated by the enemy character. A success effect functions as an effect that suggests to the player that they have won a jackpot. A failure effect functions as an effect that suggests to the player that they have not won a jackpot. In this form, the reach effect shown in Figure 21 is executed as a battle reach based on the lottery for special chart 1 in the non-time-saving state. The effect control microcomputer 121 displays effect images on the display unit 50a for each effect (normal variation, N reach, SP reach, etc.) that make up the special chart variation effect, and can execute light-emitting effects using the frame lamps 53 and board lamps 54, sound effects using the speaker 52, movable body effects using the movable devices 55, 56, and 58, and operation effects using the input device (normal button 40, special button 41), etc., depending on the effect image displayed.

Next, we will explain the pre-reading judgment related to special symbol 1 during the non-time-saving state. During the non-time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 101 makes a pre-reading judgment related to special symbol 1 (pre-reading judgment based on winning at the first starting hole 11) based on the special symbol 1 pre-reading judgment table (first pre-reading judgment table) shown in FIG. 32. Pre-reading judgment during the non-time-saving state includes a judgment of whether the special symbol random number is judged to be a "jackpot" in the jackpot judgment, a judgment of whether the reach random number is judged to be "reach" or "not reach" in the reach judgment, and a judgment of which special symbol variation pattern the special symbol variation pattern random number is judged to be in the special symbol variation pattern judgment.

The game control microcomputer 101 then generates a start winning command including information about the special symbol fluctuation pattern determined by the pre-reading judgment and sets it in the output buffer. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 32, if the pre-reading judgment result indicates that the special symbol 1 fluctuation pattern is an "SP jackpot fluctuation," a start winning command (command 121) indicating this is generated and set in the output buffer. Furthermore, if the pre-reading judgment result indicates that the special symbol 1 fluctuation pattern is an "N jackpot fluctuation," a start winning command (command 122) indicating this is generated and set in the output buffer. Furthermore, if the pre-reading judgment result indicates that the special symbol 1 fluctuation pattern is an "SP miss fluctuation," a start winning command (command 123) indicating this is generated and set in the output buffer. Furthermore, if the pre-reading judgment result indicates that the special symbol 1 fluctuation pattern is an "N miss fluctuation," a start winning command (command 124) indicating this is generated and set in the output buffer. Additionally, if the result of the pre-reading judgment indicates that the special chart 1 variation pattern is a "normal miss variation" (normal A miss variation or normal B miss variation), a start winning command (command 125) indicating this is generated and set in the output buffer.

Next, we will explain the types of icons A (relevant icon TA, pending icon HA) that can be displayed by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment can display an icon A (icon image) based on a winning entry into the first starting slot 11. Icon A can be displayed as a pending icon HA corresponding to a pending variable effect (in other words, a pending special chart lottery), or as the relevant icon TA corresponding to a variable effect currently being executed. Display as the relevant icon TA is a display of icon A in its first role, and display as the pending icon HA is a display of icon A in its second role. Icon A comes in two types: the standard icon A shown in Figure 33(A) and the special icon A shown in Figures 33(B) to (E). The standard icon A shown in Figure 33(A) is a round, white icon A and is the icon A displayed as the default. The standard icon A is referred to as the standard icon A1.

In addition, the special mode icon A (first special mode icon A) shown in Figure 33 (B) is a blue icon A with the same shape as the regular icon A1. This blue icon A is called the blue icon A2. The blue icon A2 is displayed as an icon indicating that the probability of winning a jackpot (jackpot winning probability) in the special pattern variation related to that icon is higher than that of the regular icon A1.

In addition, the special mode icon A (second special mode icon A) shown in Figure 33 (C) is a red icon A with the same shape as the regular icon A1. This red icon A is called the red icon A3. The red icon A3 is displayed as an icon indicating that the likelihood of winning a jackpot in the special pattern variation related to that icon is higher than the regular icon A1 and the blue icon A2.

In addition, the special mode icon A (icon A of the third special mode) shown in Figure 33 (D) is a round icon with the sword used by the main character stuck in it. This icon A with the sword stuck in it is called the sword icon A4. The sword icon A4 (an example of the first mode) is displayed as an icon indicating that the likelihood of winning a jackpot in the special pattern variation related to that icon is higher than the normal icon A1, blue icon A2, and red icon A3.

Also, the special mode icon A shown in Figure 33 (E) (icon A of the fourth special mode) is an icon A that shows a letter such as "L" and a base inside a truncated cone shape, and the letter changes in sequence every predetermined short time as follows: "L" ⇒ "O" ⇒ "G" ⇒ "O" ⇒ "L"... This icon A is called LOGO icon A5. LOGO icon A5 (an example of the second mode) is displayed as an icon indicating that the likelihood of winning a jackpot in the special pattern variation related to that icon is higher than the normal icon A1, blue icon A2, red icon A3, and sword icon A4.

Of the five types of icons A shown in Figure 33, the normal icon A1, blue icon A2, and red icon A3 all have the same shape and can be called icons A in the standard mode. On the other hand, the sword icon A4 and logo icon A5 have shapes that are significantly different from the icons A in the standard mode and can be called icons A in the non-standard mode.

Next, specific examples of icon display effects when a starting winning occurs (a winning entry into the starting slot) in the pachinko gaming machine PY1 are described with reference to Figures 34 to 37. Note that in the following description, illustrations of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are omitted. Figure 34(A) shows a situation in which, in a low-probability, non-time-saving state, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in a variable manner, the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e, and the hold icon HA corresponding to the first Special 1 hold (first hold icon HA1) and the hold icon HA corresponding to the second Special 1 hold (second hold icon HA2) are displayed in the hold icon display area 50d (a situation in which two Special 1 holds are occurring). Furthermore, Figure 34(A) shows the castle display mode, which displays a background image including an image depicting a castle (castle image GC). This castle display mode is one of the normal display modes corresponding to the non-time-saving state. In this example, both the icon TA and the hold icon HA are normal icons A1 (see Figure 33 (A)). The hold icon display area 50d and the icon display area 50e are combined to form the icon display area 50f. The icon display area 50f corresponds to the "normal display area" for icons A such as the hold icon HA and the icon TA.

When a new winning entry occurs at the first starting gate 11 from the situation shown in Figure 34 (A), the presentation control microcomputer 121 executes an icon display effect that additionally displays a hold icon HA. This form of icon display effect includes a motion display of the door image GD, which moves an image (door image GD) representing a door included in the castle image GC in a predetermined manner, and a movement display of the hold icon HA, which moves the hold icon HA (icon A) in a predetermined manner. Specifically, when a valid winning entry occurs at the first starting gate 11 (a winning entry that generates a new special drawing 1 hold), the presentation control microcomputer 121 receives a start winning command based on that winning entry from the game control microcomputer 101, and first displays the door image GD in motion, as if the castle door were open, and then maintains the door in an open state (Figure 34 (B)). Next, the hold icon HA emerges from the door and moves to the hold icon display area 50d corresponding to the third special 1 hold (Figure 34(C)). After the hold icon HA moves to the third display area 50d3, a door image GD action is displayed, changing the open door to a closed state (Figure 34(D)). In this manner, in this embodiment, a single icon display performance includes a door image GD action display, including the door opening action (door opening action) and the door closing action (door closing action), and a hold icon HA movement display, in which the hold icon HA emerges from the open door and moves to the hold icon display area 50d corresponding to the number of special 1 holds. Therefore, when a start winning occurs, this icon display performance is more interesting than a configuration that does not include a door image GD action display and simply displays only the hold icon HA in the hold icon display area 50d from the beginning. A valid win in the first start opening 11 is an example of a predetermined condition for executing the icon display performance. Additionally, the hold icon HA corresponding to the third special chart 1 hold is called the third hold icon HA3.

As shown in Figure 33 (D), when the castle door is closed and the hold icon HA is displayed up to the third display area 50d3, a new valid winning occurs at the first start gate 11. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 121 performs a new icon display effect based on the start winning command corresponding to the winning received from the game control microcomputer 101. In this new icon display effect, as shown in Figure 34 (E), the closed door image GD first changes to an open state (door image GD movement display), and then the hold icon HA emerges from the door and moves to the fourth display area 50d4 corresponding to the fourth special chart 1 hold (hold icon HA movement display). Then, as shown in Figure 34 (F), after the hold icon HA is displayed in the fourth display area 50d4, the open door image GD changes to a closed state (door image movement display). The hold icon HA corresponding to the fourth special chart 1 hold is referred to as the fourth hold icon HA4.

Next, the icon display effect when consecutive valid wins occur in the first starting hole 11 will be explained based on Figure 35. Figure 35(A) shows the same situation as Figure 34(A) described above. From this situation, let's assume that two consecutive game balls enter the first starting hole 11. In this case, the icon display effect is performed as shown in Figures 35(B) to (E). That is, first, as the icon display effect for the previous starting win (referred to as the previous icon display effect), an operation display of the door image GD is performed to change the closed door image GD to an open state (see Figure 35(B)), followed by a moving display of the hold icon HA, which moves the hold icon HA from the open door to the third display area 50d3 corresponding to the third special chart 1 hold (Figure 35(C)). Next, as shown in Figure 35(D), without returning the door image GD to the closed state, as an icon display effect for a subsequent start winning (referred to as a subsequent icon display effect), a hold icon HA appears from within the open door and moves to the fourth display area 50d4 corresponding to the fourth special chart 1 hold. After that, as shown in Figure 35(E), a door image GD operation display is performed to change the open door image GD to a closed state.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when valid start wins occur consecutively, the door image GD operation display (door closing operation display) that returns the open door image GD to a closed state in the icon display performance based on the previous start win is omitted (not executed), and the door image GD operation display (door opening operation display) that changes the door image GD to an open state in the icon display performance based on the subsequent start win is omitted (not executed). This prevents a large discrepancy between the actual timing of the subsequent start win and the timing of the movement display of the hold icon HA in the subsequent icon display performance, making it possible to smoothly notify the player that a special chart 1 hold has occurred. In other words, compared to a configuration in which the icon display performance based on the previous start win is executed without any omissions, and then the icon display performance based on the subsequent start win is executed without any omissions, it is possible to smoothly move the hold icon HA multiple times.

Note that consecutive start wins refers to the period from the detection of the previous start win to the detection of the next start win (later start win) being within a predetermined period. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is set to a time slightly shorter than the time (door opening time Tx, see Figures 36 and 37) that the door image GD remains open in a single icon display performance based on non-consecutive start wins. The predetermined period can be set as appropriate within a range shorter than the door opening time Tx. In this embodiment, the door opening time Tx is set to approximately 2 seconds. The door opening time Tx can be changed as appropriate.

Figure 36 is a timing chart showing the display status of the door image GD, third hold icon HA3 (hold icon HA corresponding to the third Special 1 hold), and fourth hold icon HA4 (hold icon HA corresponding to the fourth Special 1 hold) in the icon display effect when multiple non-consecutive start wins occur (when multiple non-consecutive start wins occur) as shown in Figure 34. As shown in Figures 36(A)-(C), when one game ball enters the first start gate 11 and the first start gate sensor 11a turns ON, the door image GD changes from a closed state to an open state (door image GD opening operation display), and the third hold icon HA3 is displayed (see timing T1). Thereafter, the door image GD returns from an open state to a closed state as the door opening time Tx elapses (Figure 36(B)), but the third hold icon HA3 continues to be displayed in the hold icon display area 50d even after the door image GD returns to a closed state (Figure 36(C)).

Then, as shown in Figures 36(A), (B), and (D), when a new game ball enters the first starting hole 11 and the first starting hole sensor turns ON, the door image GD changes from the closed state to the open state again (door image GD opening operation display), and the fourth hold icon HA4 is displayed (see timing T2). After that, the door image GD changes from the open state back to the closed state as the door opening time Tx elapses (Figure 36(B)), but the fourth hold icon HA4 continues to be displayed in the hold icon display area 50d even after the door image GD returns to the closed state (Figure 36(D)).

Figure 37 is a timing chart showing the display status of the door image GD, the third hold icon HA3 (the hold icon HA corresponding to the third special symbol 1 hold), and the fourth hold icon HA4 (the hold icon HA corresponding to the fourth special symbol 1 hold) in the icon display effect when consecutive start winnings are made as shown in Figure 35. When two game balls consecutively enter the first start hole 11, the first start hole sensor 11a turns ON twice at short intervals as shown in Figure 37 (A). In this case, first, based on the detection of the previous start winning, the effect control microcomputer 121 changes the door image GD from a closed state to an open state and displays the third hold icon HA3 (see timing T3). Next, the effect control microcomputer 121 displays the fourth hold icon HA4 based on the detection of the subsequent start winning, without returning the door image GD to the open state (see timing T4). Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 returns the door image GD from the open state to the closed state when the door opening time Tx has elapsed since the detection of the subsequent start winning (see timing T5). The third hold icon HA3 and the fourth hold icon HA4 continue to be displayed in the hold icon display area 50d even after the door image GD has been returned to the closed state.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when consecutive start wins occur (Figures 35 and 37), the icon display effect based on the subsequent start win omits the door image GD action display (door opening action display) that changes the door image GD from a closed state to an open state (see Figure 37(B)), and only displays the pending icon HA movement and the door image GD action display (door closing action display) that changes the door image GD from an open state to a closed state. Also, for the icon display effect based on the preceding start win, the door image GD action display (door opening action display) that changes the door image GD from a closed state to an open state and the pending icon HA movement are displayed, and the door image GD action display (door closing action display) that changes the door image GD from an open state to a closed state is omitted (see Figure 37(B)). In other words, in this embodiment, when consecutive start wins occur, once the door image GD is opened, it will not be returned to the closed state until two pending icons HA corresponding to the number of start wins appear from the door. This makes it possible to smoothly display the hold icon HA based on a subsequent starting win, making it easier for players to correctly recognize the number of Special Chart 1 holds without delay.

Next, we will explain the icon change effect that can display the display mode of icon A (reserved icon HA, said icon TA) in a special mode. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment is capable of executing a reserved icon change effect that can display the reserved icon HA in a special mode that is not the normal mode, and when executing the reserved icon change effect, it may execute a reserved icon change prompt that prompts whether or not the display mode of the reserved icon HA will change. The effect control microcomputer 121 performs a lottery to execute the reserved icon change effect based on the table shown in Figure 38 (A). It also performs a lottery to execute the reserved icon change prompt based on the table shown in Figure 38 (B). The pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment is also capable of executing an icon change effect that can change the display mode of said icon TA, and when executing the icon change effect, it may execute the icon change prompt that prompts whether or not the display mode of said icon TA will change. The effect control microcomputer 121 performs a lottery to execute the icon change effect based on the table shown in Figure 38 (C). Additionally, a lottery is held to determine whether the icon change will be performed based on the table shown in Figure 38 (D).

As will be explained in more detail later, pending icon change prompts include a downward sword stabbing prompt (see Figure 39) and an upward sword stabbing prompt (see Figure 40). Furthermore, the icon change prompts include a downward sword stabbing prompt (see Figure 41), an upward sword stabbing prompt (see Figures 42 and 43), and an icon grab prompt (see Figures 44 and 45). The downward sword stabbing prompt and the upward sword stabbing prompt are collectively referred to as sword stabbing prompts.

First, we will explain the lottery for executing the pending icon change effect. As shown in Figure 38 (A), if the result of the pre-read judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is an SP jackpot variation (when command 121 is received), the effect control microcomputer 121 selects the non-change pattern 15% of the time, change pattern A 15% of the time, change pattern B 40% of the time, and change pattern C 30% of the time.

The non-change pattern is a pattern in which the display mode of the hold icon HA remains normal, i.e., a pattern in which the normal icon A1 (see Figure 33 (A)) is displayed as the hold icon HA.

In addition, change pattern A is a pattern in which the display mode of the hold icon HA is displayed in the first special mode (blue icon A2, see Figure 33 (B)). When change pattern A is selected, the blue icon A2 is displayed as the hold icon HA from the beginning, or the normal icon A1 is displayed as the hold icon HA first and then changed to blue icon A2 at the timing of the shift display. The timing at which the blue icon A2 is displayed is determined by lottery with reference to the number of special chart 1 holds.

In addition, change pattern B is a pattern in which the display mode of the hold icon HA is displayed in a second special mode (red icon A3, see Figure 33 (C)). When change pattern B is selected, the red icon A3 is displayed as the hold icon HA from the beginning, or the normal icon A1 is displayed as the hold icon HA first and then changed to the red icon A3 at the timing of the shift display. The timing at which the red icon A3 is displayed is determined by lottery with reference to the number of special chart 1 holds.

Furthermore, change pattern C is a pattern in which the display mode of the reserved icon HA is displayed in the fourth special mode (sword icon A4, see Figure 33 (D)). When change pattern C is selected, the reserved icon HA is first displayed as the normal icon A1, and then a downward sword thrust or upward sword thrust is performed, changing it to the sword icon A4. In other words, the sword icon A4 is always displayed after undergoing a thrust effect.

Also, as shown in Figure 38 (A), if the result of the pre-reading judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is an N jackpot variation (when command 122 is received), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the non-changing pattern (normal icon A1) at a rate of 30%, changing pattern A (blue icon A2) at a rate of 30%, changing pattern B (red icon A3) at a rate of 30%, and changing pattern C (sword icon A4) at a rate of 10%.

Furthermore, if the result of the pre-reading judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is an SP miss variation (when command 123 is received), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the non-change pattern (normal icon A1) at a rate of 40%, change pattern A (blue icon A2) at a rate of 30%, change pattern B (red icon A3) at a rate of 20%, and change pattern C (sword icon A4) at a rate of 10%.

Furthermore, if the result of the pre-reading judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is an N miss variation (when command 124 is received), the presentation control microcomputer 121 will select the non-change pattern (normal icon A1) 75% of the time, select change pattern A (blue icon A2) 25% of the time, and will never select change pattern B (red icon A3) or change pattern C (sword icon A4).

Furthermore, when the result of the pre-reading judgment indicated by the start winning command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a normal miss variation (when command 125 is received), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the non-change pattern (normal icon A1) 90% of the time, selects change pattern A (blue icon A2) 10% of the time, and never selects change pattern B (red icon A3) or change pattern C (sword icon A4).

In this way, in this embodiment, the display mode of the reserved icon HA is determined by the allocation rate shown in Figure 38 (A). Therefore, the relationship of the expected probability of winning the jackpot for each display mode is normal icon A1 < blue icon A2 < red icon A3 < sword icon A4. Note that the allocation rate for each display mode can be changed as appropriate.

If the non-change pattern (normal icon A1) or change pattern C (sword icon A4) is selected in the lottery for executing the reserved icon change effect, the effect control microcomputer 121 performs a lottery for executing the reserved icon change tease. As shown in FIG. 38 (B), if the lottery result for the reserved icon change effect is the "non-change pattern," the effect control microcomputer 121 decides not to execute the reserved icon change tease with a 77% probability, decides to execute the failed downward sword stabbing tease with a 20% probability, and decides to execute the failed upward sword stabbing tease with a 3% probability. Furthermore, if the lottery result for the reserved icon change effect is "change pattern C," the effect control microcomputer 121 decides to execute the successful downward sword stabbing tease with a 20% probability, and decides to execute the successful upward sword stabbing tease with an 80% probability.

The downward sword stabbing tease for the reserved icon HA is an effect that teases whether the reserved icon HA will change to the sword icon A4 when it is moved slightly above the reserved icon display area 50d (see Figure 39). In a failed downward sword stabbing tease, the sword (sword image GS) flying toward the reserved icon HA passes through the reserved icon HA, and the display mode of the reserved icon HA does not change. In contrast, in a successful downward sword stabbing tease, the sword flying toward the reserved icon HA stabs into the reserved icon HA, and the display mode of the reserved icon HA changes to the sword icon A4.

In addition, the upward sword stabbing promotion for the reserved icon HA is an effect that suggests that the reserved icon HA will change to sword icon A4 when it is moved close to the top edge of the display unit 50a (see Figure 40). In a failed upward sword stabbing promotion, the sword (sword image GS) flying toward the reserved icon HA passes through the reserved icon HA, and the display mode of the reserved icon HA does not change. In contrast, in a successful upward sword stabbing promotion, the sword flying toward the reserved icon HA stabs into the reserved icon HA, and the display mode of the reserved icon HA changes to sword icon A4.

In this embodiment, the execution of the reserved icon change prompt is performed using the allocation rate shown in Figure 38(B). Therefore, the upward sword stabbing prompt functions as an effect with a higher probability of the prompt effect being successful (changing to sword icon A4) compared to the downward sword stabbing prompt. Furthermore, when the reserved icon change prompt is a non-change pattern (the reserved icon HA remains the normal icon A1), the downward sword stabbing prompt is selected with a certain probability of 20%, while the upward sword stabbing prompt is extremely difficult to select at 3%. Therefore, the downward sword stabbing prompt can be said to be an effect that is more likely to occur than the upward sword stabbing prompt (an effect with a higher execution probability), and the upward sword stabbing prompt can be said to be an effect that is less likely to occur than the downward sword stabbing prompt (an effect with a lower execution probability). Note that the various allocation rates in the lotteries shown in Figures 38(A) and 38(B) can be changed as appropriate within the scope of maintaining the role of the prompt.

Next, the execution lottery for the icon change effect will be explained. The effect control microcomputer 121 performs a lottery for the execution of the icon change effect based on the table shown in Figure 38 (C). However, if the sword icon A4 is already displayed (if the sword icon A4 is displayed as the reserved icon HA), the execution lottery for the icon change effect will not be performed when the change of the sword icon A4 begins. As shown in Figure 38 (C), when the special symbol change pattern indicated by the special symbol change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is an SP jackpot change (THP001), the effect control microcomputer 121 selects the non-change pattern 15% of the time, selects change pattern X 60% of the time, and selects change pattern Y 25% of the time. The non-change pattern is a pattern that does not change the display mode of the icon TA.

Furthermore, change pattern X is a pattern that changes the display mode of the icon TA to the sword icon A4. When change pattern X is selected, a downward sword thrust, an upward sword thrust, or an icon grab thrust is performed, changing the display mode of the icon TA to the sword icon A4.

Furthermore, change pattern Y is a pattern that changes the display mode of the icon TA to the LOGO icon A5. When change pattern Y is selected, an upward sword thrust or icon grab and thrust is performed, changing the display mode of the icon TA to the LOGO icon A5.

Also, as shown in Figure 38 (C), when the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is N jackpot change (THP002), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the non-change pattern 50% of the time, selects change pattern X 50% of the time, and never selects change pattern Y.

Furthermore, when the special symbol change pattern indicated by the special symbol change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is an SP miss change (THP021), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the non-change pattern 80% of the time, selects change pattern X 18% of the time, and selects change pattern Y 2% of the time.

Furthermore, when the special pattern change pattern indicated by the special pattern change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is an N miss change (THP022), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the non-change pattern 100% of the time and does not select change pattern X or change pattern Y.

Furthermore, when the special pattern change pattern indicated by the special pattern change start command received from the game control microcomputer 101 is a normal miss change (THP041, 042), the presentation control microcomputer 121 selects the non-change pattern 100% of the time and does not select change pattern X or change pattern Y.

In this manner, in this embodiment, whether the display mode of the icon TA will change is determined by the allocation rate shown in Figure 38 (C). Therefore, the display of the LOGO icon A5 functions as a presentation suggesting that an SP reach has been confirmed. Furthermore, since the LOGO icon A5 is only displayed with an extremely low probability of 2% in the case of an SP miss variation, it functions as the icon with the highest probability of winning a jackpot among the icons A of each display mode. Note that the relationship of the probability of winning a jackpot for the icons A of each display mode displayed as the reserved icon HA and the icon TA is normal icon A1 < blue icon A2 < red icon A3 < sword icon A4 < LOGO icon A5. Note that the probability of winning a jackpot for the icon A of each display mode can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the LOGO icon A5 is configured not to be displayed as the reserved icon HA, but it may also be configured to be displayed as the reserved icon HA.

Following the lottery for executing the icon change effect, the effect control microcomputer 121 also draws a lottery for executing the icon change teaser. As shown in Figure 38 (D), if the lottery result for the icon change effect is a "non-change pattern," the effect control microcomputer 121 decides not to execute the icon change teaser with an 80% probability, decides to execute a failed downward sword stabbing teaser with a 3% probability, decides to execute a failed upward sword stabbing teaser with a 3% probability, and decides to execute a failed icon grabbing teaser with a 14% probability.

Furthermore, if the drawing result for the icon change effect is "change pattern X" and the special chart change pattern is "jackpot change," the effect control microcomputer 121 decides to execute the successful downward sword stabbing promotion with a probability of 9%; decides to execute the successful upward sword stabbing promotion with a probability of 90%; and decides to execute the successful icon grabbing promotion with a probability of 1%.Furthermore, if the drawing result for the icon change effect is "change pattern X" and the special chart change pattern is "loss change," the effect control microcomputer 121 decides to execute the successful downward sword stabbing promotion with a probability of 9%; decides to execute the successful upward sword stabbing promotion with a probability of 91%; and does not execute the icon grabbing promotion.

Furthermore, if the drawing result for the icon change effect is "change pattern Y" and the special chart change pattern is "jackpot change," the effect control microcomputer 121 will decide to execute the successful upward sword stabbing promotion with a 1% probability, and will decide to execute the successful icon grabbing promotion with a 99% probability, and will not execute the downward sword stabbing promotion.Furthermore, if the drawing result for the icon change effect is "change pattern Y" and the special chart change pattern is "loss change," the effect control microcomputer 121 will decide to execute the icon grabbing promotion with a 100% probability, and will not execute the downward sword stabbing promotion or the upward sword stabbing promotion.

The downward sword stabbing tease for the icon TA is an effect that teases whether the icon TA will change to sword icon A4 when it is moved slightly above the icon display area 50e (see Figure 41). In a failed downward sword stabbing tease, the sword (sword image GS) flying toward the icon TA passes through the icon TA, and the display mode of the icon TA does not change. In contrast, in a successful downward sword stabbing tease, the sword flying toward the icon TA stabs into the icon TA, and the display mode of the icon TA changes to sword icon A4.

The upward sword stabbing prompt for the icon TA is an effect that prompts the icon TA to change to sword icon A4 when it is moved close to the top of the display unit 50a (see Figure 42). In a failed upward sword stabbing prompt, the sword (sword image GS) flying toward the icon TA passes through the icon TA, and the display mode of the icon TA does not change. In contrast, in a successful upward sword stabbing prompt, the sword flying toward the icon TA stabs into the icon TA, and the display mode of the icon TA generally changes to sword icon A4. However, in some exceptional cases, a successful upward sword stabbing prompt may result in the sword flying toward the icon TA stabbing the icon TA and changing to logo icon A5 (see Figure 43).

The icon grab teaser for the icon TA involves moving the icon TA to approximately the center of the display unit 50a in the vertical or horizontal direction, and teasing whether the main character's hand (hand image GH) will grab the icon TA at that position and change it to the LOGO icon A5 (see Figure 44). In a failed icon grab teaser, the main character's hand that was grasping the icon TA disappears, leaving the icon TA with its display state unchanged. In contrast, in a successful icon grab teaser, the icon TA is crushed in the main character's hand and generally changes to the LOGO icon A5. However, in some exceptional cases, a successful icon grab teaser may result in the icon TA being crushed in the main character's hand and changing to the sword icon A4 (see Figure 45).

In this embodiment, the execution lottery for the icon change prompt is conducted using the allocation rate shown in Figure 38 (D). Therefore, the downward sword stabbing prompt can be said to be the least likely to appear as a prompt to change the display mode of the icon TA, while the upward sword stabbing prompt and icon grab prompt can be said to be more likely to appear as prompts to change the display mode of the icon TA than the downward sword stabbing prompt. Furthermore, when the result of the lottery for the icon change prompt is a non-change pattern (no change in the display mode of the icon TA), the selection rate for the failed upward sword stabbing prompt is 3%, while the selection rate for the failed icon grab prompt is 14%. Therefore, the icon grab prompt can be said to be a relatively unsuccessful change prompt, while the upward sword stabbing prompt is a relatively successful change prompt. Furthermore, compared to the upward sword stabbing prompt, the downward sword stabbing prompt has the same probability of being selected in a non-change pattern (a pattern in which the display mode does not change), but has a significantly lower probability of being selected in change pattern X (a pattern in which the display mode changes to sword icon A4), making it a less likely change prompt effect to be successful than the upward sword stabbing prompt. Furthermore, the upward sword stabbing prompt that changes to logo icon A5 and the icon grabbing prompt that changes to sword icon A4 are only performed when a jackpot changes, and therefore function as an effect indicating a confirmed jackpot win. The various allocation rates in the lotteries shown in Figures 38(C) and 38(D) can be changed as appropriate as long as the role of the effect is maintained.

Next, specific examples of icon change effects that can display the display mode of icon A (reserved icon HA, said icon TA) in a special mode will be explained with reference to Figures 39 to 45. Note that in the following explanation, illustrations of small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 will be omitted. First, a reserved icon change effect that can change the display mode of reserved icon HA to sword icon A4 will be explained. As described above, when the display mode of reserved icon HA changes to sword icon A4, a sword stabbing thrust (downward sword stabbing thrust or upward sword stabbing thrust) is executed.

<Downward sword thrusting tease for reserved icon HA> Figure 39 is a diagram showing a specific example of a reserved icon change presentation involving a downward sword thrusting tease. Figure 39 (A) shows the state in which a change presentation for the icon TA is being executed in castle presentation mode, and the second special chart 1 reserved has occurred. Here, if it is determined in the "reserved icon change tease execution lottery" when the second special chart 1 reserved occurs that a downward sword thrusting tease will be executed, as shown in Figure 39 (B), a downward sword thrusting tease is executed for the reserved icon HA (second reserved icon HA2) corresponding to the second special chart 1 reserved. Specifically, first, the second reserved icon HA2, which is the normal icon A1, is moved to a downward non-reference position (first position) that is a first distance L1 above the reference display position (reference position) within the reserved icon display area 50d (see Figure 39 (B)). A sword image GS representing the main character's weapon, a sword, is displayed diagonally, moving as if flying from the upper left side of the display unit 50a toward the second hold icon HA2. The lower non-reference position is a position relatively close to the hold icon display area 50d.

If change pattern C (sword icon A4) is selected in the execution lottery for the reserve icon change effect related to this second reserve icon HA2 and the successful downward sword stabbing tease is selected in the execution lottery for the reserve icon change tease, following the effect shown in Figure 39 (B), the sword image GS is stabbed into the reserve icon HA at the downward non-reference position, and the icon is displayed as changing into sword icon A4 (Figure 39 (C)). Then, the sword icon A4 is returned from the downward non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 39 (D)). As a result, the sword icon A4 is displayed as the reserve icon HA in the reserve icon display area 50d corresponding to the second special chart 1 reserve. The series of effects shown in Figures 39 (B) and (C) is the successful downward sword stabbing tease for the reserve icon HA.

On the other hand, if a non-change pattern (normal icon A1) is selected in the execution lottery for the reserve icon change effect related to the second reserve icon HA2, and the failed downward sword stabbing prompt is selected in the execution lottery for the reserve icon change teaser, following the effect shown in Figure 39(B), the sword image GS slips through the reserve icon HA, which is in the downward non-reference position, and disappears to the bottom end of the display unit 50a, and the reserve icon HA remains unchanged as the normal icon A1 (Figure 39(E)). Then, this normal icon A1 is returned from the downward non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 39(F)). As a result, the reserve icon HA is displayed in the same display mode (normal icon A1) as before the downward sword stabbing prompt was executed in the reserve icon display area 50d corresponding to the second special chart 1 reserve. The series of effects shown in Figures 39(B) and (E) is a failed downward sword stabbing prompt for the reserve icon HA.

<Upward sword thrusting on reserved icon HA> Figure 40 is a diagram showing a specific example of a reserved icon change presentation involving an upward sword thrusting. Like Figure 39(A), Figure 40(A) shows the state in which a change presentation for the icon TA is being executed in castle presentation mode, and a second special chart 1 reserved has occurred. Here, if it is determined in the "reserved icon change thrusting execution lottery" when the second special chart 1 reserved occurs that an upward sword thrusting will be executed, as shown in Figure 40(B), an upward sword thrusting is executed on the reserved icon HA (second reserved icon HA2) corresponding to the second special chart 1 reserved. Specifically, first, the second reserved icon HA2, which is the normal icon A1, is moved to an upward non-reference position (second position, specific position) that is a second distance L2 above the reference display position (reference position) within the reserved icon display area 50d (see Figure 40(B)). A sword image GS representing the main character's sword weapon is displayed moving approximately horizontally as if flying from the upper left side of the display unit 50a toward the second hold icon HA2. The upper non-reference position is a position relatively far from the hold icon display area 50d and close to the top edge of the display unit 50a.

If change pattern C (sword icon A4) is selected in the execution lottery for the reserve icon change effect related to this second reserve icon HA2 and the successful upward sword stabbing tease is selected in the execution lottery for the reserve icon change tease, following the effect shown in Figure 40 (B), the sword image GS is stabbed into the reserve icon HA at the upper non-reference position, and the icon is displayed as changing into the sword icon A4 (Figure 40 (C)). Then, the sword icon A4 is returned from the upper non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 40 (D)). As a result, the sword icon A4 is displayed as the reserve icon HA in the reserve icon display area 50d corresponding to the second special chart 1 reserve. The series of effects shown in Figures 40 (B) and (C) is the successful upward sword stabbing tease for the reserve icon HA.

On the other hand, if a non-change pattern (normal icon A1) is selected in the execution lottery for the reserve icon change effect related to the second reserve icon HA2, and a failed upward sword thrust is selected in the execution lottery for the reserve icon change teaser, following the effect shown in Figure 40(B), the sword image GS slips through the reserve icon HA in the upper non-reference position and disappears to the right edge of the display unit 50a, and the reserve icon HA remains unchanged as the normal icon A1 (Figure 40(E)). Then, this normal icon A1 is returned from the upper non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 40(F)). As a result, the reserve icon HA is displayed in the same display mode (normal icon A1) as before the execution of the upward sword thrust in the reserve icon display area 50d corresponding to the second special chart 1 reserve. The series of effects shown in Figures 40(B) and (E) is a failed upward sword thrust for the reserve icon HA.

<Downward Sword Stabbing Prompt for Icon TA> Figure 41 shows a specific example of an icon change presentation involving a downward sword stabbing prompt. Figure 41 (A) shows a scene in which a change presentation for icon TA has begun in castle presentation mode, with two special chart 1s pending. Here, if a downward sword stabbing prompt is determined to be performed in the "icon change prompt execution lottery" at the start of the change presentation for icon TA, as shown in Figure 41 (B), a downward sword stabbing prompt is performed on icon TA, which is normal icon A1. Specifically, first, icon TA is moved to a downward non-reference position (first position) a first distance L1 above the reference display position (reference position) within icon display area 50e (see Figure 41 (B)). Then, a sword image GS representing the protagonist character's sword is displayed, moving diagonally from the upper left side of display unit 50a toward icon TA, as if flying toward it. The lower non-reference position is a position relatively close to the icon display area 50e.

If change pattern X is selected in the "icon change effect execution lottery" at the start of the change effect for this icon TA, and the successful downward sword stabbing tease is selected in the "icon change teaser execution lottery," following the effect shown in Figure 41 (B), a sword image GS is stabbed into the icon TA at the downward non-reference position, and the icon is displayed as changing into sword icon A4 (Figure 41 (C)). Then, sword icon A4 is returned from the downward non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 41 (D)). As a result, the sword icon A4 is displayed as the icon TA in the icon display area 50e. The series of effects shown in Figures 41 (B) and (C) are the successful downward sword stabbing tease for the icon TA.

On the other hand, if a non-change pattern is selected in the "icon change effect execution lottery" at the start of the change effect for the icon TA, and the failed downward sword stabbing prompt is selected in the "icon change prompt execution lottery," following the effect shown in Figure 41 (B), the sword image GS will slip through the icon TA, which is in the downward non-reference position, and disappear to the right edge of the display unit 50a, and the icon TA will remain unchanged as the normal icon A1 (Figure 41 (E)). Then, this normal icon A1 will return from the downward non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 41 (F)). As a result, the icon TA will be displayed in the icon display area 50e in the same display mode (normal icon A1) as before the downward sword stabbing prompt was executed. The series of effects shown in Figures 41 (B) and (E) are the failed downward sword stabbing prompt for the icon TA.

<Upward Sword Stabbing Prompt for the Icon TA> Figure 42 shows a specific example of an icon change presentation involving an upward sword stabbing prompt. Similar to Figure 41(A), Figure 42(A) depicts a scene in which a change presentation for the icon TA is initiated in castle presentation mode with two reserved special charts 1. Here, if an upward sword stabbing prompt is determined to be executed in the "icon change prompt execution lottery" at the start of the change presentation for the icon TA, as shown in Figure 42(B), an upward sword stabbing prompt is executed for the icon TA, which is the normal icon A1. Specifically, the icon TA is first moved to an upward non-reference position (second position) a second distance L2 above the reference display position (reference position) within the icon display area 50e (see Figure 42(B)). Then, a sword image GS representing the protagonist character's sword is displayed moving approximately horizontally from the upper left side of the display unit 50a toward the icon TA. The upper non-reference position is a position that is relatively far from the icon display area 50e and close to the top edge of the display unit 50a.

If change pattern X is selected in the "icon change effect execution lottery" at the start of the change effect for this icon TA, and the successful upward sword stabbing prompt is selected in the "icon change prompt execution lottery," following the effect shown in Figure 42 (B), a sword image GS is stabbed into the icon TA at the upper non-reference position, and the icon is displayed as changing into sword icon A4 (Figure 42 (C)). Then, sword icon A4 is returned from the upper non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 42 (D)). As a result, the sword icon A4 is displayed as the icon TA in the icon display area 50e. The series of effects shown in Figures 42 (B) and (C) are the successful upward sword stabbing prompt for the icon TA.

On the other hand, if a non-change pattern is selected in the "icon change effect execution lottery" at the start of the change effect for the icon TA, and a failed upward sword stabbing prompt is selected in the "icon change prompt execution lottery," following the effect shown in Figure 42 (B), the sword image GS passes through the icon TA, which is in the upper non-reference position, and disappears to the right edge of the display unit 50a, and the icon TA remains unchanged as the normal icon A1 (Figure 42 (E)). Then, this normal icon A1 is returned from the upper non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 42 (F)). As a result, the icon TA is displayed in the same display mode (normal icon A1) as before the upward sword stabbing prompt was executed in the icon display area 50e. The series of effects shown in Figures 42 (B) and (E) are a failed upward sword stabbing prompt for the icon TA.

Note that, although the probability of execution is extremely low, if change pattern Y is selected in the "icon change effect execution lottery" at the start of the change effect for the icon TA, and the successful upward sword stabbing prompt is selected in the "icon change prompt execution lottery," as shown in FIG. 43, following the arrival of the sword image GS (FIG. 43(A)), the sword image GS is stabbed into the icon TA at the upper non-reference position, and the icon is displayed as changing into the LOGO icon A5 (FIG. 43(B)). Then, the LOGO icon A5 is returned from the upper non-reference position to the reference position (FIG. 43(C)). As a result, the LOGO icon A5 is displayed as the icon TA in the icon display area 50e. The series of prompts shown in FIGS. 43(A) and (B) is also a type of successful upward sword stabbing prompt for the icon TA. In this embodiment, the prompt that displays the LOGO icon A5 after the upward sword stabbing prompt is an indication that a jackpot has been confirmed.

<Icon Grab Prompt for the Icon TA> Figure 44 shows a specific example of an icon change effect accompanied by an icon grab prompt. Similar to Figures 41(A) and 42(A), Figure 44(A) depicts a scene in which a change effect for the icon TA is initiated in castle effect mode when two special chart 1s are pending. Here, if it is determined that an icon grab prompt will be executed in the "icon change prompt execution lottery" at the start of the change effect for the icon TA, as shown in Figure 44(B), an icon grab prompt is executed for the icon TA, which is the normal icon A1. Specifically, the icon TA is first moved a third distance (a distance different from the first distance L1 and second distance L2 described above) from the reference display position (reference position) within the icon display area 50e, to a central non-reference position (third position, non-specific position) that is approximately in the center of the display unit 50a in the vertical and horizontal directions (see Figure 44(B)). Then, a hand image GH representing the main character's hand is displayed as if it is grasping the icon TA.

If change pattern Y is selected in the "icon change effect execution lottery" at the start of the change effect for this icon TA, and the successful icon grabbing prompt is selected in the "icon change prompt execution lottery," following the effect shown in Figure 44(B), the icon TA is displayed being squeezed by hand image GH at the central non-reference position, changing into LOGO icon A5 (Figure 44(C)). Then, LOGO icon A5 is returned from the central non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 44(D)). As a result, LOGO icon A5 is displayed as the icon TA in the icon display area 50e. The series of effects shown in Figures 44(B) and (C) are the successful icon grabbing prompt for the icon TA.

On the other hand, if a non-change pattern is selected in the "icon change effect execution lottery" at the start of the change effect for the icon TA, and a failed icon grab teaser is selected in the "icon change teaser execution lottery," then following the effect shown in Figure 44(B), the icon TA in the central non-reference position is not crushed by the hand image GH, the hand image GH disappears, and the icon TA remains unchanged as the normal icon A1 (Figure 44(E)). Then, this normal icon A1 is returned from the central non-reference position to the reference position (Figure 44(F)). As a result, the icon TA is displayed in the same display mode (normal icon A1) as it was before the icon grab teaser was executed in the icon display area 50e. The series of effects shown in Figures 44(B) and (E) are failed icon grab teasers for the icon TA.

Note that, although the probability of execution is extremely low, if change pattern X is selected in the "icon change effect execution lottery" at the start of the change effect for the icon TA, and the successful icon grabbing teaser is selected in the "icon change teaser execution lottery," as shown in FIG. 45, the icon TA is grasped by the hand image GH (FIG. 45(A)), and then the icon TA is displayed as being crushed by the hand image GH at the central non-reference position and changing into a sword icon A4 (FIG. 45(B)). The sword icon A4 is then returned from the central non-reference position to the reference position (FIG. 45(C)). As a result, the sword icon A4 is displayed as the icon TA in the icon display area 50e. The series of effects shown in FIGS. 45(A) and (B) is also a type of successful icon grabbing teaser for the icon TA. In this embodiment, the effect of displaying the sword icon A4 after the icon grabbing teaser is an effect indicating a confirmed jackpot win.

Note that the pending icon change effect accompanied by a downward sword stabbing provocation (Figure 39) and the icon change effect accompanied by a downward sword stabbing provocation (Figure 41) are examples of first change effects. Also, the pending icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword stabbing provocation (Figure 40) and the icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword stabbing provocation (Figure 42) are examples of second change effects. Also, the icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword stabbing provocation (Figure 42) is an example of a first position change effect, and the icon change effect accompanied by an icon grabbing provocation (Figure 44) is an example of a second position change effect. Also, sword stabbing provocations such as a downward sword stabbing provocation and an upward sword stabbing provocation, and icon grabbing provocation are examples of provocation effects and change provocation effects. In addition, in this embodiment, the reference position, lower non-reference position, and upper non-reference position are set to different positions for the hold icon HA corresponding to the first special chart 1 hold, the hold icon HA corresponding to the second special chart 1 hold, the hold icon HA corresponding to the third special chart 1 hold, the hold icon HA corresponding to the fourth special chart 1 hold, and the icon TA.

8. Effects of the Embodiment As described above in detail, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, when a valid win (a win that generates a new special symbol 1 reserve) occurs consecutively in the first start slot 11, the icon display effects (moving icon A and opening and closing door image GD) based on the subsequent start win are not executed in their entirety, but rather, some of them are omitted. Specifically, the opening door image GD in the icon display effect based on the subsequent start win is omitted. This allows for smooth execution of the consecutive icon display effects (see FIGS. 35 and 37). As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in interest due to the icon display effects not being executed smoothly.

In particular, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, when consecutive valid wins occur in the first start slot 11, the portion omitted in the icon display effect based on the subsequent start win is the portion of the door image GD that displays the movement, not icon A (icon image), and the movement display of icon A in the icon display effect based on the subsequent start win is not omitted at all (see Figure 35). Therefore, even when consecutive valid wins occur in the first start slot 11, the display of icon A itself is not affected, and icon A itself can be clearly seen by the player, which is unlikely to reduce the presentation effect of the icon display effect.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, even if the change in display mode of icon A (reserved icon HA, said icon TA) is to the same display mode (sword icon A4), the length of the movement distance of icon A to the position where the display mode change occurs may be different, such as a first distance L1 (Figures 39 and 41) or a second distance L2 (Figures 40 and 42). This makes it possible to give the player a sense of originality and increase the interest in the icon change effect (reserved icon change effect, said icon change effect) that changes the display mode of icon A.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, when icon A is displayed as icon TA (displayed in the first role), players can look forward to an icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword thrust (second change effect, see Figure 42) occurring rather than an icon change effect accompanied by a downward sword thrust (first change effect, see Figure 41) (see Figure 38 (D)), which gives players the pleasure of waiting in anticipation for the occurrence of an icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword thrust, and is expected to increase their interest in the game.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, when icon A is displayed as the reserved icon HA (displayed in the second role), contrary to when it is displayed as the icon TA (displayed in the first role), it is more likely that an icon change effect accompanied by a downward sword thrust (first change effect, see Figure 39) will occur than an icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword thrust (second change effect, see Figure 40) (see Figure 38 (B)).This means that players can enjoy the different types of effects that are more likely to occur depending on the role of icon A, which is expected to increase their interest in the game.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, the expected success rate of the change in display mode differs when icon A (the icon TA) moves to the upper non-reference position (specific position, see Figure 42) and when it moves to the central non-reference position (non-specific position, see Figure 44) (see Figure 38 (D)), making it possible to give the player a sense of novelty, heightening interest in the position to which icon A moves, and increasing the enjoyment of the icon change presentation that changes the display mode of icon A.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, the probability of icon A (the icon TA) changing into sword icon A4 (first aspect) differs when it moves to the upper non-reference position (specific position, see Figure 42) and when it moves to the central non-reference position (non-specific position, see Figure 44) (see Figure 38 (D)), making it possible to further increase interest in whether icon A moves to the upper non-reference position or the central non-reference position.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, the probability of icon A (the icon TA) changing into LOGO icon A5 (second aspect), which has a higher chance of winning a jackpot than sword icon A4, differs when icon A (the icon TA) moves to the upper non-reference position (specific position, see Figure 42) from when it moves to the central non-reference position (non-specific position, see Figure 44) (see Figure 38 (D)), making it possible to further increase interest in whether icon A moves to the upper non-reference position or the central non-reference position.

Furthermore, with this form of pachinko gaming machine PY1, different types of provocative effects (upper sword stabbing provocative effect, icon grabbing provocative effect) are executed when icon A moves to an upper non-reference position (specific position, see Figure 42) and when it moves to a central non-reference position (non-specific position, see Figure 44). This not only provides the excitement of different provocative effects, but also makes it possible to further increase interest in the position to which icon A moves.

In particular, with this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the icon changes to a sword icon A4 representing a sword, the change prompt is basically a sword stabbing prompt using the sword image GS (downward sword stabbing prompt, upward sword stabbing prompt), and when the icon changes to a logo icon A5 representing the main character's name (LOGO), the change prompt is basically an icon grabbing prompt using (part of) the main character's hand (see Figure 38 (D)). In other words, with this embodiment, change prompts are performed with content related to the possible change in display mode. This increases the excitement of the presentation.

9. Modifications The following describes modifications of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Of course, the configurations of the modifications may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, technical features in the above-described embodiments and the following modifications may be deleted as appropriate unless they are described as essential in this specification.

In the above embodiment, icon A (icon image) was a reserve icon HA or icon TA displayed based on winning at the first starting gate 11. However, it may also be a reserve icon HA or icon TA displayed based on winning at the second starting gate 12. In this case, winning at the second starting gate 12 corresponds to the predetermined condition. Furthermore, an icon display effect may be executed in which a predetermined icon (icon image) is displayed based on the game ball passing through a predetermined passage area such as gate 13. In this case, the game ball's passage through the predetermined passage area corresponds to the predetermined condition. When an icon is displayed based on passing through gate 13, the icon may be a normal reserve icon indicating that a normal reserve exists, or it may be an icon for an effect unrelated to a normal reserve. Furthermore, a stock effect may be executed in which an icon suggesting a scheduled effect (e.g., an operation effect) (e.g., an icon representing the normal button 40 or the special button 41) is continuously displayed on the display unit 50a until the effect is executed, and the present invention may be applied to the icon displayed in the stock effect. In this case, the predetermined condition is met when the effect control microcomputer 121 decides to execute a stock effect and the timing to execute that stock effect arrives.

In addition, in the above-mentioned form, a starting win that generates a special symbol hold is considered a valid starting win, and this valid starting win is a predetermined condition for executing an icon display effect. In contrast, a predetermined icon (an icon for an effect other than the hold icon HA) may be displayed both when a starting win that generates a special symbol hold and when a starting win that does not generate a special symbol hold. In this case, the starting win corresponds to the predetermined condition regardless of whether a special symbol hold is generated or not.

In addition, in the above embodiment, icon A displayed in the first role is designated as icon TA, and icon A displayed in the second role is designated as hold icon HA. In contrast, if the configuration is such that hold icon HA can be displayed based on a starting winning and a regular hold icon can be displayed based on passing through gate 13, the hold icon HA based on a starting winning may be designated as the icon displayed in the first role, and the regular hold icon based on passing through gate 13 may be designated as the icon displayed in the second role.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when consecutive start wins occur, the opening display of the door image GD in the icon display presentation based on the subsequent start win and the closing display of the door image in the icon display presentation based on the preceding start win are omitted. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which all of the door image GD's operation displays in the icon display presentation based on the subsequent start win are omitted (a configuration in which both the opening and closing displays are omitted). In this case, the closing display of the door image GD in the icon display presentation based on the preceding start win are not omitted. Specifically, a moving display of the icon A based on the subsequent start win may be inserted between the opening and closing display of the door image GD in the icon display presentation based on the preceding start win. This method of executing the icon display presentation allows the time from opening to closing of the door image GD in consecutive start wins to be the same length as the time from opening to closing of the door image GD in non-consecutive start wins (door opening time Tx, see Figure 36).

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when consecutive start wins occur, the movement display of the door image GD in the icon display performance based on the subsequent start win is partially omitted, but the movement display of icon A is not omitted at all. Conversely, the movement display of icon A in the icon display performance based on the subsequent start win may also be omitted. Specifically, for example, when consecutive start wins occur, the icon display performance based on the preceding start win may be executed without any omissions, just as in the case of non-consecutive start wins, and the icon display performance based on the subsequent start win may simply be such that the hold icon HA is additionally displayed in the hold icon display area 50d corresponding to the special chart 1 hold (i.e., not only may the movement display of the door image GD be omitted, but the display of icon A moving out of the door to the hold icon display area 50d may also be omitted).

In addition, in the above-mentioned form, the content and lottery probability of each effect, such as the icon display effect, icon change effect, and change tease effect, can be changed as appropriate without impairing the function of the effect. Furthermore, the movement distance of icon A in the downward sword stabbing tease (first distance L1) and the movement distance of icon A in the upward sword stabbing tease (second distance L2) can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the position to which icon A is moved in the downward sword stabbing tease (lower non-reference position), the position to which icon A is moved in the upward sword stabbing tease (upper non-reference position), and the position to which icon A is moved in the icon grab tease (central non-reference position) can be changed as appropriate.

In the above configuration, the normal mode can be controlled to a mode other than the castle presentation mode (for example, a city presentation mode depicting a city with people and cars passing by on the roads), and in this city presentation mode, a background image including a manhole image representing a manhole on a road is displayed. As an icon display effect based on a starting winning, the manhole image (an example of an "image other than an icon image") can first change to an open state, then an icon (an icon with a different form than in the castle presentation mode (e.g., a square shape)) pops out of the manhole and moves to and is displayed in the pending icon display area 50d, after which the manhole image returns to a closed state. In this configuration, if consecutive starting winnings occur in the city presentation mode, as in the castle presentation mode (see Figures 35 and 37), the icon display effect based on the subsequent starting winning can omit the manhole image changing to an open state, and the icon display effect based on the prior starting winning can omit the manhole image returning to a closed state. With this configuration, in any of the multiple presentation modes (castle presentation mode, city presentation mode) that display different icon images (round, square), it is possible to smoothly execute the icon display presentation when consecutive starting wins occur.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, there are cases where icon A (reserved icon HA, relevant icon TA) changes to sword icon A4 after moving a first distance L1 (FIGS. 39 and 41), and cases where icon A changes to sword icon A4 after moving a second distance L2 (FIGS. 40 and 42), with the former occurring more frequently than the latter for reserved icon HA and the latter occurring more frequently for relevant icon TA. In contrast, there are cases where icon A (reserved icon HA, relevant icon TA) changes to sword icon A4 after moving over a first time (e.g., 2 seconds) (in the case of a first change effect), and cases where icon A changes to sword icon A4 after moving over a second time (e.g., 5 seconds) (in the case of a second change effect), with one of the two occurring more frequently for reserved icon HA and the other occurring more frequently for relevant icon TA. In this case, the destination of icon A (the position to which icon A moves) may be the same for both.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first change effect, in which icon A is moved a first distance L1 to change its display mode, may be to a position other than the lower non-reference position (Figures 39 and 41). Furthermore, the second change effect, in which icon A is moved a second distance L2 to change its display mode, may be to a position other than the upper non-reference position (Figures 40 and 42).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first position change effect, in which icon A is moved to an upper non-reference position (specific position, Figure 42) and the display mode is changed, may have multiple patterns with different movement distances to the upper non-reference position (in other words, multiple patterns with different original display positions of icon A). In addition, the second position change effect, in which icon A is moved to a central non-reference position (non-specific position, Figure 44) and the display mode is changed, may have multiple patterns with different movement distances to the central non-reference position (in other words, multiple patterns with different original display positions of icon A).

In addition, in the above embodiment, both the pending icon change effect and the icon change effect can be executed, but the display mode of icon A can be changed to be an icon change effect, and only the pending icon change effect can be executed, or only the icon change effect can be executed.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, there are times when a downward sword stabbing taunt is performed on the reserved icon HA and times when an upward sword stabbing taunt is performed (see Figure 38 (B)), but it is also possible to have a configuration in which a downward sword stabbing taunt may be performed on the reserved icon HA but an upward sword stabbing taunt is never performed (a configuration in which the probability of performing a downward sword stabbing taunt is not 0%, but the probability of performing an upward sword stabbing taunt is 0%). Note that in the above embodiment, the probability and expected success rate of performing a downward sword stabbing taunt on the reserved icon HA, and the probability and expected success rate of performing an upward sword stabbing taunt can be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the performance function.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, there are times when a downward sword stabbing thrust is performed on the icon TA and times when an upward sword stabbing thrust is performed (see Figure 38 (D)), but there may also be a configuration in which an upward sword stabbing thrust may be performed on the icon TA but a downward sword stabbing thrust is never performed (a configuration in which the execution probability of an upward sword stabbing thrust is not 0%, but the execution probability of a downward sword stabbing thrust is 0%). Note that in the above embodiment, the execution probability and expected success rate of an upward sword stabbing thrust on the icon TA and the execution probability and expected success rate of a downward sword stabbing thrust on the icon TA can be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the performance function.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the display mode of the icon TA changes to the LOGO icon A5 after an upward sword thrust, which is an extremely rare occurrence; however, it may also be configured such that the only display mode that can change after an upward sword thrust is the sword icon A4, and it never changes to the LOGO icon A5 (the probability of changing to the sword icon A4 is not 0%, but the probability of changing to the LOGO icon A5 is 0%). Note that in the above embodiment, the probability of executing an upward sword thrust for the icon TA, the expected success rate of changing to the sword icon A4 after an upward sword thrust, and the expected success rate of changing to the LOGO icon A5 after an upward sword thrust can be changed as appropriate within the scope of not impairing the performance function.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the display mode of the icon TA changes to the sword icon A4 after an icon grab provocation, which is an extremely rare occurrence. However, it is also possible to configure the display mode that can change after an icon grab provocation to be only the LOGO icon A5, and not to change to the sword icon A4 (the probability of changing to the LOGO icon A5 is not 0%, but the probability of changing to the sword icon A4 is 0%). Note that in the above embodiment, the probability of executing an icon grab provocation on the icon TA, the expected success rate of changing to the LOGO icon A5 after an icon grab provocation, and the expected success rate of changing to the sword icon A4 after an icon grab provocation can be changed as appropriate within the scope of not impairing the performance function.

In addition, in the above-described form, in the icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword thrust (see Figure 42), the icon basically changes to the sword icon A4, and in the icon change effect accompanied by an icon grab (see Figure 44), the icon basically changes to the logo icon A5. However, if the expected success rate of the change in the display mode of the icon A in both effects is different, the display mode that changes in both effects may be the same (for example, both effects may basically change to the sword icon A4, or both effects may basically change to the logo icon A5).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the size of the flying sword image GS is displayed at the same size in both the downward sword stabbing projection (Figures 39 and 41) and the upward sword stabbing projection (Figures 40 and 42), but the display size of the sword image GS may be different for both sword stabbing projections, such as by making the size of the flying sword image GS larger for the upward sword stabbing projection than for the downward sword stabbing projection. Also, the design of the sword image may be different for both sword stabbing projections.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a first starting hole 11 (fixed starting hole) in which the ease with which the game ball can enter remains unchanged, and a second starting hole 12 (variable starting hole, starting hole associated with the electric chute 12D) in which the ease with which the game ball can enter can be changed are provided, but only one of these may be provided.

In addition, in the above configuration, the special chart 2 determination process is performed with priority over the special chart 1 determination process (the special chart 2 variable display is performed with priority over the special chart 1 variable display), but the special chart 1 determination process may also be performed with priority over the special chart 2 determination process (the special chart 1 variable display is performed with priority over the special chart 2 variable display). In this case, it is preferable to make the special chart 1 lottery a lottery that is more likely to result in a favorable jackpot than the special chart 2 lottery. Also, the gaming machine may be one that can display the variable display of special chart 2 or special chart 1 even while the variable display of the other is in progress (a so-called simultaneous variable gaming machine). Also, the gaming machine may be one that does not display the variable display of special chart 2 or special chart 1 while the variable display of the other is in progress, and executes the variable display of special chart 2 and special chart 1 in accordance with the order of the initial winning (a so-called winning order consumption gaming machine).

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine, but it can also be applied to other pinball gaming machines, such as arrange ball machines and mahjong ball machines. Furthermore, when the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine, the gameplay of the gaming machine can be modified as needed without interfering with gameplay. In other words, the present invention can be appropriately adopted, as long as it does not interfere with gameplay, in so-called symbol probability variable machines (gaming machines in which transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of winning symbol), so-called V-probability machines (gaming machines that control the high probability state based on passage of a specific area (V area) within the large prize slot), so-called probability variable loop type gaming machines (gaming machines in which, once controlled to a high probability state, control of the high probability state continues until the start of the next jackpot game), so-called ST machines (gaming machines with a limited number of probability variable games), so-called type 1/2 mixed machines, and spin-on type gaming machines.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the variable display of the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 is performed in approximate synchronization with the variable display of the special symbols. However, instead of consisting of three symbols like the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3, it may consist of two or more symbols. For example, two separate symbols, special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, may be provided. Also, one common symbol may be provided for special symbol 1 and special symbol 2. In these cases, the display may be performed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50, and the control thereof may be performed by the sub-control board 120. Also, an LED device that displays symbols may be provided in an area other than the play area 6 of the game board 1. In this case, the control of the LED device may be performed by the main control board 100 or the sub-control board 120.

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

Note that when referring to a "state advantageous to the player (advantageous gaming state, advantageous state, or special gaming state)," it is not necessary that all jackpot gaming states fall under this category. For example, a jackpot gaming state that is scheduled to be subsequently controlled to a high-probability state may be configured to fall under this category, or a jackpot gaming state in which a relatively large number of prize balls can be obtained, such as 10R, may be configured to fall under this category. Furthermore, a "state advantageous to the player" may not necessarily refer to a jackpot gaming state, but may also refer to a high-probability state or a high-base state (time-saving state). When a "state advantageous to the player" refers to a high-probability state or a high-base state (time-saving state), various effects that create anticipation of entering a "state advantageous to the player" may not be limited to effects during the variable display of special symbols, but may also be effects that occur at other times, such as during jackpot gaming.

10. Inventions Shown in the Embodiments and Modifications The above-described embodiments and modifications thereof show the inventions of the following means. In the explanation of the means described below, corresponding component names and expressions in the above-described embodiments, etc., and symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions. Note that means A is a general term for the following means A1 to A3. Furthermore, means B is a general term for the following means B1 to B4. Furthermore, means C is a general term for the following means C1 to C4.

Means A1:
Based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (winning into the first starting hole 11), an icon display effect (see FIG. 34) can be executed to display a predetermined icon image (icon A such as reserved icon HA or icon TA).
The icon display effects include a movement display of the icon image (a display of going out of the castle door, see FIG. 34(C) ) and an action display of an image other than the icon image (door image GD) (a door opening action display shown in FIG. 34(B) and a door closing action display shown in FIG. 34(D) ),
When the specified conditions are met consecutively (when the next start winning occurs within a time shorter than the door opening time Tx shown in Figure 36 from the previous start winning), at least a part of the icon display performance based on the fulfillment of the subsequent condition (display of the door opening operation of the door image GD based on the subsequent start winning) is omitted (see Figures 35 and 37), a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) characterized by this.

With a gaming machine configured like this, when the conditions for executing an icon display effect are met consecutively, the icon display effect based on the later condition is not executed in its entirety, but rather is executed in a partially omitted form, allowing for smooth execution of consecutive icon display effects. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in interest due to icon display effects not being executed smoothly.

Means A2:
A gaming machine according to means A1,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the specified conditions are met consecutively, at least a part of the action display (door opening action display of the door image GD) in the icon display performance based on the subsequent condition being met is omitted (see Figures 35 and 37).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the conditions for executing an icon display effect are met consecutively, the portion of the icon display effect based on the subsequent fulfillment of the condition is the portion of the image other than the icon image that is omitted. Therefore, even when the conditions for executing an icon display effect are met consecutively, it is possible to smoothly execute consecutive icon display effects with minimal impact on the display of the icon image itself.

Means A3:
A gaming machine according to means A2,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the specified conditions are met consecutively, the moving display (the display of the reserved icon HA going out of the castle door, see Figure 35 (D)) in the icon display performance based on the subsequent condition being met is not omitted.

With a gaming machine configured in this way, even if the conditions for executing an icon display effect are met consecutively, the moving display of the icon image in the icon display effect based on the subsequent condition being met is not omitted at all. This means that the icon image itself can be clearly seen by the player, and the presentation effect of the icon display effect is unlikely to be reduced.

Means B1:
Execute an icon display effect (see FIG. 39) that displays a predetermined icon image (icon A such as a reserved icon HA or the icon TA);
It is possible to execute a change effect (such as a reserved icon change effect or an icon change effect) that can change the display mode of the icon image (see FIGS. 33 and 38),
The above-mentioned change performance includes:
A first change effect (icon change effect accompanied by a downward sword thrust, see Figures 39 and 41) that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image displayed in the normal display area (icon display area 50f such as the reserved icon display area 50d or the icon display area 50e) by a first distance (L1, see Figures 39(B) and 41(B));
a second change effect (icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword thrust, see FIGS. 40 and 42 ) that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image displayed in the normal display area a second distance (L2, see FIGS. 40(B) and 42(B)) that is different from the first distance,
The gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) is characterized in that the icon image can be changed to the same display mode (sword icon A4) in both the first change presentation and the second change presentation.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if the change in the display mode of an icon image is to the same display mode, the distance the icon image moves to the position where the change in display mode occurs may be different, such as a first distance or a second distance, which can give the player a sense of novelty and increase the interest of the change presentation that changes the display mode of the icon image.

Means B2:
A gaming machine according to means B1,
When the icon image is displayed in the first role (when it is displayed as the icon TA), the probability of the second change effect (icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword thrust, Figure 42) occurring is higher than the probability of the first change effect (icon change effect accompanied by a downward sword thrust, Figure 41) occurring related to the icon image (see Figure 38 (D)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the icon image is displayed in the first role, players are more likely to expect the second change effect to occur than the first change effect, giving players the joy of waiting in anticipation for the second change effect to occur, which is expected to increase their interest in the game.

Means B3:
A gaming machine according to means B2,
A gaming machine characterized in that when the icon image is displayed in a second role different from the first role (when it is displayed as a pending icon HA), the probability of the first change effect (icon change effect accompanied by a downward sword stabbing projection, Figure 39) related to the icon image occurring is higher than the probability of the second change effect (icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword stabbing projection, Figure 40) occurring (see Figure 38 (B)).

With this gaming machine configuration, when the icon image is displayed in the second role, players are more likely to expect the first change effect to occur than the second change effect, in contrast to when the icon image is displayed in the first role. This provides players with the enjoyment of the different types of change effects that are more likely to occur depending on the role of the icon image, and is expected to increase their interest in the game.

Means B4:
A gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B3,
A change prompting effect (such as a downward sword stabbing prompting or an upward sword stabbing prompting) that prompts a change in the display mode of the icon image can be executed,
A gaming machine characterized in that the change prompting effect is sometimes performed when the icon image displayed in the normal display area is moved the first distance (see Figures 39 and 41), and sometimes performed when the icon image displayed in the normal display area is moved the second distance (see Figures 40 and 42).

Even if the change to the same display mode occurs, sometimes the change prompting effect occurs after moving a first distance, and sometimes the change prompting effect occurs after moving a second distance, giving the player a sense of novelty and increasing their interest in the game.

Means C1:
Execute an icon display effect (see FIG. 42) that displays a predetermined icon image (icon A such as a reserved icon HA or the icon TA);
It is possible to execute a change effect (icon change effect) that can change the display mode of the icon image (see FIGS. 33 and 38 ),
The above-mentioned change performance includes:
a first position change effect (the icon change effect accompanied by an upward sword thrusting projection, see FIG. 42 ) that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image to a specific position (an upper non-reference position, see FIG. 42 (B));
a second position change effect (icon change effect accompanied by icon grabbing and tilting, see FIG. 44 ) that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image to a non-specific position (central non-reference position, see FIG. 44(B) ) that is different from the specific position,
The gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) is characterized in that the expected success rate of the change in the display mode of the icon image differs between the first position change presentation and the second position change presentation (the expected success rate is lower for icon grabbing promotion than for upward sword stabbing promotion, see Figure 38 (D)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the likelihood of success in changing the display mode differs when the icon image moves to a specific position versus when it moves to a non-specific position, which can give players a sense of novelty, heightening their interest in the position to which the icon image moves, and increasing the enjoyment of the change effects that change the display mode of the icon image.

Means C2:
A gaming machine according to means C1,
The display modes of the icon image that can be changed include a first mode (sword icon A4) and a second mode (LOGO icon A5) that has a different expectation of achieving an advantageous state (jackpot game state) that is advantageous to the player from the first mode,
A gaming machine characterized in that the probability of changing to the first aspect (sword icon A4) in the first position change presentation is different from the probability of changing to the first aspect (sword icon A4) in the second position change presentation (see Figure 38 (D)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the probability of the icon image changing to the first state differs when it moves to a specific position and when it moves to a non-specific position, which can heighten interest in whether the icon image moves to a specific position or a non-specific position.

Means C3:
A gaming machine according to means C2,
A gaming machine characterized in that the probability of changing to the second mode (LOGO icon A5) in the first position change presentation is different from the probability of changing to the second mode (LOGO icon A5) in the second position change presentation (see Figure 38 (D)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the probability of the icon image changing to the second mode (a mode in which the likelihood of an advantageous state being achieved for the player differs from the first mode) differs when the icon image moves to a specific position versus when it moves to a non-specific position, further heightening interest in whether the icon image moves to a specific position or a non-specific position.

Means C4:
A gaming machine according to any one of means C1 to C3,
A change prompting effect (such as an upward sword thrust prompting or an icon grab prompting) that prompts a change in the display mode of the icon image can be executed,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the change prompting effect includes a first change prompting effect (upward sword stabbing prompting, see Figure 42) that prompts a change in the display mode of the icon image that has moved to the specific position, and a second change prompting effect (icon grabbing prompting, see Figure 44) that prompts a change in the display mode of the icon image that has moved to the non-specific position.

With this gaming machine configuration, different types of change prompting effects are executed when the icon image moves to a specific position and when it moves to a non-specific position, providing the excitement of different change prompting effects and further heightening interest in the position to which the icon image moves.

As an example of a gaming machine, there is a known pachinko gaming machine that displays a reserve icon in a specified display area when a starting win occurs, as described in JP 2016-112132 A, for example. This gaming machine changes the display mode of the reserve icon from the usual white to a special blue or red, encouraging players to anticipate a jackpot win. However, the icon-based performance method described in JP 2016-112132 A is now commonplace, and there is room for improvement to provide more excitement to players.

The above-mentioned means A differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2016-112132 A in that "based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, it is possible to execute icon display effects including the movement of predetermined icon images and the motion display of images other than icon images, and if the predetermined conditions are fulfilled consecutively, at least a portion of the icon display effects based on the fulfillment of subsequent conditions is omitted." This makes it possible for the invention of means A to solve the problem (achieve the effect of) "enhancing the enjoyment of gaming."

Furthermore, the above-mentioned means B differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2016-112132 A in that "the change effects that can change the display mode of a predetermined icon image include a first change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image displayed in the normal display area a first distance, and a second change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image displayed in the normal display area a second distance, and the icon image can be changed to the same display mode in both the first change effect and the second change effect." This makes it possible for the invention of means B to solve the problem of "enhancing the enjoyment of gaming" (achieve the effect of achieving this).

Furthermore, the above-mentioned means C differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2016-112132 A in that "the change effects that can change the display mode of a predetermined icon image include a first position change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image to a specific position, and a second position change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image to a non-specific position, and the first position change effect and the second position change effect have different expectations for the success of changing the display mode of the icon image." This makes it possible for the invention of means C to solve the problem (achieve the effect of) "enhancing the enjoyment of the game."

PY1... Pachinko gaming machine 11... First starting port 50... Image display device 50a... Display unit 50d... Hold icon display area (normal display area)
50e: Icon display area (normal display area)
50f...Icon display area (normal display area)
A...Icon (icon image)
A1...Normal icon A4...Sword icon (first aspect)
A5...LOGO icon (second form)
HA...Hold icon (icon image)
TA...the icon (icon image)
GD...Cover image (image other than icon image)
GH...Hand image GS...Sword image

Claims (1)

Executing an icon display effect that displays a predetermined icon image;
It is possible to execute a change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image,
The above-mentioned change performance includes:
a first position change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image to a specific position;
a second position change effect that can change the display mode of the icon image by moving the icon image to a non-specific position different from the specific position,
The display modes of the icon image that can be changed include a first mode and a second mode that has a different expectation of an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player from the first mode,
the first position change presentation and the second position change presentation have different expectations of success in changing the display mode of the icon image;
the probability that the display mode of the icon image after the change will be the first mode when the change in the display mode of the icon image is successful in the first position change performance is higher than the probability that the display mode of the icon image after the change will be the first mode when the change in the display mode of the icon image is successful in the second position change performance ;
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the change in the display mode of the icon image is successful in the first position change presentation, the probability that the display mode of the icon image after the change will be the second mode is lower than the probability that when the change in the display mode of the icon image is successful in the second position change presentation, the probability that the display mode of the icon image after the change will be the second mode is lower .