JP7796989B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine equipped with a presentation control means for controlling presentations.

For example, in gaming machines such as pachinko machines, when a gaming ball enters the starting slot, a determination is made as to whether or not a special game advantageous to the player will be executed, and after the symbols are displayed in a changing pattern, a pattern indicating the result of this determination is displayed in a static state. Some gaming machines of this type execute various preview effects, such as step-up effects and dialogue previews, while the symbols are displayed in a changing pattern (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-39398

However, the effects used in conventional gaming machines are not necessarily sufficiently entertaining, and there is a demand for further improvements in entertainment value.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can execute highly entertaining effects.

The gaming machine of the first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems comprises:
a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to a player;
a special symbol display control means for causing a predetermined special symbol display means to variably display a special symbol and then statically display a special symbol indicating the result of the determination;
a special game execution means for executing the special game when a special symbol indicating that the determination means has determined that the special game will be executed is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means;
a game control means for controlling a game in one of a plurality of game states including a normal game state and an advantageous game state that is more advantageous to a player than the normal game state;
a performance control means for controlling the performance,
The performance control means
The display device can execute a winning notification effect that notifies the player that the special game will be executed, a changing display that shows the number displayed in the specific display area increasing in size, and a light-emitting effect that causes a predetermined light-emitting means to emit light prior to the changing display.
The light emitting effects include a first light emitting effect in which the light emitting means emits light in a first light emitting color, and a second light emitting effect in which the light emitting means emits light in a second light emitting color,
When the second light emitting effect is executed, the possibility of the winning notification effect being executed is higher than when the first light emitting effect is executed,
The change display is an effect in which a second number larger than the first number is displayed in the specific display area instead of the first number displayed in the specific display area,
The light-emitting effect and the change display are both effects that are executed when a game is controlled in the normal game state,
The performance control means
Regardless of whether the light emitting effect is the first light emitting effect or the second light emitting effect, the change display is always executed after the light emitting effect is executed .

This invention makes it possible to create highly entertaining performances.

Front view of gaming machine 1 Front view of game board 2 An enlarged view of the main display 40 in FIG. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. An explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of presentation in normal gaming mode FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining pseudo-consecutive effects; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the presentation in the first presentation mode and the second presentation mode. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the preview performance exclusive to the second performance mode. A time chart illustrating multiple presentation patterns for preview presentations exclusive to the second presentation mode FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the preview performance exclusive to the first performance mode. A time chart illustrating a plurality of presentation patterns for the preview presentation exclusive to the first presentation mode. An explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a series of effects that make up the increased effects An explanatory diagram for explaining the reliability of a jackpot, such as an increase in effects Screen diagram showing a specific example of an increase effect when a normal reach develops directly into an SPSP reach (part 1) Screen diagram (part 2) showing a specific example of the increase effect that occurs when a normal reach develops directly into an SPSP reach Screen diagram (part 3) showing a specific example of the increase effect that occurs when a normal reach develops directly into an SPSP reach Screen diagram (part 1) showing a specific example of the increase effect that occurs when a normal reach progresses to an SP reach via an SP reach. Screen diagram (part 2) showing a specific example of the increase effect that occurs when a normal reach progresses to an SP reach via an SP reach. Screen diagram (part 3) showing a specific example of the increase effect that occurs when a normal reach progresses to an SP reach via an SP reach. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating storage areas of a main RAM 83 and information stored in each storage area. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interrupt process executed on the main control board 80. Detailed flowchart of the sensor detection process in step S2 of FIG. 22 Detailed flowchart of the preliminary determination process in steps S211 and S219 of FIG. 23 Detailed flowchart of the special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the big win determination process in step S308 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S309 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the special drawing stop processing in step S317 of FIG. A flowchart illustrating a game state setting process executed by the main control board 80 when a big win game ends. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interrupt process executed on the sub-control board 90. Detailed flowchart of operation acceptance processing in step S40 of FIG. 30 Detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S10 of FIG. 31 Detailed flowchart of the pending command receiving process in step S13 of FIG. 32 Detailed flowchart of fluctuation start command reception processing in step S16 of FIG. 32 Detailed flowchart of the variable performance pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. Detailed flowchart (part 1) of the preview effect pattern setting process in step S164 of FIG. 34 Detailed flowchart (part 2) of the preview effect pattern setting process in step S164 of FIG. 34 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interrupt process executed in the image and sound control board 100. Detailed flowchart of the image display control process in step S71 of FIG. 38

The following describes a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) 1 according to one embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, with appropriate reference to the drawings.

[Configuration example of gaming machine 1]
First, an example of the configuration of a gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Here, Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, and Figure 2 is a front view of the gaming board 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 30 and a gaming board 2 mounted within the gaming machine frame 30. The gaming machine frame 30 includes a front frame 31 having a decorative surface, a main frame for mounting the gaming board 2, etc., and an outer frame for fixing the gaming machine 1 to the island equipment of the hall. The front frame 31 supports a glass plate arranged parallel to the gaming board 2 at a predetermined distance, and the glass plate and the gaming board 2 form a gaming area 3 into which gaming balls can flow.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 31 is provided with a launch handle 32 for launching game balls, an upper tray 33 for storing game balls to be supplied to the launching device (not shown), and a lower tray 34 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in the upper tray 33. When a player grips the launch handle 32 and rotates it clockwise, the game balls stored in the upper tray 33 are guided to the launching device and launched with a launch strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 32. The launched game ball travels along a rail member 4 located on the left side of the play area 3 and is then guided to an upper position in the play area 3. It flows down the play area 3 along the play board 2, changing its direction of movement as it comes into contact with game nails, windmills, etc. provided in the play area 3.

A ball return prevention piece 6 is provided at the end of the rail member 4, which prevents a game ball that has entered the play area 3 from returning to the launching device. A stop button is also provided near the launching handle 32, and by operating this stop button, the player can temporarily stop the launch of game balls without having to return the launching handle 32 to its initial position.

When the player rotates the launch handle 32 by a small angle (a "left hit"), the game ball is launched with a relatively weak launch strength and flows down the left game area 3L. On the other hand, when the player rotates the launch handle 32 by a large angle (a "right hit"), the game ball is launched with a relatively strong launch strength and flows down the right game area 3R after traveling along the rail member 4 located in the upper right corner of the center decorative body 10.

In the left game area 3L, the path through which the game ball passes is provided with devices related to winning and judgment, including a first start opening 21, a second start opening 22, an opening/closing member 23, and three general winning openings 24 (see Figure 2). In addition, in the right game area 3R, the path through which the game ball passes is provided with devices related to winning and judgment, including the second start opening 22, the opening/closing member 23, one general winning opening 24, a gate 25, a first large winning opening 26, an opening/closing member 27, a second large winning opening 28, and an opening/closing member 29 (see Figure 2).

As a gaming ball launched from the launching device flows down the gaming area 3 along the gaming board 2, it may land in any of the first starting opening 21, second starting opening 22, general winning opening 24, first large winning opening 26, and second large winning opening 28. In this case, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the winning location are paid out to the upper tray 33 or the lower tray 34. Gaming balls that do not land in either of these openings are discharged from the gaming area 3 through a discharge opening formed at the bottom end of the gaming board 2.

A center decorative body 10 is provided in the opening formed in the center of the gaming board 2. This center decorative body 10 is composed of a stage section 11 having a gaming ball rolling surface on which gaming balls can roll, and a warp section 12 with a warp entrance and a warp exit at both ends. Gaming balls flowing down the left gaming area 3L may enter the warp section 12 from the warp entrance, and these gaming balls are discharged from the warp exit and guided to the stage section 11. A guide groove is formed in the center of the left and right sides of the stage section 11, allowing gaming balls rolling on the stage section 11 to fall toward the first starting opening 21. For this reason, gaming balls guided to the stage section 11 via the warp section 12 are more likely to enter the first starting opening 21 than gaming balls flowing down the left gaming area 3L without passing through the warp section 12.

The first start opening 21 is a start area that is always open. The second start opening 22 is a start area that is closed when the opening/closing member 23, which is a normal electric device, is not operating and is opened when the opening/closing member 23 is operating. In the gaming machine 1, when a gaming ball enters the first start opening 21 (or the second start opening 22), a determination is made as to whether a special game (jackpot game) advantageous to the player will be executed. Then, the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), described below, displays a variable pattern, and a pattern (jackpot symbol or losing symbol) indicating the result of the determination is displayed as a frozen pattern. If a frozen jackpot symbol is displayed, a jackpot game is executed to open the first large prize opening 26 or the second large prize opening 28.

In the following explanation, the judgment made in response to a game ball winning through the first starting hole 21 will be referred to as the "first special pattern judgment," and the judgment made in response to a game ball winning through the second starting hole 22 will be referred to as the "second special pattern judgment," and these will be collectively referred to as the "special pattern judgment."

The first large prize opening 26 is a special prize area that opens depending on the results of the special symbol determination. An opening/closing member 27, which is a plate that opens and closes the first large prize opening 26, is provided at the opening of the first large prize opening 26. The first large prize opening 26 is normally blocked by the opening/closing member 27. In contrast, when a predetermined large prize symbol is displayed in a static state on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), the opening/closing member 27 is activated to open the first large prize opening 26, resulting in a large prize game. During this large prize game, multiple long open rounds are played in which the opening/closing member 27 maintains an open position (see FIG. 2) that opens the first large prize opening 26, and then returns to a closed position that blocks the first large prize opening 26. In this embodiment, each long open round game in which the first large prize opening 26 is opened continues until 10 game balls enter the first large prize opening 26 or 25 seconds have passed since the first large prize opening 26 was opened.

The second large prize opening 28 is a special prize area that opens depending on the results of the special symbol determination. An opening/closing member 29, which is a blade member that opens and closes the second large prize opening 28, is provided at the opening of the second large prize opening 28. The second large prize opening 28 is normally blocked by the opening/closing member 29. In contrast, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is displayed in a static state on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), the opening/closing member 29 is activated to open the second large prize opening 28, resulting in a jackpot game. During this jackpot game, multiple long open round games are played in which the opening/closing member 29 maintains an open position (see Figure 2) that opens the second large prize opening 28, and then returns to a closed position that blocks the second large prize opening 28. In this embodiment, each long open round game in which the second large prize opening 28 is opened continues until 10 game balls enter the second large prize opening 28 or 25 seconds have passed since the second large prize opening 28 was opened.

In this way, during a jackpot game, multiple long-open rounds of play are played in which the first large prize opening 26 (or the second large prize opening 28) is left open for a long time, so by hitting the ball to the right during a jackpot game, the player can obtain more prize balls than when a jackpot game is not being played.

For ease of explanation, Figure 2 shows the opening/closing members 27, 29 in an open position that opens the large prize openings 26, 28 when the effect symbols are displayed in a changing manner on the display screen 70 of the image display device 7. However, in reality, the opening/closing members 27, 29 are not in an open position while the effect symbols are displayed in a changing manner. Also, in a long open round game, either the first large prize opening 26 or the second large prize opening 28 is used, so in reality, these large prize openings are not open at the same time as shown in Figure 2. Also, which of the first large prize opening 26 or the second large prize opening 28 is used to play a jackpot game is preset depending on the type of jackpot.

An opening/closing member 23 (see Figure 2) is positioned adjacent to the second starting port 22. This opening/closing member 23 can be changed between a closed position in which the opening/closing member 23 blocks the second starting port 22 and an open position (see Figure 2) in which the opening/closing member 23 opens the second starting port 22.

The second starting opening 22 is normally blocked by the opening/closing member 23. In contrast, when a game ball hit by a player to the right passes through the gate 25, a determination is made as to whether or not to open the second starting opening 22, although no prize balls are paid out. If it is determined that the second starting opening 22 should be opened, the opening/closing member 23 remains in an open position for a predetermined period of time and then returns to a closed position a predetermined number of times. In this way, when the opening/closing member 23 is not operating, the second starting opening 22 is in a state where it is difficult for game balls to pass through, but when the opening/closing member 23 is operating, it becomes easier for game balls to pass through.

In the following explanation, the determination that is performed when the gaming ball passes through gate 25 will be referred to as the "normal symbol determination."

The general winning opening 24, like the first starting opening 21, is always open and is a winning opening from which a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out when a game ball enters the general winning opening 24. However, unlike the first starting opening 21, no judgment is made even if a game ball enters the general winning opening 24.

[Configuration example of main display 40]
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the main display 40 in Figure 2. As illustrated in Figure 3, the main display 40 is configured to have a first special symbol display 41, a second special symbol display 42, a normal symbol display 43, a first special symbol reserve display 44, a second special symbol reserve display 45, a normal symbol reserve display 46, a round display 47, a game status display 48, a firing direction display 49, etc.

The first special symbol display 41 is composed of eight LEDs designated "i-p," and when a first special symbol determination is made, it notifies the result of the first special symbol determination by displaying a fluctuating pattern followed by a static display of a pattern indicating the result of the first special symbol determination. Specifically, for example, the eight LEDs are sequentially lit to display a fluctuating pattern, and the pattern is statically displayed by lighting each LED in a combination according to the result of the first special symbol determination for a predetermined fixed time (e.g., 0.6 seconds).

The second special symbol display 42 is composed of eight LEDs designated "a-h," and when a second special symbol determination is made, it notifies the result of the second special symbol determination by displaying a fluctuating pattern followed by a static display of a pattern indicating the result of the second special symbol determination. Specifically, for example, the eight LEDs are sequentially lit to display a fluctuating pattern, and the pattern is statically displayed by lighting each LED in a combination according to the result of the second special symbol determination for a predetermined fixed time (e.g., 0.6 seconds).

The first special symbol display 41 (or second special symbol display 42) displays a "jackpot symbol" indicating a jackpot, or a "miss symbol" indicating a miss, as a symbol indicating the result of the first special symbol determination (or second special symbol determination). The gaming machine 1 provides multiple different jackpot symbols depending on the type of jackpot, and when a jackpot symbol is displayed, a jackpot game is played in which the first large prize opening 26 or the second large prize opening 28 is opened in an opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot symbol.

The normal symbol display 43 is composed of two LEDs indicated by "s-t." When a normal symbol determination is made, the result of the normal symbol determination is notified by displaying a fluctuating symbol followed by a static symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol determination. Specifically, for example, the fluctuating symbol display is performed by alternately lighting the two LEDs, and the static symbol display is performed by lighting each LED for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) in a lighting pattern corresponding to the result of the normal symbol determination. Here, when a winning symbol is displayed statically, an auxiliary game is performed in which the second starting hole 22 is opened by operating the opening/closing member 23 in an opening pattern corresponding to the current game state.

In the following explanation, the patterns displayed on the first special pattern display device 41 and the second special pattern display device 42 will be referred to as "special patterns," and the patterns displayed on the normal pattern display device 43 will be referred to as "normal patterns." Furthermore, the special pattern displayed on the first special pattern display device 41 may be referred to as the "first special pattern," and the special pattern displayed on the second special pattern display device 42 may be referred to as the "second special pattern" to distinguish between the two.

The first special symbol pending indicator 44 is composed of two LEDs indicated by "u-v," and displays the number of pending first special symbol determinations depending on the lighting status of these LEDs. The second special symbol pending indicator 45 is composed of two LEDs indicated by "w-x," and displays the number of pending second special symbol determinations depending on the lighting status of these LEDs. Note that in this embodiment, the upper limit for these pending numbers is set to "4." The regular symbol pending indicator 46 is composed of two LEDs indicated by "q-r," and displays the number of pending regular symbol determinations depending on the lighting status of these LEDs.

When a jackpot symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, the round indicator 47 displays the number of rounds in the long open round game in the jackpot game that is executed in response to the jackpot corresponding to that jackpot symbol. This round indicator 47 is configured with a 4R LED, a 6R LED, an 8R LED, and a 10R LED, and the number of rounds in the long open round game is announced when any of these LEDs lights up.

The game status indicator 48 is composed of three LEDs, designated "a1-a3," and indicates the game status of the gaming machine 1 based on the lighting patterns of these LEDs. The launch direction indicator 49 is composed of two LEDs, designated "y-z," and indicates the direction in which the gaming ball will be launched based on the lighting patterns of these LEDs. In other words, it indicates whether the game is in a state where a left-handed shot or a right-handed shot is to be made.

[Configuration example of the effect means provided in the gaming machine 1]
1 and 2, the game board 2 and the front frame 31 are provided with decorative members 13, movable decorative members 14, frame lamps 37, speakers 38, a performance indicator 125, a first special symbol reserve indicator 126, a second special symbol reserve indicator 127, and the like to perform various effects. In addition, an image display device 7 is provided behind the game board 2.

The decorative member 13 incorporates a panel lamp 5 (see Figure 4) that is composed of multiple LEDs, and various lighting effects can be created by changing the lighting and flashing patterns of each LED and by changing the color of each LED's light.

The movable decorative member 14 is positioned in front of the image display device 7 and behind the decorative member 13. This movable decorative member 14 incorporates multiple LEDs, and the movable decorative member 14 performs predetermined effects through its own movement and/or light. In this embodiment, a predetermined space is provided between the game board 2 and the display screen 70 of the image display device 7, allowing the movable decorative member 14 to move up and down along the display screen 70. The movable decorative member 14 is normally positioned in an initial position (see Figure 2) where most of it is hidden behind the decorative member 13 and only the bottom end of the movable decorative member 14 is visible. In contrast, when a preview effect with a relatively high probability of a jackpot is executed using the image display device 7 or speaker 38, or when a jackpot is indicated, the movable decorative member 14 emits light in a predetermined light-emitting pattern and falls to an operating position that covers most of the display screen 70.

The frame lamp 37 is composed of multiple LEDs built into various parts of the front frame 31, and various lighting effects can be created by changing the lighting and flashing patterns of each LED and by changing the color of each LED's light.

The image display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device that displays effect images on its display screen 70, and the player can view the display screen 70 through an opening formed in the center of the gaming board 2. This display screen 70 displays effect images including various display objects such as effect images that notify the results of the special pattern determination, characters and items, reserved images (reserved icons) displayed in the same number as the number of reserved first special pattern determinations (or second special pattern determinations), and change suggestion images (icons) that indicate that special pattern changes are being displayed. Note that the image display device 7 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be another image display device such as an EL display device, as long as it is capable of displaying effect images.

The speaker 38 outputs musical pieces, voices, sound effects, and other sound effects either synchronized with or asynchronous to the display effects on the display screen 70, thereby creating an audio effect.

The effect display 125 is composed of two LEDs, and displays changing patterns in accordance with the changing display of special and effect patterns, and displays a static pattern that notifies the result of the special pattern determination in accordance with the static display of special and effect patterns. This effect display 125 notifies the result of the special pattern determination by the combination of the on/off status and lighting colors of each LED.

The first special symbol pending indicator 126 for effect is configured with two LEDs, and by combining the on/off states of each LED, it displays the same number of pending first special symbol determinations as displayed on the first special symbol pending indicator 44. The second special symbol pending indicator 127 for effect is configured with two LEDs, and by combining the on/off states of each LED, it displays the same number of pending second special symbol determinations as displayed on the second special symbol pending indicator 45.

[Configuration example of input means provided in gaming machine 1]
1 , the front frame 31 is provided with a first effect button 35 and a second effect button 36 as input means that can be used by the player. The first effect button 35 is a push button that the player presses to input operation information. The second effect button 36 is a push button that the player presses to input operation information by grasping the grip of the second effect button 36 and pressing the second effect button 36. In the gaming machine 1, effects may be generated in response to the operation of the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36.

The first effect button 35 also has a built-in first effect button lamp 352 (see FIG. 4) consisting of multiple LEDs that illuminate the first effect button 35, and the second effect button 36 also has a built-in second effect button lamp 362 (see FIG. 4) consisting of multiple LEDs that illuminate the second effect button 36. In the gaming machine 1, the first effect button lamp 352 emits light in one of multiple light colors to prompt the player to operate the first effect button 35 during the valid period during which operation of the first effect button 35 is valid. The first effect button 35 also has a built-in vibration motor 353 consisting of an eccentric motor that vibrates the first effect button 35, and in the gaming machine 1, a jackpot is announced by the first effect button 35 vibrating as an effect symbol indicating a jackpot is displayed on the display screen 70. Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1, the second effect button lamp 362 emits light in one of a plurality of colors to prompt the player to operate the second effect button 36 during the valid period during which operation of the second effect button 36 is valid.

The configuration of the input means is not limited to that exemplified in this embodiment, and may be other. That is, for example, in this embodiment, a case is described in which the gaming machine 1 is equipped with two input means, but the input means may be one or three or more. Furthermore, the input means is not limited to push buttons, and may be other input means such as a touch panel that can detect touch operations by the player, an optical sensor that can detect, for example, the player's hand held over the display screen 70, a joystick that can be moved back and forth and left and right to specify position and direction, or an input means that the player can hold and change its position.

[Configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.
A control device that controls the operation of the gaming machine 1 is provided on the back side of the gaming board 2. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the control device of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a main control board 80 that controls the progress of a game using game balls, a sub-control board 90 that comprehensively controls the effects based on information from the main control board 80, an image and sound control board 100 that controls the effects using images and sounds, and a lamp control board 120 that controls the effects using various lamps and movable members. In this embodiment, the main control board 80 functions as a game control unit that controls the progress of the game, and the sub-control board 90, image and sound control board 100, and lamp control board 120 function as an effect control unit that controls the effects. Note that the configuration of the control device is not limited to this, and for example, the sub-control board 90, image and sound control board 100, and lamp control board 120 may be configured on a single board.

<Configuration example of main control board 80>
The main control board 80 includes a main CPU 81, a main ROM 82, and a main RAM 83. The main CPU 81 performs various arithmetic processing related to judgments and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on programs stored in the main ROM 82. The main RAM 83 is used as a memory area for temporarily storing various data used when the main CPU 81 executes the programs, and as a working area for data processing, etc.

Connected to the main control board 80 are the first start opening sensor 211, the second start opening sensor 221, the gate sensor 251, the first large prize opening sensor 261, the second large prize opening sensor 281, the general prize opening sensor 241, the second start opening solenoid 222, the first large prize opening solenoid 262, and the second large prize opening solenoid 282. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with four general prize opening sensors 241 corresponding to the four general prize openings 24, but for ease of explanation, only one general prize opening sensor 241 is shown in Figure 4.

The first start opening sensor 211 detects that a game ball has entered the first start opening 21 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 80. The second start opening sensor 221 detects that a game ball has entered the second start opening 22 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 80. The gate sensor 251 detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 25 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 80. The first large prize opening sensor 261 detects that a game ball has entered the first large prize opening 26 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 80. The second large prize opening sensor 281 detects that a game ball has entered the second large prize opening 28 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 80. The general prize opening sensor 241 detects that a game ball has entered the general prize opening 24 and outputs a detection signal to the main control board 80.

The second starting opening solenoid 222 is an electric solenoid connected to the opening/closing member 23 so as to transmit a driving force, and operates the opening/closing member 23 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to open and close the second starting opening 22. The first large winning opening solenoid 262 is an electric solenoid connected to the opening/closing member 27 so as to transmit a driving force, and operates the opening/closing member 27 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to open and close the first large winning opening 26. The second large winning opening solenoid 282 is an electric solenoid connected to the opening/closing member 29 so as to transmit a driving force, and operates the opening/closing member 29 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to open and close the second large winning opening 28.

Although not shown in the figure, the gaming machine 1 is equipped with a payout control board that controls a drive motor that sends out gaming balls from a ball tank located on the back side of the gaming board 2, thereby supplying gaming balls to the upper tray 33 or the lower tray 34. When a detection signal is input from the first start opening sensor 211, the second start opening sensor 221, the first large prize opening sensor 261, the second large prize opening sensor 281, or the general prize opening sensor 241, the main CPU 81 instructs the payout control board to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the location where the gaming ball entered, and also manages the number of prize balls to be paid out based on information from the payout control board.

The main CPU 81 also acquires various random numbers as acquired information when a detection signal is input from the first start gate sensor 211, and uses the acquired random numbers to perform a first special symbol determination. The main CPU 81 also acquires various random numbers as acquired information when a detection signal is input from the second start gate sensor 221, and uses the acquired random numbers to perform a second special symbol determination. The various random numbers here specifically refer to jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers.

The jackpot random number is a random number used to determine whether a jackpot or a miss is achieved. The pattern random number is a random number used to determine the type of jackpot (such as the number of rounds of jackpot play and the game state after the jackpot play ends) when a jackpot is determined. The reach random number is a random number used to determine whether a reach effect or a no-reach effect is performed when a miss is determined. The variation pattern random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern of the special pattern when it is displayed in a varying manner.

The main CPU 81 acquires these random numbers when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 21 (or the second starting hole 22), and first determines whether or not to execute a jackpot game based on whether the acquired jackpot random number matches a predetermined random number value (winning value) stored in the main ROM 82. If it determines to execute a jackpot game based on the jackpot random number matching the winning value, it determines the type of jackpot based on which of the predetermined random number values (compared to the pattern random number) stored in the main ROM 82 the pattern random number acquired together with the jackpot random number matches.

Here, examples of types of jackpots include a "4R probability variable jackpot" in which gameplay is controlled in a probability variable game state after a jackpot game including four long-open rounds is played, a "6R probability variable jackpot" in which gameplay is controlled in a probability variable game state after a jackpot game including six long-open rounds is played, an "8R probability variable jackpot" in which gameplay is controlled in a probability variable game state after a jackpot game including eight long-open rounds is played, and a "10R probability variable jackpot" in which gameplay is controlled in a probability variable game state after a jackpot game including ten long-open rounds is played.

On the other hand, if the main CPU 81 determines not to execute a jackpot game because the acquired jackpot random number does not match the winning value, it determines whether to perform a reach effect or a no-reach effect based on whether the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number matches a predetermined random number value (a random number value corresponding to a reach effect) stored in the main ROM 82 (which is compared with the reach random number). Furthermore, regardless of the result of the determination based on the jackpot random number, the main CPU 81 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner based on the variation pattern random number acquired together with the jackpot random number. This determines the variation time of the special symbol.

When the main CPU 81 determines that a jackpot game will be played and determines the type of jackpot, it controls the opening and closing of the first large prize opening 26 (or the second large prize opening 28) via the first large prize opening solenoid 262 (or the second large prize opening solenoid 282), thereby playing a jackpot game according to the type of jackpot.

The main CPU 81 also acquires a random number (normal symbol random number) when a detection signal is input from the gate sensor 251, and performs a normal symbol determination using the acquired normal symbol random number. If the result of this normal symbol determination is that the second start hole 22 should be opened, the main CPU 81 executes an auxiliary game that opens the second start hole 22 by controlling the opening and closing of the second start hole 22 via the second start hole solenoid 222.

In addition, the main control board 80 is connected to a first special symbol display 41, a second special symbol display 42, a normal symbol display 43, a first special symbol reserve display 44, a second special symbol reserve display 45, a normal symbol reserve display 46, a round display 47, a game status display 48, and a launch direction display 49.

The main CPU 81 controls these displays 41 to 49 that make up the main display 40, and executes the display processing described above based on Figure 3.

<Configuration example of sub-control board 90>
The sub-control board 90 includes a sub-CPU 91, a sub-ROM 92, a sub-RAM 93, and an RTC (real-time clock) 94. The sub-CPU 91 performs calculations to control performances based on programs stored in the sub-ROM 92. The sub-RAM 93 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used by the sub-CPU 91 when executing the programs, and as a working area for data processing, etc. The RTC 94 measures the current date and time (date and time).

A first effect button detection sensor 351 is connected to the sub-control board 90. When the first effect button 35 (see FIG. 1) is operated (pressed), the sensor outputs operation information (operation signal) to the sub-control board 90. For example, the operating member of the first effect button 35 pressed by the player is provided with a light-shielding piece, and the first effect button detection sensor 351 is configured with a photointerrupter that detects the light-shielding piece when the operating member is positioned in the depressed operating position and outputs the detection signal (operation signal) to the sub-control board 90. The sub-CPU 91 can determine that the first effect button 35 has been "single pressed" based on a single input of an operation signal from the first effect button detection sensor 351 during the valid period. Furthermore, the sub-CPU 91 can determine that the first effect button 35 has been "repeatedly pressed" based on multiple intermittent inputs of an operation signal from the first effect button detection sensor 351 during the valid period. Furthermore, when the operating member of the first effect button 35 that has been operated (pressed) returns from the operating position to its initial position, the first effect button detection sensor 351 outputs operation information (return signal) indicating this to the sub-control board 90. Therefore, the sub-CPU 91 can determine that the first effect button 35 has been "pressed and held" based on the fact that a predetermined time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since the operation signal was input from the first effect button detection sensor 351 and no return signal has been input.

Also connected to the sub-control board 90 is a second effect button detection sensor 361 that outputs operation information (operation signal) to the sub-control board 90 when the second effect button 36 (see Figure 1) is operated. The operating member of the second effect button 36, which is pressed forward by the player, is provided with a light-blocking piece, and the second effect button detection sensor 361 is composed of a photointerrupter that detects the light-blocking piece when the operating member is positioned in the pressed-in operating position and outputs a detection signal (operation signal) to the sub-control board 90.

The sub-CPU 91 sets the presentation content based on game information regarding special symbol determination, normal symbol determination, jackpot play, etc., sent from the main control board 80. In doing so, it may accept input of operation information from the first presentation button 35 or the second presentation button 36 and set the presentation content according to that operation information. The sub-CPU 91 sends commands to the image and sound control board 100 and lamp control board 120 to instruct the execution of the presentation content that has been set.

<Configuration example of image and sound control board 100>
The image and sound control board 100 controls the image display by the image display device 7 and the output of sound effects by the speaker 38. In this embodiment, the image and sound control board 100 includes an image and sound control CPU 101, a control ROM 102, a control RAM 103, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 104, a CGROM 105, a VRAM 106, an audio DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 107, an audio ROM 108, an SDRAM 109, and an amplifier 110.

The control ROM 102 is composed of mask ROM and stores the control program of the image and sound control CPU 101, a display list generation program for generating a display list, and various tables such as a display list creation table used in the process of creating the display list. Here, the display list is composed of a group of commands for instructing the execution of drawing on a frame-by-frame basis, and includes various parameters such as the type of image to be drawn, the position (coordinates) at which the image is to be drawn, the display priority, display magnification, rotation angle, and transparency. The control RAM 103 is used as a memory area for temporarily storing various data used by the image and sound control CPU 101 when executing the control program, and as a working area for data processing, etc.

Based on the above control program, various tables such as the display list creation table, and commands received from the sub-control board 90, the image and sound control CPU 101 instructs the VDP 104 to display image data (performance data) stored in the CGROM 105 on the image display device 7. This instruction is mainly carried out by outputting a display list. The image and sound control CPU 101 also instructs the sound DSP 107 to output sound data stored in the sound ROM 108 from the speaker 38.

CGROM 105 stores the effect data necessary to execute the variable effects associated with the variable display of special symbols and the effects associated with jackpot games. CGROM 105 is composed of flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, mask ROM, etc., and stores compressed sprite data (a single piece of image data) consisting of a collection of pixel information for a specified range of pixels (e.g., 32 x 32 pixels), movie data consisting of a collection of multiple image data, etc. The pixel information consists of color number information that specifies a color number for each pixel and an alpha value that indicates the transparency of the image. CGROM 105 also stores, without compression, palette data that associates color number information that specifies a color number with display color information for actually displaying the color.

It is also possible to compress only a portion of the image data stored in CGROM 105. Furthermore, various well-known compression methods, such as MPEG4, can be used to compress movie data.

VRAM 106 is composed of SRAM that can write and read image data at high speed, and although not shown in the figure, it also includes a display list storage area, a development storage area, a frame buffer, etc.

The display list storage area temporarily stores the display list output from the image and audio control CPU 101. The expansion storage area stores image data that has been read from the CGROM 105 and then expanded. The frame buffer is used for both drawing and displaying image data to be displayed on the display screen 70.

VDP104 decompresses image data stored in compressed form in CGROM105 and stores the decompressed image data in the expanded memory area. Furthermore, VDP104 performs drawing processing on the frame buffer using the image data stored in the expanded memory area based on the display list stored in the display list memory area. Furthermore, VDP104 generates RGB signals as video signals indicating the color of the image from the image data stored in the frame buffer, and outputs the generated RGB signals to the image display device 7.

Connected to the audio DSP 107 are an audio ROM 108, an SDRAM 109, and an amplifier 110. The audio ROM 108 stores various audio data related to music, voice, sound effects, warning sounds, etc. The SDRAM 109 is used as a work area for data processing by the audio DSP 107. The audio DSP 107 reads audio data corresponding to instructions from the image and audio control CPU 101 from the audio ROM 108 to the SDRAM 109, performs data processing, and outputs the processed audio data to the speaker 38 (via the amplifier 110). The amplifier 110 adjusts the volume in accordance with volume-related instructions received from the image and audio control CPU 101 via the audio DSP 107, and outputs the audio data to the speaker 38.

Note that in this embodiment, we will explain a case where the VDP is responsible for drawing management and the audio DSP is responsible for sound management, but in other embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which the VDP is responsible for both drawing management and sound management. In this case, there is no need to provide a separate audio DSP.

<Configuration example of lamp control board 120>
The lamp control board 120 includes a lamp CPU 121, a lamp ROM 122, and a lamp RAM 123, and is connected to a frame lamp 37, a panel lamp 5, a movable decorative member 14, a performance indicator 125, a first special symbol hold indicator 126, a second special symbol hold indicator 127, a first performance button lamp 352, a second performance button lamp 362, and a vibration motor 353. The lamp ROM 122 stores a program executed by the lamp CPU 121, light emission pattern data, operation pattern data, vibration pattern data, etc. Here, the light emission pattern data is data indicating the light emission patterns of the frame lamp 37, the panel lamp 5, the LEDs built into the movable decorative member 14, etc. The operation pattern data is data indicating the operation pattern of the movable decorative member 14, etc. The vibration pattern data is data indicating the vibration pattern of the first performance button 35, which vibrates due to the driving force of the vibration motor 353.

The lamp CPU 121 performs calculations based on the program stored in the lamp ROM 122 to control the operation of the frame lamp 37, the panel lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, the effect display 125, the effect first special chart hold display 126, the effect second special chart hold display 127, etc.

The lamp CPU 121 reads out, from the light emission pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122, light emission pattern data corresponding to commands received from the sub-control board 90 into the lamp RAM 123, and controls the light emission of the frame lamp 37, the panel lamp 5, the LEDs built into the movable decorative member 14, the first effect button lamp 352, and the second effect button lamp 362. The lamp CPU 121 also reads out, from the operation pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122, operation pattern data corresponding to commands received from the sub-control board 90 into the lamp RAM 123, and controls the drive of the motor that operates the movable decorative member 14. The lamp CPU 121 also reads out, from the vibration pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122, vibration pattern data corresponding to commands received from the sub-control board 90 into the lamp RAM 123, and controls the drive of the vibration motor 353.

In addition, the lamp CPU 121 controls the changing and stopping display of symbols on the effect display 125 based on commands from the sub-control board 90. In addition, the lamp CPU 121 controls the display of the number of reserved symbols related to the first special symbol determination by the effect first special symbol reserve display 126, and the display of the number of reserved symbols related to the second special symbol determination by the effect second special symbol reserve display 127 based on commands from the sub-control board 90.

[About game status]
Next, the gaming states and game flow of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Here, Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the gaming states of the gaming machine 1. As illustrated in Fig. 5, in this embodiment, the gaming machine 1 controls the game in one of three gaming states: a "normal gaming state," a "probability variable gaming state," and a "time-shortened gaming state."

The "normal gaming state" is a gaming state in which a special symbol determination is made in a relatively low probability state in which the probability of a jackpot being determined to occur is low, and a support function (such as a function known as "electric support") that supports the entry of game balls into the second start port 22 is not provided. In the normal gaming state, the probability that a special symbol determination will determine that a jackpot will occur is set to a relatively low probability (e.g., 1/200). Furthermore, the probability that a normal symbol determination will determine that the second start port 22 will open is set to a relatively low probability (e.g., 1/11), the normal symbol variation time is set to a relatively long time (e.g., 20 seconds), and the opening time of the second start port 22 when it is determined that the second start port 22 will open is set to a relatively short time (e.g., 0.1 seconds x 1 time).

The "probable chance game state" is a game state in which a special symbol determination is made in a relatively high probability state in which the probability of a jackpot game being determined to be executed is high, and the support function described above is also provided. In other words, in the probable chance game state, the probability of a special symbol determination determining that a jackpot game will be executed is set to a relatively high probability (e.g., 1/80). Furthermore, the probability of a normal symbol determination determining that the second start hole 22 will be opened is set to a relatively high probability (e.g., 11/11), the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to a relatively short time (e.g., 1.5 seconds), and the opening time of the second start hole 22 when it is determined that the second start hole 22 will be opened is set to a relatively long time (e.g., 1.5 seconds x 3 times).

The "time-saving game state" is a game state in which a special symbol determination is made in the above-mentioned low probability state and the above-mentioned support function is granted. That is, in the time-saving game state, the probability that a special symbol determination will determine that a jackpot game will be executed is set to a relatively low probability (e.g., 1/200). Furthermore, the probability that a normal symbol determination will determine that the second start hole 22 will be opened is set to a relatively high probability (e.g., 11/11), the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to a relatively short time (e.g., 1.5 seconds), and the opening time of the second start hole 22 when it is determined that the second start hole 22 will be opened is set to a relatively long time (e.g., 1.5 seconds x 3 times).

When comparing these game states in terms of the time it takes for the special symbols to change, the time it takes for the special symbols to change in the "probable win game state" or "time-limited game state" is likely to be set to a relatively shorter time than the time it takes for the special symbols to change in the "normal game state." It goes without saying that the probability of a special game being executed (jackpot probability), the probability of a game being determined to open the second start slot 22 (winning probability of the normal symbol determination), the time it takes for the normal symbols to change, and the time it takes for the second start slot 22 to open, shown in the explanation of each game state, are merely examples, and other probabilities and times may also be used.

In the following explanation, the state in which the support function is provided and it is easy for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 22 will be referred to as the "high base state," and the state in which the support function is not provided and it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 22 will be referred to as the "low base state."

[Game flow]
A game ball hit by a player with the right hand will not enter the first starting hole 21, but may enter the second starting hole 22. However, in a low base state, the second starting hole 22 is difficult to open, and even if it does open, the opening time is extremely short. Therefore, when the game is controlled in a low base state (which corresponds to the "normal game state" in this embodiment), the player will play by hitting with the left hand, aiming at the first starting hole 21.

When a game ball hit from the left side enters the first starting hole 21 during normal game play, a first special symbol determination is executed, and the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. After that, a jackpot symbol or a losing symbol is displayed as a static first special symbol indicating the result of the first special symbol determination.

If a losing symbol is displayed, no jackpot game will be played and the game state will not change. On the other hand, if a jackpot symbol is displayed as the first special symbol, a jackpot game will be played in which a predetermined number of long open rounds corresponding to that jackpot symbol are played, and after the jackpot game ends, the game will be controlled in a probability variable game state or a time-limited game state.

The jackpot symbols (special symbols) that indicate that the result of the special symbol determination is a jackpot include a "probability variable symbol" that indicates a probability variable jackpot and a "normal symbol" that indicates a normal jackpot. If a "probability variable symbol" is displayed as the jackpot symbol that indicates that the result of the first special symbol determination is a jackpot in normal game mode, gameplay will be controlled in the probability variable game mode after the jackpot game ends; if a "normal symbol" is displayed as the jackpot symbol, gameplay will be controlled in the normal game mode after the jackpot game ends (see Figure 5).

Furthermore, when the game state transitions to a high-base state or a high-variant state following the end of a jackpot game, that is, when the game state transitions from a low-base state to a high-base state, the support function described above, which makes it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 22, makes it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 22 than the first starting hole 21. For this reason, when game play is controlled in a high-base state (which in this embodiment corresponds to the "high-variant state" or "high-variant state"), the player will play by hitting the ball to the right, aiming at the second starting hole 22. For this reason, when game play is controlled in a high-variant state or a low-variant state, a second special symbol determination is generally performed.

In addition, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the probability variable game state will essentially continue until the next jackpot, and if a "probability variable pattern" is displayed as the second special pattern during this probability variable game state, game play will be controlled again in the probability variable game state after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, if a "normal pattern" is displayed as the second special pattern during the probability variable game state, game play will be controlled in the time-saving game state after the jackpot game ends.

In addition, if a "probability variable symbol" is displayed as the second special symbol during the time-saving game mode, the game will be controlled in the probability variable game mode after the jackpot game ends, and if a "normal symbol" is displayed as the second special symbol, the game will be controlled again in the time-saving game mode after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, if a jackpot does not occur even after the specified number of second special symbol determinations (100 times in this embodiment) are made during the time-saving game mode, the game mode will return from the time-saving game mode to the normal game mode.

[About the changing effects]
Next, a description will be given of the change presentation that is performed using the display screen 70 etc. as the first special symbol changes and then stops being displayed in the normal game state.

In the gaming machine 1, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 21 and a first special pattern determination is executed, the first special pattern is displayed in a variable manner on the first special pattern display 41, and then a static display of the first special pattern indicating the result of the first special pattern determination is displayed. The display screen 70 is provided with a performance pattern display area 73 (see Figure 2) in which a performance pattern announcing the result of the first special pattern determination is displayed, and in conjunction with the display of the variable first special pattern, a performance including a display of the variable performance pattern is performed on the display screen 70 (see Figure 2). Then, when the first special pattern is displayed in a variable manner for a variable time according to the variation pattern selected when the first special pattern determination is executed, as this first special pattern is displayed in a static manner, a performance pattern indicating the result of the first special pattern determination is displayed.

During the display of these changing symbols, a so-called "reach" effect may be performed. Specifically, in the symbol display area 73 of the display screen 70, three horizontal rows of symbols, each of which consists of the numbers 1 through 9 written vertically in a row from bottom to top, are displayed. When the display of the first special symbol begins, these symbol rows are displayed (scrolled) from top to bottom (see, for example, Figures 15(A) and 15(B)). In contrast, when a reach effect is performed, before all the symbols are displayed, the symbols in the left column (left symbol) and the symbols in the right column (right symbol) are pseudo-stopped, either sequentially or simultaneously, so as not to completely stop. Figure 2 illustrates an example in which three symbols are pseudo-stopped as the left symbol and three symbols are pseudo-stopped as the right symbol, while the symbol row in the middle column continues to scroll. Note that a pseudo-stop is an effect in which the effect symbols oscillate in place with almost no movement, and in the following explanation, it may be referred to as a pseudo-stop to distinguish it from a real stop (sometimes simply called a "stop display") in which the effect symbols come to a complete standstill.

When the same effect symbols as the left and right symbols pseudo-stop on an active line, a reach is achieved, and a reach effect is performed, inviting the player to hope for three identical effect symbols to line up. This reach effect, for example, involves scrolling the middle row of symbols while the reach symbols (left and right symbols) are pseudo-stopped, and finally stopping a middle symbol that is the same as the reach symbol, or a middle symbol that is different from the reach symbol, on an active line to notify the player of whether they have won or lost.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in addition to the effect symbols, other display objects such as characters and items are used in these reach effects. In the following explanation, in the variable effects in which reach effects are performed, the effects that are performed before the reach is achieved may be referred to as "pre-reach effects."

The types of reach effects will be described in detail later, but if the result of the first special pattern determination is a "miss," three effect symbols indicating a reach miss (e.g., "323") will pseudo-stop to notify the miss, and these three effect symbols will actually stop as the miss symbol is displayed as the first special symbol. On the other hand, if the result of the first special pattern determination is a "miss" and a reach effect is not performed, three effect symbols indicating a scatter symbol (e.g., "629") will pseudo-stop to notify the miss, and these three effect symbols will actually stop as the miss symbol is displayed as the first special symbol. In this way, if it is determined that a jackpot game will not be played, a miss notification effect is executed in which three effect symbols indicating a reach miss or a scatter symbol indicating a miss are pseudo-stopped and then actually stopped to notify the miss (that a jackpot game will not be played).

When this miss notification effect is executed, the jackpot game will not be played, and if the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, the first special symbol and effect symbol will be displayed statically for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.6 seconds), the first special symbol will be determined, and the next variable display of the first special symbol will immediately begin.

On the other hand, if the result of the first special symbol determination is a "jackpot," a reach effect is usually executed while the first special symbol is being displayed, and three effect symbols showing a repeating number (for example, "333") are pseudo-stopped to indicate a jackpot, and these three effect symbols then come to a real stop as the jackpot symbol is displayed as the first special symbol. In this way, when it is determined that a jackpot game will be played, a win notification effect is executed, which pseudo-stops the three effect symbols in a manner indicating a jackpot, and then stops them in a real stop to indicate a jackpot (that a jackpot game will be played). When this win notification effect is executed, the jackpot game is played.

[Screen configuration of display screen 70]
2 illustrates an example of the screen configuration of the display screen 70 in a normal game state. When a game is controlled in a normal game state, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a reserved icon display area 71, an icon display area 72, and an effect symbol display area 73 are formed on the display screen 70. As described above, the effect symbol display area 73 is a display area in which the left symbols constituting the left symbol row, the middle symbols constituting the middle symbol row, and the right symbols constituting the right symbol row are displayed.

<Hold icon display area 71>
The reserved icon display area 71 (see FIG. 2 ) is a display area where a reserved icon indicating that the first special symbol determination is on hold is displayed. In the gaming machine 1, if a gaming ball enters the first start hole 21 in a situation where the special symbol determination and the special symbol variable display cannot be started immediately, such as during the variable display of the special symbol or during a jackpot game, the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved up to a predetermined number (four in this embodiment).

In this way, when the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, the reserved icon display area 71 displays the same number of reserved icons as the number of reserved first special symbol determinations indicated by the first special symbol reservation indicator 44. Figure 2 shows an example of a state in which two reserved icons are displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 to indicate that the number of reserved first special symbol determinations is "2."

If a hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 when a highly reliable reach effect such as the SPSP reach described below (see Figure 6 (G)) is being performed, not only will the display area used for the reach effect be limited, but the display of the hold icon may reduce the interest of the reach effect. For this reason, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the display objects and hold icons that make up the hold icon display area 71 are displayed during pre-reach effects, during normal reach described below, and during character reach, but the display objects and hold icons that make up the hold icon display area 71 are not displayed during SP reach, SPSP reach, or story reach.

Furthermore, when the game is controlled in the normal game state, the game ball will not generally enter the second starting hole 22. Therefore, in the normal game state, the right to determine the second special symbol is not generally reserved, and the reserved icon related to the second special symbol determination is not displayed on the display screen 70, nor is a display area for displaying this reserved icon formed.

<Icon Display Area 72>
The icon display area 72 is a display area that displays the icon as a variation suggesting image that suggests that the first special symbol is being displayed in a varying manner. The icon is displayed in the icon display area 72 as the display of the first special symbol begins to vary, and is erased from the icon display area 72, for example, when the first special symbol is displayed stationary. However, the timing of erasing the icon is not limited to this, and the icon may be erased while the first special symbol is being displayed in a varying manner. For example, the icon may be erased when an SPSP reach, which will be described later, develops or during an SPSP reach.

If a game ball enters the first starting hole 21 when the variable display of the special symbol is not being performed and the right to make a special symbol determination is not reserved, the variable display of the first special symbol begins, and the icon is displayed in the icon display area 72. On the other hand, when a reserved icon is displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 and the variable display of the symbol corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 ends, a first special symbol determination is executed for the earliest reserved icon displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 (the reserved icon displayed closest to the icon display area 72). Then, as the variable display of the first special symbol begins in response to the execution of this first special symbol determination, the earliest reserved icon shifts from the reserved icon display area 71 to the icon display area 72 and is displayed as the new icon. In this way, the reserved icon (here, the icon) shifted to the icon display area 72 is displayed larger than when it was displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 (see Figure 2). This makes it possible to draw the player's attention to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 rather than the reserved icon displayed in the reserved icon display area 71.

In addition, if a hold icon other than the first hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71, as the first hold icon shifts to the icon display area 72, the other hold icons in the hold icon display area 71 will shift closer to the icon display area 72. As is clear from the explanation so far, in the gaming machine 1, an icon corresponding to the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 may be displayed in the icon display area 72, so in the following explanation, when there is no need to distinguish between the hold icon and the icon, they may be collectively referred to simply as "icons."

(About the icon change effects)
The hold icon is usually displayed as a white hold icon (default hold icon). In contrast, an icon change effect may be performed in which the color of a hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 changes. When this icon change effect is performed, the white hold icon changes to a hold icon of a color indicating the reliability of a jackpot, such as blue, green, or red. The colors indicating the reliability of a jackpot, as illustrated here, are arranged in order from lowest to highest reliability of a jackpot. Red is likely to be selected when the result of the first special pattern determination corresponding to the red hold icon is a "jackpot" or when the result is a "miss" but the special pattern change time is set to a relatively long time. Green is likely to be selected when the result is a "jackpot" or a "miss" but the special pattern change time is set to a medium time. Blue is likely to be selected when the result is a "miss" or when the result is a "miss" but the special pattern change time is set to a relatively short time. In this embodiment, the jackpot reliability of a white reserved icon is set to approximately 1%, the jackpot reliability of a blue reserved icon is set to approximately 3%, the jackpot reliability of a green reserved icon is set to approximately 15%, and the jackpot reliability of a red reserved icon is set to approximately 45%.

Note that while the example described here is one in which an icon change effect is performed in which the display color of a reserved icon changes only once when it is displayed in the reserved icon display area 71, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment may also perform other icon change effects. That is, for example, an icon change effect may be performed in which the display color of a single reserved icon changes multiple times, such as when a white reserved icon is displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 and changes to a blue reserved icon and then to a green reserved icon. Also, when a white reserved icon has shifted from the reserved icon display area 71 to the icon display area 72 and is displayed as that icon, an icon change effect may be performed in which the display color of the white reserved icon changes.

In some cases, an icon change effect is performed in which the display color of the icon changes in both the hold icon display area 71 and the icon display area 72, such that the display color of the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 changes, and then the display color changes when the hold icon shifts to the icon display area 72 and is displayed as that icon.In other cases, an icon change effect is performed in which the hold icon is initially displayed in a color other than white (for example, blue), or an icon change effect is performed in which the display color of a hold icon whose initial color is other than white is changed.

In this way, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment displays reserved information on the display screen 70 indicating that the right to determine a special symbol is reserved, and is capable of changing the display mode of this reserved information. Note that in the following description, reserved icons and icons with a display color other than white may be referred to as "special icons" to distinguish them from regular reserved icons and icons with a display color of white.

[Modification regarding display control of hold information]
The display control of the pending information is not limited to the example shown in this embodiment, and may be as follows: That is, in this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the display colors of the icons (pending icons and the icons) are four colors: white, blue, green, and red, but in other embodiments, other colors may be prepared, such as gold, which indicates an even higher probability of winning than red, or rainbow colors, which are selected only when a "jackpot" occurs.

In addition, this embodiment will be described using an example of an icon change effect that changes the display color of an icon (a pending icon or the icon in question), but the icon change effect is not limited to the effects exemplified in this embodiment as long as it changes the display mode of the icon, and may also be an icon change effect that changes the shape or size of the icon, or an icon change effect that changes the display color in addition to the shape or size of the icon, etc.

In addition, in this embodiment, in addition to the icon change effect for the pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71, a case is described in which an icon change effect for the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 can be executed. However, in other embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which only the former icon change effect can be executed without providing the icon display area 72 (without displaying the icon).

In addition, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which a hold icon is displayed on the display screen 70 as hold information, and the display color of the hold icon is changed. In contrast to this, in other embodiments, for example, four color LEDs with changeable light colors may be provided, and the same number of LEDs as the number of holds for the first special pattern determination may be lit, and the display mode of the hold information may be changed by changing the light color of one of the LEDs.

[Flow of the presentation accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol]
Next, the flow of effects accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state will be described with reference to Figure 6. Here, Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of effects accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state.

When a first special symbol determination is performed during normal play, the first special symbol display 41 displays a variable first special symbol, and a static first special symbol indicating the result of the first special symbol determination is displayed. In response to this, on the display screen 70, as the display of the variable first special symbol begins, the display of the variable three symbol rows in the effect symbol display area 73 (see FIG. 2) begins (see FIG. 6(A)). Specifically, the effect symbol display area 73 displays three horizontal rows of partial effect symbols, each of which has the numbers "1" through "9" written vertically in succession from bottom to top. As the display of the variable first special symbol begins, the scrolling display of these three symbol rows (e.g., the left, middle, and right columns) begins, scrolling from top to bottom, as illustrated in FIGS. 15(A) and (B).

Here, if the result of the first special pattern determination performed when the first special pattern variable display begins is "miss" and it is decided not to execute a reach effect, three effect patterns indicating a variety of numbers (for example, "458") are pseudo-stopped at the end of the first special pattern variable display, and a miss notification effect is executed in which these three effect patterns are actually stopped as a missing pattern is stopped and displayed as the first special pattern (see Figure 6 (B)).

On the other hand, if the result of the first special symbol determination is a "jackpot" or if it is determined that a reach effect will be performed despite a "miss," i.e., if a variation pattern that executes a reach effect is selected as the variation pattern for the first special symbol, one or more reach effects will be performed while the first special symbol is being displayed. When a reach effect is performed, a normal reach effect (normal reach) is first performed (see Figure 6 (D)). When this normal reach is performed, prior to the start of the normal reach, a pre-reach effect is performed in which the left symbol in the effect symbol display area 73 is pseudo-stopped on the active line, and the right symbol row is scrolled at a slow speed so that the right symbol that is common to the left symbol moves onto the active line (see Figure 6 (C)). As a result of this pre-reach performance, if the common left and right symbols come to a pseudo-stop on the active line, a reach is achieved, and a normal reach is performed in which the middle symbol row is displayed in a fluctuating manner to create the expectation that the middle symbol, which is common to the left and right symbols that have come to a pseudo-stop on the active line as reach symbols, will come to a stop between these reach symbols.

In addition, during pre-reach effects where the display symbols change even when a reach has not been achieved, a preview effect may be executed to warn that a win notification effect may be executed. Examples of this preview effect include a dialogue preview effect and a step-up preview effect. A dialogue preview effect is an effect that includes a display that shows a specific character speaking a line, and suggests the likelihood of a jackpot based on the content and color of the line. A step-up preview effect is an effect that can change in stages up to a specific number of stages, and suggests the likelihood of a jackpot based on how many stages the effect ultimately changes to.

However, this type of preview effect is not limited to pre-reach effects, but may also be executed when a reach is achieved or during one of the five types of reach effects mentioned above. For example, a preview effect called a group preview, which shows a large number of characters moving in a predetermined direction on the display screen 70, may be executed when a reach is achieved. Also, a performance called a cut-in, which displays a predetermined cut-in image in response to operation of the first effect button 35 in response to a first effect button operation prompt effect, and which suggests the likelihood of a jackpot depending on the type of cut-in image, may be executed at the end of an SPSP reach.

In this embodiment, five types of reach effects are available as reach effects that can be executed in conjunction with the variable display of the first special symbol during normal game play: normal reach, character reach (character reach effect), SP reach (SP reach effect), SPSP reach (SPSP reach effect), and story reach (story reach effect).

The above-mentioned normal reach (see Figure 6 (D)) is the reach effect with the lowest jackpot reliability of the five types of reach effects mentioned above (for example, jackpot reliability: approximately 1%). This normal reach is a reach effect with a shorter performance time than the SP reach, SPSP reach, and story reach described below, and when a reach is established, a normal reach is performed first. During this normal reach, a pseudo-consecutive performance may be performed, which makes it appear as if multiple performance pattern changes are being displayed during a single display of the first special pattern. This pseudo-consecutive performance will be described in detail later, using Figure 7 etc.

For example, if a variation display pattern for the display symbols that indicates whether a win or loss occurs in a normal reach is set when the first special symbol begins to change, a win/loss notification display (a win notification display or a miss notification display) will be displayed at the end of the normal reach (see Figure 6(E)). Specifically, if the result of this first special symbol determination is a "jackpot," a center symbol (e.g., center 2 symbol) that is the same as the reach symbol (e.g., left 2 symbol and right 2 symbol) is pseudo-stopped on the active line to pseudo-stop three display symbols that indicate a double digit (e.g., "222"), and then, as the jackpot symbol is displayed as the first special symbol, a win notification display will be displayed in which these three display symbols actually stop. On the other hand, if the result of this first special symbol determination is a "miss," a center symbol (for example, a center 3 symbol) different from the reach symbol (for example, left 2 symbols and right 2 symbols) is pseudo-stopped on the active line to pseudo-stop three performance symbols indicating a reach miss (for example, "232"), and then as the missing symbol is displayed as the first special symbol, a miss notification effect is performed in which these three performance symbols are actually stopped.

On the other hand, if a variable presentation pattern is set that develops from a normal reach to another reach presentation, the following presentation will be performed. For example, if a variable presentation pattern is set that develops from a normal reach (see Figure 6 (D)) to a character reach (see Figure 6 (I)) and notifies the winner or loser at the character reach, a predetermined development suggestion presentation is performed at the end of the normal reach to suggest development to a character reach, and the high-speed scrolling of the middle row of symbols is resumed, and the reach presentation develops into a character reach. Although not shown in the figure, in this character reach, for example, a predetermined character will line up in the central area of the display screen 70, or a predetermined presentation display will be performed to anticipate development to an SPSP reach (or story reach) as exemplified in Figure 6 (G). That is, when a normal reach progresses to a character reach, there are cases where a win/loss notification effect is executed during the character reach (see Figures 6 (I) and (H)), cases where the character reach progresses to an SPSP reach (see Figures 6 (I) and (G)), and cases where the character reach progresses to a story reach (see Figures 6 (I) and (G)).

Of the five types of reach effects mentioned above, Chara Reach is the reach effect with the second lowest reliability of a jackpot after Normal Reach (for example, jackpot reliability: approximately 2%), and in most cases, a miss notification effect (see Figure 6 (H)) is performed during Chara Reach without progressing from Chara Reach to another reach effect (here, SPSP Reach or Story Reach), but if the result of this first special pattern determination is a "jackpot," a win notification effect (see Figure 6 (H)) may be performed during Chara Reach. Also, if a variable effect pattern is set that progresses from Chara Reach to another reach effect (in this embodiment, SPSP Reach or Story Reach), the reach effect will progress from Chara Reach to SPSP Reach (see Figure 6 (G)) or Story Reach (see Figure 6 (G)).

On the other hand, depending on the variation presentation pattern set at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, the reach presentation may progress from a normal reach (see Figure 6 (D)) to an SP reach (see Figure 6 (F)). Here, an SP reach is a reach presentation with a higher jackpot reliability than a character reach, but a lower jackpot reliability than an SPSP reach or a story reach (for example, jackpot reliability: approximately 13%). When a normal reach progresses to an SP reach, the following presentation occurs. That is, after the middle symbol that is the same as the reach symbol passes over the valid line, the high-speed scrolling of the middle row of symbols resumes, and the reach symbols (left and right symbols) that are pseudo-stopped on the valid line are reduced in size while maintaining the reach state, and move to the upper left and upper right regions of the display screen 70, respectively (see Figures 18 (B) and (C)). Then, an SP reach effect image is displayed in the central area of the display screen 70 (see Figure 18 (D)), and a predetermined effect display that raises expectations of a big win is performed.

When this SP reach develops, there are cases where a win/loss notification effect is executed with the SP reach (see Figures 6 (F) and (H)), and cases where the reach effect develops from the SP reach to an SPSP reach (or story reach) (see Figures 6 (F) and (G)). As mentioned above, the reliability of an SP reach being a jackpot is relatively low, so the likelihood of a win notification effect being executed with the SP reach, or of an SP reach developing into an SPSP reach (or story reach) is low, and a feature of the SP reach is that a loss notification effect is more likely to be executed.

So far, we have explained the flow of effects when a reach effect develops from a normal reach to a character reach, or from a normal reach to an SP reach. However, depending on the pattern of change of the first special symbol selected when the first special symbol begins to change, the reach effect may develop directly (directly) from a normal reach (see Figure 6 (D)) to an SPSP reach (or story reach) without passing through a character reach or SP reach (see Figures 6 (D) and (G)).

Here, story reach (see Figure 6(G)) is the reach effect with the highest jackpot reliability among the five types of reach effects illustrated in Figure 6 (e.g., jackpot reliability: approximately 45%), and SPSP reach (see Figure 6(G)) is the reach effect with the second highest jackpot reliability after story reach (i.e., a reach effect with a jackpot reliability higher than SP reach but lower than story reach) (e.g., jackpot reliability: approximately 27%).

A detailed explanation will be omitted, but in an SPSP reach, an SPSP reach effect image is displayed on the display screen 70, and a battle effect is executed, for example, in which the player's character battles an enemy character. If the result of this first special pattern determination is a "jackpot," a victory effect in which the player's character defeats the enemy character and a win notification effect are executed, and if the result is a "loss," a defeat effect in which the player's character is defeated by the enemy character and a loss notification effect are executed.

As will be described in more detail later, when a normal reach develops, a power icon (an example of a predetermined effect image) may be displayed in the display area at the bottom right of the display screen 70 (see, for example, Figure 15(D)). This power icon indicates the amount of accumulated power of the player's character battling the enemy character, and is an icon showing a number between "00" and "100." During a normal reach, an increase effect (an example of a change display) is executed to increase the number shown by the power icon, and when the player's character's power reaches MAX (MAX reached), that is, when the number shown by the power icon reaches "100," the development from normal reach to SPSP reach (or story reach) is confirmed. Figures 17(B) to (E) show examples of how the reach effect develops from normal reach to SPSP reach as the number shown by the power icon reaches "100."

On the other hand, if the number indicated by the power icon does not reach MAX during a normal reach (MAX not reached), the win/loss notification effect may be executed during the normal reach (see Figures 6 (D) and (H)), the normal reach may develop into a character reach (see Figures 6 (D) and (I)), or the normal reach may develop into an SP reach (see Figures 6 (D) and (F)).

Here, if the SP Reach develops while the power icon is displayed, an increase effect that increases the number indicated by this power icon will be executed even during the SP Reach, and if the number indicated by the power icon reaches MAX ("100" in this embodiment) during the SP Reach, the SP Reach will develop into an SPSP Reach (or Story Reach) (see Figures 6 (F) and (G)). If the number indicated by the power icon does not reach MAX during the SP Reach, a win/loss notification effect (win notification effect or miss notification effect) will be executed during the SP Reach (see Figures 6 (F) and (H)).

On the other hand, if the display of a power icon progresses to a character reach, a reach effect may be executed to show a specific character attempting to acquire an icon containing the word MAX (a MAX icon). If a MAX icon display effect is executed to display the MAX icon acquired by the specific character, a change effect is displayed in which the MAX icon moves to the power icon and the number indicated by the power icon changes to "100." The character reach then progresses to an SPSP reach (or story reach) (see Figures 6 (I) and (G)). Conversely, if the specific character fails to acquire the MAX icon and the MAX icon is no longer displayed, the character reach does not progress to an SPSP reach (or story reach), and instead a win/loss notification effect (a win notification effect or a loss notification effect) is executed during the character reach (see Figures 6 (I) and (H)).

[About the pseudo-consecutive effects]
Next, the pseudo consecutive effects will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Here, Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the pseudo consecutive effects. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a pseudo consecutive effect may be executed before or after a reach is achieved. The pseudo consecutive effect is an effect that makes it appear as if the display of a special pattern (for example, a first special pattern) has changed multiple times during the display of a single change, and in this embodiment, the pseudo consecutive effect is an effect that pseudo-stops and displays three effect patterns, the left pattern, the middle pattern, and the right pattern, including the middle 7 pattern (the effect pattern in the middle row with the number 7) (for example, see Fig. 15 (H)).

In Figure 7, "fluctuation" of the special symbol refers to the fluctuating display of the first special symbol during normal play, and "stop" of the special symbol refers to the stopped display of the first special symbol following the fluctuating display of the first special symbol. Also, "fluctuation" of the effect symbol refers to the fluctuating display of the effect symbol accompanying the fluctuating display of the first special symbol during normal play, "pseudo-stop" of the effect symbol refers to the pseudo-continuous display described above, and "stop" of the effect symbol refers to the actual stop of the effect symbol.

(If pseudo consecutive effects are not executed)
7A shows an example of the display of the effect symbols when the pseudo consecutive effect is not executed. When the pseudo consecutive effect is not executed, as shown in FIG. 7A, the display of the effect symbols changes once during the display of the first special symbol. In this way, when the pseudo consecutive effect is not executed, the reliability of the jackpot is relatively low (for example, the reliability of the jackpot: about 1%), and in most cases, a no-reach effect (a variable effect that does not include a reach effect) is executed and a miss notification effect is executed (see FIGS. 6A and 6B), or even if a reach effect is executed, only a normal reach or a character reach, which has a low reliability of the jackpot, is executed, and a miss notification effect is executed with these low-reliability reaches.

(When a pseudo-continuous effect that develops into a pseudo-second consecutive effect is executed)
7B shows an example of the display of the effect symbols when the pseudo consecutive effect is executed only once during one display of the variable special symbol. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability of a jackpot when the pseudo consecutive effect is executed only once during one display of the variable first special symbol is higher than when the pseudo consecutive effect is not executed, but is set to a relatively low probability of about 6%.

When one pseudo consecutive display is executed during one display of the first special symbol, as illustrated in FIG. 7(B), a first short change, which is the pseudo first consecutive display of the display symbol, is executed after a predetermined time (shorter than the display time of the first special symbol) from the start of the display of the first special symbol, and this first short change is followed by a pseudo consecutive display. In this embodiment, this pseudo consecutive display is configured as a pseudo-stop display of three display symbols, including the medium 7 symbol, for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). After the predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the pseudo consecutive display, the display of the three symbol rows (e.g., scrolling display) resumes, and a second short change, which is the pseudo second consecutive display of the display symbol, is initiated. FIGS. 15(H) and (I) illustrate how the pseudo second consecutive display begins in response to the execution of the pseudo consecutive display following the first short change.

As shown in Figure 7 (B), if the fluctuation effect does not progress beyond the pseudo-third consecutive time, the second short fluctuation will be the final short fluctuation, and so the second short fluctuation will continue from the middle of the first special symbol fluctuation display until the first special symbol fluctuation display ends.

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, with regard to the display of the first special symbol variation that is performed when the game is controlled in the normal game mode, if a first special symbol variation pattern that does not execute a reach effect (a no-reach effect is executed) is selected, a pseudo consecutive effect is not executed, but in some cases where a first special symbol variation pattern that executes a reach effect (a reach effect is executed) is selected, one or more pseudo consecutive effects are executed. For this reason, if a pseudo consecutive effect is executed during the display of the first special symbol variation in the normal game mode, some kind of reach effect will be executed. Furthermore, there are also cases where a pseudo consecutive effect is not executed before the start of a reach effect, but is executed during the execution of a reach effect (for example, during a normal reach as illustrated in Figure 6 (D)).

As illustrated in Figure 7(B), if the second short fluctuation is the final short fluctuation, a reach effect will be produced during the second short fluctuation. For this reason, the time required for the second short fluctuation, which is the pseudo second consecutive fluctuation effect, tends to be longer than the time required for the first short fluctuation, which is the pseudo first consecutive fluctuation effect (see Figure 7(B)).

(When a pseudo-sequential performance that develops up to a pseudo-third consecutive win is executed)
7(C) shows an example of the display of the effect symbols when the pseudo consecutive effects are executed twice during one display of the first special symbol. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability of a jackpot when the pseudo consecutive effects are executed twice during one display of the first special symbol is set to a relatively high probability of about 20%.

When two pseudo consecutive effects are executed during one display of the first special symbol variation, the first short variation is executed first, just as when one pseudo consecutive effect is executed as described above based on FIG. 7(B), and then the first pseudo consecutive effect is executed (see FIG. 7(C)). This first pseudo consecutive effect is the same pseudo consecutive effect as described above based on FIG. 7(B), and when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the first pseudo consecutive effect, the display of the three symbol rows (e.g., scrolling display) resumes, and the second short variation, which is the pseudo second consecutive variation effect related to the effect symbol, begins (see, for example, FIGS. 15(H) and (I)).

As illustrated in Figure 7(C), if the fluctuation effect ultimately progresses to a pseudo-third consecutive effect, a second pseudo-consecutive effect is executed following the second short fluctuation (see, for example, Figure 16(D)). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of this second pseudo-consecutive effect, the fluctuation display (e.g., scrolling display) of the three symbol rows resumes, and the third short fluctuation, which is the pseudo-third consecutive fluctuation effect related to the effect symbols, begins (see Figures 7(C) and 16(E)). As illustrated in Figure 7(C), this third short fluctuation continues from the middle of the fluctuation display of the first special symbol until the fluctuation display of the first special symbol ends.

The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the characteristic that the more pseudo consecutive effects are executed during one display of the first special symbol, the more likely it is that the effect will progress to a reach effect (e.g., SPSP reach or story reach) with a relatively high jackpot reliability. Therefore, if two pseudo consecutive effects are executed during the display of the first special symbol in normal game mode, for example, the effect may progress directly from a normal reach to an SPSP reach (or story reach), or from a normal reach to an SP reach (or character reach), and then to an SPSP reach (or story reach). The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is capable of executing one or two pseudo consecutive effects during a normal reach (see FIG. 6(D)), and by executing pseudo consecutive effects during a normal reach, it is possible to effectively increase the player's anticipation for the effect progressing to an SPSP reach (or story reach).

The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that, for example, if two pseudo consecutive effects are executed during a normal reach, the normal reach will always develop into a reach effect (high-reliability reach) that has a higher jackpot reliability than a normal reach. For this reason, the time required for the third short fluctuation (see Figure 7(C)), which results in a high-reliability reach, is likely to be longer than the time required for the second short fluctuation described above based on Figure 7(B), and is also longer than the time required for the first and second short fluctuations that occur within the same fluctuation (see Figures 7(B) and (C)).

As is clear from the explanation so far, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, during one display of the first special symbol, multiple short fluctuation displays may be executed, in which the effect symbol changes over a time shorter than the time it takes for the first special symbol to change; the more short fluctuation displays executed during one display of the first special symbol, the more likely it is that a jackpot game will be executed. For this reason, players can enjoy playing while hoping that the number of short fluctuation displays executed within the same fluctuation will increase, and they can also recognize the degree of jackpot reliability based on the number of short fluctuation displays.

[About the production mode]
Although not shown in the figure, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a normal presentation mode, a first presentation mode, and a second presentation mode are prepared as presentation modes related to presentations controlled by the sub-CPU 91 when the game is controlled in the normal game state, and when a predetermined time has passed since the variable display of the first special symbol started in the normal game state, the presentation mode may change from the normal presentation mode to the first presentation mode (or the second presentation mode). In other words, until a predetermined time (shorter than the variable display time of the first special symbol) has passed since the variable display of the first special symbol started, the presentation may be controlled in the normal presentation mode, and after the predetermined time has passed, the presentation may be controlled in the first presentation mode (or the second presentation mode).

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, for example, when a first variation pattern in which the variation time of the first special symbol is a first hour is selected, the presentation mode changes from the normal presentation mode to the first presentation mode; and when a second variation pattern in which the variation time of the first special symbol is a second hour is selected, the presentation mode changes from the normal presentation mode to the second presentation mode. The sub-CPU 91 identifies the variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the variation start command sent from the main control board 80 when the variation display of the first special symbol starts in the normal game mode, and controls the presentation mode based on the identification result.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, when the presentation mode changes from the normal presentation mode to the first presentation mode (or the second presentation mode), the background image displayed full-screen on the display screen 70, the presentation sound (variable presentation sound) output from the speaker 38 in conjunction with the changing display of the presentation symbols, the display mode of the presentation symbols, etc. will change. However, in this embodiment, there is no difference in the reliability of a jackpot between the normal presentation mode, the first presentation mode, and the second presentation mode, and the reliability of a jackpot will not change (increase) even if the presentation mode changes from the normal presentation mode to the first presentation mode or from the normal presentation mode to the second presentation mode.

On the other hand, when the effects are controlled in the first presentation mode, a dedicated effect specific to the first presentation mode is executed, which is not executed when the effects are controlled in the normal presentation mode or the second presentation mode, and when the effects are controlled in the second presentation mode, a dedicated effect specific to the second presentation mode is executed, which is not executed when the effects are controlled in the normal presentation mode or the first presentation mode.

[About mode-specific effects]
Next, the dedicated effects for the first presentation mode and the dedicated effects for the second presentation mode will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Here, Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the presentation in the first presentation mode and the second presentation mode.

<Special effects for the first effect mode>
In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 8 (B), (C), and (E), the following effects are provided as exclusive effects for the first presentation mode: a first presentation mode transition effect, a first presentation mode exclusive preview effect, and a first presentation mode exclusive mission effect.

The first presentation mode transition effect is an effect that notifies players that the presentation mode will change from the normal presentation mode to the first presentation mode. In this embodiment, it is an effect that pseudo-stops three presentation symbols that indicate a sequence, such as "123." When the variable display of the first special symbol and presentation symbols in the normal game state begins (see FIG. 8(A)), a first presentation mode transition effect (see FIG. 8(B)) may be executed, which pseudo-stops the left 1 symbol, the right 3 symbol, and the center 2 symbol in that order. Execution of this first presentation mode transition effect triggers the start of a first presentation mode-specific preview effect (see FIG. 8(C)).

As will be explained in more detail later with reference to Figures 11 and 12, the first presentation mode exclusive preview performance (an example of the first performance: see Figure 8 (C)) is a performance that predicts whether or not it will develop into a first presentation mode exclusive mission performance (see Figure 8 (E)). Depending on the results of the first presentation mode exclusive preview performance, there are cases where it will develop into a first presentation mode exclusive mission performance (see Figures 8 (C) and (E)), and cases where it will not develop into a first presentation mode exclusive mission performance and a miss notification performance will be executed (see Figures 8 (C) and (D)).

The mission performance exclusive to the first presentation mode (see Figure 8 (E)) is a mission performance that is only executed when the performance is controlled in the first presentation mode, and is composed of an early performance and a late performance. Here, the early performance is a performance that shows a specified character performing a mission. The late performance is a performance that notifies the success or failure of the mission, and there are cases where a first presentation mode-exclusive mission performance with a success pattern is executed, in which a late performance (notifying the success of the mission) is executed following the early performance, and cases where a first presentation mode-exclusive mission performance with a failure pattern is executed, in which a late performance (notifying the failure of the mission) is executed following the early performance.

In this way, success and failure patterns are provided as mission effects exclusive to the first presentation mode, and when a success pattern mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode is executed, a win notification effect is executed (see Figures 8(E) and (F)), and when a failure pattern mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode is executed, a loss notification effect is executed (see Figures 8(E) and (D)). Therefore, the player can easily recognize whether or not a win notification effect will be executed based on the content of the subsequent effects that make up the mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode.

<Special effects for the second effect mode>
In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 8 (G), (H), and (J), the following effects are provided as exclusive effects for the second presentation mode: a second presentation mode transition effect, a second presentation mode exclusive preview effect, and a second presentation mode exclusive mission effect.

The second presentation mode transition effect is an effect that notifies players that the presentation mode will change from the normal presentation mode to the second presentation mode. In this embodiment, it is an effect that pseudo-stops three presentation symbols that show the reverse order, such as "321." When the variable display of the first special symbol and presentation symbols in the normal game state begins (see Figure 8 (A)), a second presentation mode transition effect (see Figure 8 (G)) may be executed, which pseudo-stops three symbols on the left, one symbol on the right, and two symbols in the center in that order. Execution of this second presentation mode transition effect triggers the start of a second presentation mode-specific preview effect (see Figure 8 (H)).

As will be explained in more detail later with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the second presentation mode exclusive preview performance (an example of the second performance: see Figure 8 (H)) is a performance that predicts whether or not it will develop into a second presentation mode exclusive mission performance (see Figure 8 (J)). Depending on the results of the second presentation mode exclusive preview performance, there are cases where it will develop into a second presentation mode exclusive mission performance (see Figures 8 (H) and (J)), and cases where it will not develop into a second presentation mode exclusive mission performance and a miss notification performance will be executed (see Figures 8 (H) and (I)).

The mission performance exclusive to the second presentation mode (see Figure 8 (J)) is a mission performance that is only executed when the performance is controlled in the second presentation mode, and like the mission performance exclusive to the first presentation mode, it is composed of an early performance and a late performance. Here, the early performance is a performance that shows a specified character performing a mission. The late performance is a performance that notifies the success or failure of the mission, and there are cases where a success pattern mission performance exclusive to the second presentation mode is executed in which a late performance (notifying the success of the mission) is executed following the early performance, and cases where a failure pattern mission performance exclusive to the second presentation mode is executed in which a late performance (notifying the failure of the mission) is executed following the early performance.

In this way, success and failure patterns are provided as mission effects exclusive to the second presentation mode, and when a success pattern mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode is executed, a win notification effect is executed (see Figures 8 (J) and (F)), and when a failure pattern mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode is executed, a loss notification effect is executed (see Figures 8 (J) and (I)). Therefore, the player can easily tell whether or not a win notification effect will be executed based on the content of the subsequent effects that make up the mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode.

In this embodiment, the jackpot reliability of the first presentation mode-exclusive mission effect (see FIG. 8(E)) and the second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect (see FIG. 8(J)) is set to approximately 10%, which is higher than that of normal reaches and character reaches. Therefore, even if a first presentation mode-exclusive mission effect or a second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect does not develop, it is possible to moderately increase the player's anticipation for a jackpot by executing a first presentation mode transition effect or a second presentation mode transition effect, or by executing a first presentation mode-exclusive preview effect (or a second presentation mode-exclusive preview effect) following these mode transition effects.

In this way, with the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a win notification effect may be executed even if the five types of reach effects described above based on Figure 6 are not executed. By executing the dedicated effects of the first presentation mode and the dedicated effects of the second presentation mode, the player can be made to expect a jackpot even if a reach is not achieved. This makes it possible to effectively prevent problems such as a significant decrease in the player's expectations for a jackpot due to a long period of time during which a reach is not achieved by the presentation symbols.

In addition, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment may execute one or more pseudo consecutive performances prior to the first presentation mode transition performance (or second presentation mode transition performance), and is configured so that the likelihood of the first presentation mode transition performance (or second presentation mode transition performance) progressing to a first presentation mode exclusive mission performance (or second presentation mode exclusive mission performance) increases in the following order: no pseudo consecutive performance is executed (see Figure 7(A)), one pseudo consecutive performance is executed (see Figure 7(B)), or two pseudo consecutive performances are executed (see Figure 7(C)).

For this reason, by executing a pseudo consecutive performance and then executing a first performance mode transition performance (or a second performance mode transition performance), it is possible to effectively increase the player's anticipation for the progression to a first performance mode exclusive mission performance (or a second performance mode exclusive mission performance).

(Example of preview effect exclusive to the second effect mode)
Next, with reference to Figures 9 and 10, a specific example of a preview effect exclusive to the second presentation mode (see Figure 8 (H)) will be described. Here, Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the preview effect exclusive to the second presentation mode. Figure 10 is a time chart illustrating a plurality of presentation patterns of the preview effect exclusive to the second presentation mode. When the variable display of the first special symbol starts in the normal game state, a variation start command is sent from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. This variation start command includes information indicating the variable pattern of the first special symbol, and based on this information, the sub-CPU 91 may set one of the following three presentation patterns for the exclusive presentation of the second presentation mode and instruct the image and sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 to execute the presentation of the set presentation pattern.

Here, the first presentation pattern, as exemplified in Figures 8(G), (H), and (I), is a presentation pattern in which a second presentation mode transition presentation and a second presentation mode-exclusive preview presentation are executed, and then a loss notification presentation is executed without executing a second presentation mode-exclusive mission presentation. The second presentation pattern, as exemplified in Figures 8(G), (H), (J), and (F), is a presentation pattern in which a second presentation mode transition presentation, a second presentation mode-exclusive preview presentation, and a second presentation mode-exclusive mission presentation are executed, and then a win notification presentation is executed. The third presentation pattern, as exemplified in Figures 8(G), (H), (J), and (I), is a presentation pattern in which a second presentation mode transition presentation, a second presentation mode-exclusive preview presentation, and a second presentation mode-exclusive mission presentation are executed, and then a loss notification presentation is executed.

When one of these three presentation patterns is set by the sub-CPU 91, the following presentation is executed as a preview presentation exclusive to the second presentation mode. That is, for example, when a second presentation mode transition presentation (see Figure 8 (G)) is executed in which three presentation symbols showing a reverse order such as "321" are pseudo-stopped, a "small symbol short-variation display" of the presentation symbols begins (see Figure 9 (A)).

When the pseudo consecutive display described above based on FIG. 7 is executed, the display symbols may be displayed as small symbols in the upper right area of the display screen 70 to ensure a display area for various displays on the display screen 70 (see, for example, FIGS. 15(C) to (G)), but at least before and after the pseudo consecutive display is executed, the display symbols are displayed large in the display symbol display area 73 (see FIG. 2) (see, for example, FIGS. 15(H) to (I)). In contrast, during the execution of the preview display exclusive to the second display mode, the display symbols are displayed as small symbols throughout in the upper right area of the display screen 70. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 10, during the second variation period in which the preview display exclusive to the second display mode is executed, the display of the variation of the display symbols and the pseudo stop display (labeled "pseudo stop" in FIG. 10) are alternately repeated, and therefore the display of the variation of the display symbols is a short variation display that takes a shorter time than the variation time of the first special symbol this time.

The "small symbol short change display" (see Figure 9(A)) of the above-mentioned effect pattern refers to the display of the effect pattern as a small symbol in the upper right area of the display screen 70, and the change display of the effect pattern that takes place over a shorter time than the change time of the first special symbol. In Figures 10(A) to 10(D), the "small symbol short change display" of the effect pattern that begins in the step of Figure 9(A) is shown as "Short Change A."

When the "small symbol short fluctuation display" (short fluctuation A) of the effect pattern illustrated in FIG. 9(A) begins, a character search effect is executed, showing the player's character searching for an ally character (see FIG. 9(B)). In this embodiment, a character search effect accompanying short fluctuation A may be executed, showing the player searching but failing to find the ally character (see "Search (failed discovery)" in FIGS. 10(B) to (D)). This character search effect accompanying short fluctuation A, as illustrated in FIGS. 10(A) to (D), is executed in the six seconds from the start of short fluctuation A to the end of the period (hereinafter also referred to as the "pseudo stop period") during which the effect pattern (with the small symbol still displayed) following short fluctuation A is pseudo-stopped. This is also true when a character search effect is executed in conjunction with a short fluctuation after short fluctuation B.

So far, we have explained the character search effect in which an ally character fails to be found, but if this character search effect in which an ally character fails to be found is executed, the character search effect may also be executed in the next small symbol short variation display. In other words, after the effect illustrated in Figures 9(A) and (B) is executed, the effect illustrated in Figures 9(A) and (B) may be executed again.

Figure 10 (C) illustrates an example of the flow of a performance in which a character search performance in which an ally character fails to be found is executed in conjunction with short variation A, and then a character search performance in which an ally character fails to be found is also executed in short variation B (following short variation A). Figure 10 (D) illustrates an example of the flow of a performance in which a character search performance in which an ally character fails to be found is executed in conjunction with short variation A, and then a character search performance in which an ally character fails to be found is also executed in short variation B, and then a character search performance in which an ally character fails to be found is also executed in short variation C (following short variation B).

On the other hand, a "small symbol short fluctuation display" (short fluctuation A) of the performance pattern shown in Figure 9 (A) may be initiated, and a character search performance (see Figure 9 (D)) in which an ally character is successfully discovered may be executed in conjunction with short fluctuation A. Figure 10 (A) illustrates the flow of a performance in which a character search performance in which one of the ally characters, Character A, is successfully discovered is executed in conjunction with short fluctuation A and a pseudo-stop display of the performance pattern (following short fluctuation A).

Figure 10 (A) shows an example of an effect pattern in which a character search effect in which an ally character is successfully discovered is executed most quickly, but after a character search effect in which an ally character is unsuccessful (see Figure 9 (B)) is executed, the "small symbol short fluctuation display" of the effect pattern may resume (see Figure 9 (C)), and in conjunction with this resumed small symbol short fluctuation display, a character search effect in which an ally character is successfully discovered (see Figure 9 (D)) may be executed.

Figure 10(B) illustrates an example of the flow of a character search in which one character search performance is executed in which an ally character is unsuccessfully discovered, followed by a character search performance in which one ally character, Character B, is successfully discovered. Figure 10(C) illustrates an example of the flow of a character search in which two character search performances are executed in which an ally character is unsuccessfully discovered, followed by a character search performance in which one ally character, Character C, is successfully discovered. Figure 10(D) illustrates an example of the flow of a character search in which three character search performances are executed in which an ally character is unsuccessfully discovered, followed by a character search performance in which one ally character, Character D, is successfully discovered.

As is clear from the explanation so far, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that, as a preview effect exclusive to the second presentation mode, no matter which presentation pattern from Figures 10 (A) to (D) is used, the final result is a character search effect in which the player successfully discovers an ally character.

As illustrated in Figure 9(D), when a character search effect is executed in which an ally character is successfully discovered, the short fluctuation of the small symbols resumes, as in Figure 9(C) (see Figure 9(E)), and a discovered character corresponding suggestion effect is executed (see Figure 9(F)). This discovered character corresponding suggestion effect is an anticipation effect that makes the player anticipate the execution of a winning notification effect, and is an effect that suggests whether or not the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect (see Figure 8(H)) will progress to a second presentation mode exclusive mission effect (see Figure 8(J)) depending on the actions of the discovered character.

As shown in FIG. 10, the likelihood of this discovered character correspondence suggestion effect developing into a second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect varies depending on the type of ally character discovered in the character search effect, with the probability of a discovered character correspondence suggestion effect suggesting development into a second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect increasing in the following order: discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character D, discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character C, discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character B, discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character A. In other words, the probability of a discovered character correspondence suggestion effect suggesting development into a second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect is highest when a discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character A is executed, and the probability of a discovered character correspondence suggestion effect suggesting that a discovery mode-exclusive mission effect will not develop into a second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect increases in the following order: discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character B, discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character C, discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character D.

In this embodiment, if a character search effect is executed that successfully discovers character A, a character A matching suggestion effect is executed in conjunction with short fluctuation B that lasts for 24 seconds (= 6 seconds x 4) (see Figure 10(A)), and if a character search effect is executed that successfully discovers character B, a character B matching suggestion effect is executed in conjunction with short fluctuation C that lasts for 18 seconds (= 6 seconds x 3) (see Figure 10(B)). Also, if a character search effect is executed that successfully discovers character C, a character C matching suggestion effect is executed in conjunction with short fluctuation D that lasts for 12 seconds (= 6 seconds x 2) (see Figure 10(C)), and if a character search effect is executed that successfully discovers character D, a character D matching suggestion effect is executed in conjunction with short fluctuation E that lasts for 6 seconds (= 6 seconds x 1) (see Figure 10(D)).

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as explained based on Figures 9 and 10, during the second variation period in which the first special symbol is displayed in the second presentation mode, it is possible to execute a second presentation mode-exclusive preview presentation (see Figure 10: an example of the second presentation) in which the presentation symbol is displayed in short variations multiple times (short variation A to short variation E) and each character's discovered character correspondence suggestion presentation (an example of an expected presentation) is performed in a second presentation pattern unique to the second presentation mode.

As is clear from the notation in Figure 10, the preview effect exclusive to the second presentation mode in this embodiment has the characteristic that the earlier the timing of the character search effect in which an ally character is successfully discovered, the higher the expectation of development into the mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode. Therefore, the player can enjoy playing the game while hoping to succeed in discovering an ally character at an earlier stage.

Furthermore, as is clear from the notation in Figure 10, the preview effect exclusive to the second presentation mode in this embodiment has the characteristic that the longer the execution time of the corresponding suggestion effect corresponding to the discovered character, the higher the likelihood of development into the mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode. Therefore, the player can easily and intuitively recognize the level of expectation of development into the mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode based on the execution time of the corresponding suggestion effect.

(Specific examples of preview effects exclusive to the first presentation mode)
Next, with reference to Figures 11 and 12, a specific example of a preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode (see Figure 8 (C)) will be described. Here, Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode. Figure 12 is a time chart illustrating a plurality of presentation patterns of the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode. The variation start command transmitted from the main control board 80 at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state includes information indicating the variable pattern of the first special symbol, and the sub-CPU 91 may set one of the following three presentation patterns for the exclusive presentation of the first presentation mode based on this information, and instruct the image and sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 to execute the presentation of the set presentation pattern.

Here, the first presentation pattern is a presentation pattern in which, as exemplified in Figures 8(B), (C), and (D), a first presentation mode transition presentation and a first presentation mode exclusive preview presentation are executed, and then a loss notification presentation is executed without executing a first presentation mode exclusive mission presentation. The second presentation pattern is a presentation pattern in which, as exemplified in Figures 8(B), (C), (E), and (F), a first presentation mode transition presentation, a first presentation mode exclusive preview presentation, and a first presentation mode exclusive mission presentation are executed, and then a win notification presentation is executed. The third presentation pattern is a presentation pattern in which, as exemplified in Figures 8(B), (C), (E), and (D), a first presentation mode transition presentation, a first presentation mode exclusive preview presentation, and a first presentation mode exclusive mission presentation are executed, and then a loss notification presentation.

When one of these three presentation patterns is set by the sub-CPU 91, the following presentation is executed as a preview presentation exclusive to the first presentation mode. That is, when a first presentation mode transition presentation (see Figure 8 (B)) is executed in which three presentation symbols indicating a sequence such as "123" are pseudo-stopped, a short fluctuation of the presentation symbols begins (see Figure 11 (A)).

In the short fluctuation of the effect pattern in Figure 11 (A), although not shown in the figure, the effect pattern is displayed large in the effect pattern display area 73 (see Figure 2), and the effect pattern is displayed and fluctuates over a time shorter than the fluctuation time of the current first special pattern. The same is true for the short fluctuation of the effect pattern in Figure 11 (F), which will be described later; short fluctuation 1, short fluctuation 2, short fluctuation 3, and short fluctuation 4 in Figures 12 (A) to (D) correspond to the short fluctuations of these effect patterns, and in this embodiment, the time required for short fluctuations 1 to 4 is all fixed at 4 seconds (see Figure 12).

When four seconds have passed since the short fluctuation of the effect pattern illustrated in Figure 11 (A) began, the effect pattern will be hidden (see Figure 11 (B)). In Figure 12, "Hidden" represents the period during which the effect pattern is hidden immediately after Short Fluctuation 1, Short Fluctuation 2, Short Fluctuation 3, and Short Fluctuation 4, and in this embodiment, the hidden time during which the effect pattern is hidden is fixed at three seconds.

Comparing the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode (see Figure 12) and the pseudo consecutive effect (see Figure 7) in terms of the display of the changing effect symbols, both have in common the fact that the short-changing effect symbols are displayed over a time shorter than the change time of the first special symbol. On the other hand, in the pseudo consecutive effect, three effect symbols, including the middle 7 symbol, are pseudo-stop displayed immediately after the short-changing effect symbols (first short change and second short change in Figures 7 (A) to (C)) are displayed, whereas in the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode, the effect symbols are hidden immediately after the short-changing effect symbols (short change 1 to short change 4 in Figures 12 (A) to (D)) are displayed, which is a difference between the two.

The preview effect exclusive to the first effect mode has a period during which the effect symbols are not displayed (non-display period) so that various effects can be performed during the non-display period using the display area secured by the non-display of the effect symbols. However, if the effect symbols are hidden even temporarily, there is a possibility that the player will not be able to easily determine whether the current variable display of the first special symbol is continuing. For this reason, in other embodiments, the non-display period may be a period during which the small-displayed effect symbols are displayed variable, so as not to interfere with the various effects and so that the player can easily recognize that the current variable display of the first special symbol is continuing.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 11, when the non-display period begins in which the display symbols are not displayed, one of the following effects is executed during this non-display period: point addition effect (see Figure 11 (C)), arrival notice (success) (see Figure 11 (D)), or arrival notice (failure) (see Figure 11 (E)). In Figure 12, the point addition effect is written as "point addition", the arrival notice (success) is written as "arrival notice (success)", and the arrival notice (failure) is written as "arrival notice (failure)".

In this embodiment, in the preview effect exclusive to the first effect mode, as short variation 1 begins, a point image is displayed in a predetermined display area (for example, a display area directly above the icon display area 72 that does not interfere with the short variation of the effect patterns in the effect pattern display area 73). This point image is an effect image that notifies users whether or not the effect will develop into a judgment effect (see Figures 11 (H), 12 (C) and (D)) described below.

In the point addition effect described above, the points to be added to the points indicated by the point image are displayed, and the point image display is updated to show the value obtained by adding these points. For example, if a point addition effect is performed while a point image showing the characters "15pt" is displayed, the characters "+28" are displayed as the added points, and the point image display is updated to show the characters "43pt" (=15+28) instead of the characters "15pt".

Such point addition effects are executed one or more times during the first fluctuation period in which the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect is executed, and the added points are variable. During the first fluctuation period, the point addition effect is executed one or more times, and if the final points indicated by the point image reach "100," it progresses to a judgment effect (see Figure 11 (H)). On the other hand, if the final points indicated by the point image do not reach "100," it does not progress to a judgment effect. This judgment effect is configured to judge whether or not to progress to a first presentation mode exclusive mission effect and to announce the result of that judgment. If the judgment is "pass," it progresses to a first presentation mode exclusive mission effect (see Figures 11 (H) and (I)), and if the judgment is "fail," it does not progress to a first presentation mode exclusive mission effect, and a miss announcement effect is executed (see Figures 11 (H) and (G)).

In this way, the judgement effect is an effect that judges whether or not the performance will progress to a mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode and announces the result of that judgment; if the judgement effect does not judge the performance to be "pass," the mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode will not be executed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode is configured not to progress to the judgement effect unless the final points indicated by the point image reach "100." Therefore, if the final points indicated by the point image do not reach "100," not only the judgement effect but also the mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode will not be executed, and a miss announcement effect will be executed.

The Reach Notice (Success) (see Figure 11 (D)) is an effect that predicts that the points indicated by the point image will reach "100". When the Reach Notice (Success) is executed, the final points indicated by the point image will always reach "100". Therefore, when the Reach Notice (Success) is executed, the points indicated by the point image will reach "100", and the event will at least progress to a judgement effect. Figure 12 (C) illustrates an example of a series of effects in which the Reach Notice (Success) is executed during the non-display period following Short Variation 1, and the points indicated by the point image reach "100" through the point addition effect executed during the non-display period following Short Variation 2 and the point addition effect executed during the non-display period following Short Variation 3, resulting in the judgement effect starting with the start of Short Variation 4.

Figure 12 (D) also illustrates the flow of a series of effects in which an arrival notice (failure) is executed during the non-display period following short variation 1, a point addition effect is executed during the non-display period following short variation 2, and an arrival notice (success) is executed during the non-display period following short variation 3, and although not shown in Figure 12 (D), the points indicated by the point image reach "100", and a judgment effect begins with the start of short variation 4.

As is clear from a comparison of Figures 12(C) and 12(D), when the reach notice (success) is executed, there are two patterns: one in which the points indicated by the point image do not immediately reach "100", but reach "100" through a subsequent point addition effect (the pattern illustrated in Figure 12(C)); and one in which the points indicated by the point image reach "100" immediately after the reach notice (success) is executed, without a subsequent point addition effect being executed (the pattern illustrated in Figure 12(D)).

The Reach Prediction (Failure) (see Figure 11(E)) is a false Reach Prediction (Success) effect that predicts that the points indicated by the point image will not reach 100. However, just because the Reach Prediction (Failure) is executed does not necessarily mean that the points indicated by the point image will not reach 100. In addition to the pattern in which the Reach Prediction (Failure) is executed and the points indicated by the point image do not reach 100 (see Figure 12(B)), there is also a pattern in which the points indicated by the point image reach 100 due to a point addition effect executed after the Reach Prediction (Failure), resulting in a Judgement effect (see Figure 12(C)), and a pattern in which the points indicated by the point image reach 100 due to a Reach Prediction (Success) executed after the Reach Prediction (Failure), resulting in a Judgement effect (see Figure 12(D)). There is also a pattern in which the Reach Prediction (Failure) is never executed during the first fluctuation period, as exemplified in Figure 12(A).

The reach preview (success) and reach preview (failure) can be any presentation that allows the player to easily recognize whether or not the points shown in the point image have the potential to reach 100. For example, an example of a reach preview (success) would be a display showing a specific character holding up a placard with the number 100 written on it, while an example of a reach preview (failure) would be a display showing a specific character walking away without holding up a placard with the number 100 written on it.

As is clear from the explanation so far, in the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode of this embodiment, during the non-display period of the presentation pattern following any of short fluctuations 1, 2, 3, and 4 (see FIG. 11(B)), a point addition effect (see FIG. 11(C)), a reach preview (success) (see FIG. 11(D)), or a reach preview (failure) (see FIG. 11(E)) is executed. Furthermore, if the points indicated by the point image do not reach "100" even during the point addition effect performed during the non-display period following short fluctuation 4 (see FIG. 12(A)), or if a reach preview (failure) is executed during the non-display period following short fluctuation 4 (see FIG. 12(B)), the miss notification effect (see FIG. 11(G)) will be executed without progressing to the mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode (see FIG. 11(I)).

On the other hand, if the point addition effect (see Figure 11 (C)), arrival notice (success) (see Figure 11 (D)), or arrival notice (failure) (see Figure 11 (E)) is executed during the non-display period prior to the non-display period following short variation 4, i.e., the non-display period following short variation 1, the non-display period following short variation 2, or the non-display period following short variation 3, the effect pattern will be displayed again and a short variation of the effect pattern (see Figure 11 (F)) will be executed.

For example, if the first point addition effect in FIG. 11(C) is executed during the non-display period following short variation 1 in FIG. 12(A), short variation 2 is executed as the short variation of the effect pattern in FIG. 11(F) (see FIG. 12(A)). In this case, the effects then progress in the order of FIG. 11(B) and FIG. 11(C), and the second point addition effect is executed during the non-display period following short variation 2 (see FIG. 12(A)). Also, for example, if the arrival notice (success) in FIG. 11(D) is executed during the non-display period following short variation 3 in FIG. 12(D), short variation 4 is executed as the short variation of the effect pattern in FIG. 11(F) (see FIG. 12(D)). In this case, a judgment effect (see FIG. 11(H) and FIG. 12(D)) begins with the start of short variation 4, and an announcement is made as to whether or not the effect will develop into a mission effect exclusive to the first effect mode.

For example, if the first arrival notice (failed) in Figure 11(E) is executed during the non-display period following short variation 2 in Figure 12(B), short variation 3 is executed as the short variation of the performance pattern in Figure 11(F) (see Figure 12(B)). In this case, the performance then progresses in the order of Figure 11(B) and Figure 11(C), and the second point addition performance is executed during the non-display period following short variation 3 (see Figure 12(B)).

If the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode progresses to the judge effect (see Figure 11 (H)), and the judge effect judges the result as "fail," the effect will not progress to the mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode, and a miss notification effect will be executed (see Figures 11 (H) and (G)). On the other hand, if the judge effect judges the result as "pass," the effect will progress to the mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode (see Figure 11 (I)), and after this mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode suggests whether the result was successful, a win notification effect (or a miss notification effect) will be executed (see Figures 11 (I) and (J)).

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as explained based on Figures 11 and 12, during the first variation period in which the first special symbol is displayed in the first variation mode, it is possible to execute a first-mode-exclusive preview effect (see Figure 12: an example of the first effect) in which the first variation period includes multiple short variations of the display symbol (Short Variation 1 to Short Variation 4), a point addition effect, a reach preview (success), a reach preview (failure), and a judgment effect, all in a first variation pattern specific to the first variation mode. Note that the "first variation pattern" here refers to a generic term for a variation pattern that cannot be selected when the presentation is controlled in another presentation mode, but can be selected when the presentation is controlled in the first presentation mode. Some of these variations are shown in Figures 12(A) to 12(D), but a large number of first variation patterns are available.

Although not shown in Figure 12, in the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode of this embodiment, the points indicated by the point image will increase as the point addition effect is executed one or more times. This effectively increases the player's anticipation for the points indicated by the point image to reach "100" and progress to the mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode via the judgement effect, resulting in a high presentation effect.

Note that the points indicated by the point image may reach 100 as a result of multiple point addition effects being executed, or the points indicated by the point image may reach 100 with a single point addition effect. Also, even if one or multiple point addition effects are executed, the points indicated by the point image may not reach 100 (i.e., the judge effect is not executed, and the effect does not progress to the mission effect exclusive to the first effect mode).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode will not progress to the mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode unless both the first condition, that is, the points indicated by the point image reaching "100," and the second condition, that the judgement result is "pass," are met. This effectively prevents the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode from becoming monotonous and reducing its presentation effect, due to the fact that there is only one condition for progressing to the mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode.

In addition, in the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode of this embodiment, the reach preview (success) indicates in advance that the points indicated by the point image will reach "100", i.e., that the performance will progress to a judgement performance, and when the reach preview (success) is executed, the points indicated by the point image will always reach "100". Therefore, the synergistic effect of the point addition effect and the reach preview (success) makes it possible to effectively indicate that a judgement performance will be executed.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when a win notification effect is executed in the first presentation mode, it always goes through a judgment effect (see FIG. 11 (H)) and a mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode (see FIG. 11 (I)). Furthermore, since the judgment effect is an effect that is executed as a result of the execution of a point addition effect (see FIG. 11 (C)) or a reach notice (success) (see FIG. 11 (D)), these point addition effects and reach notice (success) can be said to be "anticipation effects" that create anticipation for the execution of a win notification effect in the first presentation mode.

Figure 12 shows examples of some of the many presentation patterns for the preview presentation exclusive to the first presentation mode executed by the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, but as is clear from the notation in Figure 12, the start timing (expected presentation start timing) at which the point addition presentation or the arrival preview (success) begins varies depending on the presentation pattern selected.

The preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode has multiple timings (start timings of anticipation effects) that heighten the player's anticipation for the execution of the winning notification effect (i.e., the jackpot), and the number and combination of these timings change depending on the presentation pattern selected. For example, in the presentation pattern illustrated in FIG. 12(A), it is possible to heighten the player's anticipation for the jackpot at four timings: the start timing of the non-display period when the first point addition effect starts (following short fluctuation 1), the start timing of the non-display period when the second point addition effect starts (following short fluctuation 2), the start timing of the non-display period when the third point addition effect starts (following short fluctuation 3), and the start timing of the non-display period when the fourth point addition effect starts (following short fluctuation 4). Furthermore, in the presentation pattern illustrated in FIG. 12(D), it is possible to heighten the player's anticipation for the jackpot at two timings: the start timing of the non-display period when the point addition effect starts (following short fluctuation 2), and the start timing of the non-display period when the arrival preview (success) starts (following short fluctuation 3).

For this reason, the preview effect exclusive to the first presentation mode of this embodiment can achieve an extremely high presentation effect compared to presentations in which the timing and number of wins that increase the player's anticipation for a jackpot are fixed.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, even if a point addition effect is executed, there are cases where a judgment effect is not executed afterwards (see, for example, Figures 12 (A) and (B)), whereas when an arrival notice (success) is executed, a judgment effect is always executed afterwards (see, for example, Figures 12 (C) and (D)). Therefore, with regard to the expectation effect that anticipates a jackpot, the player can enjoy the announcement effect exclusive to the first presentation mode while hoping that an arrival notice (success) will be executed rather than a point addition effect.

In addition, when a first presentation mode-exclusive preview effect is executed during the variable display of the first special symbol in normal game mode, if the result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variable display of this first special symbol is a "jackpot," the judgment effect will always be executed and the result will always be judged as a "pass." Then, the game will then progress to a mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode, and a win notification effect will be executed (see Figures 11 (H) to (J)). On the other hand, if the result of the first special symbol determination is a "miss," the longer the first special symbol's variable time, the more likely the judgment effect will be executed; conversely, the shorter the first special symbol's variable time, the more likely the judgment effect will be executed. Furthermore, when the result of the first special symbol determination is a "miss" and the judgment effect is executed, the longer the first special symbol's variable time, the more likely the judgment will be a "pass," and conversely, the shorter the first special symbol's variable time, the more likely the judgment will be a "fail." If the result is a "pass," the game will progress to a mission performance exclusive to the first performance mode. However, since the result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variation is a "miss," a miss notification performance will be executed after the mission performance exclusive to the first performance mode (see Figures 11 (H) to (J)).

When the sub-CPU 91 transitions to the first presentation mode during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state and executes the first presentation mode exclusive preview display (see FIG. 8(C)), it sets, based on the variation start command sent from the main control board 80 at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, the first short fluctuation count (fixed to four times in this embodiment, short fluctuations 1 to 4), which is the number of short fluctuations to be displayed during the first fluctuation period (see FIG. 12), the start timing (expected performance start timing) of the point addition display (see FIG. 11(C)) if it is performed, the start timing (expected performance start timing) of the arrival preview (success) (see FIG. 11(D)) if it is performed, the start timing (expected performance start timing) of the arrival preview (failure) (see FIG. 11(E)) if it is performed, and the start timing of the judgment display (see FIG. 11(H)) if it is performed.

On the other hand, when the sub-CPU 91 transitions to the second presentation mode during the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal game state and executes a preview display exclusive to the second presentation mode (see Figure 8 (H)), it sets the second short fluctuation count, which is the number of times the short fluctuation display will be executed during the second fluctuation period (see Figure 10) (in this embodiment, any of two short fluctuations A-B to five short fluctuations A-E: see Figure 10), and the content of the discovered character correspondence suggestion display executed during the second fluctuation period (which character A-character D corresponds to which discovered character correspondence suggestion display will be executed), based on the fluctuation start command sent from the main control board 80 at the start of the variable display of the first special symbol.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the sub-CPU 91 sets the presentation pattern of the preview presentation exclusive to the first presentation mode (or the presentation pattern of the preview presentation exclusive to the second presentation mode) to an appropriate presentation pattern according to the result of the first special pattern determination, based on a variation start command sent from the main control board 80 at the start of the display of the first special symbol variation, which involves a change in presentation mode to the first presentation mode (or the second presentation mode). This makes it possible to execute highly entertaining preview presentations exclusive to the first presentation mode and the second presentation mode.

[About the increase effect]
Next, the increase effect executed by the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Here, Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of a series of effects constituting the increase effect. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the jackpot reliability of the increase effect, etc.

As described above with reference to Figure 6, when a normal reach (see Figure 6(D)) develops, a power icon (see, for example, Figure 15(D)) indicating the accumulated power of the player's character battling the enemy character is displayed, and an increase effect may be executed to increase the number indicated by this power icon (see Figure 13(B)). This power icon has the function of notifying whether or not the reach will develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach) as exemplified in Figure 6(G). When the number indicated by the power icon reaches "100", the reach will develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach), and if the number indicated by the power icon does not ultimately reach "100", the reach will not develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach).

In this embodiment, the increase effect is composed of a first increase effect (see Figure 13 (C)), a second increase effect (see Figure 13 (E)), a third increase effect (see Figure 13 (J)), and a fourth increase effect (see Figure 13 (K)). In some cases, all four of these increase effects are executed, and in other cases, only some of these four increase effects are executed.

(Prelude)
It should be noted that when an increase effect is executed, the first increase effect is always executed, and in some cases when the first increase effect is executed, a premonition effect (see FIG. 13(A)) may be executed before the first increase effect is executed. When the first increase effect is executed, the power icon used for the first increase effect is displayed (see FIG. 13(B)). However, as is clear from the notations in FIGS. 13(A) to 13(C), there are two patterns: one in which the power icon is displayed and the first increase effect is executed without the premonition effect being executed, and one in which the premonition effect is executed, and then the power icon is displayed and the first increase effect is executed.

The premonition effect is an effect that indicates in advance that the first increase effect will be executed, and is characterized by not being executed if the first increase effect is not executed. In this embodiment, the premonition effect is an effect that causes the board lamp 5 (see Figure 4) to light up in a predetermined light color. As illustrated in Figure 14 (A), there are premonition effects that cause the board lamp 5 to light up in blue, premonition effects that cause the board lamp 5 to light up in green, and premonition effects that cause the board lamp 5 to light up in red. Although not shown in the figure, when the board lamp 5 lights up in blue, a predetermined blue-compatible effect sound is output from speaker 38; when the board lamp 5 lights up in green, a predetermined green-compatible effect sound is output from speaker 38; and when the board lamp 5 lights up in red, a predetermined red-compatible effect sound is output from speaker 38.

As illustrated in Figure 14 (A), the jackpot reliability of the premonition effect that causes the board lamps 5 to light up blue is set to approximately 7%, the jackpot reliability of the premonition effect that causes the board lamps 5 to light up green is set to approximately 10%, and the jackpot reliability of the premonition effect that causes the board lamps 5 to light up red is set to approximately 21%. Therefore, the player can recognize in advance that the first increase effect will be executed based on the execution of the premonition effect, and can easily recognize the likelihood of the winning notification effect being executed based on the light color of the board lamps 5 in the premonition effect (and the sound output from speaker 38).

Note that this embodiment describes an example in which the first increase effect is always executed after the execution of a premonition effect. However, in other embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which the premonition effect may be executed even if the first increase effect is not executed. In other words, a configuration in which the first increase effect is executed after a premonition effect and the first increase effect is not executed after a premonition effect may be adopted. When adopting such a configuration, it is possible to also adopt a configuration in which, for example, when a premonition effect that causes the board lamps 5 to light up blue is executed, there is a relatively low possibility that the first premonition effect will be executed thereafter; when a premonition effect that causes the board lamps 5 to light up green is executed, there is a medium possibility that the first premonition effect will be executed thereafter; and when a premonition effect that causes the board lamps 5 to light up red is executed, there is a relatively high possibility that the first premonition effect will be executed thereafter (or the first premonition effect will always be executed).

In addition, while this embodiment describes an example in which two presentation means, the panel lamp 5 and the speaker 38, are used for the premonition effects, the types and number of presentation means used for the premonition effects are not limited to those exemplified in this embodiment. That is, in other embodiments, one or three or more presentation means may be used for the premonition effects, and presentation means other than the panel lamp 5 and the speaker 38, such as the display screen 70, frame lamp 37, or movable decorative member 14, may be used. Furthermore, when multiple presentation means are used for the premonition effects, the combination of presentation means can be changed as appropriate.

(First increase effect)
Returning to the explanation of FIG. 13 , when an increase effect is executed, a power icon is displayed after the premonition effect (see FIG. 13(A)) is executed, or without the premonition effect being executed (see FIG. 13(B)). The power icon is an effect image that indicates, in numerical form, the accumulated power of the player's character battling an enemy character. The first increase effect is an effect that updates (changes) the display of the power icon so that the number indicated by the power icon increases (see, for example, FIGS. 15 to 17 and 18 to 20). Note that, because the initial value of the number indicated by the power icon is "00," when the first increase effect is executed for the first time after the power icon is displayed, the first increase effect is executed, updating (changing) the display of the power icon so that the number indicated by the power icon changes from "00" to a number greater than "00" (see, for example, FIGS. 15(D) to 15(G)).

The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is capable of executing the first increase effect multiple times, and is configured so that the number of times the first increase effect is executed changes depending on the number of times the pseudo consecutive effects described above with reference to Figure 7 are executed. For example, if no pseudo consecutive effects are executed during a normal reach, even if the first increase effect is executed, it will only be executed once.

On the other hand, when one pseudo consecutive performance is executed during a normal reach, the display of the performance pattern change before the pseudo consecutive performance is executed will be the first short change (see Figure 7(B)), which is the display of the first pseudo consecutive performance change related to the performance pattern, and the display of the performance pattern change after the pseudo consecutive performance is executed will be the second short change (see Figure 7(B)), which is the display of the second pseudo consecutive performance change related to the performance pattern. In this way, when two short changes, the first and second short changes, are executed during a normal reach with one pseudo consecutive performance in between, the first first increase performance is executed during the first short change, and the second first increase performance is executed during the second short change, resulting in two first increase performances being executed.

In addition, when two pseudo consecutive performances are executed during a normal reach, the display of the performance pattern change before the first pseudo consecutive performance is executed will be the first short change (see Figure 7(C)), which is the display of the pseudo first consecutive performance change related to the performance pattern, and the display of the performance pattern change from the first pseudo consecutive performance to the second pseudo consecutive performance is the second short change (see Figure 7(C)), which is the display of the pseudo second consecutive performance change related to the performance pattern. Then, the display of the performance pattern change after the second pseudo consecutive performance is executed will be the third short change (see Figure 7(C)), which is the display of the pseudo third consecutive performance change related to the performance pattern. In this way, if the first short fluctuation, first pseudo consecutive effect, second short fluctuation, second pseudo consecutive effect, and third short fluctuation occur in this order during a normal reach, the first first increase effect will be executed during the first short fluctuation, the second first increase effect will be executed during the second short fluctuation, and the third first increase effect will be executed during the third short fluctuation, resulting in three first increase effects being executed.

Figure 13 illustrates an example of the flow of a first increase effect (see Figure 13(C)), followed by a pseudo consecutive effect (see Figure 13(D)), after which the first increase effect (see Figure 13(C)) is executed again. Also, Figures 15(E)-(G) illustrate an example of the number indicated by the power icon increasing from "00" to "19" as a result of the first first increase effect, Figures 16(A)-(C) illustrate an example of the number indicated by the power icon increasing from "19" to "45" as a result of the second first increase effect, and Figures 16(F)-(H) illustrate an example of the number indicated by the power icon increasing from "45" to "89" as a result of the third first increase effect.

For example, when comparing the first case where one first increase effect is executed during a normal reach (when no pseudo consecutive effects are executed) with the second case where two first increase effects are executed during a normal reach (when one pseudo consecutive effect is executed), the number indicated by the power icon is more likely to be a larger value in the second case than in the first case. Furthermore, when comparing the second case with the third case where three first increase effects are executed during a normal reach (when two pseudo consecutive effects are executed), the number indicated by the power icon is more likely to be a larger value in the third case than in the second case.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the more pseudo consecutive effects are executed, the higher the reliability of a jackpot. However, as mentioned above, there is a correlation between the pseudo consecutive effects and the first increase effect, such that the more pseudo consecutive effects are executed, the more frequently the first increase effect is executed. Therefore, by increasing the number of times the first increase effect is executed, the player's anticipation of the development into an SPSP reach (or story reach) can be increased, and by increasing the number of times the pseudo consecutive effects are executed, the player's anticipation of the execution of a win notification effect due to that fluctuation can be increased. The synergistic effect between the pseudo consecutive effects and the first increase effect can produce a high performance effect.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 13, if the number indicated by the power icon reaches MAX ("100" in this embodiment) as a result of executing the first increase effect one or more times during a normal reach, the reach effect will progress directly from normal reach to SPSP reach (or story reach) (see Figures 13 (C) and (G), and Figures 6 (D) and (G)).

(Second increase effect)
On the other hand, if the number indicated by the power icon does not reach the MAX as a result of one or more first increase effects being executed during a normal reach (if the MAX is not reached), a second increase effect may be executed (see Figures 13(C) and (E)). This second increase effect is an effect that further increases the number indicated by the power icon that has increased through the first increase effect. Figures 16(I) and 17(A)-(B) illustrate how the second increase effect is executed, in which the number indicated by the power icon that has increased to "89" through the first increase effect reaches the MAX.

Here, there are the following differences between the first increase effect and the second increase effect. That is, the first increase effect is always executed once when the power icon is displayed, whereas the second increase effect may or may not be executed, which is why it differs from the first increase effect. Also, while the number of times the first increase effect is executed can be varied as described above, the number of times the second increase effect is executed is fixed at one. Furthermore, when the first increase effect is executed one or more times, the number indicated by the power icon may or may not reach the MAX, whereas when the second increase effect is executed, the number indicated by the power icon will always reach the MAX.

As is clear from the above explanation, the second increase effect functions as a definitive notification effect that definitively notifies that the number indicated by the power icon has reached MAX. Therefore, if the second increase effect is executed after the first increase effect during a normal reach, the normal reach will progress directly to an SPSP reach (or story reach), and a win/loss notification effect (a win notification effect or a miss notification effect) will be executed in the resulting reach effect (see Figures 13 (C), (E), (G), (H) and Figures 6 (D), (G), (E)).

If the first increase effect is executed one or more times but the number indicated by the power icon does not reach MAX (MAX not reached) and the second increase effect is not executed, the normal reach may continue and the win/loss notification effect may be executed (see Figures 13 (C) and (F), Figures 6 (D) and (E)), or the number indicated by the power icon may not reach MAX (MAX not reached) and the normal reach may develop into an SP reach (see Figures 13 (C) and (I), Figures 6 (D) and (F)).

In this way, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, if the number indicated by the power icon does not reach MAX during a normal reach, a miss notification effect may be executed, or the situation may develop into an SP reach. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which a miss notification effect is always executed when the number indicated by the power icon does not reach MAX, it is possible to effectively prevent the problem of a significant drop in a player's anticipation of a jackpot due to the number indicated by the power icon not reaching MAX, and it is possible to maintain a player's anticipation of a jackpot for a long period of time.

(Third increase effect)
As described above, when the number indicated by the power icon develops into an SP reach without reaching the MAX, a third increase effect is executed during the SP reach (see Figures 13(I) and (J)). This third increase effect is an effect that further increases the number of the power icon that has increased by one or more first increase effects. Figure 18 shows an example of a series of effect displays that show how the number of the power icon, which has increased to "38" by the first increase effect during a normal reach, gradually increases by the third increase effect.

The first and second increase effects described above are effects that occur regardless of the player's operation of the first effect button 35 (or second effect button 36). In contrast, the third increase effect is an effect that occurs in response to the player's operation and is composed of a first effect button operation prompt effect and a power addition effect. The first effect button operation prompt effect (see, for example, Figure 18 (E)) is an effect that prompts the player to operate the first effect button 35 and displays a first effect button image that resembles the first effect button 35 and a validity period gauge that indicates the remaining time during the validity period during which operation of the first effect button 35 is valid. The power addition effect (see, for example, Figures 18 (F) to (G)) is an effect that displays a number (addition number) to be added to the number indicated by the power icon in response to operation of the first effect button 35 during the validity period, and then updates the display of the power icon so that the number indicated by the power icon represents the number obtained by adding that addition number. Figures 18 (F) to (G) show an example of how, after "+13" is displayed as the addition, the power icon display is updated to show "51" (=38 + 15) after the addition of "38".

In the third increase effect, the number indicated by the power icon increases in stages as the first button operation prompt effect and the power addition effect are repeated alternately. If the number indicated by the power icon reaches MAX as a result of the execution of the third increase effect, which is composed of multiple power addition effects, the fourth increase effect (see Figure 13 (K)), which will be described later, will not be executed, and the effect will develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach), and a win/loss notification effect (win notification effect or loss notification effect) will be executed in the resulting reach effect (see Figures 13 (J), (L), (M)).

In this way, with the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, not only will the number indicated by the power icon reach MAX during a normal reach, but the game will also progress to an SPSP reach (or story reach) if the number indicated by the power icon reaches MAX during an SP reach. Therefore, even if the number indicated by the power icon does not reach MAX during a normal reach, by displaying the power icon and executing the third increase effect during an SP reach, the player will be made to expect the game to progress to an SPSP reach (or story reach), and it is possible to maintain the player's anticipation of a jackpot for a long period of time.

(Fourth increase effect)
As illustrated in FIG. 13 , when the third increase effect (e.g., see FIG. 13(J)) is executed, the fourth increase effect (e.g., see FIG. 13(K)) may or may not be executed thereafter. The fourth increase effect (e.g., see FIG. 20(A)) is executed in some cases where the number indicated by the power icon does not reach the MAX despite the execution of the third increase effect, and has the function of ensuring that the number indicated by the power icon reaches the MAX. In other words, while the above-mentioned second increase effect is executed during a normal reach, the fourth increase effect differs from the second increase effect in that it is executed during an SP reach, which is different from a normal reach. However, it is similar to the second increase effect in that it ensures that the number indicated by the power icon reaches the MAX. Like the second increase effect, it can be said to function as a definitive notification effect that definitively notifies that the number indicated by the power icon has reached the MAX.

On the other hand, if the fourth increase effect is not executed after the third increase effect, if the number indicated by the power icon reaches MAX due to the third increase effect, it will develop into an SPSP reach (see Figures 13 (J) and (L)), and if the number indicated by the power icon does not reach MAX, a win/loss notification effect (win notification effect or miss notification effect) will be executed in the SP reach (see Figures 13 (J) and (M)).

So far, we have explained the increase effects that are executed when a win/loss notification effect is executed during a normal reach, when a normal reach develops into an SP reach and a win/loss notification effect is executed, when a normal reach develops directly into an SPSP reach (or story reach) and a win/loss notification effect is executed, and when a normal reach develops into an SP reach via an SP reach and then an SPSP reach (or story reach) and a win/loss notification effect is executed. In contrast, when a normal reach develops into a character reach (see Figure 6 (I)), an effect that uses a power icon and is different from the increase effect described above based on Figure 13 is executed during the character reach.

Specifically, as a character reach, a reach effect is executed, showing a specific character aiming to acquire an icon containing the letters MAX (MAX icon). Here, if the specific character succeeds in acquiring the MAX icon, the MAX icon is displayed large in the central area of the display screen 70, and a change effect display is performed in which this MAX icon moves to the power icon and the number indicated by the power icon changes to "100". When this change effect display is executed, no matter what number the power icon indicates is less than "100", that number will reach MAX (i.e., "100").

In this way, when the MAX icon is displayed large during a character reach and the above-mentioned change effect is displayed, a predetermined development effect will occur, and the character reach will develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach) (see Figures 6 (I) and (G)).

On the other hand, if a specific character fails to acquire the MAX icon, the MAX icon is not displayed large in the central area of the display screen 70, and a power icon showing a number less than "100" continues to be displayed, indicating that the character reach will not progress to an SPSP reach (or story reach). In this case, a miss notification effect is usually executed in which three symbols indicating a reach miss are simulated to stop and then actually stop, but although this is extremely unlikely, a win notification effect may also be executed in which three symbols indicating a doublet are simulated to stop and then actually stop (see Figures 6 (I) and (H)).

(About the reliability of the Power Icon jackpot)
Figure 14 (B) illustrates the jackpot reliability for each rank of the power icon. The power icon described above based on Figure 13 etc. has the feature that the number indicated by the power icon increases as some of the first to fourth increase effects are executed. When the number indicated by the power icon finally reaches the MAX, it is announced that the game will develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach), and when the number indicated by the power icon finally does not reach the MAX, it is announced that the game will not develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach).

In this way, the power icon, which indicates whether or not the number reaches MAX and progresses to SPSP Reach (or Story Reach), has another feature in that its display color may change as the number changes. In this embodiment, the increase effect described above with reference to Figure 13 allows the display color of the power icon to change in the following order: blue, yellow, green, red, gold, and rainbow; and conversely, the display of the power icon is controlled so that the display color of the power icon does not change from yellow to blue or from gold to green.

As illustrated in Figure 14, power icons are classified into six ranks: Rank 1, Rank 2, Rank 3, Rank 4, Rank 5, and Rank 6, based on their display color and numerical range. Rank 1 power icons are displayed in blue and can take on any numerical value from "00" to "19." Furthermore, the jackpot reliability of an effect displaying a Rank 1 (blue) power icon is approximately 1%, and if the power icon's rank does not increase from Rank 1 to a higher rank, the likelihood of the winning notification effect being executed is extremely low. Furthermore, the maximum number indicated by a Rank 1 (blue) power icon is "19." For this reason, when the first rank (blue) power icon is displayed, normal reach does not progress directly to SPSP reach (or story reach); instead, a win/loss notification effect is executed during normal reach (see Figures 6 (D) and (E)), normal reach progresses to SP reach (see Figures 6 (D) and (F)), or normal reach progresses to character reach (see Figures 6 (D) and (I)) (see Figure 14 (B)).

A second-rank power icon is yellow and can take on a value between "20" and "50." The jackpot reliability of the effect of displaying a second-rank (yellow) power icon is approximately 3%, and if the power icon's rank does not increase from second rank to a higher rank, the likelihood of the winning notification effect being executed is extremely low. The maximum number indicated by a second-rank (yellow) power icon is "50." Therefore, when a second-rank (yellow) power icon is displayed, a normal reach does not directly progress to an SPSP reach (or story reach). Instead, a win/loss notification effect is executed during a normal reach (see Figures 6(D) and (E)), a normal reach progresses to an SP reach (see Figures 6(D) and (F)), or a normal reach progresses to a character reach (see Figures 6(D) and (I)) (see Figure 14(B)).

A third-rank power icon is green and can take on any value between "51" and "99." The jackpot reliability of the effect of displaying a third-rank (green) power icon is approximately 7%, and if the power icon's rank does not increase from third rank to a higher rank, the likelihood of the winning notification effect being executed is relatively low. The maximum number indicated by a third-rank (green) power icon is "99." Therefore, when a third-rank (green) power icon is displayed, a normal reach does not directly progress to an SPSP reach (or story reach). Instead, a win/loss notification effect is executed during a normal reach (see Figures 6(D) and (E)), a normal reach progresses to an SP reach (see Figures 6(D) and (F)), or a normal reach progresses to a character reach (see Figures 6(D) and (I)) (see Figure 14(B)).

A fourth-rank power icon is displayed in red and only displays the number "100." Furthermore, the jackpot reliability of an effect displaying a fourth-rank (red) power icon is approximately 23%. If the power icon's rank is not upgraded from fourth rank to a higher rank, the likelihood of a win notification effect being executed is high. Generally, a win notification effect is executed approximately once every four times a fourth-rank power icon is displayed. Furthermore, because the number displayed by a fourth-rank (red) power icon is "100," when a fourth-rank (red) power icon is displayed, it is highly likely that the game will progress to an SPSP reach (or story reach). If a fourth-rank (red) power icon is displayed during an SP reach, the game will subsequently progress to an SPSP reach (or story reach). If a fourth-rank (red) power icon is displayed during a normal reach, the game will progress directly to an SPSP reach (or story reach) without passing through other reach effects, such as an SP reach.

The fifth rank power icon is displayed in gold and shows the same number as the fourth rank power icon, "100." Furthermore, the jackpot reliability of the effect of displaying a fifth rank (gold) power icon is approximately 49%, and if the power icon's rank does not increase from fifth rank to a higher rank, the probability of the winning notification effect being executed is extremely high. Generally, the winning notification effect will be executed approximately once every two times a fifth rank power icon is displayed. Additionally, because the number indicated by the 5th rank (gold) power icon is "100," when the 5th rank (gold) power icon appears, it is highly likely to develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach); if the 5th rank (gold) power icon appears during an SP reach, it will subsequently develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach); and if the 5th rank (gold) power icon appears during a normal reach, it will develop directly into an SPSP reach (or story reach) without going through other reach effects such as an SP reach.

The sixth rank power icon is rainbow-colored and displays the number "77" or "100." A sixth rank (rainbow) power icon displaying the number "77" is a third rank (green) power icon whose number stops at the rainbow number "77" as it rises. The jackpot reliability of the effect displaying a sixth rank (rainbow) power icon is 100%, and when a sixth rank (rainbow) power icon appears, a jackpot is highly likely. If a sixth rank (rainbow) power icon displaying the number "100" appears during a normal reach, the game will progress directly to an SPSP reach (or story reach) without passing through an SP reach, and a win notification effect will always be executed in the resulting reach effect. Additionally, if a 6th rank (rainbow colored) power icon showing the number "100" appears during an SP reach, it will then develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach), and a win notification effect will always be executed in the resulting reach effect.

Furthermore, when a sixth-rank (rainbow-colored) power icon showing the number "77" is displayed during a normal reach, that number remains as the rainbow "77" and the game develops into an SP reach. If the number remains as the rainbow "77" during an SP reach, a win notification effect will always be executed in the SP reach. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the number shown by the power icon may change from the rainbow "77" to the rainbow "100" during an SP reach. In this case, the SP reach will develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach), and a win notification effect will always be executed in the reach effect that develops into the new reach.

For example, there are two cases: a first case in which a first-rank (blue: an example of a first display color) power icon is displayed, and then an increase effect (e.g., a first increase effect) is performed, followed by a first-rank (blue: an example of a common display color) power icon; and a second case in which a second-rank (yellow: an example of a second display color) power icon is displayed. Comparing the first and second cases, the second case shows a higher probability of a win notification effect being performed (higher jackpot reliability) than the first case. Furthermore, because the number indicated by the power icon is larger (closer to the MAX), it can be said that there is a higher probability of an SPSP reach or story reach being performed. Furthermore, the rank of the power icon does not necessarily increase by one level at a time; for example, a first-rank (blue) power icon may change to a third-rank (green) power icon, or a first-rank (blue) power icon may change to a fourth-rank (red) power icon.

(About the jackpot reliability of the movable decorative lighting effects)
In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a movable decorative light-up effect may be executed when the number indicated by the power icon reaches MAX during a normal reach and develops directly into an SPSP reach (or story reach), when the number indicated by the power icon reaches MAX during an SP reach and develops into an SPSP reach (or story reach), and when the number indicated by the power icon reaches MAX due to a change effect display by the MAX icon during a character reach and develops into an SPSP reach (or story reach). This movable decorative light-up effect is an effect in which the movable decorative member 14 is moved from its initial position to an operating position, causing the movable decorative member 14 (the color LED built into the movable decorative member 14) located in the operating position to emit light in a predetermined color.

In the movable decorative light-emitting effect, the movable decorative member 14 may emit white light or red light. As illustrated in Figure 14(C), the jackpot reliability of a movable decorative light-emitting effect in which the movable decorative member 14 emits white light is approximately 21%, and the jackpot reliability of a movable decorative light-emitting effect in which the movable decorative member 14 emits red light is approximately 60%.

In this embodiment, we will explain the case where the movable decoration light-emitting effect is always executed when the game progresses to an SPSP reach (or story reach), but it is also possible to adopt a configuration where there are times when the movable decoration light-emitting effect in which the movable decorative members 14 emit light in white is executed, times when the movable decoration light-emitting effect in which the movable decorative members 14 emit light in red is executed, and times when the movable decoration light-emitting effect is not executed. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make the movable decoration light-emitting effect function as a so-called chance-up effect.

(Increase in effect when a normal reach develops directly into an SPSP reach)
Next, a specific example of an increase effect that is performed when a normal reach develops directly to an SPSP reach will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Here, Figures 15 to 17 are screen diagrams showing a specific example of an increase effect that is performed when a normal reach (see Figure 6(D)) develops directly to an SPSP reach (see Figure 6(G)).

Figure 15 (A) illustrates a state in which two reserved icons are displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 on the display screen 70, and three display symbols representing the "836" scatter pattern are stopped as a losing symbol is displayed as the first special symbol to notify that the result of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is a "miss." Thus, when a predetermined confirmation time (0.6 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the losing symbol was displayed as the first special symbol, a first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest reserved icon displayed in the reserved icon display area 71 (here, the green reserved icon) is executed. If the result of this first special symbol determination is a "jackpot" and a variation pattern that directly develops from a normal reach to an SPSP reach is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the following effects are produced.

In other words, as the first special pattern determination corresponding to the earliest pending icon (here, the green pending icon) is performed and the display of the first special pattern begins to change, the earliest pending icon displayed in the pending icon display area 71 shifts to the icon display area 72, the remaining pending icons displayed in the pending icon display area 71 shift toward the icon display area 72 within the pending icon display area 71, and the scrolling display of the three pattern rows begins (see Figures 15 (A) and (B)).

When a predetermined time has elapsed since the scrolling display of these three symbol rows began, a line preview effect image showing a predetermined character speaking a line is displayed on the display screen 70, and a line preview effect is executed in which the line is output from the speaker 38 (see Figure 15(C)). This line preview effect is an effect that suggests the reliability of a jackpot based on the type of predetermined character, the content of the line spoken by the predetermined character, the color of the text of the line, etc. Figure 15(C) shows an example of a state in which a line preview effect image is displayed showing a predetermined character speaking the line, "This change might be a chance!?" to suggest that the reliability of a jackpot is slightly high. Note that with the start of this line preview effect, the three symbol rows are displayed as small symbols in the upper right area of the display screen 70, and various effects are performed using the resulting central area of the display screen 70.

When a predetermined time has passed since the dialogue preview performance was executed, a power icon is displayed in the lower right area of the display screen 70 (see Figures 15(D) and 13(B)). As mentioned above, this power icon indicates the amount of accumulated power of the player's character battling the enemy character, and its initial value is "00". For this reason, Figure 15(D) shows an example of a power icon displaying the number "00". Note that since the power icon displaying the number "00" is a power icon classified as the first rank, its display color is blue and the reliability of a jackpot is approximately 1% (see Figures 15(D) and 14(B)).

Although not shown in Figure 15, before the power icon is displayed, a premonition effect may be executed using the board lamps 5 and speaker 38. This premonition effect is as described above with reference to Figure 13 (A) etc.

When a power icon showing the initial value of "00" is displayed as described above, a first first increase effect is executed to update the display of the power icon so that the number changes from "00" to a number greater than "00" (see Figures 15(E) to (G)). The first increase effect can be any effect that increases the number indicated by the power icon, but in this embodiment, it is configured as an effect in which a specified character throws an item at the power icon, increasing the number indicated by the power icon. Figures 15(E) to (G) show an example of how the first increase effect is executed, increasing the number indicated by the power icon from "00" to "19."

The power icon immediately after the first first increase effect is executed shows "19" as illustrated in Figure 15(G), and is a power icon classified as first rank as illustrated in Figure 14(B). Before and after the first increase effect is executed as illustrated in Figures 15(E) to (G), the number indicated by the power icon increases from "00" to "19," but the rank of the power icon remains unchanged at rank 1. Therefore, during the first first increase effect, the display color of the power icon does not change from blue, and the jackpot reliability indicated by the power icon remains at approximately 1% (see Figures 14(B), 15(E), and (G)).

In this way, when the first short fluctuation, which is the pseudo first consecutive fluctuation display for the effect symbols, is performed, a pseudo consecutive effect is executed (see Figure 15 (H)). Specifically, the scrolling speed of the left-hand symbol row slows down and the left symbol (e.g., left 2 symbol) pseudo-stops, then the scrolling speed of the right-hand symbol row slows down and the right symbol (different from the left symbol that pseudo-stopped earlier) (e.g., right 3 symbol) pseudo-stops, and then the scrolling speed of the middle-hand symbol row slows down and an effect display is displayed in which a 7 symbol (middle 7 symbol) pseudo-stops as the middle symbol to notify the execution of the pseudo consecutive effect.

In this way, after different effect symbols have pseudo-stopped as the left and right symbols, when symbol 7 pseudo-stops in the middle row, a pseudo second series of change display (second short change) following the pseudo first series of change display (first short change) related to the effect symbols begins (see Figures 15 (H) and (I)). Specifically, after the letters "x2" indicating the start of the pseudo second series of change display are displayed large in the central area of the display screen 70, the letters "x2" are moved to the upper left area of the display screen 70 and displayed small, and the scrolling display of the three symbol rows in the effect symbol display area 73 resumes.

In this developed second short variation, the second first increase effect is executed (see Figures 16 (A) to (C)). In the second first increase effect, a specific character throws two items at the power icon, increasing the number indicated by the power icon from "19" to "45."

The power icon immediately before the second first increase effect is executed shows "19" as illustrated in FIG. 16(A), which is a power icon classified as a first rank (see FIG. 14(B)). On the other hand, the power icon immediately after the second first increase effect is executed shows "45" as illustrated in FIG. 16(C), which is a power icon classified as a second rank (see FIG. 14(B)). Because the number indicated by the power icon has not yet reached MAX during the second first increase effect, the player can easily recognize by looking at the power icon that there is a high possibility that the game will not develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach) at this time. Meanwhile, because the second first increase effect here is an increase effect that changes a first-rank power icon to a second-rank power icon, the display color of the power icon changes from blue to yellow (see FIG. 15(G) and FIG. 16(C)). Based on the changed color of the power icon, the player can easily recognize that the probability of winning a jackpot has increased to approximately 3%.

In this way, once the second first increase effect is executed in the second short variation, a second pseudo consecutive effect is then executed (see Figure 16 (D)). Specifically, the scrolling speed of the left symbol row slows down, causing the left symbol (e.g., left 4 symbol) to pseudo-stop, then the scrolling speed of the right symbol row slows down, causing the right symbol (different from the left symbol that pseudo-stopped earlier) (e.g., right 5 symbol) to pseudo-stop, and then the scrolling speed of the middle symbol row slows down, causing the middle 7 symbol to pseudo-stop.

In this way, after different effect symbols have pseudo-stopped as the left and right symbols, when the middle 7 symbol pseudo-stops in the middle row, a pseudo third consecutive change display (third short change) following the pseudo second consecutive change display (second short change) related to the effect symbols begins (see Figures 16 (D) and (E)). Specifically, after the letters "x3" indicating the start of the pseudo third consecutive change display are displayed large in the central area of the display screen 70, the letters "x3" move to the upper left area of the display screen 70 and are displayed smaller, and the scrolling display of the three symbol rows in the effect symbol display area 73 resumes.

In this developed third short variation, the third first increase effect is executed (see Figures 16 (F) to (H)). In the third first increase effect, a specific character throws three items at the power icon, increasing the number indicated by the power icon from "45" to "89."

The power icon immediately before the third first increase effect is executed shows "45," as illustrated in FIG. 16(F), and is a power icon classified as a second rank (see FIG. 14(B)). On the other hand, the power icon immediately after the third first increase effect is executed shows "89," as illustrated in FIG. 16(H), and is a power icon classified as a third rank (see FIG. 14(B)). Because the number indicated by the power icon has not yet reached MAX during the third first increase effect, the player can easily recognize by looking at the power icon that there is a high possibility that the game will not develop into an SPSP reach (or story reach) at this time. Meanwhile, because the third first increase effect here is an increase effect that changes a second-rank power icon to a third-rank power icon, the display color of the power icon changes from yellow to green (see FIGS. 16(C) and (H)). Based on the changed color of the power icon, the player can easily recognize that the probability of winning a jackpot has increased to approximately 7%.

Figure 16 (I) shows an example in which the first increase effect has been executed three times, but the number indicated by the power icon has not reached "100", and a failure suggestion effect is being displayed in which a specific character appears disappointed and says "What a shame..." Here, if it is set at the start of the current first special symbol variable display that the second increase effect (see Figure 13 (E)) will be executed after three first increase effects (see Figure 13 (C)), the following effect will be displayed.

In other words, if the number indicated by the power icon does not reach the MAX despite the first increase effect being executed, a second increase effect is executed to make that number reach the MAX (see Figures 17(A) and (B)). Figures 17(A) and (B) show an example of a second increase effect being executed in which a companion character who is a companion of the specified character who appeared in the first increase effect appears and attacks the power icon with a ray gun, changing the number on the power icon to the MAX of "100". Figure 17(B) also shows an example of a specified character rejoicing that the number on the power icon has reached the MAX as a result of the second increase effect being executed.

Note that Figure 17(B) shows an example in which a fourth rank (red) power icon showing the number "100" is displayed as a result of the second increase effect being executed, but instead of the fourth rank (red), a fifth rank (gold) power icon showing the number "100" or a sixth rank (rainbow) power icon showing the number "100" may also be displayed.

In this way, when the second increase effect is executed during a normal reach and the number on the power icon reaches MAX, a predetermined development effect is performed (see Figures 17(C) and (D)). Specifically, in the effect symbol display area 73 (see Figure 2), for example, three symbols on the left and three symbols on the right come to a pseudo-stop almost simultaneously, establishing a reach, and the middle symbol row is displayed in a slow scrolling state (see Figure 17(C)). At this time, the effect symbols that make up the middle symbol row become temporarily visible, but then the scrolling speed of the middle symbol row increases, making it difficult to identify the middle symbol. Then, as the three left symbols shrink and move towards the upper left region of the display screen 70, they rotate clockwise once around the scroll direction as their axis before moving to the upper left region, and at the same time, as the three right symbols shrink and move towards the upper right region of the display screen 70, they rotate clockwise once around the scroll direction as their axis before moving to the upper right region (see Figures 17(C) and (D)). After that, until the end of the variable display of this first special symbol, the three left symbols are displayed in a pseudo-static state in the upper left region, and the three right symbols are maintained in a pseudo-static state in the upper right region (see Figures 17(E)-(H)).

When the development effect is performed in this manner, an SPSP reach effect image, which is an effect image related to the SPSP reach, is displayed on the display screen 70, and the SPSP reach begins (see Figures 17(D) and (E)). As a result, although not shown in Figure 17(E), an effect is displayed that shows, for example, the player's character, whose power has accumulated to MAX, battling an enemy character. Then, as the SPSP reach approaches the end, a first button effect prompting effect is displayed that prompts the player to operate the first button effect 35 (see Figure 17(F)). Specifically, a first button effect image modeled after the first button effect 35 and a valid period gauge that indicates the remaining valid period during which operation of the first button effect 35 is valid are displayed.

A cut-in occurs when the first effect button 35 is operated during the valid period of this first effect button operation prompt effect, or when the valid period ends without the first effect button 35 being operated (see FIG. 17(G)). This cut-in is one of the preview effects that warns of the possibility of a jackpot, and is an effect in which a specified cut-in image is superimposed on an effect image (other than a reach symbol) displayed on the display screen 70. This cut-in comes in three types: a weak cut-in that displays a superimposed weak cut-in image representing one character, a medium cut-in that displays a superimposed medium cut-in image representing two characters, and a strong cut-in that displays a superimposed strong cut-in image representing three characters. These cut-ins are arranged in order of lowest to highest probability of winning the jackpot: weak cut-in, medium cut-in, and strong cut-in. FIG. 17(G) shows an example of a strong cut-in, one of these three types of cut-ins (see FIG. 17(G)).

When a cut-in occurs in this way and the SPSP reach reaches the end, a second button operation prompting effect is displayed to encourage the player to operate the second button 36 (see Figure 17 (H)). During the valid period of the second button operation prompting effect, a second button image modeled after the second button 36, the text "Press!" indicating the operation of the second button 36, and a valid period gauge indicating the remaining time of the valid period are displayed.

When the second effect button 36 is operated during the valid period of this second effect button operation promotion effect, an operation-responsive effect corresponding to that operation is performed, in which three effect symbols indicating a double number are pseudo-stopped and then stopped properly, resulting in a winning notification effect (see Figures 17 (H) and (I)).

In this case, since the result of the first special pattern determination performed when the display of the current first special pattern began to change was a "jackpot," a win notification effect is displayed as an operation-responsive effect. However, if the result of the current first special pattern determination was a "miss," a miss notification effect is displayed in which the three effect symbols indicating a reach miss are pseudo-stopped and then actually stopped as an operation-responsive effect.

(Increase in effect when developing from a normal reach to an SP reach via an SP reach)
Next, with reference to Figures 18 to 20, a specific example of an increase effect performed when a normal reach develops into an SPSP reach via an SP reach. Here, Figures 18 to 20 are screen diagrams showing a specific example of an increase effect performed when a normal reach (see Figure 6 (D)) develops into an SPSP reach (see Figure 6 (G)) via an SP reach (see Figure 6 (F)). Here, in the case where the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "miss" and a variation effect pattern that develops from a normal reach into an SPSP reach via an SP reach is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the flow of the effect after one or more first increase effects are executed during the normal reach will be described.

Figure 18(A) shows an example of a situation where, during a normal reach, the first increase effect is executed one or more times, but the number indicated by the power icon does not reach MAX, and a failure indication effect is executed, similar to that described above based on Figure 16(I). The number indicated by the power icon in this case is "38," and since it is a power icon classified as second rank, its display color is yellow.

After a failure indication effect (see Figure 18(A)) is executed, instead of the second increase effect (see Figure 13(E)), it may develop into an SP reach (see Figure 13(I)). In this case, the failure indication effect (see Figure 18(A)) is followed by a development effect (see Figures 18(B) and (C)), and the SP reach begins (see Figure 18(D)). Note that the development effect here is performed in the same way as the development effect described above based on Figures 17(C) and (D), except that it develops into an SP reach rather than an SPSP reach, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

When the development effect is performed in this manner, an SP reach effect image, which is an effect image related to the SP reach, is displayed on the display screen 70, and the SP reach begins (see Figures 18 (C) and (D)). When the SP reach begins in this manner, a third increase effect is executed (see Figures 13 (I) and (J)). This third increase effect is an effect that alternates between a first effect button operation prompt effect and a power addition effect, and each time a power addition effect is executed, the number indicated by the power icon increases in stages.

Figure 18 (E) illustrates the first first button operation prompt, which constitutes the third increase effect. During the valid period of this first button operation prompt, a first button image resembling the first button 35 and a valid period gauge indicating the remaining valid time for which the first button 35 is valid are displayed. If the first button 35 is operated during this first first button operation prompt, or if the valid period ends without the first button 35 being operated, a power addition effect is displayed (see Figures 18 (F) and (G)). Specifically, "+13" is displayed in the center of the display screen 70 as the number to be added to the number indicated by the power icon. Immediately thereafter, the power icon is updated so that the power icon indicating "38" now displays "51" (= 38 + 15), the result of the addition. Because the number indicated by the updated power icon is "51," the power icon is displayed as a third-rank (green) power icon.

Once the first power addition effect is executed in this way, the second first button operation prompt effect is performed (see Figure 18 (H)). Note that this first button operation prompt effect is performed in the same way as the first first button operation prompt effect described above based on Figure 18 (E), so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

If the first effect button 35 is operated during the validity period for the second first effect button operation prompt effect, or if the validity period ends without the first effect button 35 being operated, a power addition effect will be performed (see Figures 18(I) and 19(A)). Specifically, "+16" is displayed in the central area of the display screen 70 as the additional number to be added to the number indicated by the power icon, and immediately thereafter, the display of the power icon is updated so that the power icon indicating "51" now represents "67" (=51 + 16) with the additional number added. The number indicated by this updated power icon is "67". Therefore, the power icon in this case is a third rank (green) power icon, and although the number has increased from "51" to "67", the display color remains green.

Once the second power addition effect is executed in this way, the third first button operation prompt effect is performed (see Figure 19 (B)). Note that this first button operation prompt effect is performed in the same way as the first first button operation prompt effect described above based on Figure 18 (E), so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

If the first effect button 35 is operated during the validity period of the third first effect button operation prompt effect, or if the validity period ends without the first effect button 35 being operated, a power addition effect will be performed (see Figures 19 (C) and (D)). Specifically, "+22" is displayed in the center area of the display screen 70 as the addition number to be added to the number indicated by the power icon, and immediately thereafter, the display of the power icon is updated so that the power icon indicating "67" now represents "89" (= 67 + 22) with the addition number added. The number indicated by this updated power icon is "89." Therefore, the power icon in this case is a third rank (green) power icon, and although the number has increased from "67" to "89," the display color remains green.

Once the third power addition effect is executed in this way, the fourth first button operation prompt effect is performed (see Figure 19 (E)). Note that this first button operation prompt effect is performed in the same way as the first first button operation prompt effect described above based on Figure 18 (E), so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

If the first effect button 35 is operated during the validity period of the fourth first effect button operation prompt effect, or if the validity period ends without the first effect button 35 being operated, a power addition effect will be performed (see Figures 19 (F) and (G)). Specifically, "+9" is displayed in the center area of the display screen 70 as the additional number to be added to the number indicated by the power icon, and immediately thereafter, the display of the power icon is updated so that the power icon indicating "89" now represents "98" (= 89 + 9) with the additional number added. The number indicated by this updated power icon is "98". Therefore, the power icon in this case is a third rank (green) power icon, and although the number has increased from "89" to "98," the display color remains green.

The power addition effect shown in Figures 19(F) and (G) is the final power addition effect of the multiple power addition effects that make up the third increase effect. If this final power addition effect is executed but the number indicated by the power icon does not reach MAX, a failure indication effect may be executed, similar to that described above based on Figure 18(A) (see Figure 19(H)).

Note that, because a presentation pattern is set in which the reach presentation develops from SP Reach to SPSP Reach, a fourth increase presentation is executed to cause the number indicated by the power icon to reach MAX (see Figures 19(I) and 20(A)). Figures 19(I) and 20(A) show an example of the execution of a fourth increase presentation in which a companion character different from the companion character who appeared in the second increase presentation (see Figure 17(A)) appears and presents the number "+2", changing the number on the power icon from "98" to "100". Figure 20(A) also shows an example of a specific character joyfully thanking the companion character for the number on the power icon reaching MAX as a result of the execution of the fourth increase presentation.

Note that Figure 20 (A) shows an example in which a fourth rank (red) power icon showing the number "100" is displayed as a result of the fourth increase effect being executed, but instead of the fourth rank (red), a fifth rank (gold) power icon showing the number "100" or a sixth rank (rainbow) power icon showing the number "100" may also be displayed.

In this way, when the fourth increase effect is executed during the SP Reach and the number on the power icon reaches MAX, an expansion effect is executed (see Figures 20(A) and (B)). Specifically, a predetermined expansion effect image is displayed on the display screen 70, showing the expansion of the Reach effect from SP Reach to SPSP Reach. Then, an SPSP Reach effect image, which is an effect image related to the SPSP Reach, is displayed on the display screen 70, and the SPSP Reach begins (see Figures 20(B) and (C)). As a result, although not shown in Figure 20(C), an effect is displayed that shows, for example, the player's character, whose power has accumulated to MAX, battling an enemy character. Then, as the SPSP Reach approaches the end, an effect prompting the player to operate the first effect button is executed (see Figure 20(D)), similar to the one described above based on Figure 17(F).

A cut-in occurs when the first effect button 35 is operated during the validity period of this first effect button operation prompt effect, or when the validity period ends without the first effect button 35 being operated (see Figure 20(E)). Figure 20(E) shows an example of a weak cut-in, one of the weak, medium, and strong cut-ins described above, occurring, but a medium or strong cut-in may also occur.

When a cut-in occurs in this way and the SPSP reach reaches its final stage, a second effect button operation prompt effect is performed, similar to that described above based on FIG. 17(H) (see FIG. 20(F)). In contrast, if the second effect button 36 is operated during the valid period of this second effect button operation prompt effect, an operation-responsive effect corresponding to that operation is performed, in which three effect symbols indicating a reach loss (here, "454") are pseudo-stopped and then actually stopped, resulting in a loss notification effect (see FIG. 20(G)).

Note that the example described here is a case where the result of the first special pattern determination performed when the current first special pattern variable display begins is a "miss," and therefore a miss notification effect is displayed as an operation-responsive effect. However, if the result of this first special pattern determination is a "jackpot," then a win notification effect will be displayed in which three performance symbols indicating a double number are pseudo-stopped and then actually stopped.

(Variations regarding increase effects)
Up to this point, specific examples of increase effects have been described, but the following configuration may also be adopted for the increase effects. That is, in this embodiment, an example is described in which the initial value of the number indicated by the power icon is fixed to "00," but the initial value of the number indicated by the power icon may be variable. That is, in addition to the first increase effect in which the number indicated by the power icon changes from "00" to a number greater than "00," a configuration may also be adopted that is capable of executing a first increase effect in which the number indicated by the power icon changes from a predetermined value greater than "00" (for example, "15") to a number greater than that predetermined value.

When adopting such a configuration, the predetermined value may be any number between "00," the minimum value of the number indicated by the power icon, and "100," the maximum value. For example, the predetermined value may be changed appropriately depending on the result of the first special symbol determination and the selected first special symbol variation pattern. In this case, for example, a configuration in which the initial value is determined by a random drawing may be adopted, in which the predetermined value is likely to be set to a relatively large value when the result of the first special symbol determination is a "jackpot," and is likely to be set to a relatively small value when the result is a "miss." In addition, if a first special symbol variation pattern in which the first special symbol variation time is relatively short is selected, the predetermined value is likely to be set to a relatively small value, and if a first special symbol variation pattern in which the first special symbol variation time is relatively long is selected, the predetermined value is likely to be set to a relatively large value. This would allow the initial value of the number indicated by the power icon (here, the predetermined value) to indicate the reliability of a jackpot.

In addition, while this embodiment has been described as an example of a case where the first increase effect is executed regardless of the player's operation, other embodiments may employ a configuration in which multiple valid periods are set during a normal reach, and the first effect button operation prompt effect is executed during these valid periods, with the first increase effect being executed each time the first effect button 35 is operated during the valid periods.

In addition, while this embodiment has been described as an example in which the number of times the first increase effect is executed changes depending on the number of times the pseudo-consecutive effects are executed, other embodiments may employ a configuration in which the number of times the first increase effect is executed changes regardless of the number of times the pseudo-consecutive effects are executed, or a configuration in which the number of times the first increase effect is executed is fixed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the number indicated by the power icon always reaches MAX when the second increase effect is executed, but in other embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which, when the second increase effect is executed, the number indicated by the power icon sometimes reaches MAX and sometimes does not. Further, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the number indicated by the power icon always reaches MAX when the fourth increase effect is executed, but in other embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which, when the fourth increase effect is executed, the number indicated by the power icon sometimes reaches MAX and sometimes does not.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the maximum value of the number indicated by the power icon is "100," but it goes without saying that the maximum value is not limited to this and may be other values such as "1000" or "10000."

The following describes the RAM configuration of the main control board 80 and the processing performed by each control board to achieve the effects described in Figures 6 to 20.

[Configuration example of main RAM 83]
21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the memory areas of the main RAM 83 and the information stored in each memory area. As illustrated in FIG. 21(A), the main RAM 83 is provided with a determination memory area 830, a special symbol 1/first reserve memory area 831, a special symbol 1/second reserve memory area 832, a special symbol 1/third reserve memory area 833, and a special symbol 1/fourth reserve memory area 834 as memory areas for storing acquired information, etc., acquired when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 21. In addition, the main RAM 83 is provided with the determination memory area 830, a special symbol 2/first reserve memory area 835, a special symbol 2/second reserve memory area 836, a special symbol 2/third reserve memory area 837, and a special symbol 2/fourth reserve memory area 838 as memory areas for storing acquired information, etc., acquired when a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 22.

The determination memory area 830 is a memory area that stores various information used in the special pattern determination when the special pattern determination is actually performed. Special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831 through Special symbol 1/fourth reserved memory area 834 are memory areas that store various information related to the first special pattern determination, and Special symbol 2/first reserved memory area 835 through Special symbol 2/fourth reserved memory area 838 are memory areas that store various information related to the second special pattern determination. Furthermore, if both the first and second special pattern determinations are reserved, the second special pattern determination is consumed with priority over the first special pattern determination. Therefore, when a reserved special pattern determination is performed, the various information stored in Special symbol 2/first reserved memory area 835 is shifted into the determination memory area 830 if the second special pattern determination is reserved, and the various information stored in Special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831 is shifted into the determination memory area 830 if only the first special pattern determination is reserved.

As illustrated in Figure 21 (B), reserved memory areas 831-838 are areas for storing information for reserving the right to determine a special symbol, and each area includes an area for storing a jackpot random number obtained by the main CPU 81, an area for storing a symbol random number, an area for storing a reach random number, an area for storing a variable pattern random number, and an area for storing pre-determination information, which is information indicating the pre-determination result.

Here, the jackpot random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number are as described above. The pre-determination information is information obtained by the pre-determination process (see Figure 24) described below based on the jackpot random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number. Specifically, the pre-determination information includes winning start gate information, information indicating whether the result of the special symbol determination is a jackpot, information indicating the type of jackpot if a jackpot, information indicating the variation pattern of the special symbol, information indicating the gaming status of the gaming machine 1, and the like. Here, the winning start gate information is information indicating whether the jackpot random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number stored in the same reserved memory area were acquired as a result of the gaming ball entering the first start gate 21 or as a result of the gaming ball entering the second start gate 22. The pre-determination information, including this information, is stored in the same reserved memory area as the jackpot random number, pattern random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number used in the pre-determination process.

In the gaming machine 1, each time a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 21, the five pieces of information described based on FIG. 21(B) are stored in one of the special chart 1/first holding memory area 831 to the special chart 1/fourth holding memory area 834, starting from the special chart 1/first holding memory area 831. Furthermore, each time a gaming ball enters the second starting hole 22, the above five pieces of information are stored in one of the special chart 2/first holding memory area 835 to the special chart 2/fourth holding memory area 838, starting from the special chart 2/first holding memory area 835.

For example, if a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 21 when information is stored in the determination memory area 830 and no information is stored in any of the special symbol 1/first holding memory area 831 to the special symbol 1/fourth holding memory area 834, five pieces of information related to the first special symbol determination newly acquired in response to that winning will be stored in the special symbol 1/first holding memory area 831. Also, for example, if a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 21 when five pieces of information are stored in each of the determination memory area 830, the special symbol 1/first holding memory area 831, and the special symbol 1/second holding memory area 832, five pieces of information related to the first special symbol determination newly acquired in response to that winning will be stored in the special symbol 1/third holding memory area 833.

In addition, when the information stored in the special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831 is shifted to the judgment memory area 830 during the execution of the first special symbol judgment, the information stored in the reserved memory areas related to the first special symbol judgment from the special symbol 1/second reserved memory area 832 onwards is shifted to the special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831. For example, when information is stored in each of the special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831 to the special symbol 1/third reserved memory area 833 and the information stored in the special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831 is shifted to the judgment memory area 830, the information stored in the special symbol 1/second reserved memory area 832 is shifted to the special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831, and the information stored in the special symbol 1/third reserved memory area 833 is shifted to the special symbol 1/second reserved memory area 832.

This type of information shifting process is also performed in the special symbol 2/first reserved memory area 835 to the special symbol 2/fourth reserved memory area 838, where information related to the second special symbol determination is stored. Note that in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are reserved, i.e., when information is stored in both the special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831 and the special symbol 2/first reserved memory area 835, the shifting process for the special symbol 2/first reserved memory area 835 to the special symbol 2/fourth reserved memory area 838 is performed first, before the shifting process for the special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831 to the special symbol 1/fourth reserved memory area 834.

However, even if a game ball enters the first start port 21 or the second start port 22 during the variable display of a special symbol or during a jackpot game and various random numbers are obtained, it is not possible to immediately perform a special symbol determination or display the variable special symbol. For this reason, when various random numbers are obtained under such circumstances, the main CPU 81 stores the various obtained random numbers, etc. in one of the reserved memory areas 831-838 as information reserving the right to determine the special symbol, as described above. On the other hand, when a variable special symbol is not being displayed, a special symbol determination is not being reserved, and the game is not currently in a jackpot game, the main CPU 81 directly stores the various random numbers, etc. obtained in response to the ball entering the start port in the determination memory area 830.

[Interrupt processing by the main control board 80]
Next, the interrupt processing executed by the main control board 80 will be described with reference to Figure 22. Here, Figure 22 is a flowchart illustrating the interrupt processing executed by the main control board 80. During normal operation, except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or off, the main control board 80 repeatedly executes the series of processes illustrated in Figure 22 at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). Note that the processing of the main control board 80, which will be described based on the flowcharts from Figure 22 onwards, is performed in accordance with commands issued by the main CPU 81 based on a program stored in the main ROM 82.

First, the main CPU 81 executes a random number update process to update the various random numbers, including the jackpot random number, symbol random number, reach random number, variable pattern random number, and normal symbol random number (step S1). The jackpot random number, symbol random number, reach random number, variable pattern random number, and normal symbol random number are incremented by "1" each time step S1 is executed. Note that a loop counter is used as the counter for executing step S1, and after each random number reaches a preset maximum value, it is reset to "0" and updated.

Following the processing of step S1, the main CPU 81 executes a sensor detection process (step S2), which includes a process of acquiring various random numbers in response to the input of detection signals from the first start opening sensor 211, the second start opening sensor 221, and the gate sensor 251. This sensor detection process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 23.

Following the processing of step S2, the main CPU 81 executes special pattern determination, causes the first special pattern display device 41 or the second special pattern display device 42 to variably display the special pattern, and then executes special pattern processing (step S3), which includes processing for statically displaying the special pattern indicating the result of the special pattern determination. This special pattern processing will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 25.

Following the processing of step S3, the main CPU 81 executes normal pattern determination, executes normal pattern processing including processing to cause the normal pattern display 43 to variably display the normal pattern, and then statically display the normal pattern indicating the result of the normal pattern determination (step S4).

Following the processing of step S4, if the main CPU 81 determines, as a result of the normal pattern determination, that the second start port 22 should be opened, it executes a second start port opening/closing control process to control the second start port solenoid 222, which operates the opening/closing member 23, to open and close the second start port 22 (step S5).

Following the processing of step S5, if the main CPU 81 determines that a "jackpot" has occurred in the jackpot determination processing executed in the special pattern processing of step S3, it executes a large prize opening opening opening control processing that controls the first large prize opening solenoid 262 (or the second large prize opening solenoid 282) to open or close the first large prize opening 26 (or the second large prize opening 28) (step S6).

Following the processing of step S6, the main CPU 81 executes prize ball processing to control the payout of prize balls in response to winning game balls (step S7).

Following the processing of step S7, the main CPU 81 executes a transmission process to transmit to the sub-control board 90 the various commands and information necessary to determine the performance content that were set (stored) in the main RAM 83 in the processing steps prior to step S7 (step S8).

[Sensor detection process by main control board 80]
23 is a detailed flowchart of the sensor detection process in step S2 of FIG. 22. As illustrated in FIG. 23, following the random number update process of step S1, the main CPU 81 determines whether the gate sensor 251 has detected the passage of a gaming ball through the gate 25 based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the gate sensor 251 (step S201). Here, if it is determined that the gate sensor 251 has detected the passage of a gaming ball through the gate 25 (step S201: YES), it determines whether or not the reserved number F of normal symbol determinations stored in the main RAM 83 is less than a preset maximum reserved number Fmax of normal symbol determinations ("4" in this embodiment) (step S202).

If the main CPU 81 determines that the reserved number F is less than "4" (step S202: YES), it updates the reserved number F by adding "1" (step S203), and obtains the value of the normal pattern random number, which is updated each time the random number update process of step S1 is performed, at the time when the passage of the gaming ball through gate 25 is detected, and stores this value in a specified area of the main RAM 83 (step S204).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S204, determines that the gate sensor 251 has not detected the passage of a gaming ball through the gate 25 (step S201: NO), or determines that the number of reserved balls F is not less than "4" (step S202: NO), it determines whether the second starting hole sensor 221 has detected the entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 22 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second starting hole sensor 221 (step S206). Here, if it determines that the second starting hole sensor 221 has detected the entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 22 (step S206: YES), it determines whether the number of reserved balls T2 for the second special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is less than the preset maximum number of reserved balls T2max for the second special symbol determination ("4" in this embodiment) (step S207).

If the main CPU 81 determines that the reserved number T2 is less than "4" (step S207: YES), it updates the reserved number T2 by adding "1" (step S208), and obtains the values of the timing at which the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 22 was detected for the jackpot random number, pattern random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number, which are updated each time the random number update process of step S1 is performed (step S209).

In this way, various random numbers related to the second special symbol determination are obtained in response to the establishment of the acquisition condition that a game ball has entered the second starting hole 22 when the reserved number T2 is less than the maximum reserved number T2max. If various random numbers are obtained in a situation where the second special symbol determination and the variable display of the second special symbol can be performed immediately, these random numbers are stored directly in the determination memory area 830; if various random numbers are obtained in a situation where they cannot be performed immediately, these random numbers are stored in one of the areas: special symbol 2/first reserved memory area 835 to special symbol 2/fourth reserved memory area 838.

When the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S209, it determines whether the current state is a high base state (step S210). A time-saving game flag is stored in the main RAM 83. This time-saving game flag is set to "OFF" when the operation of the opening/closing member 23 is controlled to create a low base state in which it is difficult for game balls to enter the second starting hole 22, and is set to "ON" when the operation of the opening/closing member 23 is controlled to create a high base state in which it is easy for game balls to enter the second starting hole 22. In step S210, the main CPU 81 determines whether the current state is a high base state based on whether the time-saving game flag is set to "ON."

When the main CPU 81 determines that the current state is a high base state (step S210: YES), i.e., when the time-saving game flag is set to "ON," it executes a pre-determination process related to the suspension of the second special symbol determination (step S211). Specifically, prior to the execution of the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 26) and the variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 27), which will be described later, based on the various random numbers obtained in response to the game ball entering the second starting hole 22, the main CPU 81 executes a pre-determination process to determine whether or not a jackpot will occur based on the various random numbers obtained in the process of step S209, and to pre-determine which variation pattern will be selected as the variation pattern of the second special symbol when the second special symbol determination is executed. The pre-determination information resulting from this pre-determination process is stored in the same reserved memory area where the jackpot random numbers, etc. used in the pre-determination process are stored.

Note that if a game ball enters the second starting hole 22 when the game is not in a jackpot game, when the special symbol is not being displayed, and the reserved number T2 for the second special symbol determination is "0," various random numbers obtained in response to the winning are stored directly in the determination memory area 830, and a second special symbol determination based on these random numbers is immediately executed. In this case, the second special symbol determination is not reserved, and therefore the pre-determination process for the second special symbol determination is not performed. This pre-determination process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 24.

When the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S211 or determines that the high base state is not in effect (step S210: NO), it sets a hold command for the second special symbol determination in the main RAM 83 (step S212). This hold command is a command notifying that the second special symbol determination has been put on hold, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission processing of step S8. Note that if the processing of step S212 is performed without performing the preliminary determination processing of step S211, a hold command that does not include preliminary determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. On the other hand, if the processing of step S212 is performed after the preliminary determination processing of step S211, a hold command that includes preliminary determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S212, if it determines that the second start hole sensor 221 has not detected the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 22 (step S206: NO), or if it determines that the reserve number T2 for the second special symbol determination is not less than "4" (step S207: NO), it determines whether the first start hole sensor 211 has detected the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 21 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the first start hole sensor 211 (step S214). Here, if it determines that the first start hole sensor 211 has detected the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 21 (step S214: YES), it determines whether the reserve number T1 for the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is less than the preset maximum reserve number T1max for the first special symbol determination ("4" in this embodiment) (step S215).

If the main CPU 81 determines that the reserved number T1 is less than "4" (step S215: YES), it updates the reserved number T1 by adding "1" (step S216), and obtains the values of the timing at which the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 21 was detected for the jackpot random number, pattern random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number, which are updated each time the random number update process of step S1 is performed (step S217).

In this way, various random numbers related to the first special symbol determination are obtained in response to the establishment of the acquisition condition that a game ball has entered the first starting hole 21 when the reserved number T1 is less than the maximum reserved number T1max. If various random numbers are obtained in a situation where the first special symbol determination and the first special symbol variable display can be performed immediately, these random numbers are stored directly in the determination memory area 830; if various random numbers are obtained in a situation where they cannot be performed immediately, these random numbers are stored in one of the areas Special symbol 1/first reserved memory area 831 to Special symbol 1/fourth reserved memory area 834.

When the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S217, it determines whether the current state is a high base state (step S218), similar to the processing of step S210. If it determines that the current state is not a high base state (step S218: NO), i.e., if the time-saving game flag is set to "OFF," it executes a pre-determination process related to the reservation of the first special symbol determination (step S219). Specifically, prior to the execution of the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 26) and the variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 27), which will be described later, based on the various random numbers acquired in response to the game ball entering the first starting hole 21, the main CPU 81 executes a pre-determination process to determine whether a jackpot will occur based on the various random numbers acquired in the processing of step S217, and to pre-determine which variation pattern will be selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol when the first special symbol determination is executed. The pre-determination information resulting from this pre-determination process is stored in the same reserved memory area where the jackpot random numbers, etc. used in the pre-determination process are stored.

Note that if a game ball enters the first starting hole 21 when the game is not in a jackpot game, when the special symbol is not being displayed, and the reserved number T1 for the first special symbol determination is "0," various random numbers obtained in response to the winning are stored directly in the determination memory area 830, and a first special symbol determination based on these random numbers is immediately executed. In this case, the first special symbol determination is not reserved, and therefore the pre-determination process for the first special symbol determination is not performed. This pre-determination process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 24.

When the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S219 or determines that a high base state exists (step S218: YES), it sets a hold command for the first special symbol determination in the main RAM 83 (step S220). This hold command is a command notifying that the first special symbol determination has been put on hold, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission processing of step S8. Note that if the processing of step S220 is performed without performing the preliminary determination processing of step S219, a hold command that does not include preliminary determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. On the other hand, if the processing of step S220 is performed after the preliminary determination processing of step S219, a hold command that includes preliminary determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90.

[Preliminary Determination Process by Main Control Board 80]
The preliminary determination process executed by the main control board 80 will be described below with reference to Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is a detailed flowchart of the preliminary determination process in steps S211 and S219 in Fig. 23. Note that, here, the preliminary determination process performed when the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved will be described as an example, but the same preliminary determination process is also performed when the right to determine the second special symbol is reserved, except that the random numbers and tables used are different.

23 (step S210: YES), or if it is determined in step S218 of FIG. 23 that the game is not in the high base state (step S218: NO), the main CPU 81 executes a jackpot determination process (step S2191). Specifically, if the game is in a low-probability state (which corresponds to the "normal game state" in this embodiment), the main CPU 81 reads a low-probability jackpot random number table from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83. On the other hand, if the game is in a high-probability state (which corresponds to the "high-probability game state" in this embodiment), the main CPU 81 reads a high-probability jackpot random number table from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83. Then, it determines whether a jackpot will be determined at the start of the variation based on whether the jackpot random number obtained in step S209 of FIG. 23 (or step S217 of FIG. 23) matches any of the winning values stored in the jackpot random number table set in the main RAM 83.

Next, based on the determination result of step S2191, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not a jackpot is determined to have occurred at the start of the fluctuation (step S2192). Here, if it determines that a jackpot is determined to have occurred at the start of the fluctuation (step S2192: YES), the main CPU 81 reads out the jackpot fluctuation pattern selection table from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83 (step S2193).

On the other hand, if the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot is not reached at the start of the variation (step S2192: NO), it determines whether or not a reach effect will be performed during the variation (step S2194). Specifically, it determines whether or not a reach effect will be performed during the variation based on whether or not the reach random number obtained together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process of step S2191 matches the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 82.

If the main CPU 81 determines that a reach effect will be performed (step S2194: YES), it reads out a reach miss variation pattern selection table from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83 (step S2195).

However, if the result of the first special pattern determination is a "miss" and no reach effect is produced during that variation, the variation pattern of the first special pattern is determined based on the number of reserved first special pattern determinations at the start of that variation. The number of reserved first special pattern determinations may differ before and after the reserved first special pattern determinations are consumed. For this reason, the variation pattern of the special pattern obtained before the first special pattern determination is consumed may differ from the variation pattern of the special pattern selected when that first special pattern determination is actually consumed. In other words, for the right of a first special pattern determination for which no reach effect is produced during that variation, it may not be possible to obtain the accurate variation pattern of the first special pattern prior to that first special pattern determination.

Therefore, if the main CPU 81 determines that no reach effect will be performed (step S2194: NO), processing proceeds to step S2197 without performing the fluctuation pattern random number determination process of step S2196, which will be described later.

After setting the jackpot fluctuation pattern selection table or the reach miss fluctuation pattern selection table, the main CPU 81 executes a fluctuation pattern random number determination process (step S2196). Specifically, the main CPU 81 determines the special symbol fluctuation pattern to be selected in the special symbol determination performed at the start of the fluctuation based on which random number value specified in the fluctuation pattern selection table set in the main RAM 83 matches the fluctuation pattern random number obtained when the jackpot random number used in the process of step S2191 and the starting gate win.

When the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S2196, or when it determines that a reach effect will not be performed (step S2194: NO), it generates pre-determination information and stores it in the main RAM 83 (step S2197). The area in which this pre-determination information is stored is as described above with reference to Figure 21.

In this way, the main CPU 81 acquires the fluctuation pattern (i.e., fluctuation time) of the first special symbol (or second special symbol) based on acquired information such as a jackpot random number acquired when the gaming ball enters the first starting hole 21 (or second starting hole 22) before performing the jackpot determination process and fluctuation pattern selection process based on this acquired information.

[Special symbol processing by the main control board 80]
Next, the special symbol processing executed by the main control board 80 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 25. Fig. 25 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol processing in step S3 of Fig. 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the main CPU 81 determines whether a jackpot game is in progress based on whether the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 83 is set to "ON" (step S301). This jackpot game flag indicates whether a jackpot game is in progress, and is set to "ON" when a jackpot game starts and to "OFF" when the jackpot game ends. If it is determined that a jackpot game is in progress (step S301: YES), processing proceeds to normal symbol processing in step S4.

When the main CPU 81 determines that a jackpot game is not currently being played (step S301: NO), it determines whether a special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S302). If it determines that a special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner (step S302: NO), it determines whether the reserved number T2 for the second special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is "1" or greater (step S303). If it determines that the reserved number T2 is "1" or greater (step S303: YES), it updates the reserved number T2 to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from it (step S304).

If the main CPU 81 determines that the reserved number T2 is not "1" or greater (step S303: NO), it determines whether the reserved number T1 for the first special pattern determination stored in the main RAM 83 is "1" or greater (step S305). Here, if it determines that the reserved number T1 is "1" or greater (step S305: YES), it updates the reserved number T1 to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from it (step S306).

When the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S304 or the processing of step S306, it executes information shift processing (step S307). Specifically, when executing the processing of step S307 following the processing of step S304, it executes shift processing to shift the information stored in the special drawing 2/first reserved memory area 835 to the judgment memory area 830. At that time, if information is also stored in the reserved memory areas from the special drawing 2/second reserved memory area 836 onwards, it also executes shift processing to shift this information to the special drawing 2/first reserved memory area 835. On the other hand, when executing shift processing following the processing of step S306, it executes shift processing to shift the information stored in the special drawing 1/first reserved memory area 831 to the judgment memory area 830. At that time, if information is also stored in the reserved memory areas from the special drawing 1/second reserved memory area 832 onwards, it also executes shift processing to shift this information to the special drawing 1/first reserved memory area 831.

The main CPU 81 stores the information necessary for the second special pattern determination (or first special pattern determination), such as the jackpot random number and the pattern random number, in the determination memory area 830 through the shift process of step S307, and then executes the jackpot determination process of step S308 and the variation pattern selection process of step S309 based on this information.

In addition, if a game ball enters the first start hole 21 (or second start hole 22) when the jackpot game is not in progress, when the special symbol variable display is not in progress, and when the reserved number T1 for the first special symbol determination and the reserved number T2 for the second special symbol determination are both "0", information such as the jackpot random number and symbol random number obtained in response to the winning is stored directly in the determination memory area 830. In such a case, the jackpot determination process and variable pattern selection process are executed without executing the shift process of step S307.

The main CPU 81 executes a jackpot determination process based on the random number stored in the determination memory area 830 (step S308). By executing this jackpot determination process, it is determined whether or not a jackpot has occurred, and if a jackpot has been determined, the type of jackpot (jackpot symbol) is determined. Special symbol setting information indicating the results of these processes is then set in the main RAM 83. This jackpot determination process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 26.

Following the jackpot determination process in step S308, the main CPU 81 executes a variation pattern selection process to select a variation pattern for the special symbol (step S309). This variation pattern selection process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 27.

Following the processing of step S309, the main CPU 81 sets in the main RAM 83 a fluctuation start command including the special symbol setting information set in the processing of step S308, information indicating whether this special symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination or the second special symbol determination, setting information for the fluctuation pattern selected in the processing of step S309, information regarding the gaming status of the gaming machine 1, etc. (step S310). This fluctuation start command is a command that instructs the start of a presentation accompanying the display of a fluctuating special symbol, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission processing of step S8. This initiates a fluctuation presentation including the display of a fluctuating presentation pattern on the display screen 70.

Following the processing of step S310, the main CPU 81 begins displaying the variation of the special symbols based on the setting information for the variation pattern included in the variation start command set in the processing of step S310 (step S311). At that time, if the processing of steps S308 to S310 is performed with information related to the first special symbol determination stored in the determination memory area 830, the display of the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 41 begins. On the other hand, if the processing of steps S308 to S310 is performed with information related to the second special symbol determination stored in the determination memory area 830, the display of the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 42 begins.

Next, the main CPU 81 begins measuring the elapsed time since the variable display of the special symbol began in step S311 (step S312). When the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S312, or when it determines that the variable display of the special symbol is in progress (step S302: YES), it determines whether the elapsed time measured in the processing of step S312 has reached the variable time of the variable pattern selected in the variable pattern selection processing of step S309 (step S313). Here, if it is determined that the elapsed time has not reached the variable time (step S313: NO), processing proceeds to the normal symbol processing of step S4.

If the main CPU 81 determines that the elapsed time has reached the fluctuation time (step S313: YES), it sets a fluctuation end command in the main RAM 83 to notify that the fluctuating display of the special symbol will end (step S314). This fluctuation end command is sent to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process in step S8. As a result, processing such as stopping the display of the effect symbol that was fluctuating on the display screen 70 in a manner that indicates the result of the special symbol determination is performed.

Following the processing of step S314, the main CPU 81 ends the variable display of the special symbol that began in the processing of step S311 (step S315). Specifically, the special symbol (jackpot symbol or losing symbol) set in the processing of step S308 is displayed as a static display on the special symbol display device that has been displaying the variable special symbol. Note that this static display of the special symbol continues until at least a predetermined symbol determination time (e.g., 0.6 seconds) has elapsed.

In this way, the main CPU 81 causes the first special pattern display device 41 or the second special pattern display device 42 to variably display the special pattern, and then causes the first special pattern display device 41 or the second special pattern display device 42 to stop and display the special pattern (jackpot pattern or losing pattern) indicating the result of the jackpot determination process.

Following the processing of step S315, the main CPU 81 resets the elapsed time that began to be measured in the processing of step S312 (step S316), and executes processing when the special symbol stops, including processing to start the jackpot game if a jackpot has been reached (step S317). This processing when the special symbol stops will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 28.

On the other hand, if the main CPU 81 determines that the reserved number T1 for the first special symbol determination is not "1" or greater (step S305: NO), it sets a winning wait command in the main RAM 83 to notify that the game is not in a jackpot game, the right to determine the special symbol is not reserved, and the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable winning wait state (step S318). Although not shown in FIG. 25, when the processing of step S318 is executed, the winning wait state flag stored in the main RAM 83 is set to "ON." If the main CPU 81 determines that the reserved number T1 for the first special symbol determination is not "1" or greater (step S305: NO), it determines whether the winning wait state flag is set to "ON." If the winning wait flag is set to "ON," the winning wait flag has already been set, and processing proceeds to the normal symbol processing of step S4 without executing the processing of step S318.

[Jackpot Determination Processing by the Main Control Board 80]
FIG. 26 is a detailed flowchart of the jackpot determination process in step S308 of FIG. 25. The main CPU 81 first performs a jackpot determination based on the jackpot random number stored in the determination memory area 830 (step S3081). Specifically, the main CPU 81 determines whether a jackpot has occurred based on whether the jackpot random number stored in the determination memory area 830 matches a predetermined winning value. The winning value here is the winning value for a jackpot specified in the high-probability jackpot random number table or the low-probability jackpot random number table. When a jackpot determination is performed in a high-probability state (which corresponds to the "high probability game state" in this embodiment), the winning value stored in the high-probability jackpot random number table is used. On the other hand, when a jackpot determination is performed in a low-probability state (which corresponds to the "normal game state" in this embodiment), the winning value stored in the low-probability jackpot random number table is used.

In this way, when a start condition is met, such as when acquired information such as a jackpot random number obtained upon a game ball entering the first start port 21 or the second start port 22 is stored in the determination memory area 830, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player based on the jackpot random number.

Following the processing of step S3081, the main CPU 81 determines whether the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot" (step S3082). Here, if it is determined that the result of the jackpot determination is not a "jackpot" (step S3082: NO), that is, if the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss," setting information for a missing symbol is set in the main RAM 83 (step S3083). As a result, when processing step S315 above, the missing symbol set here will be displayed in a stopped state on the first special symbol display device 41 or the second special symbol display device 42. In this case, a jackpot game will not be played.

On the other hand, if the main CPU 81 determines that the result of the jackpot determination is a "jackpot" (step S3082: YES), it executes a jackpot symbol selection process to select a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 41 or the second special symbol display device 42 (step S3084). Specifically, if the pattern random number stored in the determination memory area 830 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination in step S3081 is related to the first special symbol determination, one of the jackpot symbols is selected based on which random number value of the jackpot symbol specified in the pattern determination table for the first starting gate winning combination matches that pattern random number. Also, if the pattern random number is related to the second special symbol determination, one of the jackpot symbols is selected based on which random number value of the jackpot symbol specified in the pattern determination table for the second starting gate winning combination matches that pattern random number.

The main CPU 81 then sets the setting information for the selected jackpot symbol in the main RAM 83 (step S3085). As a result, during the processing of step S315, the jackpot symbol set here is displayed as a stopped jackpot symbol on the first special symbol display device 41 or the second special symbol display device 42, and then a jackpot game corresponding to that jackpot symbol is played.

[Variation pattern selection process by main control board 80]
Fig. 27 is a detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S309 in Fig. 25. After executing the jackpot determination process in step S308 in Fig. 25, the main CPU 81 determines whether the determination result in step S3081 is a jackpot (step S3091). If it is determined that a jackpot has occurred (step S3091: YES), the main CPU 81 reads out the jackpot variation pattern selection table from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83 (step S3092).

On the other hand, if the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot is not reached (step S3091: NO), it determines whether to perform a reach effect that encourages the player to expect a jackpot, based on whether the reach random number stored in the determination memory area 830 matches the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 82 (random number value corresponding to the reach effect) (step S3093). If it determines that a reach effect should be performed (step S3093: YES), it reads out a reach miss variation pattern selection table from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83 (step S3094). Conversely, if it determines that a reach effect should not be performed (step S3093: NO), it reads out a no-reach miss variation pattern selection table from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83 (step S3095).

The main CPU 81 executes a fluctuation pattern random number determination process by referencing the fluctuation pattern selection table set in the main RAM 83 by the process of step S3092, step S3094, or step S3095 (step S3096). Specifically, when a jackpot fluctuation pattern selection table or a reach-miss fluctuation pattern selection table is set in the main RAM 83, a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the determination memory area 830 is read from the set fluctuation pattern selection table, thereby selecting one fluctuation pattern. Furthermore, when a no-reach-miss fluctuation pattern selection table is set in the main RAM 83, a reserved number is identified based on the reserved number T1 for the first special symbol determination (or the reserved number T2 for the second special symbol determination) stored in the main RAM 83, and a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the identified reserved number is read from the no-reach-miss fluctuation pattern selection table, thereby selecting one fluctuation pattern. By selecting a special symbol fluctuation pattern in this manner, the special symbol fluctuation time is inevitably determined.

When the main CPU 81 selects a variation pattern, it sets the setting information for the selected variation pattern in the main RAM 83 (step S3097). This variation pattern setting information, along with the symbol setting information set in the main RAM 83 by the jackpot determination process in step S308 described above, is included in a variation start command and sent to the sub-control board 90.

[Processing by the main control board 80 when special drawings are stopped]
Fig. 28 is a detailed flowchart of the process when the special symbol stops in step S317 of Fig. 25. After resetting the elapsed time by the process of step S316, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not a jackpot has occurred (step S3171), as exemplified in Fig. 28, in the same manner as the process of step S3082 (see Fig. 26). If it is determined that a jackpot has occurred (step S3171: YES), the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 83 is set to "ON" (step S3172).

Next, the main CPU 81 sets the probability variable game flag stored in the main RAM 83 to "OFF" (step S3173), and also sets the time-saving game flag stored in the main RAM 83 to "OFF" (step S3174). Here, the probability variable game flag is a flag that indicates whether or not the probability of a jackpot being determined in the special symbol determination is relatively high.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the gaming state is controlled by the settings of the variable probability gaming flag and the time-saving gaming flag. That is, when the gaming state is controlled to the "variable probability gaming state," both the variable probability gaming flag and the time-saving gaming flag are set to "ON." When the gaming state is controlled to the "normal gaming state," both the variable probability gaming flag and the time-saving gaming flag are set to "OFF." When the gaming state is controlled to the "time-saving gaming state," the variable probability gaming flag is set to "OFF" and the time-saving gaming flag is set to "ON."

Following the processing of step S3174, the main CPU 81 sets an opening command in the main RAM 83 to notify that a jackpot game is about to begin (step S3175). This opening command includes information such as the type of jackpot and the opening pattern of the first jackpot opening 26 (or second jackpot opening 28) during the jackpot game, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission processing of step S8.

On the other hand, if the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot has not been reached (step S3171: NO), it determines whether the probability variable play flag is set to "ON" (step S3176). Here, if it determines that the probability variable play flag is set to "ON" (step S3176: YES), that is, if the special symbol determination is being performed in a high probability state, it updates the remaining number of high probability play times K stored in the main RAM 83 to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S3177). This remaining number of high probability play times K indicates the remaining number of times that the special symbol determination will be performed in a high probability state.

Following the processing of step S3177, the main CPU 81 determines whether the remaining number of high-probability games K is "0" (step S3178). Here, if it determines that the remaining number of high-probability games K is "0" (step S3178: YES), it sets the probability variable game flag to "OFF" (step S3179). This causes special symbol determination to be performed in a low probability state.

When the main CPU 81 executes the processing of step S3179, determines that the probability variable play flag is not set to "ON" (step S3176: NO), or determines that the remaining number of high-probability play times K is not "0" (step S3178: NO), it determines whether the time-saving play flag is set to "ON" (step S3180). Here, if it determines that the time-saving play flag is set to "ON" (step S3180: YES), it updates the remaining number of time-saving play times J stored in the main RAM 83 to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S3181). This remaining number of time-saving play times J indicates the remaining number of times that special symbol determination will be performed in the time-saving state (high base state).

Following the processing of step S3181, the main CPU 81 determines whether the remaining number of times J for time-saving play is "0" (step S3182). Here, if it determines that the remaining number of times J for time-saving play is "0" (step S3182: YES), it sets the time-saving play flag to "OFF" (step S3183). As a result, the support function that makes it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 22 is no longer provided.

[Game Status Setting Process by Main Control Board 80]
29 is a flowchart illustrating the game status setting process executed at the end of a jackpot game in the main control board 80. In the gaming machine 1, the jackpot game is executed by the big prize opening/closing control process of step S6, and when the ending period of this jackpot game ends, a game status setting process is executed to set the game status of the gaming machine 1 after the jackpot game ends.

During a jackpot game, the main CPU 81 determines whether the ending period for the jackpot game has ended (step S631). If it determines that the ending period has ended (step S631: YES), it determines whether the current jackpot is a special jackpot, for example, based on the pattern setting information set in the main RAM 83 (step S632). If it determines that the jackpot is a special jackpot (step S632: YES), it sets the special jackpot game flag to "ON" (step S633) and sets the remaining number of high-probability games K to, for example, "10,000" (step S634). By performing the processes of steps S633 and S634, the high-probability state continues until 10,000 special pattern determinations have been performed.

Next, the main CPU 81 sets the time-saving play flag to "ON" (step S635) and sets the remaining number of time-saving play rounds J to, for example, "10,000" (step S636). By performing the processing of steps S635 and S636, the high base state continues until 10,000 special symbol determinations have been made. In this way, by performing the series of processing steps S633 to S636, play is controlled in a guaranteed variable play state from the end of the jackpot play until 10,000 special symbol determinations have been made.

On the other hand, if the main CPU 81 determines that the current jackpot is not a guaranteed jackpot (step S632: NO), i.e., if the current jackpot is a normal jackpot, it sets the time-saving play flag to "ON" (step S637), as in the processing of step S635, and sets the time-saving play cut count J to, for example, "100" (step S638). In this way, by performing the processing of steps S637 and S638, the game is controlled in the time-saving play state from the end of the jackpot game until 100 special pattern determinations have been performed.

[Interrupt processing by the sub-control board 90]
When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the sub-CPU 91 of the sub-control board 90 sets an interrupt cycle, which is the cycle for performing the interrupt processing described below. The sub-CPU 91 then repeats a random number update process, which updates the effect random numbers and other data used to determine the effect content, at a predetermined cycle shorter than the interrupt cycle. In other words, while the gaming machine 1 is running, the sub-CPU 91 repeats the random number update process at a predetermined cycle and also repeats the interrupt process at the interrupt cycle.

The interrupt processing executed by the sub-control board 90 will be described below with reference to Figure 30. Figure 30 is a flowchart illustrating the interrupt processing executed by the sub-control board 90. Similar to the interrupt processing executed by the main control board 80 (see Figure 22), the sub-CPU 91 repeatedly executes the series of processes illustrated in Figure 30 at regular intervals (e.g., 4 milliseconds). Note that the processing executed by the sub-control board 90, which will be described based on the flowcharts from Figure 30 onwards, is performed in accordance with commands issued by the sub-CPU 91 based on the program stored in the sub-ROM 92.

When the sub-CPU 91 receives a command from the main control board 80, it first executes a command reception process (step S10) to perform processing according to the command. This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 32.

Following the processing of step S10, the sub-CPU 91 executes an operation acceptance process (step S40) in which, when the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 is operated, processing is performed according to the operation. This operation acceptance process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 31.

Following the processing of step S40, the sub-CPU 91 executes a command transmission process (step S50). Specifically, the command set in the sub-RAM 93 by the command reception process of step S10 or the processing of step S40 is transmitted to the image and sound control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120). Execution of this command transmission process instructs the image and sound control board 100 to execute effects such as displaying images and outputting sound effects, and instructs the lamp control board 120 to execute effects such as lighting up various lamps and using movable props.

Following the processing of step S50, the sub-CPU 91 executes a data transfer process (step S60). Specifically, data related to image and sound control is transmitted from the image and sound control board 100, and this data is transferred to the lamp control board 120. As a result, the lamp control board 120 controls the effects of the effect means, such as the frame lamp 37, panel lamp 5, and movable decorative member 14, so as to synchronize with the effects performed by the image display device 7 (display screen 70) and speaker 38.

[Operation acceptance process by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 31 is a detailed flowchart of the operation reception process in step S40 of FIG. 30. Following the command reception process in step S10 (see FIG. 30), the sub-CPU 91 determines whether or not the valid period is in progress (step S401), as illustrated in FIG. 31. Specifically, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether or not the valid period is in progress based on the valid period setting information set in the sub-RAM 93 and the elapsed time since the variable display of the special symbol began. Note that if the valid period setting information is not set in the sub-RAM 93, it is determined that the valid period is not in progress. If it is determined in step S401 that the valid period is not in progress (step S401: NO), the operation reception process ends and processing proceeds to the command transmission process in step S50 (see FIG. 30).

On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 91 determines that the valid period is in progress (step S401: YES), it determines whether the first effect button detection sensor 351 has turned "ON" based on whether an operation signal indicating that the first effect button 35 has been operated has been input from the first effect button detection sensor 351 (step S402). Here, if it is determined that the first effect button detection sensor 351 has not turned "ON" (step S402: NO), that is, if an operation signal indicating that the first effect button 35 has been operated has not been input, processing proceeds to step S405, which will be described later.

When the sub-CPU 91 determines that the first effect button detection sensor 351 has turned "ON" (step S402: YES), that is, when an operation signal indicating that the first effect button 35 has been operated has been input, it determines whether the operation of the first effect button 35 is a valid operation (step S403). Specifically, it determines whether the operation of the first effect button 35 is a valid operation based on whether the validity period setting information set in the sub-RAM 93 is validity period setting information for the first effect button 35.

If the sub-CPU 91 determines that the operation of the first effect button 35 is a valid operation (step S403: YES), it sets a first effect button operation notification command in the sub-RAM 93 to notify that the first effect button 35 has been operated (step S404). This first effect button operation notification command is sent to the image and sound control board 100 (and lamp control board 120) by the command sending process of step S50, and an operation-related effect corresponding to the operation of the first effect button 35 is executed.

When the sub-CPU 91 executes the processing of step S404, determines that the first effect button detection sensor 351 is not "ON" (step S402: NO), or determines that the operation of the first effect button 35 is not a valid operation (step S403: NO), it determines whether the second effect button detection sensor 361 has been "ON" based on whether an operation signal indicating that the second effect button 36 has been operated has been input from the second effect button detection sensor 361 (step S405). Here, if it determines that the second effect button detection sensor 361 is not "ON" (step S405: NO), the series of operation acceptance processes ends and processing proceeds to the command transmission process of step S50.

On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 91 determines that the second effect button detection sensor 361 has been turned "ON" (step S405: YES), it sets a second effect button operation notification command in the sub-RAM 93 to notify that the second effect button 35 has been operated (step S406). This second effect button operation notification command is sent to the image and sound control board 100 (and lamp control board 120) by the command sending process of step S50, and an operation-related effect corresponding to the operation of the first effect button 35 is executed.

[Command Reception Processing by Sub-Control Board 90]
Fig. 32 is a detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S10 of Fig. 30. As illustrated in Fig. 32, the sub-CPU 91 first determines whether or not a command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S11). If it is determined that a command has not been received (step S11: NO), the process proceeds to step S40 described above.

If the sub-CPU 91 determines that it has received a command from the main control board 80 (step S11: YES), it determines whether the command is a pending command sent from the main control board 80 in response to the processing of step S212 or step S220 in FIG. 23 (step S12). If it determines that the command is not a pending command (step S12: NO), processing proceeds to step S15, which will be described later.

If the sub-CPU 91 determines that the received command is a pending command (step S12: YES), it executes pending command reception processing (step S13). This pending command reception processing will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 33.

If the sub-CPU 91 determines that the received command is not a hold command (step S12: NO), it determines whether the command is a fluctuation start command sent from the main control board 80 in response to the processing of step S310 in FIG. 25 (step S15). Here, if it determines that the received command is not a fluctuation start command (step S15: NO), processing proceeds to step S17, which will be described later.

If the sub-CPU 91 determines that the received command is a fluctuation start command (step S15: YES), it executes fluctuation start command reception processing (step S16). This fluctuation start command reception processing will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 34.

If the sub-CPU 91 determines that the received command is not a change start command (step S15: NO), it determines whether the command is a change end command sent from the main control board 80 in response to the processing of step S314 in FIG. 25 (step S17). If the sub-CPU 91 determines that the command is a change end command (step S17: YES), it sets a change effect end command in the sub-RAM 93 that instructs the execution of processing to end the display of the change in the effect pattern and stop and display the effect pattern in a manner that indicates the result of the special pattern determination executed when the pattern change started (step S18).

This variable effect end command is sent to the image and sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 by the command sending process of step S50, and as a result, a special pattern indicating the result of the first special pattern determination (or second special pattern determination) is displayed frozen on the first special pattern display device 41 (or second special pattern display device 42), and an effect pattern indicating the result of the first special pattern determination (or second special pattern determination) is displayed frozen on the display screen 70.

If the sub-CPU 91 determines that the received command is not a variation end command (step S17: NO), it determines whether the command is an opening command sent from the main control board 80 in response to the processing of step S3175 in FIG. 28 (step S19). If it determines that the received command is an opening command (step S19: YES), it sets an opening effect start command in the sub-RAM 93 to instruct the image and sound control board 100 (and lamp control board 120) to start an opening effect that notifies the player of the type of jackpot and encourages the player to hit the right during the opening period of the jackpot game (step S20).

On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 91 determines that the received command is not an opening command (step S19: NO), it determines whether the command is a winning wait command sent from the main control board 80 in response to the processing of step S318 in FIG. 25 (step S21). If it determines that the received command is a winning wait command (step S21: YES), it sets a winning wait state notification command in the sub-RAM 93 (step S22), which notifies the image and sound control board 100 (and lamp control board 120) that the game has entered a winning wait state. Conversely, if it determines that the received command is not a winning wait command (step S21: NO), it executes other processing (step S23).

[Hold command reception process by sub-control board 90]
33 is a detailed flowchart of the hold command reception process in step S13 of FIG. 32. When the sub-CPU 91 determines that the received command is a hold command (step S12: YES), it updates the number of hold special symbol determinations stored in the sub-RAM 93 to a value incremented by "1" (step S131), as illustrated in FIG. 33. Specifically, when a hold command related to a first special symbol determination is received, the number of hold first special symbol determinations is updated to a value incremented by "1," and when a hold command related to a second special symbol determination is received, the number of hold second special symbol determinations is updated to a value incremented by "1."

Following the processing of step S131, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether the received hold command includes pre-determination information (step S132). If it determines that the received hold command does not include pre-determination information (step S132: NO), it sets a hold icon display command in the sub-RAM 93 (step S133). This hold icon display command is a command that instructs the display of a hold icon that does not include icon change effect setting information (icon change effect pattern information, described below), and is transmitted to the image and sound control board 100 and lamp control board 120 by the command transmission processing of step S50.

For example, when the image and sound control CPU 101 of the image and sound control board 100 receives a hold icon display command related to a first special pattern determination that does not include setting information for the icon change effect, it controls the drawing process by the VDP 104 to display a white hold icon in the hold icon display area 71. And, because no settings for the icon change effect have been made for this white hold icon, the icon change effect described above is not performed.

On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 91 determines that the received hold command contains pre-determination information (step S132: YES), it stores the pre-determination information in the sub-RAM 93 (step S134). Next, the sub-CPU 91 executes an icon change effect lottery (step S135). Specifically, it first obtains an icon change effect random number and stores it in the sub-RAM 93. This icon change effect random number is incremented by "1" each time the random number update process described above is performed, and the sub-CPU 91 obtains the count value at the time the hold command is received as the icon change effect random number, and determines whether or not to execute an icon change effect based on whether or not the change effect random number matches any of the random number values related to icon change effect random numbers stored in advance in the sub-ROM 92.

Although not shown in the figure, the sub-ROM 92 stores a table that associates the preliminary determination results for the first special symbol determination, the first special symbol variation pattern, and random number values for the icon change effect random number. The sub-CPU 91 refers to this table and determines whether to execute an icon change effect based on whether the acquired icon change effect random number matches any of the random number values associated with the first special symbol determination result and the first special symbol variation pattern identified from the preliminary determination information stored in the sub-RAM 93 in the processing of step S134. Note that in this table, more random number values are associated with "jackpot" than with "miss" for the preliminary determination results for the first special symbol determination. Also, the longer the variation time of the first special symbol, the more random number values are associated with the variation pattern. For this reason, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the higher the jackpot reliability, the more likely it is that an icon change effect will be executed, and conversely, the lower the jackpot reliability, the more difficult it is to execute an icon change effect.

Based on the result of the lottery in step S135, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute an icon change effect (step S136). If it determines that an icon change effect should be executed (step S136: YES), it conducts a lottery using, for example, random numbers to select one of multiple icon change effect patterns, and sets information indicating the selected icon change effect pattern in the sub-RAM 93 (step S137).

Note that, here, we have explained an example in which the lottery to determine whether or not to execute an icon change effect and the lottery to select the effect pattern for the icon change effect are separate lotteries, but it is also possible to determine in a single lottery whether or not to execute an icon change effect, and if so, what effect pattern to use for the icon change effect.

When the sub-CPU 91 executes the processing of step S137, or when it determines that an icon change effect will not be executed (step S136: NO), it sets a pending icon display command in the sub-RAM 93 (step S138). Specifically, if information indicating the effect pattern of the icon change effect (icon change effect pattern information) has been set in the sub-RAM 93 by the processing of step S137, it sets a pending icon display command including that icon change effect pattern information in the sub-RAM 93 as setting information for the icon change effect. On the other hand, if icon change effect pattern information has not been set in the sub-RAM 93, it sets a pending icon display command not including icon change effect pattern information in the sub-RAM 93, as in the processing of step S133.)

The pending icon display command set in the sub-RAM 93 in the processing of step S138 is sent to the image and sound control board 100 (and lamp control board 120) by the command sending processing of step S50 (see Figure 30). In response, if the received pending icon display command includes icon change effect pattern information, the image and sound control CPU 101 of the image and sound control board 100 stores the icon change effect pattern information in the control RAM 103 as setting information for the icon change effect, and instructs the VDP 104 and sound DSP 107 to execute the processing required to realize the icon change effect based on this setting information.

[Fluctuation start command reception processing by sub-control board 90]
Fig. 34 is a detailed flowchart of the fluctuation start command reception process in step S16 of Fig. 32. When the sub-CPU 91 determines that the command received from the main control board 80 is a fluctuation start command (step S15: YES), it executes a series of fluctuation start command reception processes exemplified in Fig. 34.

That is, the sub-CPU 91 acquires the value of the effect random number, which is updated appropriately by the random number update process on the sub-control board 90, at the time when it receives the fluctuation start command from the main control board 80, and stores this value in the sub-RAM 93 (step S161). Then, it executes a fluctuation start command analysis process to analyze the received fluctuation start command (step S162).

As described above, this fluctuation start command includes the symbol setting information indicating the result of the jackpot determination process, winning start gate information indicating whether the symbol setting information relates to the first or second special symbol determination, setting information for the special symbol fluctuation pattern, and information indicating the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. Therefore, by analyzing the fluctuation start command, the type and result of the special symbol determination can be identified. That is, it is possible to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss, and if it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot. Furthermore, by determining whether the fluctuation pattern is a miss fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern setting information, it is possible to determine whether a reach effect or a no-reach effect needs to be performed. Similarly, based on the fluctuation pattern setting information, the special symbol fluctuation time can be determined. Furthermore, based on the information indicating the gaming state, the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 can be determined.

When the sub-CPU 91 analyzes the fluctuation start command, it executes a fluctuation presentation pattern setting process (step S163) based on the analysis results to set the fluctuation presentation pattern for the fluctuation presentation associated with the fluctuation display of the special symbol. By executing this fluctuation presentation pattern setting process, the fluctuation mode of the presentation symbol, the presence or absence of a reach presentation, the presence or absence of a pseudo consecutive presentation (the presence or absence of a short fluctuation display of the presentation symbol), the type of presentation symbol that makes up the reach presentation, the type and content of the reach presentation, the content of the pseudo consecutive presentation (the number of short fluctuation displays), the type of presentation symbol that will be stopped and displayed, etc. will be determined. This fluctuation presentation pattern setting process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 35.

Following the processing of step S163, the sub-CPU 91 executes a preview effect pattern setting process (step S164) to set various preview effects (for example, step-up effects, dialogue previews, group previews, cut-ins, etc.) that will be executed when the effect symbols are displayed in a variable display pattern set in the processing of step S163. This preview effect pattern setting process will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 36 and 37.

Next, the sub-CPU 91 sets a variable performance start command in the sub-RAM 93 to instruct the start of a variable performance using the variable performance pattern set in the processing of step S163 and the execution of a preview performance using the preview performance pattern set in the processing of step S164 (step S167).

This variable performance start command includes at least information indicating the variable performance pattern set by the processing of step S163 and information indicating the preview performance pattern set by the processing of step S164, and is sent to the image and sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120 by the command sending processing of step S50. As a result, the variable performance and preview performance, whose performance patterns have been determined by the sub-control board 90, are realized by the image and sound control board 100 and the lamp control board 120.

Following the processing of step S167, the sub-CPU 91 updates the pending number stored in the sub-RAM 93 to a value minus "1" (step S168). Specifically, if the variation start command received from the main control board 80 notifies the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, the sub-CPU 91 updates the pending number for the first special symbol determination to a value minus "1". On the other hand, if the variation start command received notifies the start of the variable display of the second special symbol, the sub-CPU 91 updates the pending number for the second special symbol determination to a value minus "1".

[Variable performance pattern setting process by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 35 is a detailed flowchart of the variable effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. Following the process of step S162, the sub-CPU 91 sets the effect pattern to be finally displayed (mainly stopped) on the display screen 70 in conjunction with the stopped display of the first special pattern (or second special pattern) (step S1631). Specifically, based on the pattern setting information included in the change start command received from the main control board 80, it determines whether a special pattern indicating a jackpot (jackpot pattern) or a special pattern indicating a loss (loss pattern) will be stopped and displayed at the end of the pattern change. If it is determined that a jackpot pattern will be stopped and displayed, it sets an effect pattern to notify a jackpot (for example, an effect pattern showing a doublet) as the effect pattern to be stopped and displayed, and if it is determined that a loss pattern will be stopped and displayed, it sets an effect pattern to notify a loss. When setting the performance pattern for notifying a loss, if the loss is to be notified after a reach performance is performed, a reach loss symbol is set as the performance pattern for notifying a loss, and if the loss is to be notified without performing a reach performance, a variance symbol is set as the performance pattern for notifying a loss.

Next, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether or not a reach effect needs to be displayed in conjunction with the current display of the special symbol change, based on the setting information for the special symbol change pattern included in the received change start command (step S1632). For example, if setting information is stored in the sub-ROM 92 that specifies that a reach effect is to be displayed when a change pattern in which the special symbol change time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time is selected, and that a reach effect is not to be displayed when a change pattern in which the special symbol change time is less than the predetermined time is selected, it is possible to determine whether or not a reach effect needs to be displayed by comparing the change time of the special symbol identified based on the received change start command with the predetermined time stored in the sub-ROM 92.

Here, if it is determined that a reach effect is required (step S1632: YES), a variable effect pattern for the reach effect is set (step S1633). For example, from a variable effect pattern selection table for reach effect, in which multiple types of variable effect patterns for reach effect are associated with each combination of the special symbol determination result and the special symbol variable pattern, one variable effect pattern corresponding to the effect random number obtained in the processing of step S161 is read out, and information indicating that variable effect pattern is set in sub-RAM 93.

On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 91 determines that there is no need to perform a reach effect (step S1632: NO), it sets a variable effect pattern for a no-reach effect (step S1634). For example, it reads one of the variable effect patterns corresponding to the effect random number obtained in the processing of step S161 from a variable effect pattern selection table for no-reach effects, in which multiple types of variable effect patterns for no-reach effects are associated with each variable pattern of the special symbol, and sets information indicating that variable effect pattern in the sub-RAM 93.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the processing of step S1633 or step S1634 determines the pattern in which the display symbols will change, which reach effect will be performed if a reach effect is to be performed, how the reach effect will be developed if the reach effect is to be developed, whether or not to change the display mode, and if the display mode is to be changed, the pattern in which the display mode will be changed.

[Preview effect pattern setting process by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 36 is a detailed flowchart of the preview effect pattern setting process in step S164 of FIG. 34, illustrating the process performed when a variation start command related to the first special symbol determination is received during normal game play. Following the process of step S163, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether to execute an increase effect (step S1641). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when a no-reach effect is executed or when a normal reach is executed, if the variation time of the first special symbol is less than a predetermined time, the increase effect is not executed. Therefore, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether a reach effect or a no-reach effect will be executed based on the variation effect pattern set by the variation effect pattern setting process of step S163. If the no-reach effect is executed, the sub-CPU 91 determines not to execute an increase effect. Furthermore, even if the variation time of the first special symbol specified based on the variation start command is less than a predetermined time, the sub-CPU 91 determines not to execute an increase effect. In this step S1641, if it is determined that an increase effect will not be executed (step S1641: NO), processing proceeds to step S1648 described later.

On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 91 determines that an increase effect should be executed (step S1641: YES), it determines whether the result of this first special pattern determination is a "jackpot" or not (step S1642) based on the pattern setting information included in the variation start command received from the main control board 80. Here, if it determines that it is a "jackpot" (step S1642: YES), it reads out the jackpot increase effect related effect pattern selection table from the sub-ROM 92 and sets it in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1643). If it determines that it is not a "jackpot" (step S1642: NO), it reads out the miss increase effect related effect pattern selection table from the sub-ROM 92 and sets it in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1644).

These increase effect-related effect pattern selection tables are tables referenced to select the effect patterns of the premonition effect (see Figure 14(A)), increase effect (see Figure 13), and movable decorative light-emitting effect (see Figure 14(C)). The sub-CPU 91 references the increase effect-related effect pattern selection table set in the sub-RAM 93 by the processing of step S1643 or step S1644, and executes an increase effect-related effect pattern selection process to select the effect patterns of the premonition effect, increase effect, and movable decorative light-emitting effect (step S1645).

Although not shown in the figure, the increase effect-related effect pattern selection table stored in the sub-ROM 92 associates the first special symbol variation pattern, the premonition effect pattern, the increase effect pattern, the movable decorative light-emitting effect pattern, and a random number value. In the processing of step S1645, the sub-CPU 91 reads from the increase effect-related effect pattern selection table set in the sub-RAM 93 the premonition effect pattern, the increase effect pattern, and the movable decorative light-emitting effect pattern that correspond to the first special symbol variation pattern specified by the variation start command received from the main control board 80 and the effect random number obtained in the processing of step S161, thereby selecting one effect pattern for each of the premonition effect, the increase effect, and the movable decorative light-emitting effect.

Then, the sub-CPU 91 sets the increase effect-related effect pattern information, i.e., the premonition effect pattern, increase effect pattern, and movable decoration light-emitting effect pattern selected in the processing of step S1645, in the sub-RAM 93 as setting information for increase effect-related effects (premonition effect, increase effect, movable decoration light-emitting effect) (step S1646). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a variable effect start command including this increase effect-related effect pattern information is sent to the image and sound control board 100 (and lamp control board 120), thereby realizing the premonition effect, increase effect, and movable decoration light-emitting effect in the effect patterns set by the sub-CPU 91.

Comparing the jackpot increase effect related effect pattern selection table and the miss increase effect related effect pattern selection table, the following tendency is evident regarding premonition effects. Specifically, premonition effects are more likely to be executed when referencing the jackpot increase effect related effect pattern selection table than when referencing the miss increase effect related effect pattern selection table. Furthermore, as described above with reference to Figure 14(A), premonition effects include a premonition effect that causes the display lamp 5 to light up blue (blue premonition effect: jackpot reliability approximately 7%), a premonition effect that causes the display lamp 5 to light up green (green premonition effect: jackpot reliability approximately 10%), and a premonition effect that causes the display lamp 5 to light up red (red premonition effect: jackpot reliability approximately 21%). When selecting a premonition effect pattern by referring to the jackpot increase effect related effect pattern selection table, the order of selection probability for these premonition effects is red premonition effect, green premonition effect, and blue premonition effect. On the other hand, when selecting a premonition effect pattern by referring to the miss increase effect related effect pattern selection table, the above three premonition effects are arranged in order of highest to lowest selection probability, resulting in the blue premonition effect, green premonition effect, and red premonition effect.

Furthermore, when comparing the jackpot increase effect related presentation pattern selection table with the miss increase effect related presentation pattern selection table, the following tendency is evident regarding the increase effects. That is, when the jackpot increase effect related presentation pattern selection table is referenced, the final rank of the power icon is more likely to be a higher rank than when the miss increase effect related presentation pattern selection table is referenced. Furthermore, when the jackpot increase effect related presentation pattern selection table is referenced, the final rank of the power icon may be rank 6 (rainbow color: see Figure 14(B)), whereas when the miss increase effect related presentation pattern selection table is referenced, the final rank of the power icon will never be rank 6 (rainbow color).

Furthermore, when comparing the selection table for the display pattern related to the increase effect for a jackpot with the selection table for the display pattern related to the increase effect for a miss, the following tendency is evident. In other words, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the display pattern related to the increase effect for a jackpot is only executed when the game progresses to an SPSP reach (or story reach), so if a variable display pattern that does not progress to an SPSP reach (or story reach) is set by the processing of step S163, the display pattern related to the increase effect will not be executed regardless of which selection table for the display pattern related to the increase effect is referenced.

Furthermore, as described above with reference to FIG. 14(C), there are two types of movable decorative light-emitting effects: one in which the movable decorative members 14 emit light in white (white movable decorative light-emitting effect: jackpot reliability of approximately 21%), and one in which the movable decorative members 14 emit light in red (red movable decorative light-emitting effect: jackpot reliability of approximately 60%). When selecting a movable decorative light-emitting effect pattern by referring to the jackpot increase effect related effect pattern selection table, these movable decorative light-emitting effects are arranged in order from highest to lowest selection probability, resulting in the white movable decorative light-emitting effect, followed by the red movable decorative light-emitting effect. On the other hand, when selecting a movable decorative light-emitting effect pattern by referring to the loss increase effect related effect pattern selection table, the above two movable decorative light-emitting effects are arranged in order from highest to lowest selection probability, resulting in the white movable decorative light-emitting effect, followed by the red movable decorative light-emitting effect.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 36, if the processing of step S1646 is executed or if it is determined that an increase effect will not be executed (step S1641: NO), the sub-CPU 91 determines whether to transition to the first presentation mode during the current display of the first special symbol (step S1648). As described above based on FIG. 8 and other figures, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when transitioning to the first presentation mode, a first presentation mode-exclusive effect is executed, including at least the first presentation mode transition effect (see FIG. 8(B)) and the first presentation mode-exclusive preview effect (see FIG. 8(C)). However, the first special symbol change pattern for this first presentation mode-exclusive effect is predetermined. Therefore, in the above step S1648, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether to transition to the first presentation mode based on, for example, whether the change pattern of the current first special symbol, identified based on the change start command received from the main control board 80, is a change pattern that is predetermined to execute a first presentation mode-exclusive effect. If it is determined here that the transition to the first presentation mode is not to be made (step S1648: NO), processing proceeds to step S1658 (see Figure 37) described below.

When the sub-CPU 91 determines to transition to the first presentation mode (step S1648: YES), it determines whether the result of this first special pattern determination is a "jackpot" or not (step S1649), for example, based on the pattern setting information included in the variation start command received from the main control board 80. Here, if it determines that it is a "jackpot" (step S1649: YES), it reads out from the sub-ROM 92 the preview presentation pattern selection table dedicated to the first presentation mode for jackpots and sets it in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1650). When it determines that it is not a "jackpot" (step S1649: NO), it reads out from the sub-ROM 92 the preview presentation pattern selection table dedicated to the first presentation mode for losses and sets it in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1651).

These first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection tables are tables that are referenced to select the effect pattern for the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect described above based on Figures 11, 12, etc. The sub-CPU 91 references the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection table set in the sub-RAM 93 by the processing of step S1650 or step S1651, and executes first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection processing to select the effect pattern for the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect (step S1652).

Although not shown in the figure, the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection table stored in the sub-ROM 92 associates the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the presentation pattern of the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect, and a random number value. In the processing of step S1652, the sub-CPU 91 selects one presentation pattern of the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect by reading from the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection table set in the sub-RAM 93 the presentation pattern of the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect that corresponds to the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified by the variation start command received from the main control board 80 and the presentation random number obtained in the processing of step S161.

Then, the sub-CPU 91 sets the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern information, i.e., the effect pattern of the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect selected in the processing of step S1652, in the sub-RAM 93 as setting information for the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect (step S1653). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a variable effect start command including this first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern information is sent to the image and sound control board 100 (and lamp control board 120), thereby realizing the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect using the effect pattern set by the sub-CPU 91.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the processing of steps S1652 and S1653 sets the first short fluctuation count (in this embodiment, fixed at four times, from short fluctuation 1 to short fluctuation 4), which is the number of times the short fluctuation display will be displayed during the first fluctuation period (see FIG. 12). Furthermore, when a point addition effect (see FIG. 11(C) and FIG. 12) is executed, one or more start timings (expected effect start timings) for that point addition effect are also set. Furthermore, when a reach notice (success) (see FIG. 11(D) and FIG. 12) is executed, the start timing (expected effect start timing) for that reach notice (success) is also set. Furthermore, when a reach notice (failure) (see FIG. 11(E) and FIG. 12), which is a false effect of the reach notice (success), is executed, one or more start timings for that reach notice (failure) are also set.

Regarding the first presentation mode-exclusive preview effects, when comparing the first presentation mode-exclusive preview effect pattern selection table for jackpots with the first presentation mode-exclusive preview effect pattern selection table for losses, the following tendency is evident. That is, if the result of the current first special symbol determination is a "jackpot" and the game transitions to the first presentation mode during the changing display of the first special symbol, the first presentation mode-exclusive mission effect (see FIG. 11(I)) of the success pattern, in which a subsequent effect announcing mission success is executed, is always executed. That is, if the result of the current first special symbol determination is a "jackpot," the game always progresses to the first presentation mode-exclusive mission effect, so when the first presentation mode-exclusive preview effect pattern selection table for jackpots is referenced, the first presentation mode-exclusive preview effect pattern, in which a judgment effect (see FIG. 11(H)) announcing a "pass" judgment is executed, is selected, and the first presentation mode-exclusive preview effect pattern, in which a judgment effect (see FIG. 11(H)) announcing a "fail" judgment is executed, is never selected.

On the other hand, if the result of this first special pattern determination is a "miss," it may or may not progress to a mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode (see Figure 11 (I)), and if the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection table for misses is referenced, there are three possibilities: a first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern is selected in which a judgement effect (see Figure 11 (H)) is executed to notify that the result has been judged as a "pass," a first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern is selected in which a judgement effect is executed to notify that the result has been judged as a "fail," or a first presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern is selected in which the judgement effect is not executed and the first presentation mode exclusive preview effect ends.

Furthermore, with regard to the arrival notice (success) (see Figures 12 (C) and (D)), there is a characteristic that the probability of the arrival notice (success) being executed is higher when the preview presentation pattern selection table for the first presentation mode for jackpots is referenced compared to when the preview presentation pattern selection table for the first presentation mode for losses is referenced. Also, even when the preview presentation pattern selection table for the first presentation mode for losses is referenced, a preview presentation pattern for the first presentation mode that executes the arrival notice (success) may be selected, but there is a characteristic that when the preview presentation pattern selection table for the first presentation mode for jackpots is referenced, there is a higher probability of the first presentation mode preview presentation pattern that executes the arrival notice (success) at an earlier timing being selected compared to when the preview presentation pattern selection table for the first presentation mode for losses is referenced.

In this way, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the arrival notice (success) is more likely to be executed in the case of a "jackpot" than in the case of a "miss," and the timing of its occurrence is also earlier. Furthermore, with regard to the presentation patterns of the first presentation mode-exclusive preview presentation, in which multiple point addition presentations are executed, when comparing the preview presentation pattern selection table for the first presentation mode for jackpots with the preview presentation pattern selection table for the first presentation mode for misses, the former table is associated with more random number values than the latter table. For this reason, a "jackpot" is characterized by the fact that the number of point addition presentations is more likely to be executed more frequently than in the case of a "miss." Therefore, players hoping for a jackpot can enjoy playing while hoping for the arrival notice (success) to occur as early as possible and for more point addition presentations to be executed.

Following the processing of step S1653, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute a mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode (step S1654). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, two first special symbol movement patterns are provided: movement pattern A, in which a first presentation mode preview effect (see FIG. 8C) is executed, followed by a first presentation mode mission effect (see FIG. 8E), and movement pattern B, in which a first presentation mode preview effect is executed, followed by a first presentation mode mission effect (with a longer movement time than movement pattern A). Therefore, in step S1654, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute a mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode, for example, based on whether the movement pattern of the first special symbol identified based on the movement start command received from the main control board 80 is movement pattern B. If it is determined that a mission effect exclusive to the first presentation mode should not be executed (step S1654: NO), processing proceeds to step S1658, described below.

On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 91 determines that a mission presentation exclusive to the first presentation mode will be executed (step S1654: YES), it reads the mission presentation pattern selection table exclusive to the first presentation mode from the sub-ROM 92 and sets it in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1655), and executes a first presentation mode mission presentation pattern selection process that selects a presentation pattern for the mission presentation exclusive to the first presentation mode by referring to the mission presentation pattern selection table exclusive to the first presentation mode set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1656).

Although not shown in the figure, the first presentation mode dedicated mission presentation pattern selection table stored in the sub-ROM 92 associates the determination result of the first special symbol determination, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the presentation pattern of the first presentation mode dedicated mission presentation, and a random number value. In the processing of step S1656, the sub-CPU 91 selects one presentation pattern of the first presentation mode dedicated mission presentation by reading from the first presentation mode dedicated mission presentation pattern selection table set in the sub-RAM 93 the presentation pattern of the first presentation mode dedicated mission presentation that corresponds to the determination result of the first special symbol determination and the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified by the variation start command received from the main control board 80, and the presentation random number obtained in the processing of step S161.

Then, the sub-CPU 91 sets the mission presentation pattern information for the first presentation mode, i.e., the presentation pattern for the mission presentation for the first presentation mode selected in the processing of step S1656, in the sub-RAM 93 as setting information for the mission presentation for the first presentation mode (step S1657). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a variable presentation start command including this mission presentation pattern information for the first presentation mode is sent to the image and sound control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120), thereby realizing the mission presentation for the first presentation mode using the presentation pattern set by the sub-CPU 91.

When the sub-CPU 91 executes the processing of step S1657, determines not to transition to the first presentation mode (step S1648: NO), or determines not to execute a mission presentation exclusive to the first presentation mode (step S1654: NO), it determines whether to transition to the second presentation mode during the current display of the first special symbol variation (step S1658), as illustrated in FIG. 37. As described above with reference to FIG. 8 and other figures, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when transitioning to the second presentation mode, a presentation exclusive to the second presentation mode is performed, including at least a second presentation mode transition presentation (see FIG. 8(G)) and a second presentation mode exclusive preview presentation (see FIG. 8(H)). However, the variation pattern of the first special symbol that results in this second presentation mode exclusive presentation is predetermined. For this reason, in step S1658, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether to transition to the second presentation mode, for example, based on whether the current variation pattern of the first special symbol, identified based on the variation start command received from the main control board 80, is a variation pattern that is predetermined to produce an effect exclusive to the second presentation mode. If it is determined not to transition to the second presentation mode (step S1658: NO), the series of preview presentation pattern setting processes ends, and processing proceeds to step S167 (see FIG. 34) described above.

When the sub-CPU 91 determines to transition to the second presentation mode (step S1658: YES), it determines whether the result of this first special pattern determination is a "jackpot" or not (step S1659), for example, based on the pattern setting information included in the variation start command received from the main control board 80. Here, if it determines that it is a "jackpot" (step S1659: YES), it reads out from the sub-ROM 92 the preview presentation pattern selection table dedicated to the second presentation mode for jackpots and sets it in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1660). When it determines that it is not a "jackpot" (step S1659: NO), it reads out from the sub-ROM 92 the preview presentation pattern selection table dedicated to the second presentation mode for losses and sets it in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1661).

These second presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection tables are tables that are referenced to select the effect pattern for the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect described above based on Figures 9, 10, etc. The sub-CPU 91 references the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection table set in the sub-RAM 93 by the processing of step S1660 or step S1661, and executes second presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection processing to select the effect pattern for the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect (step S1662).

Although not shown in the figure, the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection table stored in the sub-ROM 92 associates the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the presentation pattern of the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect, and a random number value. In the processing of step S1662, the sub-CPU 91 selects one presentation pattern of the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect by reading from the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern selection table set in the sub-RAM 93 the presentation pattern of the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect that corresponds to the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified by the variation start command received from the main control board 80 and the presentation random number obtained in the processing of step S161.

Then, the sub-CPU 91 sets the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern information, i.e., the presentation pattern of the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect selected in the processing of step S1662, in the sub-RAM 93 as setting information for the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect (step S1663). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a variable presentation start command including this second presentation mode exclusive preview effect pattern information is sent to the image and sound control board 100 (and lamp control board 120), thereby realizing the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect using the presentation pattern set by the sub-CPU 91.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the processing of steps S1662 and S1663 determines the number of times the short fluctuation display is performed during the second fluctuation period (see FIG. 10), i.e., the second short fluctuation count (in this embodiment, between two short fluctuations A-B and five short fluctuations A-E: see FIG. 10), and the content of the discovered character correspondence suggestion effect performed during the second fluctuation period (which character, A-D, the discovered character correspondence suggestion effect will correspond to). As is clear from the notation in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the time from the start of the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect to the start of the discovered character correspondence suggestion effect is fixed depending on the content of the discovered character correspondence suggestion effect. For example, the discovered character correspondence suggestion effect for character A (see FIG. 10(A)) begins six seconds after the second presentation mode exclusive preview effect begins (see FIG. 10). Furthermore, for example, the discovered character suggestion effect for character C (see FIG. 10(C)) begins 18 seconds (= 6 seconds x 3) after the start of the second presentation mode preview effect (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the image and sound control CPU 101 of the image and sound control board 100 can easily identify the type of discovered character suggestion effect to be executed and its start timing based on the second presentation mode preview effect pattern information included in the variable presentation start command received from the sub-control board 90.

Regarding the preview effects exclusive to the second presentation mode, comparing the preview effect pattern selection table for the second presentation mode for jackpots with the preview effect pattern selection table for the second presentation mode for losses reveals the following tendency. That is, if the result of the current first special symbol determination is a "jackpot" and the game transitions to the second presentation mode during the changing display of the first special symbol, a second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect (see FIG. 9(H)) of the success pattern, in which a subsequent effect announcing mission success is executed, is always executed. That is, if the result of the current first special symbol determination is a "jackpot," the game always progresses to a second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect. Therefore, when the preview effect pattern selection table for the second presentation mode for jackpots is referenced, a second presentation mode-exclusive preview effect pattern is selected in which a discovery character-related suggestion effect suggesting development to a second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect is executed, while a second presentation mode-exclusive preview effect pattern is not selected in which a discovery character-related suggestion effect suggesting development to a second presentation mode-exclusive mission effect (non-development) is executed.

On the other hand, if the result of this first special pattern determination is a "miss," the performance may or may not progress to a mission performance exclusive to the second presentation mode (see Figure 9 (H)), and if the second presentation mode exclusive preview performance pattern selection table for misses is referenced, the performance may or may not progress to a mission performance exclusive to the second presentation mode, in which a preview performance pattern exclusive to the second presentation mode is selected, in which a discovered character corresponding suggestion performance (see Figure 9 (F)) suggesting a progression to a mission performance exclusive to the second presentation mode is executed, or the performance may or may not progress to a mission performance exclusive to the second presentation mode, in which a discovered character corresponding suggestion performance (see Figure 9 (F)) suggesting a progression to a mission performance exclusive to the second presentation mode is executed.

Furthermore, the discovered character correspondence suggestion effect of the development suggestion mode, which suggests development to a mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode, has the following characteristics. That is, whether the second presentation mode-specific preview effect pattern selection table for jackpots or the second presentation mode-specific preview effect pattern selection table for losses is referenced, the discovered character correspondence suggestion effect of the development suggestion mode, which suggests development to a mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode, can be executed. However, with regard to the discovered character correspondence suggestion effect of the development suggestion mode, when arranged from highest to lowest selection probability, the order is: discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character A, discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character B, discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character C, and discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character D. Conversely, with regard to the discovered character correspondence suggestion effect of the non-development suggestion mode, which suggests no development to a mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode (i.e., no development), when arranged from highest to lowest selection probability, the order is: discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character D, discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character C, discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character B, and discovered character correspondence suggestion effect by character A.

Since the preview effect pattern selection table for the second presentation mode for big wins and the preview effect pattern selection table for the second presentation mode for losses are configured in this way, when arranged in order of the likelihood of progression to the second presentation mode exclusive mission effect from lowest to highest, the order is: a suggestion of a discovered character match by character D, a suggestion of a discovered character match by character C, a suggestion of a discovered character match by character B, and a suggestion of a discovered character match by character A.

Following the processing of step S1663, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute a mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode (step S1664). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, two first special symbol movement patterns are provided: movement pattern C, in which a second presentation mode preview effect (see FIG. 8(H)) is executed, followed by a second presentation mode mission effect (see FIG. 8(J)), and movement pattern D, in which a second presentation mode preview effect is executed followed by a second presentation mode mission effect (having a longer movement time than movement pattern C). Therefore, in step S1664, the sub-CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute a mission effect exclusive to the second presentation mode, for example, based on whether the movement pattern of the first special symbol specified based on the movement start command received from the main control board 80 is movement pattern D. If it is determined that a second presentation mode mission effect will not be executed (step S1664: NO), the series of preview effect pattern setting processes ends, and processing proceeds to step S167 (see FIG. 34).

On the other hand, if the sub-CPU 91 determines that a mission presentation exclusive to the second presentation mode will be executed (step S1664: YES), it reads the mission presentation pattern selection table exclusive to the second presentation mode from the sub-ROM 92 and sets it in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1665), and executes a mission presentation pattern selection process exclusive to the second presentation mode, which selects a presentation pattern for the mission presentation exclusive to the second presentation mode by referring to the mission presentation pattern selection table exclusive to the second presentation mode set in the sub-RAM 93 (step S1666).

Although not shown in the figure, the second presentation mode dedicated mission presentation pattern selection table stored in the sub-ROM 92 associates the determination result of the first special symbol determination, the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the presentation pattern of the second presentation mode dedicated mission presentation, and a random number value. In the processing of step S1666, the sub-CPU 91 selects one presentation pattern of the second presentation mode dedicated mission presentation by reading from the second presentation mode dedicated mission presentation pattern selection table set in the sub-RAM 93 the presentation pattern of the second presentation mode dedicated mission presentation that corresponds to the determination result of the first special symbol determination and the variation pattern of the first special symbol specified by the variation start command received from the main control board 80, and the presentation random number obtained in the processing of step S161.

Then, the sub-CPU 91 sets the second presentation mode-exclusive mission presentation pattern information, i.e., the presentation pattern of the second presentation mode-exclusive mission presentation selected in the processing of step S1666, in the sub-RAM 93 as setting information for the second presentation mode-exclusive mission presentation (step S1667). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a variable presentation start command including this second presentation mode-exclusive mission presentation pattern information is sent to the image and sound control board 100 (and lamp control board 120), thereby realizing the second presentation mode-exclusive mission presentation using the presentation pattern set by the sub-CPU 91.

Note that the preview performance pattern setting process also involves setting performance patterns for other preview performances, such as dialogue previews and group previews, but as these processes are carried out in the same manner as before, a description of them will be omitted here.

[Interrupt Processing by the Image and Sound Control Board 100]
Next, the interrupt processing executed in the image and sound control board 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 38. Fig. 38 is a flowchart illustrating the interrupt processing executed in the image and sound control board 100. During normal operation, except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or off, the image and sound control board 100 repeatedly executes the series of processes illustrated in Fig. 38 every fixed time (for example, 33 milliseconds).

First, the image and sound control CPU 101 executes image display control processing to control image display on the display screen 70 based on commands received from the sub-control board 90 (step S71). This image display control processing will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 39.

Following the processing of step S71, the image and sound control CPU 101 executes a sound effect output control process to output various sound effects from the speaker 38 either synchronously or asynchronously with the screen display on the display screen 70 (step S72).

Following the processing of step S72, the image and sound control CPU 101 executes a data transmission control process (step S73). Specifically, data related to the image and sound control performed by the image and sound control board 100 is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. In response, the sub-control board 90 transfers the data received from the image and sound control board 100 to the lamp control board 120 through the data transfer process of step S60 in Figure 30. This controls the frame lamps 37, panel lamps 5, movable decorative members 14, etc. so as to synchronize with the effects performed by the display screen 70 and speakers 38.

[Image display control processing by the image and sound control board 100]
Fig. 39 is a detailed flowchart of the image display control process in step S71 of Fig. 38. The image and sound control CPU 101 first determines whether or not a command transmitted from the sub-control board 90 has been received (step S711). If it is determined that a command has not been received (step S711: NO), the process proceeds to step S72.

On the other hand, if the image and sound control CPU 101 determines that it has received a command from the sub-control board 90 (step S711: YES), it sets the setting information included in the command in the control RAM 103 (step S712). Then, based on the setting information set in the control RAM 103, it determines how the effect image should be displayed on the display screen 70, creates a display list for controlling the drawing processing of the VDP 104, stores it in a predetermined area of the control RAM 103 (step S713), and sets this display list in the display list storage area of the VRAM 106 (step S714). The VDP 104 executes the drawing processing based on the display list set in this display list storage area, thereby realizing the effect display instructed by the sub-control board 90.

[Other Modifications]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be, for example, in the following form: In the above embodiment, the present invention is described as being applied to a type 1 pachinko gaming machine known as a variable probability loop type, but the present invention may also be applied to other gaming machines, such as a type 1 pachinko gaming machine known as a ST machine or a type 1/2 mixed type pachinko gaming machine.

Furthermore, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 and the operating modes of each component described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized with other configurations and operating modes. Furthermore, the processing order, setting values, random number values, threshold values used for judgment, etc. in the above flowchart are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized with other orders and values as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. The drawings, etc. illustrated in the above embodiment are also merely examples, and other modes are possible.

[Reference invention]
Below, inventions related to the embodiments disclosed in this specification are disclosed as reference inventions.

(Reference Invention 1)
The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 is:
a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to a player;
a special symbol display control means for causing a predetermined special symbol display means to variably display a special symbol and then statically display a special symbol indicating the result of the determination;
a special game execution means for executing the special game when a special symbol indicating that the determination means has determined that the special game should be executed is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means;
a performance control means for controlling the performance,
The performance control means
Based on the result of the judgment, it is possible to execute a winning notification effect that notifies that the special game will be executed, an expectation effect that makes the player expect that the winning notification effect will be executed, and a plurality of short fluctuation displays that display fluctuations of the performance symbols over a time shorter than the fluctuation time of the special symbols during the fluctuation display of the special symbols,
During the first variation period in which the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the first performance (for example, a first performance mode exclusive notice performance: see FIG. 12) is executed in which the multiple short variation displays of the performance symbol and the expected performance (for example, a point addition performance or a reach notice (success): see FIG. 12 (A) to (D)) are performed in a first performance pattern,
During the second variation period in which the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, there are times when a second presentation (for example, a preview presentation exclusive to the second presentation mode: see Figure 10) is executed in which the multiple short variations of the presentation symbol and the expected presentation (for example, a presentation suggesting a corresponding to a discovered character as exemplified in Figures 10(A) to (D)) are performed in a second presentation pattern different from the first presentation pattern.

With this gaming machine, the multiple short-term fluctuations of the performance symbols and the expected performance are executed in different performance patterns during the first and second fluctuation periods. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the first and second performances can produce a powerful performance effect.

In addition, the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1,
The performance control means
When the first performance is executed, a first short fluctuation number, which is the number of times the multiple short fluctuation displays are performed during the first fluctuation period, and an expected performance start timing at which the expected performance (for example, a point addition performance or a reach notice (success)) starts during the first fluctuation period are set,
When the second performance is executed, the number of second short fluctuations, which is the number of times the multiple short fluctuation displays are performed during the second fluctuation period, and the performance content of the expected performance (for example, a performance suggesting a discovered character) to be performed during the second fluctuation period are set.

With this gaming machine, by appropriately setting the number of first short fluctuations, the start timing of the expected effect, the number of second short fluctuations, and the content of the expected effect, it is possible to execute highly entertaining first and second effects.

(Reference Invention 2)
The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 is:
a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to a player;
a special game execution means for executing the special game when the determination means determines that the special game is to be executed;
a performance control means for controlling the performance,
The performance control means
Based on the result of the determination, a winning notification effect for notifying that the special game will be executed and a change display for changing a predetermined effect image so that a number indicated by the effect image becomes larger can be executed.
After the change display is executed with the effect image of a first display color displayed, there are a first case in which the effect image of a common display color that is common to the first display color is displayed, and a second case in which the effect image of a second display color different from the first display color is displayed,
The second case is characterized in that the possibility of the winning notification effect being executed is higher than that of the first case.

With this gaming machine, as the number represented by the predetermined effect image increases, the display color of the effect image either remains the same or changes; when the display color changes, there is a higher chance of a winning notification effect being executed than when the display color remains the same. This allows players to focus not only on the size of the number represented by the predetermined effect image, but also on the display color of the effect image. Furthermore, by changing the display color of the number before and after the change, the player's anticipation for the winning notification effect being executed can be increased, resulting in a high performance effect.

The above reference inventions 1 and 2 may also be combined.

1 Gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine), 7 Image display device, 21 First start opening, 22 Second start opening, 23 Opening/closing member, 26 First large prize opening, 28 Second large prize opening, 35 First effect button, 36 Second effect button, 41 First special symbol display device, 42 Second special symbol display device, 70 Display screen, 80 Main control board, 81 Main CPU, 90 Sub-control board, 91 Sub-CPU, 100 Image and sound control board, 101 Image and sound control CPU, 120 Lamp control board, 121 Lamp CPU, 211 First start opening sensor, 221 Second start opening sensor, 351 First effect button detection sensor, 352 First effect button lamp, 361 Second effect button detection sensor, 362 Second effect button lamp.

Claims (1)

a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to a player;
a special symbol display control means for causing a predetermined special symbol display means to variably display a special symbol and then statically display a special symbol indicating the result of the determination;
a special game execution means for executing the special game when a special symbol indicating that the determination means has determined that the special game should be executed is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means;
a game control means for controlling a game in one of a plurality of game states including a normal game state and an advantageous game state that is more advantageous to a player than the normal game state;
a performance control means for controlling the performance,
The performance control means
The display device can execute a winning notification effect that notifies the player that the special game will be executed, a changing display that shows the number displayed in the specific display area increasing in size, and a light-emitting effect that causes a predetermined light-emitting means to emit light prior to the changing display.
The light emitting effects include a first light emitting effect that causes the light emitting means to emit light in a first light emitting color, and a second light emitting effect that causes the light emitting means to emit light in a second light emitting color,
When the second light emitting effect is executed, the possibility of the winning notification effect being executed is higher than when the first light emitting effect is executed,
The change display is an effect in which a second number larger than the first number is displayed in the specific display area instead of the first number displayed in the specific display area,
The light-emitting effect and the change display are both effects that are executed when a game is controlled in the normal game state,
The performance control means
The gaming machine is characterized in that, regardless of whether the light-emitting effect is the first light-emitting effect or the second light-emitting effect, the change display is always executed after the light-emitting effect is executed .