JP7804348B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Pachinko gaming machines, a type of gaming machine, have traditionally been configured to be capable of executing various effects. For example, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be capable of executing pseudo consecutive effects that are executed over multiple fluctuation cycles in a pseudo consecutive fluctuation game. Furthermore, for example, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2 is configured to be capable of executing continuous effects that are executed over multiple non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-206405 JP 2013-102881 A

In this type of gaming machine, because the continuous effect and the pseudo continuous effect are different effects, it is easy to tell whether the effect being executed is a continuous effect or a pseudo continuous effect.As a result, it is easy to tell whether multiple non-pseudo continuous fluctuation games are being executed or whether multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo continuous fluctuation game are being executed while the effect is being executed.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine that can execute a pseudo-consecutive variation game that includes multiple variation cycles and a non-pseudo-consecutive variation game that is different from the pseudo-consecutive variation game, and is equipped with an effect execution means that executes effects and an effect control means that controls the effect execution means, and the effects include specific effects, of which there are multiple types, and the specific effects are effects that can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive variation games regardless of the type of the specific effect, and are effects that can be executed across multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive variation game , and the specific effects are effects that can be executed across one or more non-pseudo-consecutive variation games and one or more pseudo-consecutive variation games, and the specific effects have a different expected probability of being awarded a bonus depending on the ratio between the number of non-pseudo-consecutive variation games, which is one or more, and the total number of variation cycles of the pseudo-consecutive variation game, which is one or more .

This invention makes it difficult for players to recognize whether a specific effect is being executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games or across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a fluctuation pattern. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the ripple effect. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern of the pseudo-ripple effect. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a performance pattern of the continuous ripple performance. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a performance pattern of the continuous ripple performance. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the countdown effect. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the count display effect. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation pattern for the pseudo countdown presentation. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation pattern for the continuous countdown presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation pattern for the continuous countdown presentation. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the curtain effect. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a performance pattern of the curtain performance. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation mode of the customization presentation. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation mode of the customization presentation. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of how the pseudo-ripple effect is executed. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of how the continuous ripple effect is executed. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of how the pseudo countdown effect is executed. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of how the continuous countdown effect is executed. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of how the pseudo-ripple effect is executed when power supply is temporarily stopped during execution of the pseudo-ripple effect. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of how the continuous ripple effect is executed when the power supply is temporarily stopped during execution of the continuous ripple effect. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of how the pseudo countdown effect is executed when the countdown effect is customized during execution of the pseudo countdown effect. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of how the continuous countdown effect is executed when the countdown effect is customized during execution of the continuous countdown effect. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the manner in which a curtain effect is executed when the curtain effect is customized during execution in a pseudo-series variation game. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the manner in which a curtain effect is executed when the curtain effect is customized during execution in a non-pseudo consecutive variation game.

An example of an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine will be described below.
In this specification, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by the player.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a frame 11. The frame 11 includes an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine to the island equipment, and a mounting frame 11b for mounting various gaming components. A gaming board YB is attached to the mounting frame 11b. The mounting frame 11b may include a protective frame that protects the gaming board YB.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a speaker SP. The speaker SP is capable of producing effects by outputting a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as sound effects). For example, the predetermined sound may be music, a human voice, or sound effects. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA is capable of producing effects by turning on, flashing, and extinguishing a built-in light-emitting element (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting effects). The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a launch handle HD that is operated when launching a gaming ball. As an example, the launch handle HD is provided on the surface side (front side) of the mounting frame 11b.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect button BT. The effect button BT is configured to include a single operable portion (operation unit). As an example, the effect button BT is configured to include a button-type operation unit that can be pressed. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a cross button JB. The cross button JB is configured to include multiple operation units that can be operated. As an example, the cross button JB is configured to include an up button JBu, a down button JBd, a left button JBl, and a right button JBr as multiple operation units that can be operated. As an example, the up button JBu, the down button JBd, the left button JBl, and the right button JBr are each configured to include a button-type operation unit that can be pressed.

The game board YB will now be described.
As shown in Figure 2, a game area YBa having a substantially circular shape in a front view is formed on the front surface of the game board YB. A display window YBb is formed in the approximate center of the game area YBa. A launch passage YBc is formed to the left of the game area YBa, which guides game balls launched by operating the launch handle HD into the game area YBa. The game board YB is equipped with a backflow prevention valve YBd that prevents game balls launched by operating the launch handle HD from returning to the launch passage YBc.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first special symbol display device 19a, a second special symbol display device 19b, a first reserve display device 19c, a second reserve display device 19d, and a normal symbol display device 19e. As an example, the first special symbol display device 19a, the second special symbol display device 19b, the first reserve display device 19c, the second reserve display device 19d, and the normal symbol display device 19e are provided in positions on the game board YB that are visible to the player.

The first special symbol display device 19a is capable of executing a first special symbol change game (hereinafter referred to as the first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then a first special symbol is statically displayed. The second special symbol display device 19b is capable of executing a second special symbol change game (hereinafter referred to as the second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then a second special symbol is statically displayed. Each special symbol is a symbol used to announce the result of an internal lottery (a lottery for a winning special symbol). Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game will be collectively referred to as the "special game." Special symbols include jackpot symbols, which are used to display a jackpot, and losing symbols, which are used to display a losing symbol. If a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery, the jackpot symbol is statically displayed in the special game. After that, the jackpot game is awarded after the special game in which the jackpot symbol is statically displayed is completed.

The first hold display device 19c displays information that can identify the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the start conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the first hold number). The second hold display device 19d displays information that can identify the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the start conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the second hold number). As an example, the upper limit for each hold number is 4. However, the upper limit for each hold number may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more. The upper limit for the first hold number and the second hold number may also be different.

The normal symbol display device 19e is capable of executing a normal game in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then a normal symbol is statically displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol used to notify the result of an internal lottery (a normal symbol winning lottery). There are normal winning symbols and normal losing symbols. If the normal symbol winning lottery is won, the normal winning symbol is statically displayed in the normal game. After that, a normal winning game is awarded after the normal game in which the normal winning symbol is statically displayed ends.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a normal hold display device, a right-hand hit display device, and a round display device. The normal hold display device displays information that identifies the number of normal games whose execution is on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the start conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the normal hold number). The right-hand hit display device displays information instructing a right-hand hit. A right-hand hit is a shot in which the game ball is fired with a stronger firing intensity so that the game ball flows down the area of the game area YBa to the right of the display window YBb. Firing a game ball with a weaker firing intensity so that the game ball flows down the area of the game area YBa to the left of the display window YBb is called a left-hand hit. The round display device notifies the player of the upper limit of the number of rounds of play, which will be described later.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device EH. The effect display device EH has a display area R capable of displaying an image. The effect display device EH is attached to the game board YB so that the display area R is visible through the display window YBb. As an example, the effect display device EH is a liquid crystal device. The effect display device EH is capable of executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a display effect) that displays a predetermined object as an image. For example, the predetermined object may be an effect pattern, a character, a landscape, letters, numbers, and symbols. In the effect display device EH, objects are arranged as images on multiple layers, and a display screen is generated based on the multiple layers. At this time, if objects arranged on different layers overlap, a display screen is generated that prioritizes the object arranged on the layer with the highest priority in the overlapping area. The generated display screen is then displayed on the effect display device EH. The effect display device EH, speaker SP, and decorative lamp LA are each effect devices capable of executing effects. The performance display device EH, speaker SP, and decorative lamp LA form a performance device group ES consisting of multiple performance devices. In other words, the performance device group ES includes the performance display device EH, speaker SP, and decorative lamp LA. The performance device group ES is an example of a performance execution means that executes performances. The performance device group ES also functions as an alarm device that can execute alarms.

As an example, the display effects on the effect display device EH include an effect pattern change game (hereinafter referred to as the effect game) that uses multiple columns of effect patterns. In the effect game, after multiple columns of effect patterns are displayed in a changing manner, a final combination of effect patterns (hereinafter referred to as the pattern combination) is displayed in a stopped state. The effect patterns are images decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are used to diversify the display effects. As an example, the effect game is carried out by displaying the effect patterns of the left, middle, and right columns in a changing state in a predetermined direction. The effect game starts together with the special game. The effect game ends together with the special game. In the effect game, a pattern combination corresponding to the special pattern displayed in a stopped state in the special game is displayed in a stopped state. When a jackpot pattern is displayed in a stopped state in the special game, the jackpot pattern combination is displayed in a stopped state in the effect game. When a losing pattern is displayed in a stopped state in the special game, the losing pattern combination is displayed in a stopped state in the effect game. Hereinafter, the first special game and the corresponding effect game will be collectively referred to as the "first variable game." Furthermore, the second special game and the corresponding effect game will be collectively referred to as the "second variable game." Furthermore, the first variable game and the second variable game will be collectively referred to as the "variable game."

Performance games may include reach effects. Reach effects are effects that form a reach and ultimately result in a specified symbol combination being displayed in a stopped state. For example, a reach is a state in which the same symbol is temporarily displayed in the left and right symbol rows of the performance symbols, and the symbol in the middle symbol row of the performance symbols continues to be displayed in a changing state. Reach effects include normal reach effects and super reach effects. In the following explanation, normal reach effects may be referred to as NR effects, and super reach effects may be referred to as SR effects. Compared to NR effects, SR effects have a higher expectation of a jackpot symbol combination being displayed in a stopped state (hereinafter referred to as jackpot expectation). As an example, SR effects are executed via NR effects.

The game area YBa is formed with multiple winning openings (ball openings) through which game balls can enter. The winning openings include at least a first start opening 12, a second start opening 13, and a large prize opening 14. The first start opening 12 is the winning opening through which game balls can enter when the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for starting the first variable game are met. The first start opening 12 is located below the effect display device EH and is always open so that game balls can enter. The game board YB is equipped with a first start sensor SE1 that detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 12 (see Figure 3).

The second start opening 13 is a winning opening through which game balls enter when the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for starting the second variable game are met. The second start opening 13 is located to the right of the first start opening 12. The second start opening 13 is equipped with a normal opening/closing piece 13a, for example, in the form of a door. The second start opening 13 is closed when a normal win game is not awarded to prevent game balls from entering or to make it difficult for the game balls to enter. The second start opening 13 is opened when a normal win game is awarded to allow game balls to enter or to make it easy for the game balls to enter. The game board YB is equipped with a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for operating the normal opening/closing piece 13a (see Figure 3). The game board YB is equipped with a second start sensor SE2 that detects game balls that have entered the second start opening 13 (see Figure 3). The second start opening 13 is a so-called "normal electric device."

The large prize opening 14 is an opening through which game balls enter when the conditions for awarding a prize ball are met. The large prize opening 14 is located at the lower right of the effect display device EH. The large prize opening 14 is equipped with a special opening/closing piece 14a, for example, in the form of a door. The large prize opening 14 is closed to prevent game balls from entering when a jackpot game is not awarded. The large prize opening 14 is opened to allow game balls to enter or to facilitate ball entry when a jackpot game is awarded. The game board YB is equipped with a special solenoid SL2 as a means for operating the special opening/closing piece 14a (see Figure 3). The game board YB is equipped with a count sensor SE3 that detects game balls that have entered the large prize opening 14 (see Figure 3).

A gate 17 is provided in the game area YBa. The gate 17 is located to the right of the game area YBa, above the second start opening 13 and the big prize opening 14. The gate 17 has a gate opening 17a that is always open so that game balls can enter. A gate sensor SE4 that detects game balls that enter and pass through is provided in the gate opening 17a (see Figure 3). The gate 17 is an entry opening through which game balls can enter to satisfy the start conditions of the normal game. The gate 17 is an entry opening through which the conditions for awarding prize balls are not satisfied even if a game ball enters. The game area YBa is formed with an outlet opening 18 through which game balls can enter. The outlet opening 18 is an entry opening for retrieving game balls from the game area YBa that did not enter the first start opening 12, the second start opening 13, or the big prize opening 14.

Next, the jackpot game will be explained.
In a jackpot game, a predetermined effect is first performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the opening time). As an example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect that allows the player to recognize the start of the jackpot game. In a jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a predetermined number of rounds of play are performed in which the jackpot opening 14 is opened. A single round of play ends when a predetermined number of game balls enter the jackpot or a predetermined time has elapsed. In a round of play, the jackpot opening 14 is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). A round of play is performed in each round of play. In a jackpot game, when the final round of play ends, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the ending time). As an example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect that allows the player to recognize the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends when the ending time has elapsed. In the following explanation, the opening period may be referred to as the period from when the jackpot game starts until the opening time has elapsed, the round period may be referred to as the period from when the opening period ends until the final round of gameplay ends, and the ending period may be referred to as the period from when the round period ends until the jackpot game ends.

The functions of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will now be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as a probability variation function).
The probability variable function is a function for varying the probability of winning a jackpot in the special symbol winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot probability). The pachinko gaming machine 10 has two states in which the jackpot probability can differ: a low probability state in which the probability variable function is not activated, and a high probability state in which the probability variable function is activated. The high probability state has a higher jackpot probability than the low probability state. In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the low probability state. The high probability state is advantageous for the player because it makes it easier to win a jackpot in the special symbol winning lottery. The high probability state is what is known as a "probability variable state (probability variable state)."

The pachinko game machine 10 has a ball entry assist function.
The ball entry assist function is a function for assisting in winning a prize through the second starting hole 13. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has two states in which the probability of a game ball entering the second starting hole 13 is different: a low ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function is not activated, and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function is activated. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability of a game ball entering the second starting hole 13 is higher than in the low ball entry rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability of a game ball entering the second starting hole 13 increases. The high ball entry rate state is advantageous for the player (easy ball entry state) because it makes it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 13.

For example, a high ball entry rate state can be achieved by performing one of the three controls described below, selected arbitrarily, or by combining multiple controls. The first control is normal symbol variation time reduction control, which shortens the variation time of the normal game compared to a low ball entry rate state. The second control is normal symbol probability variation control, which varies the probability of winning the normal win lottery (normal win probability) to a higher probability than in a low ball entry rate state. The third control is opening time extension control, which extends the total opening time of the second start port 13 in one normal win game compared to a low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control may be at least one of control that increases the number of times the second start port 13 is opened in one normal win game compared to a low ball entry rate state, and control that extends the opening time of one opening of the second start port 13 in a normal win game compared to a low ball entry rate state.

The high ball winning rate state may be achieved by combining the fourth control, which will be described below. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time reduction control that shortens the fluctuation time of the special game (for example, the average fluctuation time) compared to the low ball winning rate state. When special symbol fluctuation time reduction control is performed, the high ball winning rate state becomes a special symbol fluctuation time reduction state (time-shortened state), while the low ball winning rate state becomes a special symbol non-fluctuation time reduction state (non-time-shortened state).

The gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is determined by a combination of whether or not the probability variation function is activated and whether or not the ball-scoring assistance function is activated. In the following explanation, a gaming state that is a low-probability state and a low ball-scoring rate state will be referred to as a "low-probability non-time-saving state." A gaming state that is a high-probability state and a low ball-scoring rate state will be referred to as a "high-probability non-time-saving state." A gaming state that is a low-probability state and a high ball-scoring rate state will be referred to as a "low-probability time-saving state." A gaming state that is a high-probability state and a high ball-scoring rate state will be referred to as a "high-probability time-saving state."

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Figure 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a main board 40 and an auxiliary board 50 on the back side (rear) of the game board YB. The main board 40 and the auxiliary board 50 are connected so that a control signal (control command) can be output in one direction from the main board 40 to the auxiliary board 50. The main board 40 executes a predetermined process and outputs a control signal to the auxiliary board 50. The auxiliary board 50 executes a predetermined process based on the control signal input from the main board 40.

The main board 40 will now be described.
The main board 40 includes a main CPU 41, a main ROM 42, and a main RAM 43. The main CPU 41 executes a main control program to perform processing related to the progress of the game. The main ROM 42 stores the main control program, judgment values used for various judgments and lotteries, tables, etc.

The main ROM 42 stores multiple types of fluctuation patterns. A fluctuation pattern is information that specifies the fluctuation time from the start to the end of a fluctuation game. A fluctuation pattern is information that specifies the fluctuation content (presentation content) of a fluctuation game. There are jackpot fluctuation patterns and miss fluctuation patterns. A jackpot fluctuation pattern specifies the fluctuation content in a presentation game that goes through a reach presentation and finally stops and displays a jackpot symbol combination. A miss fluctuation pattern specifies the fluctuation content in a presentation game that goes through a reach presentation or does not go through a reach presentation and finally stops and displays a miss symbol combination. Details of the fluctuation patterns will be described later.

The main RAM 43 stores various information that is rewritten depending on the processing results of the main CPU 41. For example, information stored in the main RAM 43 includes flags, counters, and timers. As one example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to back up (retain) the information stored in the main RAM 43 even when the power supply is interrupted. As one example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a backup power supply and is configured to be able to back up the information stored in the main RAM 43 using the power supplied from the backup power supply even when the power supply is interrupted. Note that the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured so that at least a portion of the information stored in the main RAM 43 can be backed up even after the power supply is interrupted, by using the main RAM 43 as a non-volatile memory that can retain its stored contents even when the power supply is interrupted.

As an example, information stored in the main RAM 43 that is backed up even if the power supply is interrupted (hereinafter referred to as main backup information) includes game information related to the progress of the game. As an example, game information includes information related to special games, information related to jackpot games, information related to the game status, and information related to the payout of prize balls. Information related to special games includes, for example, information that can identify the special reserve number, various random number information, information that can identify the lottery results of the winning lottery (jackpot and small win), information that can identify the variation pattern of the special game, and information that can identify the special symbols derived in the special game. Information related to jackpot games includes information that can identify the progress of the jackpot game. Information related to the game status includes information that can identify the operation status (including the remaining number of times it has been operated) of the special bonus function and the ball entry assist function. Information related to the payout of prize balls includes information that can identify the number of prize balls that have not been paid out.

The main board 40 is equipped with a random number generation circuit 44. The random number generation circuit 44 generates hardware random numbers. The main board 40 may also be configured to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by the main CPU 41.

The main board 40 is equipped with a RAM clear switch 46. As an example, the RAM clear switch 46 is configured to include an operation unit that can be pressed. The main CPU 41 can input an operation signal that can identify the operation state of the RAM clear switch 46. The operation state of the operation unit is information that indicates whether or not the operation unit is being operated. In other words, the operation state of the operation unit includes a state in which the operation unit is being operated and a state in which the operation unit is not being operated.

The main board 40 is connected to each of the first start sensor SE1, second start sensor SE2, count sensor SE3, and gate sensor SE4. The main CPU 41 can input each detection signal output by each of the first start sensor SE1, second start sensor SE2, count sensor SE3, and gate sensor SE4 when they detect a game ball. The main board 40 is connected to each of the first special symbol display device 19a, second special symbol display device 19b, first hold display device 19c, second hold display device 19d, and normal symbol display device 19e. The main CPU 41 can control the display content of each of the first special symbol display device 19a, second special symbol display device 19b, first hold display device 19c, second hold display device 19d, and normal symbol display device 19e separately. The main board 40 is connected to each of the normal solenoid SL1 and special solenoid SL2. The main CPU 41 can control the opening mode of the second start opening 13 by controlling the operation of the normal solenoid SL1. The main CPU 41 can control the opening mode of the special prize opening 14 by controlling the operation of the special solenoid SL2.

Next, the sub-board 50 will be described.
The sub-board 50 includes a sub-CPU 51, a sub-ROM 52, and a sub-RAM 53. The sub-CPU 51 executes a sub-control program to perform processing related to the effects. The sub-ROM 52 stores the sub-control program and determination values used in predetermined lotteries. The sub-ROM 52 stores display effect data used for display effects, light-emitting effect data used for light-emitting effects, and sound effect data used for sound effects. The sub-RAM 53 stores various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, information stored in the sub-RAM 53 includes flags, counters, and timers. The sub-board 50 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers through a random number generation process performed by the sub-CPU 51. The sub-board 50 may include a random number generation circuit and be configured to be able to generate hardware random numbers using the random number generation circuit.

As an example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the information stored in the secondary RAM 53 can be backed up (retained) even when the power supply is cut off. As an example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the information stored in the secondary RAM 53 can be backed up even when the power supply is cut off, using power supplied from a backup power source. Note that the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured so that the information stored in the secondary RAM 53 can be backed up even after the power supply is cut off, by using the secondary RAM 53 as non-volatile memory that can retain its stored contents even when the power supply is cut off.

As an example, the information stored in the secondary RAM 53 that is backed up even if the power supply is cut off (hereinafter referred to as secondary backup information) includes effect information related to the execution of effects. As an example, the effect information includes information related to the effects executed during a variable game, and information related to the effects executed during a jackpot game. Information related to the effects executed during a variable game includes, for example, information that can identify the number of special reserved games, information that can identify the game status, information that can identify the effects executed in the variable game currently being executed, and information that can identify the effects executed in the variable game on hold. Information related to the effects executed during a jackpot game includes, for example, information that can identify the number of rounds executed, information that can identify the number of prize balls won during a jackpot game, information that can identify the number of prize balls won during a consecutive win period, and information that can identify the effects executed during a jackpot game.

The sub-board 50 is connected to the performance display device EH. The sub-CPU 51 can control the display content in the display area R of the performance display device EH. The sub-board 50 is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-CPU 51 can control the output content of the speaker SP. The sub-board 50 is connected to the decorative lamp LA. The sub-CPU 51 can control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-CPU 51 is an example of a performance control means that controls the performance device group ES as a performance execution means.

The sub-board 50 is connected to the effect button BT. The sub-CPU 51 can input an operation signal indicating the operation state of the effect button BT. The sub-board 50 is connected to the cross button JB. The sub-CPU 51 can input an operation signal indicating the operation state of the cross button JB. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 can input an operation signal indicating the operation state of the up button JBu. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 can input an operation signal indicating the operation state of the down button JBd. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 can input an operation signal indicating the operation state of the left button JBl. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 can input an operation signal indicating the operation state of the right button JBr.

Next, various processes performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
The power-on process will now be described.
When the main CPU 41 is started up by the start of power supply, it executes a power-on process. During the power-on process, the main CPU 41 determines whether the RAM clear switch 46 has been operated based on an operation signal from the RAM clear switch 46. If the RAM clear switch 46 has been operated, the main CPU 41 initializes the main backup information. After initializing the main backup information, the main CPU 41 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can identify the initialization of the main backup information in the output buffer of the main RAM 43. For example, the control command stored in the output buffer is output to the sub-board 50 when an output condition is satisfied. For example, one control command is output to the sub-board 50 each time the output condition is satisfied. For example, the output condition is satisfied every predetermined control period (e.g., 16 ms). The control command stored in the output buffer is an example of main backup information. The control command stored in the output buffer is an example of game information. The main CPU 41 then terminates the power-on process. If the RAM clear switch 46 is not operated, the main CPU 41 does not initialize the main backup information, and stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as a restore command) that can identify that the main backup information has not been initialized in the output buffer of the main RAM 43. The main CPU 41 then restores based on the main backup information and terminates the power-on process. In the following description, when the term "output buffer" is simply used, it refers to the output buffer of the main RAM 43.

Next, we will explain the timer interrupt processing that occurs every specified control period (e.g., 4 ms). As an example, timer interrupt processing includes special symbol input processing and special symbol start processing.

The special symbol input process will be described.
In the special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 determines whether a gaming ball has entered the first start hole 12 based on whether a detection signal has been received from the first start sensor SE1. When a gaming ball has entered the first start hole 12, the main CPU 41 determines whether the first reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 is less than the upper limit. If the first reserved number is less than the upper limit, the main CPU 41 updates the first reserved number by adding one. In this way, the reservation condition for the first special game can be met when the first reserved number is less than the upper limit and a gaming ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1. Next, the main CPU 41 controls the first reserved display device 19c to display information that can identify the updated first reserved number. The main CPU 41 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved number command) that can identify the first reserved number after the addition in the output buffer.

Next, the main CPU 41 acquires the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 44 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RAM 43. For example, the random numbers may be winning random numbers used in the lottery to determine whether a special symbol will win, winning symbol random numbers used to determine the winning symbol, and variation pattern random numbers used to determine the variation pattern. The main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or it may be information obtained by processing the random number using a predetermined method. By storing the random number information to be used for the first special game in the main RAM 43, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend its execution until the start conditions for the first special game are met.

The main CPU 41 executes a look-ahead process based on the various random numbers for the first special game that have been acquired. In the look-ahead process, the main CPU 41 determines in advance the variable content of the first special game. As an example, the main CPU 41 determines whether the value of the acquired winning random number is a value that will result in a winning jackpot lottery, which will be described later. In the look-ahead process, the main CPU 41 may also determine which winning pattern the value of the winning symbol random number will result in. In the look-ahead process, the main CPU 41 may also determine which variable pattern the value of the variable pattern random number will result in. The main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a look-ahead command) that can identify the variable content of the first special game that has been looked-ahead in the output buffer.

When the main CPU 41 stores a look-ahead command in the output buffer, if a gaming ball has not entered the first start port 12, and if the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit, the main CPU 41 determines whether a gaming ball has entered the second start port 13 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor SE2. If a gaming ball has entered the second start port 13, the main CPU 41 determines whether the second reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 is less than the upper limit. If the second reserved number is less than the upper limit, the main CPU 41 updates the second reserved number by incrementing it by 1. The main CPU 41 controls the second reserved display device 19d to display information that identifies the second reserved number after the increment. The main CPU 41 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved number command) that identifies the second reserved number after the increment in the output buffer. The reserved condition for the second special game can be met when the second reserved number is less than the upper limit and a gaming ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2.

Next, the main CPU 41 acquires the random numbers generated within the main board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RAM 43. The main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information to be used for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information. By storing the random number information to be used for the second special game in the main RAM 43, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend its execution until the start conditions of the second special game are met. When the random number information for the second special game has been stored in the main RAM 43, if a gaming ball has not entered the second start hole 13 and if the second reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 terminates the special symbol input process.

Next, the special symbol start process will be described.
The main CPU 41 determines whether the conditions for starting a special game are met. The main CPU 41 makes a positive determination when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played, and makes a negative determination when a jackpot game or a special game is being played. If the conditions for starting a special game are not met, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process. If the conditions for starting a special game are met, the main CPU 41 determines whether the second reserved number is greater than zero.

If the second reserved number is greater than zero, the main CPU 41 performs processing to execute a second special game. Specifically, the main CPU 41 updates the second reserved number by subtracting 1. The main CPU 41 controls the second reserved display device 19d to display information that can identify the second reserved number after the subtraction. The main CPU 41 stores a second reserved number command that can identify the second reserved number after the subtraction in the output buffer. Next, the main CPU 41 obtains from the main RAM 43 the random number information for the second special game that was stored first. The main CPU 41 uses the winning random number identified from the obtained random number information to perform a jackpot lottery (jackpot determination) to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won. The main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability that corresponds to the current probability state.

If a jackpot is won, the main CPU 41 performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the main CPU 41 uses a winning pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information to draw a jackpot pattern and determine the jackpot pattern to be stopped and displayed in the second special game. The main CPU 41 uses a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information to draw a variation pattern and determine a variation pattern from among multiple jackpot variation patterns. The main CPU 41 then ends the special pattern start processing. As an example, the jackpot variation pattern includes a jackpot variation pattern that specifies variation content in a presentation game that goes through an NR presentation and ultimately displays a jackpot pattern combination. As an example, the jackpot variation pattern includes a jackpot variation pattern that specifies variation content in a presentation game that goes through an SR presentation and ultimately displays a jackpot pattern combination.

If a jackpot is not won, the main CPU 41 performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the main CPU 41 determines the loss symbol to be stopped and displayed in the second special game. The main CPU 41 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among multiple loss variation patterns. The main CPU 41 then ends the special symbol start process. As an example, the loss variation pattern includes a loss variation pattern that specifies variation content in a presentation game that ultimately stops and displays a loss symbol combination without going through a reach presentation. As an example, the loss variation pattern includes a loss variation pattern that specifies variation content in a presentation game that ultimately stops and displays a loss symbol combination after going through an NR presentation. As an example, the loss variation pattern includes a loss variation pattern that specifies variation content in a presentation game that ultimately stops and displays a loss symbol combination after going through an SR presentation. In the following explanation, the variable content that stops and displays a winning symbol combination will be referred to as the "jackpot variable content," and the variable content that stops and displays a losing symbol combination will be referred to as the "loss variable content."

If the second reserved number is zero, the main CPU 41 determines whether the first reserved number is greater than zero. If the first special reserved number is zero, the main CPU 41 determines whether to store a wait command in the output buffer based on the output information stored in the main RAM 43. The output information is information that can identify whether a wait command has been output. The wait command is a control command that can identify that the machine has been controlled to a wait state. The wait state is when the pachinko gaming machine is not executing a jackpot game, is not executing a variable game, and is not holding a variable game.

As an example, if the main CPU 41 determines from the output information in the main RAM 43 that a wait command has already been output, it terminates the special pattern start processing without storing the wait command in the output buffer. As an example, if the main CPU 41 determines from the output information in the main RAM 43 that a wait command has not already been output, it stores the wait command in the output buffer. Next, the main CPU 41 updates the output information in the main RAM 43 so that it can be determined that a wait command has already been output. Thereafter, the main CPU 41 terminates the special pattern start processing.

If the first reserved number is greater than zero, the main CPU 41 performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the main CPU 41 updates the first reserved number by subtracting 1. The main CPU 41 controls the first reserved display device 19c to display information that can identify the first reserved number after subtraction. The main CPU 41 stores a first reserved number command that can identify the first reserved number after subtraction in the output buffer. Next, the main CPU 41 obtains from the main RAM 43 the random number information for the first special game that was stored first. The main CPU 41 uses the winning random number identified from the obtained random number information to perform a jackpot lottery (jackpot determination) to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won. The main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability that corresponds to the current probability state.

If a jackpot is won, the main CPU 41 performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the main CPU 41 uses a winning pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information to draw a jackpot pattern and determine the jackpot pattern to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The main CPU 41 uses a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information to draw a variation pattern and determines a variation pattern from among multiple jackpot variation patterns. The main CPU 41 then ends the special pattern start processing.

If a jackpot is not won, the main CPU 41 performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the main CPU 41 determines the loss symbol to be displayed in the first special game. The main CPU 41 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among multiple loss variation patterns. The main CPU 41 then terminates the special symbol start process. In the jackpot variation process and the loss variation process, the main CPU 41 stores a variation start command and a special symbol command in the output buffer. The variation start command is a control command that can identify the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of the variation game. The special symbol command is a control command that can identify the special symbol (jackpot symbol or loss symbol) determined in each variation process. As an example, the variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation process for the first special game is executed and when the variation process for the second special game is executed. During jackpot variation processing and loss variation processing, the main CPU 41 updates the output information in the main RAM 43 so that it is possible to identify that a wait command has not been output.

When the special pattern start process is completed, the main CPU 41 executes a first special game or a second special game through a process separate from the special pattern start process. When the main CPU 41 executes the first special game, it controls the first special pattern display device 19a to begin the variable display of a predetermined pattern. The main CPU 41 measures the variable time set in the variable pattern. When the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 controls the first special pattern display device 19a to statically display the special pattern determined in the special pattern start process. When the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the variable end command) capable of specifying the end of the variable game in the output buffer.

When the main CPU 41 executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display device 19b to begin displaying a predetermined symbol. The main CPU 41 measures the change time set in the change pattern. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 controls the second special symbol display device 19b to statically display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start processing. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 stores a change end command in the output buffer. As described above, the main CPU 41 is configured to execute the special symbol input processing and the special symbol start processing, thereby conducting a winning lottery triggered by the entry of a gaming ball into the start hole.

The jackpot game processing will now be described.
The jackpot game processing is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the main CPU 41 stops and displays a jackpot symbol in a special game, it executes the jackpot game processing after the special game ends. The main CPU 41 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start processing. The main CPU 41 awards the specified type of jackpot game. As an example, jackpots include a first jackpot and a second jackpot. The first jackpot is a jackpot based on the first jackpot symbol among the jackpot symbols. The second jackpot is a jackpot based on a second jackpot symbol that is different from the first jackpot symbol. In the following description, a jackpot game based on a first jackpot is referred to as a first jackpot game, and a jackpot game based on a second jackpot is referred to as a second jackpot game.

First, the main CPU 41 stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter referred to as the opening command) capable of specifying the start of the opening time. As an example, the opening command may include information capable of specifying the type of jackpot game. Once the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 performs processing to execute a round game. That is, the main CPU 41 controls the special solenoid SL2 using the opening control data for the specified jackpot game to open the large prize opening 14. As an example, regardless of the type of jackpot game specified, the main CPU 41 controls the special solenoid SL2 to keep the large prize opening 14 open until the number condition or time condition is met.

The main CPU 41 performs this processing to execute rounds of play until the number of rounds specified for the jackpot game is completed. As an example, it is specified that 10 rounds of play will be executed for both the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game. As an example, it is specified that the number condition for each round of play is that 10 game balls enter the large prize opening 14. As an example, it is specified that 29 seconds must pass for each round of play. Therefore, in the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game, a total of 100 game balls (10 times x 10 balls) can be expected to enter the large prize opening 14. Here, if the number of prize balls specified for the large prize opening 14 is 15, the number of prize balls that can be expected to be awarded in the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as the expected number of balls) is 1,500. Each time a round of play begins, the main CPU 41 stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) that can specify the start of a jackpot round of play. When the final round of play ends, the main CPU 41 stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending start command) that can specify the start of the ending time. When the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot game. The main CPU 41 stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) that can specify the passage of the ending time. As a result, when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery, a variable game can be executed based on the result of the winning lottery, and after the variable game ends, a jackpot game is awarded based on the result of the winning lottery.

The game state transition process for transitioning the game state will be described.
The game state transition process includes a probability transition process that transitions the probability state, and a winning probability transition process that transitions the winning probability state. As an example, the game state transition process is executed after the end of the jackpot game process. As an example, in the game state transition process, the winning probability transition process and the probability transition process are executed in this order.

First, the goal scoring rate transition process will be described.
In the ball entry rate transition process, the main CPU 41 sets an activation flag in the main RAM 43 upon completion of the first or second jackpot game. In other words, the main CPU 41 controls the system to a high ball entry rate state upon completion of the first or second jackpot game. The main CPU 41 counts the number of special games executed after the end of a jackpot game by updating the value of the execution counter stored in the main RAM 43 each time a special game is started after the end of the second jackpot game. The main CPU 41 erases the activation flag stored in the main RAM 43 upon completion of a special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game reaches the activation count. In other words, the main CPU 41 controls the system to a low ball entry rate state upon completion of the activated special game after the end of the second jackpot game. The main CPU 41 does not erase the activation flag after the end of the first jackpot game until the next jackpot game is awarded. When the main CPU 41 starts a jackpot game and the activation flag is set, the main CPU 41 clears the activation flag. In other words, the main CPU 41 controls the jackpot game to a low ball entry rate state.

Next, the probability transition process will be described.
In the probability transition process, the main CPU 41 sets a high probability flag in the main RAM 43 when the first jackpot game ends. In other words, the main CPU 41 controls to a high probability state when the first jackpot game ends. After the first jackpot game ends, the main CPU 41 does not clear the high probability flag until the next jackpot game is awarded. The main CPU 41 does not set a high probability flag in the main RAM 43 when the second jackpot game ends. In other words, the main CPU 41 controls to a low probability state when the second jackpot game ends. When the main CPU 41 starts a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, the main CPU 41 clears the high probability flag. In other words, the main CPU 41 controls to a low probability state during a jackpot game.

Through the probability transition process and the ball entry rate transition process, after the first jackpot game ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to a high-probability state and a high ball entry rate state. In other words, after the first jackpot game ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to a high-probability time-shortening state. Also, after the second jackpot game ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to a low-probability state and a high ball entry rate state. Thereafter, when the special game for the second activation ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to a low-probability time-shortening state. In other words, after the second jackpot game ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to a low-probability time-shortening state, and then, triggered by the end of the special game for the second activation, is controlled to a low-probability non-time-shortening state.

In this way, the main CPU 41 can control the game state to be advantageous to the player when the jackpot game ends. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 can execute a variable game based on the results of a winning lottery, and after the variable game ends, a game state advantageous to the player is granted based on the results of the winning lottery. The first jackpot game is a jackpot game that is controlled to a more advantageous game state than after the end of the second jackpot game after the end of the first jackpot game.

As an example, when the game state changes, the main CPU 41 stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter referred to as a state designation command) that can identify the current game state. That is, there are state designation commands that can identify a low-probability non-time-shortened state, a state designation command that can identify a low-probability time-shortened state, and a state designation command that can identify a high-probability time-shortened state. As an example, when power supply is started, the main CPU 41 stores in the output buffer a state designation command that can identify the current game state, regardless of whether the main backup information has been initialized. That is, if the main backup information has been initialized when power supply is started, a state designation command that can identify a low-probability non-time-shortened state is stored in the output buffer. On the other hand, if the main backup information has not been initialized when power supply is started, a state designation command that can identify the game state at the time the power supply was cut off is stored in the output buffer.

The normal symbol input process will be described.
The normal symbol input process is an example of timer interrupt processing. In the normal symbol input process, the main CPU 41 determines whether a gaming ball has entered the gate 17 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the gate sensor SE4. When a gaming ball has entered the gate 17, the main CPU 41 determines whether the normal reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 is less than the upper limit number. As an example, the upper limit number for the normal reserved number is 4. When the normal reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 updates the normal reserved number by adding 1.

Next, the main CPU 41 acquires the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 44 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RAM 43. For example, the random numbers may be winning random numbers used in the lottery to determine whether a normal symbol will win, and winning symbol random numbers used to determine the normal symbol. The main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that the storage order of the random number information can be identified.

Next, the normal symbol start process will be described.
The normal symbol start processing is an example of timer interrupt processing. In the normal symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether the start conditions for the normal game are met. The main CPU 41 makes a positive determination when neither a normal win game nor a normal game is being played, and makes a negative determination when a normal win game is being played or a normal game is being played. If the start conditions for the normal game are not met, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start processing. If the start conditions for the normal game are met, the main CPU 41 determines whether the normal reserved number is greater than zero. If the normal reserved number is zero, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start processing.

If the normal pending number is greater than zero, the main CPU 41 performs processing to execute a normal game. Specifically, the main CPU 41 updates the normal pending number by subtracting 1. The main CPU 41 obtains the random number information for the normal game that was stored first from the main RAM 43. The main CPU 41 uses the winning random number identified from the obtained random number information to conduct a normal win lottery to determine whether or not a normal win will be awarded. The main CPU 41 conducts a normal win lottery with a normal win probability that corresponds to the current winning rate state. As an example, the normal win probability in a high winning rate state is 1 or approximately 1. As an example, the normal win probability in a low winning rate state is zero or approximately zero.

If a normal win is won, the main CPU 41 performs normal win variation processing. In normal win variation processing, the main CPU 41 uses a normal win pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information to draw a normal win pattern and determine the normal win pattern to be stopped and displayed in the normal game. If a normal win is not won, the main CPU 41 performs normal loss variation processing. In normal loss variation processing, the main CPU 41 determines the normal loss pattern to be stopped and displayed in the normal game.

The main CPU 41 determines a variation pattern from among multiple normal variation patterns depending on the winning rate state. As an example, when the current winning rate state is a low winning rate state, the main CPU 41 determines a variation pattern that sets a longer variation time compared to when the current winning rate state is a high winning rate state. Note that there may be multiple variation patterns that can be determined for each winning rate state. In this case, the main CPU 41 may use a predetermined random number to hold a lottery to determine the variation pattern for the normal game and determine a variation pattern from among multiple normal variation patterns. After determining the variation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the normal pattern start processing.

When the normal pattern start process is completed, the main CPU 41 executes a normal game through a process separate from the normal pattern start process. When executing a normal game, the main CPU 41 controls the normal pattern display device 19e to start displaying a variable pattern. The main CPU 41 measures the variable time set in the variable pattern. When the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 controls the normal pattern display device 19e to statically display the normal pattern determined in the normal pattern start process.

The normal winning game process will be explained.
The normal win game processing is a processing for awarding a normal win game. When the main CPU 41 stops and displays the normal win symbol in the normal game, it executes the normal win game processing after the normal game of the normal win ends. The main CPU 41 controls the normal solenoid SL1 using the opening control data corresponding to the normal win symbol determined in the normal symbol start processing, and opens the second start port 13.

Next, various processes executed by the secondary CPU 51 will be described.
The effect game processing will now be described.
The effect game process is a process for executing an effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game during execution of the special game. When the secondary CPU 51 inputs a variation start command and a special symbol command, it controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device EH to execute the effect game.

The sub-CPU 51 determines the symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the effect game based on the special symbol command. The sub-CPU 51 determines the jackpot symbol combination when a jackpot symbol can be identified from the special symbol command. As an example, a jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination in which multiple effect symbols are the same. The sub-CPU 51 determines a losing symbol combination when a losing symbol can be identified from the special symbol command. When determining a losing symbol combination, the sub-CPU 51 determines a losing symbol combination that includes a reach if the condition for executing a reach effect (hereinafter referred to as the reach condition) is met. As an example, a losing symbol combination that includes a reach is a symbol combination in which, among the multiple effect symbols, the effect symbols in the left and right columns are the same but the effect symbol in the middle column is different. When determining a losing symbol combination, the sub-CPU 51 determines a losing symbol combination that does not include a reach if the reach condition is not met. As an example, a losing symbol combination that does not include a reach is a symbol combination in which multiple effect symbols are different from one another. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether a reach condition has been met based on a variation pattern that can be identified from the input variation start command.

The secondary CPU 51 determines the specific variation content (effect content) of the effect game based on the variation pattern. Based on the determined variation content, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start displaying the variation of the effect symbols in each symbol row. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 starts the effect game.

After the start of the presentation game, the sub-CPU 51 temporarily displays the symbol combination when a predetermined timing arrives. The sub-CPU 51, upon input of a variation end command, causes the symbol combination to be temporarily displayed in a confirmed state. The sub-CPU 51 may also cause the symbol combination to be temporarily displayed in a confirmed state upon the passage of a variation time set in the variation pattern. In this case, the variation end command may be omitted.

The fluctuation pattern will be explained.
As shown in Figure 4, there are loss fluctuation patterns and jackpot fluctuation patterns. As an example, loss fluctuation patterns include fluctuation pattern H01, fluctuation pattern H02, fluctuation pattern H03, fluctuation pattern H04, fluctuation pattern H05, fluctuation pattern H06, fluctuation pattern H07, and fluctuation pattern H08. As an example, jackpot fluctuation patterns include fluctuation pattern H09, fluctuation pattern H10, fluctuation pattern H11, fluctuation pattern H12, and fluctuation pattern H13. As an example, fluctuation patterns H01 to H04, fluctuation pattern H09, and fluctuation pattern H10 are fluctuation patterns associated with one fluctuation cycle. Here, a fluctuation cycle is defined as one cycle from when the display of the effect symbols starts to change until all the columns of effect symbols are stopped and displayed. In other words, the fluctuation patterns H01 to H04, fluctuation pattern H09, and fluctuation pattern H10 are fluctuation patterns that correspond to the stop display of all columns of performance patterns once after the display of the performance patterns starts to change.

As an example, fluctuation patterns H05 to H07, fluctuation pattern H11, and fluctuation pattern H12 are fluctuation patterns associated with two fluctuation cycles. In other words, fluctuation patterns H05 to H07, fluctuation pattern H11, and fluctuation pattern H12 are fluctuation patterns associated with two cycles of displaying all columns of performance symbols stopped after the display of the performance symbols has started. As an example, fluctuation patterns H08 and H13 are fluctuation patterns associated with three cycles of displaying all columns of performance symbols stopped after the display of the performance symbols has started.

As an example, in a fluctuation pattern associated with multiple fluctuation cycles, a pseudo-consecutive provocation effect is associated with the fluctuation cycle before the final fluctuation cycle. The pseudo-consecutive provocation effect is an effect that suggests or notifies whether the next fluctuation cycle will be executed or not. As an example, the pseudo-consecutive provocation effect is an effect that suggests or notifies that the next fluctuation cycle will be executed by displaying a static pseudo-consecutive pattern combination. In other words, in a fluctuation pattern associated with multiple fluctuation cycles, a static pseudo-consecutive pattern combination is associated with the fluctuation cycle before the final fluctuation cycle. As an example, a pseudo-consecutive pattern combination is a combination, such as [112], in which one performance pattern in the reach formation column is the next performance pattern in the fluctuation order of the other performance pattern in the reach formation column, and the performance pattern of the remaining pattern column (middle pattern column) is the same as one performance pattern in the reach formation column. A pseudo-consecutive pattern combination is an example of a losing pattern combination. In other words, the variable content that displays a pseudo-consecutive symbol combination is an example of a losing variable content.

As an example, each variation pattern has a predetermined effect in the final variation cycle. As an example, variation pattern H01 has a predetermined effect in the final variation cycle where a losing symbol combination is displayed without going through a reach. As an example, variation pattern H02 and variation pattern H05 have a predetermined effect in the final variation cycle where a losing symbol combination is displayed after going through a pseudo-consecutive provocation effect. As an example, a losing symbol combination when a predetermined effect in the final variation cycle where a losing symbol combination is displayed after going through a pseudo-consecutive provocation effect is a combination such as [132] where one of the effect symbols in the reach formation column is the next in the variation order of the other effect symbol in the reach formation column, and the effect symbol in the remaining symbol column (middle symbol column) is different from the effect symbols in both of the reach formation columns.

As an example, for variation patterns H03 and H06, the presentation content in the final variation cycle is defined as an NR presentation followed by a stop display of a losing symbol combination. As an example, for variation patterns H04, H07, and H08, the presentation content in the final variation cycle is defined as an SR presentation followed by a stopping display of a losing symbol combination. As an example, for variation patterns H09 and H11, the presentation content in the final variation cycle is defined as an NR presentation followed by a stopping display of a winning symbol combination. As an example, for variation patterns H10, H12, and H13, the presentation content in the final variation cycle is defined as an SR presentation followed by a stopping display of a winning symbol combination.

As an example, the period during which each fluctuation cycle is executed (hereinafter referred to as the fluctuation period) differs depending on the presentation content. As an example, the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which presentation content including reach presentations is set is longer than the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which presentation content not including reach presentations is set. As an example, the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which presentation content including SR presentations is set is longer than the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which presentation content including NR presentations is set. As an example, the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which jackpot presentation content is set is longer than the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which miss presentation content is set but the other presentation content is the same. As an example, the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which presentation content including pseudo-consecutive provocation presentations is set is longer than the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which presentation content not including reach presentations is set. As an example, the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which presentation content including pseudo-consecutive provocation presentations is set is shorter than the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which presentation content including reach presentations is set. As an example, the fluctuation period of a fluctuation cycle in which the performance content, including the pseudo-consecutive excitement performance, is set is longer when the fluctuation cycle is the final fluctuation cycle than when the fluctuation cycle is not the final fluctuation cycle.

In other words, in a fluctuation pattern associated with multiple fluctuation cycles, the fluctuation period of the final fluctuation cycle is longer than the fluctuation period of the non-final fluctuation cycles. Furthermore, among fluctuation patterns associated with one fluctuation cycle, there are fluctuation patterns in which a fluctuation period is set that is shorter than the fluctuation period of the non-final fluctuation cycles in a fluctuation pattern in which multiple fluctuation cycles are associated. Furthermore, among fluctuation patterns associated with one fluctuation cycle, there are fluctuation patterns in which a fluctuation period is set that is longer than the fluctuation period of the non-final fluctuation cycles in a fluctuation pattern in which multiple fluctuation cycles are associated.

In the pachinko gaming machine 10, one fluctuation pattern is determined from these fluctuation patterns when the fluctuation game starts. The fluctuation game is then executed using the determined fluctuation pattern. A fluctuation game with a fluctuation pattern associated with multiple fluctuation cycles is a pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game. A fluctuation game with a fluctuation pattern associated with one fluctuation cycle is a non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game. In other words, a pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game is a fluctuation game consisting of multiple fluctuation cycles, and a non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game is a fluctuation game consisting of one fluctuation cycle.

Next, an example of various effects that can be executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
First, the ripple effect will be explained.
The ripple effect is an effect that suggests or notifies the probability of a jackpot in the variation game that is the subject of execution. As an example, the variation game that is the subject of execution of the ripple effect is a variation game that is currently being executed or a variation game that is on hold. The ripple effect is an effect that can be executed over multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-series variation game. The ripple effect is an effect that can be executed over multiple non-pseudo-series variation games. The ripple effect is an example of a specific effect. In the following description, when distinguishing between a ripple effect that can be executed over multiple variation cycles and a ripple effect that can be executed over multiple variation games, they are referred to as a pseudo ripple effect and a continuous ripple effect, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ripple effect may include a ripple display effect that displays a ripple image. As an example, the ripple display effect includes a first ripple display effect, a second ripple display effect, and a third ripple display effect. The first ripple display effect is a display effect that displays the first ripple image hg1. The second ripple display effect is a display effect that displays the second ripple image hg2. The third ripple display effect is a display effect that displays the third ripple image hg3. As an example, the first ripple image hg1 is an image that imitates white ripples. As an example, the second ripple image hg2 is an image that imitates red ripples. As an example, the third ripple image hg3 is an image that imitates gold ripples. As an example, the first ripple image hg1, the second ripple image hg2, and the third ripple image hg3 are images superimposed on the effect symbols and the background image, and are visible through a portion of the effect symbols and the background image. As an example, the first ripple image hg1, the second ripple image hg2, and the third ripple image hg3 are images that suggest or notify the likelihood of a jackpot in the variable game to be executed. As an example, the second ripple image hg2 is an image that suggests or notifies that the likelihood of a jackpot in the variable game to be executed is higher than the first ripple image hg1. As an example, the third ripple image hg3 is an image that suggests or notifies that the likelihood of a jackpot in the variable game to be executed is higher than the second ripple image hg2. As an example, the third ripple image hg3 is an image that suggests or notifies that the variable game to be executed will be a jackpot.

As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, a ripple effect is composed of one or more ripple display effects. The number of ripple display effects and the type of ripple display effect comprised by the ripple effect vary depending on the effect pattern. As an example, ripple effect patterns include effect patterns that can be selected in pseudo-ripple effects and effect patterns that can be selected in continuous ripple effects. As an example, effect patterns that can be selected in pseudo-ripple effects include ripple effect pattern RP01, ripple effect pattern RP02, ripple effect pattern RP03, ripple effect pattern RP04, ripple effect pattern RP05, ripple effect pattern RP06, ripple effect pattern RP07, ripple effect pattern RP08, and ripple effect pattern RP09. As an example, the effect patterns that can be selected in the continuous ripple effect include ripple effect pattern RP11, ripple effect pattern RP12, ripple effect pattern RP13, ripple effect pattern RP14, ripple effect pattern RP15, ripple effect pattern RP16, ripple effect pattern RP17, ripple effect pattern RP18, ripple effect pattern RP19, ripple effect pattern RP20, ripple effect pattern RP21, ripple effect pattern RP22, ripple effect pattern RP23, ripple effect pattern RP24, and There are ripple effect pattern RP25, ripple effect pattern RP26, ripple effect pattern RP27, ripple effect pattern RP28, ripple effect pattern RP29, ripple effect pattern RP30, ripple effect pattern RP31, ripple effect pattern RP32, ripple effect pattern RP33, ripple effect pattern RP34, ripple effect pattern RP35, ripple effect pattern RP36, ripple effect pattern RP37, ripple effect pattern RP38, ripple effect pattern RP39, and ripple effect pattern RP40.

Ripple effect pattern RP01, ripple effect pattern RP05, and ripple effect pattern RP08 are effect patterns that can be selected when a variation game using a variation pattern associated with one variation cycle is to be executed. Ripple effect pattern RP02 to ripple effect pattern RP04, ripple effect pattern RP06, ripple effect pattern RP07, and ripple effect pattern RP09 are effect patterns that can be selected when a variation game using a variation pattern associated with two variation cycles is to be executed. Ripple effect pattern RP01 to ripple effect pattern RP04 are effect patterns in which a first ripple display effect is executed in the first variation cycle. Ripple effect pattern RP05 to ripple effect pattern RP07 are effect patterns in which a second ripple display effect is executed in the first variation cycle. Ripple effect pattern RP08 and ripple effect pattern RP09 are effect patterns in which a third ripple display effect is executed in the first variation cycle. Ripple effect pattern RP02 is an effect pattern in which the first ripple display effect is executed in the second fluctuation cycle. Ripple effect pattern RP03 and ripple effect pattern RP06 are effect patterns in which the second ripple display effect is executed in the second fluctuation cycle. Ripple effect pattern RP04, ripple effect pattern RP07, and ripple effect pattern RP09 are effect patterns in which the third ripple display effect is executed in the second fluctuation cycle.

Ripple effect pattern RP11 to RP16 are effect patterns that can be selected when a newly suspended variable game is to be executed when one or more variable games are on hold. Ripple effect pattern RP17 to RP26 are effect patterns that can be selected when a newly suspended variable game is to be executed when two or more variable games are on hold. Ripple effect pattern RP27 to RP40 are effect patterns that can be selected when a newly suspended variable game is to be executed when three variable games are on hold.

Ripple effect pattern RP11 to RP13, ripple effect pattern RP17 to RP22, and ripple effect pattern RP27 to RP35 are effect patterns in which a first ripple display effect is executed in the first variation game of multiple variation games in which a ripple effect is executed. Ripple effect pattern RP14, ripple effect pattern RP15, ripple effect pattern RP23 to RP25, and ripple effect pattern RP36 to RP39 are effect patterns in which a second ripple display effect is executed in the first variation game of multiple variation games in which a ripple effect is executed. Ripple effect pattern RP16, ripple effect pattern RP26, and ripple effect pattern RP40 are effect patterns in which a third ripple display effect is executed in the first variation game of multiple variation games in which a ripple effect is executed.

Ripple effect pattern RP11, ripple effect pattern RP17 to ripple effect pattern RP19, and ripple effect pattern RP27 to ripple effect pattern RP31 are effect patterns in which a first ripple display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which a ripple effect is executed. Ripple effect pattern RP12, ripple effect pattern RP14, ripple effect pattern RP20, ripple effect pattern RP21, ripple effect pattern RP23, ripple effect pattern RP24, ripple effect pattern RP32 to ripple effect pattern RP34, and ripple effect pattern RP36 to ripple effect pattern RP38 are effect patterns in which a second ripple display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which a ripple effect is executed. Ripple effect pattern RP13, ripple effect pattern RP15, ripple effect pattern RP16, ripple effect pattern RP22, ripple effect pattern RP25, ripple effect pattern RP26, ripple effect pattern RP35, ripple effect pattern RP39, and ripple effect pattern RP40 are effect patterns in which the third ripple display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which ripple effects are executed.

Ripple effect pattern RP17 and ripple effect patterns RP27 to RP29 are effect patterns in which the first ripple display effect is executed in the third variation game among multiple variation games in which the ripple effect is executed. Ripple effect pattern RP18, ripple effect pattern RP20, ripple effect pattern RP23, ripple effect patterns RP30 to RP33, ripple effect pattern RP36, and ripple effect pattern RP37 are effect patterns in which the second ripple display effect is executed in the third variation game among multiple variation games in which the ripple effect is executed. Ripple effect pattern RP19, ripple effect pattern RP21, ripple effect pattern RP22, ripple effect pattern RP24 to ripple effect pattern RP26, ripple effect pattern RP34, ripple effect pattern RP35, and ripple effect pattern RP38 to ripple effect pattern RP40 are effect patterns in which a third ripple display effect is executed in the third variation game among multiple variation games in which a ripple effect is executed.

Ripple effect pattern RP27 is a designation that specifies that the first ripple display effect is executed in the fourth variation game among multiple variation games in which the ripple effect is executed. Ripple effect pattern RP28, ripple effect pattern RP30, ripple effect pattern RP32, and ripple effect pattern RP36 are designation that specifies that the second ripple display effect is executed in the fourth variation game among multiple variation games in which the ripple effect is executed. Ripple effect pattern RP29, ripple effect pattern RP31, ripple effect patterns RP33 to RP35, and ripple effect patterns RP37 to RP40 are designation that specifies that the third ripple display effect is executed in the fourth variation game.

In this way, the first ripple effect is composed of a first ripple display effect, a second ripple display effect, and a third ripple display effect. In the first ripple effect, after the first ripple display effect is executed, the first ripple display effect, the second ripple display effect, and the third ripple display effect may be executed. Also, in the first ripple effect, after the second ripple display effect is executed, the second ripple display effect and the third ripple display effect may be executed. Also, in the first ripple effect, after the third ripple display effect is executed, only the third ripple display effect may be executed out of the first ripple display effect, the second ripple display effect, and the third ripple display effect.

Next, the countdown effect will be described.
The countdown effect is an effect that suggests or notifies the probability of a jackpot in the variable game that is the target of execution. As an example, the variable game that is the target of execution of the countdown effect is a variable game that is currently being executed or a variable game that is on hold. The countdown effect is an effect that can be executed over multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-series variable game. The countdown effect is an effect that can be executed over multiple non-pseudo-series variable games. The countdown effect is an example of a specific effect. In the following description, when distinguishing between a countdown effect that can be executed over multiple variation cycles and a countdown effect that can be executed over multiple variable games, they are referred to as a pseudo countdown effect and a continuous countdown effect, respectively.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the countdown effect may include a count display effect that displays a count image. As an example, the count display effect includes a first count display effect, a second count display effect, a third count display effect, a fourth count display effect, a fifth count display effect, a sixth count display effect, a seventh count display effect, an eighth count display effect, a ninth count display effect, and a tenth count display effect. The first count display effect is a display effect that displays the first count image cg1. The second count display effect is a display effect that displays the second count image cg2. The third count display effect is a display effect that displays the third count image cg3. The fourth count display effect is a display effect that displays the fourth count image cg4. The fifth count display effect is a display effect that displays the fifth count image cg5. The sixth count display effect is a display effect that displays the sixth count image cg6. The seventh count display effect is a display effect that displays the seventh count image cg7. The eighth count display effect is a display effect that displays the eighth count image CG8. The ninth count display effect is a display effect that displays the ninth count image CG9. The tenth count display effect is a display effect that displays the tenth count image CG10.

As an example, the first count image cg1 to the third count image cg3 are images that imitate the Arabic numeral "3." As an example, the fourth count image cg4 to the sixth count image cg6 are images that imitate the Arabic numeral "2." As an example, the seventh count image cg7 to the ninth count image cg9 are images that imitate the Arabic numeral "1." As an example, the tenth count image cg10 is an image that imitates the Arabic numeral "0." As an example, the first count image cg1, the fourth count image cg4, and the seventh count image cg7 are images that imitate white Arabic numerals. As an example, the second count image cg2, the fifth count image cg5, and the eighth count image cg8 are images that imitate red Arabic numerals. As an example, the third count image cg3, the sixth count image cg6, the ninth count image cg9, and the tenth count image cg10 are images that resemble gold Arabic numerals.

As an example, the first count image CG1 to the tenth count image CG10 are images that suggest or notify the likelihood of a jackpot for the variable game being executed. As an example, the third count image CG3, the sixth count image CG6, the ninth count image CG9, and the tenth count image CG10 are images that suggest or notify the likelihood of a jackpot for the variable game being executed, compared to the eighth count image CG8. As an example, the eighth count image CG8 is an image that suggests or notifies the likelihood of a jackpot for the variable game being executed, compared to the fifth count image CG5. As an example, the fifth count image CG5 is an image that suggests or notifies the likelihood of a jackpot for the variable game being executed, compared to the second count image CG2. As an example, the second count image CG2 is an image that suggests or notifies the likelihood of a jackpot for the variable game being executed, compared to the seventh count image CG7. As an example, the seventh count image cg7 is an image that suggests or notifies that the likelihood of a jackpot in the variable game to be executed is higher than that of the fourth count image cg4. As an example, the fourth count image cg4 is an image that suggests or notifies that the likelihood of a jackpot in the variable game to be executed is higher than that of the first count image cg1. In other words, the count images suggest or notify that the likelihood of a jackpot in the variable game to be executed is higher in the following order: the third count image cg3, the sixth count image cg6, the ninth count image cg9, and the tenth count image cg10 > the eighth count image cg8 > the fifth count image cg5 > the second count image cg2 > the seventh count image cg7 > the fourth count image cg4 > the first count image cg1. The third count image CG3, sixth count image CG6, ninth count image CG9, and tenth count image CG10 are images that suggest or notify that the variable game being played will be a jackpot.

As shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13, a countdown effect is composed of one or more count display effects. The number of count display effects and the type of count display effect comprised by the countdown effect vary depending on the effect pattern. As an example, countdown effect patterns include effect patterns that can be selected in pseudo countdown effects and effect patterns that can be selected in continuous countdown effects. As an example, the presentation patterns that can be selected in the pseudo countdown presentation include countdown presentation pattern CP01, countdown presentation pattern CP02, countdown presentation pattern CP03, countdown presentation pattern CP04, countdown presentation pattern CP05, countdown presentation pattern CP06, countdown presentation pattern CP07, countdown presentation pattern CP08, countdown presentation pattern CP09, countdown presentation pattern CP10, countdown presentation pattern CP11, countdown presentation pattern CP12, countdown presentation pattern CP13, countdown presentation pattern CP14, countdown presentation pattern CP15, countdown presentation pattern CP16, and countdown presentation pattern CP17.

As an example, the presentation patterns that can be selected in the continuous countdown presentation include countdown presentation pattern CP21, countdown presentation pattern CP22, countdown presentation pattern CP23, countdown presentation pattern CP24, countdown presentation pattern CP25, countdown presentation pattern CP26, countdown presentation pattern CP27, countdown presentation pattern CP28, countdown presentation pattern CP29, countdown presentation pattern CP30, countdown presentation pattern CP31, countdown presentation pattern CP32, countdown presentation pattern CP33, countdown presentation pattern CP34, countdown presentation pattern CP35, and countdown presentation pattern CP36. There are countdown performance pattern CP36, countdown performance pattern CP37, countdown performance pattern CP38, countdown performance pattern CP39, countdown performance pattern CP40, countdown performance pattern CP41, countdown performance pattern CP42, countdown performance pattern CP43, countdown performance pattern CP44, countdown performance pattern CP45, countdown performance pattern CP46, countdown performance pattern CP47, countdown performance pattern CP48, countdown performance pattern CP49, countdown performance pattern CP50, countdown performance pattern CP51, countdown performance pattern CP52, and countdown performance pattern CP53.

Countdown presentation pattern CP01 is a presentation pattern that can be selected when a variation game using a variation pattern associated with two variation cycles is to be played. Countdown presentation pattern CP02 to countdown presentation pattern CP17 are presentation patterns that can be selected when a variation game using a variation pattern associated with three variation cycles is to be played. Countdown presentation pattern CP01 to countdown presentation pattern CP07 and countdown presentation pattern CP12 to countdown presentation pattern CP14 are presentation patterns in which a first count display presentation is to be played in the first variation cycle. Countdown presentation pattern CP08 to countdown presentation pattern CP10, countdown presentation pattern CP15, and countdown presentation pattern CP16 are presentation patterns in which a second count display presentation is to be played in the first variation cycle. Countdown presentation pattern CP11 and countdown presentation pattern CP17 are presentation patterns in which a third count display presentation is to be played in the first variation cycle.

Countdown presentation patterns CP01 to CP04, and countdown presentation pattern CP12 are presentation patterns in which the fourth count display presentation is executed in the second fluctuation cycle. Countdown presentation pattern CP05, countdown presentation pattern CP06, countdown presentation pattern CP08, countdown presentation pattern CP09, countdown presentation pattern CP13, and countdown presentation pattern CP15 are presentation patterns in which the fifth count display presentation is executed in the second fluctuation cycle. Countdown presentation pattern CP07, countdown presentation pattern CP10, countdown presentation pattern CP11, countdown presentation pattern CP14, countdown presentation pattern CP16, and countdown presentation pattern CP17 are presentation patterns in which the sixth count display presentation is executed in the second fluctuation cycle.

Countdown presentation pattern CP02 is a presentation pattern in which the seventh count display presentation is executed in the third fluctuation cycle. Countdown presentation pattern CP03, countdown presentation pattern CP05, and countdown presentation pattern CP08 are presentation patterns in which the eighth count display presentation is executed in the third fluctuation cycle. Countdown presentation pattern CP04, countdown presentation pattern CP06, countdown presentation pattern CP07, and countdown presentation patterns CP09 to CP11 are presentation patterns in which the ninth count display presentation is executed in the third fluctuation cycle. Countdown presentation pattern CP12 to countdown presentation pattern CP17 are presentation patterns in which the tenth count display presentation is executed in the third fluctuation cycle.

Countdown effect pattern CP21, countdown effect pattern CP22, countdown effect pattern CP33 to countdown effect pattern CP38, and countdown effect pattern CP45 to countdown effect pattern CP47 are effect patterns that can be selected when a newly suspended variable game is to be executed in a situation where one or more variable games are on hold. Countdown effect pattern CP23 to countdown effect pattern CP32, countdown effect pattern CP39 to countdown effect pattern CP44, and countdown effect pattern CP48 to countdown effect pattern CP53 are effect patterns that can be selected when a newly suspended variable game is to be executed in a situation where two or more variable games are on hold.

Countdown effect pattern CP22 to countdown effect pattern CP28, countdown effect pattern CP45, and countdown effect pattern CP48 to countdown effect pattern CP50 are effect patterns in which a first count display effect is executed in the first variation game of multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP29 to countdown effect pattern CP31, countdown effect pattern CP46, countdown effect pattern CP51, and countdown effect pattern CP52 are effect patterns in which a second count display effect is executed in the first variation game of multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP32, countdown effect pattern CP47, and countdown effect pattern CP53 are effect patterns in which a third count display effect is executed in the first variation game of multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP21, countdown effect pattern CP36, and countdown effect patterns CP39 to CP41 are effect patterns in which a fourth count display effect is executed in the first variation game among a plurality of variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP37, countdown effect pattern CP42, and countdown effect pattern CP43 are effect patterns in which a fifth count display effect is executed in the first variation game among a plurality of variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP38 and countdown effect pattern CP44 are effect patterns in which a sixth count display effect is executed in the first variation game among a plurality of variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP33 is an effect pattern in which a seventh count display effect is executed in the first variation game among a plurality of variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP34 is a effect pattern in which the eighth count display effect is executed in the first variation game of multiple variation games in which countdown effects are executed. Countdown effect pattern CP35 is a effect pattern in which the ninth count display effect is executed in the first variation game of multiple variation games in which countdown effects are executed.

Countdown effect patterns CP22 to CP25, and countdown effect pattern CP48 are effect patterns in which a fourth count display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect patterns CP26, countdown effect pattern CP27, countdown effect pattern CP29, countdown effect pattern CP30, countdown effect pattern CP49, and countdown effect pattern CP51 are effect patterns in which a fifth count display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect patterns CP28, countdown effect pattern CP31, countdown effect pattern CP32, countdown effect pattern CP50, countdown effect pattern CP52, and countdown effect pattern CP53 are effect patterns in which a sixth count display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP21 and countdown effect pattern CP39 are effect patterns in which a seventh count display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP40 and countdown effect pattern CP42 are effect patterns in which an eighth count display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect pattern CP41, countdown effect pattern CP43, and countdown effect pattern CP44 are effect patterns in which a ninth count display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed. Countdown effect patterns CP33 to CP38 and countdown effect patterns CP45 to CP47 are effect patterns in which a tenth count display effect is executed in the second variation game among multiple variation games in which a countdown effect is executed.

Countdown effect pattern CP23 is a presentation pattern in which the seventh count display effect is executed in the third variation game among multiple variation games in which countdown effects are executed. Countdown effect pattern CP24, countdown effect pattern CP26, and countdown effect pattern CP29 are presentation patterns in which the eighth count display effect is executed in the third variation game among multiple variation games in which countdown effects are executed. Countdown effect pattern CP25, countdown effect pattern CP27, countdown effect pattern CP28, and countdown effect patterns CP30 to CP32 are presentation patterns in which the ninth count display effect is executed in the third variation game among multiple variation games in which countdown effects are executed. Countdown effect patterns CP39 to CP44, and countdown effect patterns CP48 to CP53 are effect patterns in which the 10th count display effect is executed in the third variation game among multiple variation games in which countdown effects are executed.

In this way, in countdown performance No. 1, after a count display performance that displays an image that resembles red Arabic numerals, a count display performance that displays an image that resembles white Arabic numerals is not executed. Furthermore, in countdown performance No. 1, after a count display performance that displays an image that resembles gold Arabic numerals, a count display performance that displays an image that resembles white Arabic numerals and a count display performance that displays an image that resembles red Arabic numerals are not executed. Furthermore, in countdown performance No. 1, after a count display performance that displays an image that resembles a specific Arabic numeral, a count display performance that displays an image that resembles the same Arabic numeral is not executed. Furthermore, in countdown performance No. 1, after a count display performance that displays an image that resembles the Arabic numeral "2," a count display performance that displays an image that resembles the Arabic numeral "3" is not executed. Furthermore, in countdown performance No. 1, after a count display performance that displays an image that resembles the Arabic numeral "1," a count display performance that displays an image that resembles the Arabic numeral "2" and a count display performance that displays an image that resembles the Arabic numeral "3" are not executed. Additionally, in the countdown effect of 1, the count display effect that displays an image resembling the Arabic numeral "0" is not executed after the count display effect.

In other words, in countdown performance No. 1, after the first count display performance is executed, the fourth count display performance, fifth count display performance, sixth count display performance, seventh count display performance, eighth count display performance, ninth count display performance, or tenth count display performance may be executed. In countdown performance No. 1, after the second count display performance is executed, the fifth count display performance, sixth count display performance, eighth count display performance, ninth count display performance, or tenth count display performance may be executed. In countdown performance No. 1, after the third count display performance is executed, the sixth count display performance, ninth count display performance, or tenth count display performance may be executed. In countdown performance No. 1, after the fourth count display performance is executed, the seventh count display performance, eighth count display performance, ninth count display performance, or tenth count display performance may be executed. In countdown performance No. 1, after the fifth count display performance is executed, the eighth count display performance, ninth count display performance, or tenth count display performance may be executed. In countdown performance No. 1, after the sixth count display performance is executed, the ninth count display performance or the tenth count display performance may be executed. In countdown performance No. 1, after the seventh count display performance is executed, the tenth count display performance may be executed. In countdown performance No. 1, after the eighth count display performance is executed, the tenth count display performance may be executed. In countdown performance No. 1, after the ninth count display performance is executed, the tenth count display performance may be executed.

Next, the curtain effects will be described.
The curtain effect is an effect that suggests or notifies the probability of a jackpot in the variable game that is the subject of execution. As an example, the variable game that is the subject of execution of the curtain effect is a variable game that is currently being executed. The curtain effect is an effect that can be executed in one non-pseudo consecutive variable game. The curtain effect is an effect that can be executed in each of multiple variable cycles in a pseudo consecutive variable game. The curtain effect is an example of a special effect that is different from the specific effect.

As shown in FIG. 14, the curtain effects may include curtain display effects that display curtain images. As an example, curtain display effects include a first curtain display effect, a second curtain display effect, and a third curtain display effect. The first curtain display effect is a display effect that displays the first curtain image mg1. The second curtain display effect is a display effect that displays the second curtain image mg2. The third curtain display effect is a display effect that displays the third curtain image mg3. As an example, the first curtain image mg1 is an image that imitates a white curtain. As an example, the second curtain image mg2 is an image that imitates a red curtain. As an example, the third curtain image mg3 is an image that imitates a gold curtain. The first curtain images mg1 to the third curtain images mg3 are images that suggest or notify the likelihood of a jackpot in the variable game to be executed. As an example, the third curtain image mg3 is an image that suggests or notifies the likelihood of a jackpot in the variable game to be executed that is higher than the second curtain image mg2. As an example, the second-act image mg2 is an image that suggests or notifies that the variable game being played has a higher chance of winning than the first-act image mg1. The third-act image mg3 is an image that suggests or notifies that the variable game being played will result in a jackpot.

As shown in FIG. 15, a curtain performance is composed of one curtain display performance. The type of curtain performance varies depending on the performance pattern. As an example, curtain performance patterns include curtain performance pattern MP1, curtain performance pattern MP2, and curtain performance pattern MP3. Curtain performance pattern MP1 is a performance pattern in which a first curtain display performance is executed. Curtain performance pattern MP2 is a performance pattern in which a second curtain display performance is executed. Curtain performance pattern MP3 is a performance pattern in which a third curtain display performance is executed.

Next, the effect customization function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The customization function is a function that enables customization of effects. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with the customization function, so that the effects can be customized.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17, when the effect button BT is operated, a customized effect is executed on the effect display device EH. As an example, the customized effect may include a display effect that displays an item image in the display area R of the effect display device EH. As an example, the item image is an image related to a customizable effect. As an example, a plurality of item images are displayed in the customized effect. Each of the plurality of item images corresponds to a different customizable effect. As an example, the item images may include a first item image kg1 corresponding to a ripple effect. As an example, the first item image kg1 is an image that imitates the character string "ripple effect." As an example, the item images may include a second item image kg2 corresponding to a countdown effect. As an example, the second item image kg2 is an image that imitates the character string "countdown effect." As an example, the item images may include a third item image kg3 corresponding to a curtain effect. As an example, the third item image kg3 is an image that imitates the character string "curtain effect."

As an example, when multiple item images are displayed, operating the cross button JB allows a specific item image to be selected. Specifically, when multiple item images are displayed, operating the up button JBu or down button JBd of the cross button JB allows the selected item image to be changed to another item image. In other words, when multiple item images are displayed and the first item image kg1 is selected, operating the down button JBd of the cross button JB changes the selected item image from the first item image kg1 to the second item image kg2. Furthermore, when multiple item images are displayed and the second item image kg2 is selected, operating the down button JBd of the cross button JB changes the selected item image from the second item image kg2 to the third item image kg3. Furthermore, when multiple item images are displayed and the third item image kg3 is selected, operating the down button JBd of the cross button JB changes the selected item image from the third item image kg3 to the first item image kg1. Furthermore, when multiple item images are displayed and the first item image kg1 is selected, operating the up button JBu of the cross button JB changes the selected item image from the first item image kg1 to the third item image kg3. When multiple item images are displayed and the second item image kg2 is selected, operating the up button JBu of the cross button JB changes the selected item image from the second item image kg2 to the first item image kg1. When multiple item images are displayed and the third item image kg3 is selected, operating the up button JBu of the cross button JB changes the selected item image from the third item image kg3 to the second item image kg2. For example, when the customization effect is initiated, the first item image kg1 is selected. For example, the multiple item images are displayed so that the selected item image can be recognized. For example, the selected item image has a different display mode from the other item images. Specifically, the selected item image is brighter than the other item images.

As an example, when the effect button BT is operated while multiple item images are displayed, the effect corresponding to the currently selected item image can be customized. Specifically, when the effect button BT is operated while multiple item images are displayed and the first item image kg1 is selected, the ripple effect can be customized. As an example, the ripple effect can be set to a first setting in which the execution probability of the ripple effect is 0, a second setting in which the execution probability of the ripple effect is not 0, or a third setting in which the execution probability of the ripple effect is lower than the second setting. As an example, the third setting of the ripple effect has a higher expected jackpot when executed compared to the second setting. As an example, the ripple effect is set to the second setting when power supply is started. In other words, the ripple effect can be customized from the second setting in which the execution probability of the ripple effect is not 0 to the first setting in which the execution probability of the ripple effect is 0, or to the third setting in which the expected jackpot is higher than the second setting.

While customizing the ripple effect, a first status image jg1 indicating the customization status of the ripple effect is displayed. As an example, the first status image jg1 may include an image corresponding to the first setting, an image corresponding to the second setting, and an image corresponding to the third setting. As an example, the image corresponding to the first setting is an image suggesting or indicating the first setting, in which the probability of the ripple effect being executed is 0. As an example, the image corresponding to the first setting is an image imitating the string "OFF." As an example, the image corresponding to the second setting is an image suggesting or indicating the second setting, in which the probability of the ripple effect being executed is not 0. As an example, the image corresponding to the second setting is an image suggesting or indicating a setting in which the expected probability of a ripple effect winning is a standard value. As an example, the image corresponding to the second setting is an image imitating the string "Normal." As an example, the image corresponding to the third setting is an image suggesting or indicating the third setting, in which the expected probability of a ripple effect winning is higher than the second setting. As an example, the image corresponding to the third setting is an image imitating the string "High."

As an example, the first status image jg1 is displayed so that the current setting of the ripple effect can be recognized. As an example, the first status image jg1 displays an image corresponding to the current setting in a different display mode than images corresponding to other settings. Specifically, the image corresponding to the current setting is brighter than the images corresponding to other settings. As an example, when the first status image jg1 is displayed, item images different from the first item image kg1 are hidden. In other words, when the first status image jg1 is displayed, the second item image kg2 and the third item image kg3 are hidden.

As an example, when the D-pad JB is operated while the first status image jg1 is displayed, the ripple effect setting can be changed. Specifically, when the left button JBl or right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the first status image jg1 is displayed, the ripple effect setting can be changed. As an example, when the right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the first status image jg1 is displayed and the ripple effect setting is the first setting, the ripple effect setting can be changed to the second setting. Furthermore, when the right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the first status image jg1 is displayed and the ripple effect setting is the second setting, the ripple effect setting can be changed to the third setting. Furthermore, when the right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the first status image jg1 is displayed and the ripple effect setting is the third setting, the ripple effect setting can be changed to the first setting. Furthermore, while the first status image jg1 is displayed, if the left button JBl of the directional pad JB is operated when the ripple effect setting is the first setting, the ripple effect setting can be switched to the third setting. Furthermore, while the first status image jg1 is displayed, if the left button JBl of the directional pad JB is operated when the ripple effect setting is the second setting, the ripple effect setting can be switched to the first setting. Furthermore, while the first status image jg1 is displayed, if the left button JBl of the directional pad JB is operated when the ripple effect setting is the third setting, the ripple effect setting can be switched to the second setting.

When the effect button BT is operated while the second item image kg2 is selected while multiple item images are displayed, the countdown effect can be customized. As an example, the countdown effect can be set to a first setting in which the execution probability of the countdown effect is 0, a second setting in which the execution probability of the countdown effect is not 0, or a third setting in which the execution probability of the countdown effect is lower than the second setting. As an example, the third setting of the countdown effect has a higher expected jackpot when executed compared to the second setting. As an example, the countdown effect is set to the second setting when power supply is started. In other words, the countdown effect can be customized from the second setting in which the execution probability of the countdown effect is not 0 to the first setting in which the execution probability of the countdown effect is 0, or to the third setting in which the expected jackpot is higher than the second setting.

While customizing the countdown effect, a second status image jg2 indicating the customization status of the countdown effect is displayed. As an example, the second status image jg2 may include an image corresponding to the first setting, an image corresponding to the second setting, and an image corresponding to the third setting. As an example, the image corresponding to the first setting is an image suggesting or notifying the first setting, in which the probability of the countdown effect being executed is 0. As an example, the image corresponding to the first setting is an image imitating the character string "OFF." As an example, the image corresponding to the second setting is an image suggesting or notifying the second setting, in which the probability of the countdown effect being executed is not 0. As an example, the image corresponding to the second setting is an image suggesting or notifying the setting in which the expected probability of a jackpot in the countdown effect is a standard value. As an example, the image corresponding to the second setting is an image imitating the character string "Normal." As an example, the image corresponding to the third setting is an image suggesting or notifying the third setting, in which the expected probability of a jackpot in the countdown effect is higher than the second setting. As an example, the image corresponding to the third setting is an image imitating the character string "High."

As an example, the second status image jg2 is displayed so that the current setting of the countdown effect can be recognized. As an example, the second status image jg2 displays an image corresponding to the current setting in a different display mode than images corresponding to other settings. Specifically, the image corresponding to the current setting is brighter than the images corresponding to other settings. As an example, when the second status image jg2 is displayed, item images different from the second item image kg2 are hidden. In other words, when the second status image jg2 is displayed, the first item image kg1 and the third item image kg3 are hidden.

As an example, when the D-pad JB is operated while the second status image jg2 is displayed, the countdown effect setting can be changed. Specifically, when the left button JBl or right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the second status image jg2 is displayed, the countdown effect setting can be changed. As an example, when the right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the countdown effect setting is the first setting while the second status image jg2 is displayed, the countdown effect setting can be changed to the second setting. Furthermore, when the right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the countdown effect setting is the second setting while the second status image jg2 is displayed, the countdown effect setting can be changed to the third setting. Furthermore, when the right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the countdown effect setting is the third setting while the second status image jg2 is displayed, the countdown effect setting can be changed to the first setting. Furthermore, while the second status image jg2 is displayed, if the left button JBl of the directional pad JB is operated when the countdown performance setting is the first setting, the countdown performance setting can be switched to the third setting. Furthermore, while the second status image jg2 is displayed, if the left button JBl of the directional pad JB is operated when the countdown performance setting is the second setting, the countdown performance setting can be switched to the first setting. Furthermore, while the second status image jg2 is displayed, if the left button JBl of the directional pad JB is operated when the countdown performance setting is the third setting, the countdown performance setting can be switched to the second setting.

When the effect button BT is operated while the third item image kg3 is selected while multiple item images are displayed, the curtain effect can be customized. As an example, the curtain effect can be set to a first setting in which the execution probability of the curtain effect is 0, a second setting in which the execution probability of the curtain effect is not 0, or a third setting in which the execution probability of the curtain effect is higher than the second setting. As an example, the third setting of the curtain effect is a setting in which the execution probability of the curtain effect based on curtain effect pattern MP3 is higher than the second setting. As an example, the curtain effect is set to the second setting when power supply is started. In other words, the curtain effect can be customized from the second setting in which the execution probability of the curtain effect is not 0 to the first setting in which the execution probability of the curtain effect is 0, or to the third setting in which the execution probability of the curtain effect is higher than the second setting.

While customizing the curtain effect, a third status image jg3 indicating the customization status of the curtain effect is displayed. As an example, the third status image jg3 may include an image corresponding to the first setting, an image corresponding to the second setting, and an image corresponding to the third setting. As an example, the image corresponding to the first setting is an image that suggests or notifies the first setting, in which the probability of executing the curtain effect is 0. As an example, the image corresponding to the first setting is an image that resembles the string "OFF." As an example, the image corresponding to the second setting is an image that suggests or notifies the second setting, in which the probability of executing the curtain effect is not 0. As an example, the image corresponding to the second setting is an image that suggests or notifies the setting, in which the probability of executing the curtain effect is a standard value. As an example, the image corresponding to the second setting is an image that resembles the string "Normal." As an example, the image corresponding to the third setting is an image that suggests or notifies the third setting, in which the probability of executing the curtain effect is higher than the second setting. As an example, the image corresponding to the third setting is an image that resembles the string "High."

As an example, the third status image jg3 is displayed so that the current setting of the curtain effect can be recognized. As an example, the third status image jg3 displays an image corresponding to the current setting in a different display mode than images corresponding to other settings. Specifically, the image corresponding to the current setting is brighter than the images corresponding to other settings. As an example, when the third status image jg3 is displayed, item images different from the third item image kg3 are hidden. In other words, when the third status image jg3 is displayed, the first item image kg1 and the second item image kg2 are hidden.

As an example, when the D-pad JB is operated while the third status image jg3 is displayed, the curtain effect setting can be changed. Specifically, when the left button JBl or right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the third status image jg3 is displayed, the curtain effect setting can be changed. As an example, when the right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the curtain effect setting is the first setting while the third status image jg3 is displayed, the curtain effect setting can be changed to the second setting. Furthermore, when the right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the third status image jg3 is displayed, the curtain effect setting can be changed to the third setting. Furthermore, when the right button JBr of the D-pad JB is operated while the curtain effect setting is the third setting while the third status image jg3 is displayed, the curtain effect setting can be changed to the first setting. Furthermore, while the third status image jg3 is displayed, if the left button JBl of the directional pad JB is operated when the curtain effect setting is the first setting, the curtain effect setting can be switched to the third setting. Furthermore, while the third status image jg3 is displayed, if the left button JBl of the directional pad JB is operated when the curtain effect setting is the second setting, the curtain effect setting can be switched to the first setting. Furthermore, while the third status image jg3 is displayed, if the left button JBl of the directional pad JB is operated when the curtain effect setting is the third setting, the curtain effect setting can be switched to the second setting.

Next, the control for displaying the various effects will be described.
First, the control executed by the secondary CPU 51 to determine whether or not to execute a ripple effect and the effect pattern when the ripple effect is executed will be described.

First, the control executed by the secondary CPU 51 to determine whether or not to execute the continuous ripple effect and the effect pattern when the continuous ripple effect is executed will be described.
As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a look-ahead command and a first reserved number command, it determines whether or not to execute the continuous ripple effect based on the type of fluctuation pattern identified from the look-ahead command, the first reserved number identified from the first reserved number command, and the first setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53. The first setting information is information that can identify the customization status of the ripple effect. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines not to execute the continuous ripple effect when the first setting information is information that can identify the first setting. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 performs a lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect when the first setting information is information that can identify the second setting or the third setting. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines to execute the continuous ripple effect when the lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect is won. On the other hand, the sub-CPU 51 determines not to execute the continuous ripple effect when the lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect is not won.

As an example, the secondary CPU 51 executes a lottery to determine whether to execute the continuous ripple effect with a winning probability that corresponds to the first reserved number and the type of variation pattern. As an example, when the first reserved number is 1, the winning probability is zero regardless of the type of variation pattern. Note that when the first reserved number is 1, the secondary CPU 51 may decide not to execute the continuous ripple effect without executing a lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect regardless of the type of variation pattern, or may decide not to execute the continuous ripple effect without executing a lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect in the case of some variation patterns. As an example, among the variation patterns in which it is determined not to execute the continuous ripple effect without executing a lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect, there are variation patterns in which, assuming that the continuous ripple effect has been executed, it is possible to recognize that a loss has occurred before or during the execution of a ripple display effect included in the continuous ripple effect. In other words, a variation pattern in which it is decided not to execute the continuous ripple effect without holding a lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect is a variation pattern in which, assuming that the continuous ripple effect is executed, at least the left and right columns of the effect symbols in all columns are displayed stopped before the execution of the ripple display effect included in the continuous ripple effect, or during the execution of the ripple display effect.

As an example, if the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with two or more variation cycles, the winning probability is zero. In other words, the continuous ripple effect is not executed for a variation game with a variation pattern with two or more variation cycles. As an example, if the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with one variation cycle, the winning probability is any positive number equal to or less than one. In other words, when the first reserved number is two or more, the sub-CPU 51 can determine to execute the continuous ripple effect for a variation game with a variation pattern with one variation cycle. As an example, when the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with one variation cycle, the winning probability varies depending on the variation content. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 determines to execute the continuous ripple effect based on the winning probability depending on the variation content. As an example, when the first reserved number is two and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with one variation cycle, the winning probability is higher when the variation content is a jackpot than when the variation content is a loss. As an example, when the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is one variation cycle, the probability of winning is higher when the variation content includes a reach effect than when the variation content does not include a reach effect.As an example, when the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is one variation cycle, the probability of winning is higher when the variation content includes an SR effect than when the variation content includes an NR effect.

As an example, when the first reserved number is two or more, the winning probability differs when the first reserved number is two, when the first reserved number is three, and when the first reserved number is four. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 may determine to execute the continuous ripple effect with different winning probabilities when the first reserved number is two, when the first reserved number is three, and when the first reserved number is four. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is two may be higher than the winning probability when the first reserved number is three, or lower than the winning probability when the first reserved number is three. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is two may be higher than the winning probability when the first reserved number is four, or lower than the winning probability when the first reserved number is four. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is three may be higher than the winning probability when the first reserved number is four, or lower than the winning probability when the first reserved number is four. Note that the winning probability may be the same when the first reserved number is two, when the first reserved number is three, and when the first reserved number is four. In other words, when the first reserved number is two or more, the sub-CPU 51 may determine to execute the continuous ripple effect with the same winning probability regardless of the first reserved number. Furthermore, the winning probability may be the same for some of the cases where the first reserved number is two, three, and four. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 may determine to execute the continuous ripple effect with the same winning probability for some of the cases where the first reserved number is two or more. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is two may be the same as the winning probability when the first reserved number is three, or may be the same as the winning probability when the first reserved number is four. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is three may be the same as the winning probability when the first reserved number is four.

As one example, when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect so that the likelihood of a jackpot is higher than when the information is information that can identify the second setting. As one example, when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect so that the probability of winning in the case of a miss variation pattern is lower than when the information is information that can identify the second setting. Note that when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 may execute a lottery to execute the continuous ripple effect so that the probability of winning in the case of a jackpot variation pattern is higher than when the information is information that can identify the second setting, so that the likelihood of a jackpot for the continuous ripple effect is higher when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting.

When it is decided to execute the continuous ripple effect, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the continuous ripple effect based on the type of fluctuation pattern identified from the look-ahead command, the first reserved number identified from the first reserved number command, and the first setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53. As an example, when the first reserved number is 2, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the continuous ripple effect from ripple effect pattern RP11 to ripple effect pattern RP16. As an example, when the fluctuation pattern is a jackpot, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the continuous ripple effect from ripple effect pattern RP11 to ripple effect pattern RP16. On the other hand, when the fluctuation pattern is a miss, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the continuous ripple effect from ripple effect pattern RP11, ripple effect pattern RP12, and ripple effect pattern RP14. As one example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the continuous ripple effect pattern so that the likelihood of a jackpot increases in the following order: ripple effect pattern RP11 < ripple effect pattern RP12 < ripple effect pattern RP14. As one example, when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 determines the continuous ripple effect pattern so that the likelihood of a jackpot is higher for ripple effect pattern RP12 and ripple effect pattern RP14 than when the first setting information is information that can identify the second setting.

As an example, when the first reserved number is 3, the sub-CPU 51 determines the continuous ripple effect pattern from ripple effect pattern RP11 to ripple effect pattern RP26. As an example, when the jackpot fluctuation pattern is selected, the sub-CPU 51 determines the continuous ripple effect pattern from ripple effect pattern RP11 to ripple effect pattern RP26. On the other hand, when the miss fluctuation pattern is selected, the sub-CPU 51 determines the continuous ripple effect pattern from ripple effect pattern RP11, ripple effect pattern RP12, ripple effect pattern RP14, ripple effect pattern RP17, ripple effect pattern RP18, ripple effect pattern RP20, and ripple effect pattern RP23. As one example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the continuous ripple effect so that the likelihood of a jackpot increases in the following order: ripple effect pattern RP11 < ripple effect pattern RP17 < ripple effect pattern RP12 < ripple effect pattern RP18 < ripple effect pattern RP20 < ripple effect pattern RP14 < ripple effect pattern RP23. As one example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the effect pattern when the first reserved number is 3 so that the likelihood of a jackpot being determined is higher for effect patterns that cannot be determined when the first reserved number is 2 than for effect patterns that can be determined when the first reserved number is 2. As one example, when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the continuous ripple effect so that the likelihood of a jackpot being determined is higher for ripple effect pattern RP17, ripple effect pattern RP12, ripple effect pattern RP18, ripple effect pattern RP20, ripple effect pattern RP14, and ripple effect pattern RP23 when the first setting information is information that can identify the second setting.

As an example, when the first reserved number is 4, the sub-CPU 51 determines the continuous ripple effect pattern from ripple effect pattern RP11 to ripple effect pattern RP40. As an example, when the jackpot fluctuation pattern is selected, the sub-CPU 51 determines the continuous ripple effect pattern from ripple effect pattern RP11 to ripple effect pattern RP40. On the other hand, when the miss fluctuation pattern is selected, the sub-CPU 51 determines the continuous ripple effect pattern from ripple effect pattern RP11, ripple effect pattern RP12, ripple effect pattern RP14, ripple effect pattern RP17, ripple effect pattern RP18, ripple effect pattern RP20, ripple effect pattern RP23, ripple effect pattern RP27, ripple effect pattern RP28, ripple effect pattern RP30, and ripple effect pattern RP32. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern of the continuous ripple presentation so that the likelihood of a jackpot increases in the following order: ripple presentation pattern RP11 < ripple presentation pattern RP17 < ripple presentation pattern RP12 < ripple presentation pattern RP18 < ripple presentation pattern RP28 < ripple presentation pattern RP30 < ripple presentation pattern RP20 < ripple presentation pattern RP32 < ripple presentation pattern RP14 < ripple presentation pattern RP23 < ripple presentation pattern RP27. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern when the first reserved number is 4 so that presentation patterns that cannot be determined when the first reserved number is 3 or less have a higher probability of being determined than presentation patterns that can be determined when the first reserved number is 3 or less. As an example, when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the secondary CPU 51 determines the continuous ripple effect pattern so that the likelihood of a jackpot being awarded for ripple effect pattern RP17, ripple effect pattern RP12, ripple effect pattern RP18, ripple effect pattern RP28, ripple effect pattern RP30, ripple effect pattern RP20, ripple effect pattern RP32, ripple effect pattern RP14, ripple effect pattern RP23, and ripple effect pattern RP27 is higher than when the first setting information is information that can identify the second setting.

Next, the control executed by the secondary CPU 51 to determine whether or not to execute the pseudo-ripple effect and the effect pattern when the pseudo-ripple effect is executed will be described.
Also, as an example, when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a fluctuation start command, it determines whether or not to execute a pseudo-ripple effect based on the type of fluctuation pattern identified from the fluctuation start command and the first setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53. At this time, if the continuous ripple effect is being executed, or if the execution of the continuous ripple effect has been determined but has not yet been executed, the secondary CPU 51 determines not to execute the pseudo-ripple effect. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 determines not to execute the pseudo-ripple effect if the first setting information is information that can identify the first setting. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 performs a lottery to execute the pseudo-ripple effect if the first setting information is information that can identify the second setting or the third setting. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 determines to execute the pseudo-ripple effect if the lottery to execute the pseudo-ripple effect is won. On the other hand, the secondary CPU 51 determines not to execute the pseudo-ripple effect if the lottery to execute the pseudo-ripple effect is not won.

As an example, the secondary CPU 51 executes a lottery to determine whether to execute the pseudo-ripple effect, with a winning probability corresponding to the type of variation pattern. As an example, the winning probability is zero when the variation pattern is associated with three or more variation cycles. Note that the secondary CPU 51 may decide not to execute the pseudo-ripple effect without executing a lottery to determine whether to execute the pseudo-ripple effect when the variation pattern is associated with three or more variation cycles. As an example, the winning probability is a positive number of one or less when the variation pattern is associated with two or fewer variation cycles.

As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or fewer fluctuation cycles differs depending on the fluctuation content of the final fluctuation cycle. As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or fewer fluctuation cycles is higher when the fluctuation content is a jackpot than when the fluctuation content is a miss. As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or fewer fluctuation cycles is higher when the fluctuation content includes a reach effect than when the fluctuation content does not include a reach effect. As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or fewer fluctuation cycles is higher when the fluctuation content includes an SR effect than when the fluctuation content includes an NR effect.

As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or fewer fluctuation cycles differs between a fluctuation pattern associated with one fluctuation cycle and a fluctuation pattern associated with two fluctuation cycles. As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with one fluctuation cycle may be higher than the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two fluctuation cycles, or may be lower than the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two fluctuation cycles. Note that the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with one fluctuation cycle may be the same as the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two fluctuation cycles.

As one example, when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to execute the pseudo-ripple effect so that the likelihood of a jackpot is higher than when the information is information that can identify the second setting. As one example, when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to execute the pseudo-ripple effect so that the probability of winning in the case of a miss variation pattern is lower than when the information is information that can identify the second setting. Note that when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 may execute a lottery to execute the pseudo-ripple effect so that the probability of winning in the case of a jackpot variation pattern is higher than when the information is information that can identify the second setting, so that the likelihood of a jackpot for the pseudo-ripple effect is higher when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting.

When it is decided to execute the pseudo-ripple effect, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the pseudo-ripple effect based on the type of fluctuation pattern identified from the fluctuation start command. As an example, when the fluctuation pattern is associated with one fluctuation cycle, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the pseudo-ripple effect from ripple effect pattern RP01, ripple effect pattern RP05, and ripple effect pattern RP08. As an example, when the fluctuation pattern is a jackpot fluctuation pattern, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the pseudo-ripple effect from ripple effect pattern RP01, ripple effect pattern RP05, and ripple effect pattern RP08. On the other hand, when the fluctuation pattern is a miss fluctuation pattern, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the pseudo-ripple effect from ripple effect pattern RP01 and ripple effect pattern RP05. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the pseudo-ripple effect so that the likelihood of a jackpot increases in the order of ripple effect pattern RP01 < ripple effect pattern RP05. As an example, when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the secondary CPU 51 determines the pseudo-ripple effect pattern so that the likelihood of a jackpot for the ripple effect pattern RP05 is higher than when the first setting information is information that can identify the second setting.

As an example, when a variation pattern corresponds to two variation cycles, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pseudo-ripple effect pattern from ripple effect pattern RP02 to ripple effect pattern RP04, ripple effect pattern RP06, ripple effect pattern RP07, and ripple effect pattern RP09. As an example, when a jackpot variation pattern occurs, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pseudo-ripple effect pattern from ripple effect pattern RP02 to ripple effect pattern RP04, ripple effect pattern RP06, ripple effect pattern RP07, and ripple effect pattern RP09. On the other hand, when a loss variation pattern occurs, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pseudo-ripple effect pattern from ripple effect pattern RP02, ripple effect pattern RP03, and ripple effect pattern RP06. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pseudo-ripple effect pattern so that the likelihood of a jackpot increases in the following order: ripple effect pattern RP02 < ripple effect pattern RP03 < ripple effect pattern RP06. As an example, when the first setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pseudo-ripple effect pattern so that the likelihood of a jackpot is higher for ripple effect pattern RP03 and ripple effect pattern RP06 than when the first setting information is information that can identify the second setting.

As such, among the continuous ripple effect patterns, ripple effect pattern RP13, ripple effect pattern RP15, ripple effect pattern RP16, ripple effect pattern RP19, ripple effect pattern RP21, ripple effect pattern RP22, ripple effect pattern RP24 to ripple effect pattern RP26, ripple effect pattern RP29, ripple effect pattern RP31, and ripple effect pattern RP33 to ripple effect pattern RP40 are effect patterns that can only be determined when a jackpot is reached. Furthermore, among the pseudo-ripple effect patterns, ripple effect pattern RP04 and ripple effect patterns RP07 to RP09 are effect patterns that can only be determined when a jackpot is reached. In other words, ripple effects including the third ripple display effect can only be executed when a jackpot is reached. The third ripple display effect can be said to be an effect that allows players to recognize that a jackpot has been reached. Furthermore, a ripple effect (continuous ripple effect) consisting of four second ripple display effects can only be executed when a jackpot is reached. In other words, in a continuous ripple effect, if the second ripple display effect is executed in four consecutive variable games, it is possible to recognize that a jackpot has occurred. A ripple effect including a third ripple display effect is an example of a specific effect according to the first mode that makes it possible to recognize that a bonus will be awarded. A ripple effect (continuous ripple effect) consisting of four second ripple display effects is an example of a specific effect according to the first mode that makes it possible to recognize that a bonus will be awarded. A ripple effect that does not include a third ripple display effect and is not a ripple effect consisting of four second ripple display effects is an example of a specific effect according to the second mode that makes it possible to recognize the likelihood of a bonus being awarded.

Next, the control executed by the secondary CPU 51 to determine whether or not to execute a countdown effect and the effect pattern when the countdown effect is executed will be described.
First, the control executed by the secondary CPU 51 to determine whether or not to execute a continuous countdown effect and the effect pattern when the continuous countdown effect is executed will be described.

As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a look-ahead command and a first reserved number command, it determines whether or not to execute a continuous countdown effect based on the type of fluctuation pattern identified from the look-ahead command, the first reserved number identified from the first reserved number command, and the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53. The second setting information is information that can identify the customization status of the countdown effect. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 determines not to execute a continuous countdown effect if the second setting information is information that can identify the first setting. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 holds a lottery to execute a continuous countdown effect if the second setting information is information that can identify the second setting or the third setting. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 determines to execute a continuous countdown effect if the lottery to execute a continuous countdown effect is won. On the other hand, the secondary CPU 51 determines not to execute a continuous countdown effect if the lottery to execute a continuous countdown effect is not won.

As an example, the secondary CPU 51 executes a lottery to determine whether to execute a continuous countdown effect with a winning probability that corresponds to the first reserved number and the type of variation pattern. As an example, when the first reserved number is 1, the winning probability is zero regardless of the type of variation pattern. Note that when the first reserved number is 1, the secondary CPU 51 may decide not to execute a continuous countdown effect without executing a lottery to execute a continuous countdown effect regardless of the type of variation pattern, or may decide not to execute a continuous countdown effect without executing a lottery to execute a continuous countdown effect in the case of some variation patterns. As an example, among the variation patterns in which it is determined not to execute a continuous countdown effect without executing a lottery to execute a continuous countdown effect are variation patterns in which, assuming that a continuous countdown effect has been executed, it is possible to recognize that a loss has occurred before or during the execution of a count display effect included in the continuous countdown effect. In other words, a variation pattern in which it is decided not to execute a continuous countdown effect without holding a lottery to execute the continuous countdown effect is a variation pattern in which, assuming that a continuous countdown effect is executed, at least the left and right columns of effect symbols are displayed stopped before or during the execution of the count display effect included in the continuous countdown effect.

As an example, if the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with two or more variation cycles, the winning probability is zero. In other words, the continuous countdown effect is not executed for a variation game with a variation pattern with two or more variation cycles. As an example, if the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with one variation cycle, the winning probability is any positive number equal to or less than one. In other words, when the first reserved number is two or more, the sub-CPU 51 can determine to execute the continuous countdown effect for a variation game with a variation pattern with one variation cycle. As an example, when the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with one variation cycle, the winning probability varies depending on the variation content. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 determines to execute the continuous countdown effect based on the winning probability according to the variation content. As an example, when the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with one variation cycle, the winning probability is higher when the variation content is a jackpot than when the variation content is a loss. As an example, when the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with one variation cycle, the probability of winning is higher when the variation content includes a reach effect than when the variation content does not include a reach effect.As an example, when the first reserved number is two or more and the associated variation pattern is a variation pattern with one variation cycle, the probability of winning is higher when the variation content includes an SR effect than when the variation content includes an NR effect.

As an example, when the first reserved number is two or more, the winning probability differs when the first reserved number is two, when the first reserved number is three, and when the first reserved number is four. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 may determine to execute the continuous countdown effect with different winning probabilities when the first reserved number is two, when the first reserved number is three, and when the first reserved number is four. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is two may be higher than the winning probability when the first reserved number is three, or may be lower than the winning probability when the first reserved number is three. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is two may be higher than the winning probability when the first reserved number is four, or may be lower than the winning probability when the first reserved number is four. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is three may be higher than the winning probability when the first reserved number is four, or may be lower than the winning probability when the first reserved number is four. Note that the winning probability may be the same when the first reserved number is two, when the first reserved number is three, and when the first reserved number is four. In other words, when the first reserved number is two or more, the sub-CPU 51 may determine to execute the continuous countdown effect with the same winning probability regardless of the first reserved number. Furthermore, the winning probability may be the same in some cases when the first reserved number is two, three, and four. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 may determine to execute the continuous countdown effect with the same winning probability in some cases when the first reserved number is two or more. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is two may be the same as the winning probability when the first reserved number is three, or may be the same as the winning probability when the first reserved number is four. As an example, the winning probability when the first reserved number is three may be the same as the winning probability when the first reserved number is four.

As one example, when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to execute the continuous countdown effect so that the likelihood of a jackpot is higher than when the information is information that can identify the second setting. As one example, when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to execute the continuous countdown effect so that the probability of winning in the case of a miss variation pattern is lower than when the information is information that can identify the second setting. Note that when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 may execute a lottery to execute the continuous countdown effect so that the probability of winning in the case of a jackpot variation pattern is higher than when the information is information that can identify the second setting, so that the likelihood of a jackpot for the continuous countdown effect is higher when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting.

When it is decided to execute a continuous countdown effect, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the continuous countdown effect based on the type of fluctuation pattern identified from the look-ahead command, the first reserved number identified from the first reserved number command, and the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53. As an example, when the first reserved number is 2, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the continuous countdown effect from countdown effect pattern CP21, countdown effect pattern CP22, countdown effect pattern CP33 to countdown effect pattern CP38, and countdown effect pattern CP45 to countdown effect pattern CP47. As an example, when the fluctuation pattern is a jackpot, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the continuous countdown effect from countdown effect pattern CP21, countdown effect pattern CP22, countdown effect pattern CP33 to countdown effect pattern CP38, and countdown effect pattern CP45 to countdown effect pattern CP47. On the other hand, if the variation pattern is a miss, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern of the continuous countdown presentation from the countdown presentation pattern CP21 and the countdown presentation pattern CP22. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern of the continuous countdown presentation so that the likelihood of a jackpot increases in the order of countdown presentation pattern CP22 < countdown presentation pattern CP21. As an example, if the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern of the continuous countdown presentation so that the likelihood of a jackpot is higher for countdown presentation pattern CP21 than when the second setting information is information that can identify the second setting.

As an example, when the first reserved number is three or more, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern for the continuous countdown presentation from countdown presentation pattern CP21 to countdown presentation pattern CP53. As an example, when the variation pattern is a jackpot, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern for the continuous countdown presentation from countdown presentation pattern CP21 to countdown presentation pattern CP53. On the other hand, when the variation pattern is a miss, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern for the continuous countdown presentation from countdown presentation pattern CP21 to countdown presentation pattern CP24 and countdown presentation pattern CP26. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern for the continuous countdown presentation so that the likelihood of a jackpot increases in the following order: countdown presentation pattern CP22 < countdown presentation pattern CP21 < countdown presentation pattern CP23 < countdown presentation pattern CP24 < countdown presentation pattern CP26. As one example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern when the first reserved number is 3 so that presentation patterns that cannot be determined when the first reserved number is 2 have a higher probability of being determined than presentation patterns that can be determined when the first reserved number is 2. As one example, when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern of the continuous countdown presentation so that the jackpot expectancy of countdown presentation pattern CP21, countdown presentation pattern CP23, countdown presentation pattern CP24, and countdown presentation pattern CP26 is higher than when the second setting information is information that can identify the second setting.

Next, we will explain the control performed by the secondary CPU 51 to determine whether or not to execute a pseudo countdown effect, and the effect pattern if a pseudo countdown effect is executed.

As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a fluctuation start command, it determines whether or not to execute a pseudo countdown effect based on the type of fluctuation pattern identified from the fluctuation start command and the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 determines not to execute a pseudo countdown effect if a continuous countdown effect is being executed, or if it has decided to execute a continuous countdown effect but has not yet executed it. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 determines not to execute a pseudo countdown effect if the second setting information is information that can identify the first setting. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 holds a lottery to execute a pseudo countdown effect if the second setting information is information that can identify the second setting or the third setting. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 determines to execute a pseudo countdown effect if the lottery to execute a pseudo countdown effect is won. On the other hand, the secondary CPU 51 determines not to execute a pseudo countdown effect if the lottery to execute a pseudo countdown effect is not won.

As an example, the secondary CPU 51 executes a lottery to determine whether a pseudo countdown effect will be executed, with a winning probability corresponding to the type of fluctuation pattern. As an example, the winning probability is zero when a fluctuation pattern is associated with one fluctuation cycle. Note that when a fluctuation pattern is associated with one fluctuation cycle, the secondary CPU 51 may decide not to execute the pseudo countdown effect without executing a lottery to determine whether a pseudo countdown effect will be executed. As an example, the winning probability is a positive number equal to or less than 1 when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or more fluctuation cycles.

As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or more fluctuation cycles differs depending on the fluctuation content of the final fluctuation cycle. As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or more fluctuation cycles is higher when the fluctuation content is a jackpot than when the fluctuation content is a miss. As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or more fluctuation cycles is higher when the fluctuation content includes a reach effect than when the fluctuation content does not include a reach effect. As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or more fluctuation cycles is higher when the fluctuation content includes an SR effect than when the fluctuation content includes an NR effect.

As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two or more fluctuation cycles differs between a fluctuation pattern associated with two fluctuation cycles and a fluctuation pattern associated with three fluctuation cycles. As an example, the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two fluctuation cycles may be higher than the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with three fluctuation cycles, or may be lower than the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with three fluctuation cycles. Note that the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with two fluctuation cycles may be the same as the winning probability when a fluctuation pattern is associated with three fluctuation cycles.

As one example, when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to execute the pseudo countdown effect so that the expected probability of a jackpot is higher than when the information is information that can identify the second setting. As one example, when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to execute the pseudo countdown effect so that the probability of winning in the case of a miss variation pattern is lower than when the information is information that can identify the second setting. Note that when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the sub-CPU 51 may execute a lottery to execute the pseudo countdown effect so that the probability of winning in the case of a jackpot variation pattern is higher than when the information is information that can identify the second setting, so that the expected probability of a jackpot for the pseudo countdown effect is higher when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting.

When it is decided to execute a pseudo countdown effect, the secondary CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the pseudo countdown effect based on the type of fluctuation pattern identified from the fluctuation start command. As an example, when the fluctuation pattern is associated with two fluctuation cycles, the secondary CPU 51 determines the countdown effect pattern CP01 as the effect pattern of the pseudo countdown effect.

As an example, if the fluctuation pattern is one associated with three fluctuation cycles, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pseudo-countdown effect pattern from countdown effect pattern CP02 to countdown effect pattern CP17. As an example, if the fluctuation pattern is a jackpot fluctuation pattern, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pseudo-countdown effect pattern from countdown effect pattern CP02 to countdown effect pattern CP17. On the other hand, if the fluctuation pattern is a miss fluctuation pattern, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pseudo-countdown effect pattern from countdown effect pattern CP02, countdown effect pattern CP03, and countdown effect pattern CP05. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the pseudo-countdown effect pattern so that the likelihood of a jackpot increases in the order of countdown effect pattern CP02 < countdown effect pattern CP03 < countdown effect pattern CP05. As an example, when the second setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the secondary CPU 51 determines the presentation pattern for the continuous countdown presentation so that the likelihood of a jackpot for the countdown presentation pattern CP03 and the countdown presentation pattern CP05 is higher than when the second setting information is information that can identify the second setting.

As such, among the presentation patterns of the continuous countdown presentation, countdown presentation pattern CP25 and countdown presentation patterns CP27 through CP53 are presentation patterns that can be determined only when a jackpot is reached. Furthermore, among the presentation patterns of the pseudo countdown presentation, countdown presentation pattern CP04 and countdown presentation patterns CP06 through CP17 are presentation patterns that can be determined only when a jackpot is reached. In other words, countdown presentations that include countdown presentations that display images that resemble golden Arabic numerals can be executed only when a jackpot is reached. Therefore, countdown presentations that display images that resemble golden Arabic numerals can be considered a presentation that allows players to recognize that a jackpot has been reached. Furthermore, countdown presentations consisting of the second, fifth, and eighth countdown presentations can be executed only when a jackpot is reached. In other words, in the continuous countdown presentation, if the second, fifth, and eighth countdown presentations are executed in three consecutive variable games, players can recognize that a jackpot has been reached. Similarly, in the pseudo countdown effect, if the second countdown effect, the fifth countdown effect, and the eighth countdown effect are executed in three consecutive cycles of fluctuation, it is possible to recognize that a jackpot has been awarded. A countdown effect that includes a countdown effect that displays an image imitating golden Arabic numerals is an example of a specific effect according to the first mode that makes it possible to recognize that a bonus will be awarded. A countdown effect consisting of the second countdown effect, the fifth countdown effect, and the eighth countdown effect is an example of a specific effect according to the first mode that makes it possible to recognize that a bonus will be awarded. A countdown effect that does not include a countdown effect that displays an image imitating golden Arabic numerals and is not a countdown effect consisting of the second countdown effect, the fifth countdown effect, and the eighth countdown effect is an example of a specific effect according to the second mode that makes it possible to recognize the likelihood of a bonus being awarded.

Next, the control executed by the secondary CPU 51 to determine whether or not to execute a curtain effect and the effect pattern when a curtain effect is executed will be described.
As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a fluctuation start command, it determines whether or not to execute a curtain effect, and the effect pattern if the curtain effect is executed, based on the type of fluctuation pattern identified from the fluctuation start command and the third setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53. As an example, the third setting information is information that can identify the customized status of the curtain effect. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines not to execute a curtain effect when the third setting information is information that can identify the first setting. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 performs a lottery to execute a curtain effect when the second setting information is information that can identify the second setting or the third setting. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines, through the lottery to execute a curtain effect, whether to not execute a curtain effect, execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1, execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP2, or execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP3.

As an example, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a curtain effect at a determination ratio according to the effect content of the fluctuation cycle. In other words, in the case of a non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a curtain effect in a fluctuation cycle at a determination ratio according to the effect content of that fluctuation cycle, and the effect pattern if a curtain effect is executed. On the other hand, in the case of a pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, the sub-CPU 51 executes a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a curtain effect in each fluctuation cycle at a determination ratio according to the effect content of each fluctuation cycle of multiple fluctuation cycles, and the effect pattern if a curtain effect is executed.

As an example, in the curtain effect execution lottery, when the variable content is a jackpot, it is easier to determine whether to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1, curtain effect pattern MP2, or curtain effect pattern MP3 than when the variable content is a loss. As an example, in the curtain effect execution lottery, when the variable content is a loss, it may be possible to determine whether to not execute a curtain effect, execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1, or execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP2. As an example, in the curtain effect execution lottery, when the variable content includes a reach effect, it is easier to determine whether to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1, curtain effect pattern MP2, or curtain effect pattern MP3 than when the variable content does not include a reach effect. As an example, in the curtain effect execution lottery, when the variable content includes an SR effect, it is easier to determine whether to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1, curtain effect pattern MP2, or curtain effect pattern MP3 than when the variable content includes an NR effect. As an example, when the third setting information is information that can identify the third setting, the secondary CPU 51 is more likely to decide to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP3 than when the third setting information is information that can identify the second setting.

The process for executing the ripple effect will be described.
After deciding to execute a ripple effect, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the timing to execute the ripple effect has arrived. For example, after deciding to execute a continuous ripple effect, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the timing to execute the continuous ripple effect has arrived so that the last of the ripple display effects constituting the continuous ripple effect is executed in the variation game in which the continuous ripple effect is executed. For example, if the continuous ripple effect includes four ripple display effects, the secondary CPU 51 determines that the timing to execute the continuous ripple effect has arrived when a first time has elapsed since the variation game that is three games before the variation game in which the continuous ripple effect is executed is executed. For example, the first time is one second. For example, if the continuous ripple effect includes three ripple display effects, the secondary CPU 51 determines that the timing to execute the continuous ripple effect has arrived when a first time has elapsed since the variation game that is two games before the variation game in which the continuous ripple effect is executed is executed. As an example, when the continuous ripple effect is composed of two ripple display effects, the secondary CPU 51 determines that the timing for executing the continuous ripple effect has arrived when a first time has elapsed since the execution of the variation game that is one game before the variation game that is the subject of the execution of the continuous ripple effect.

When the sub-CPU 51 determines that the timing to execute the continuous ripple effect has arrived, it controls the effect device group ES to execute the continuous ripple effect. As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 determines that the timing to execute the continuous ripple effect has arrived, it controls the effect device group ES to execute the ripple display effect executed in the first variation game among the ripple display effects that constitute the continuous ripple effect. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES to execute the ripple display effects that constitute the continuous ripple effect in sequence each time a new variation game is started, triggered by the elapse of a first hour since the start of the variation game, until all of the ripple display effects that constitute the continuous ripple effect have been executed. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES to execute the ripple display effects that constitute the continuous ripple effect for a variation time corresponding to the variation period of the variation game in which the ripple display effect is executed. As an example, the presentation time of the ripple display effects that constitute the continuous ripple effect is 1/10 of the variation time of the variation game in which the ripple display effect is executed. In other words, the duration of the ripple display effects that make up the continuous ripple effect is the time when the ratio of the execution period of the ripple display effect to the variable period is 1/10.

As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 decides to execute a pseudo-ripple effect, it controls the execution device group ES to execute the first ripple display effect among the ripple display effects that make up the pseudo-ripple effect, triggered by the elapse of a first time since the start of the first fluctuation cycle. Thereafter, when the second fluctuation cycle is executed, the sub-CPU 51 controls the execution device group ES to execute the second ripple display effect among the ripple display effects that make up the pseudo-ripple effect, triggered by the elapse of a first time since the start of the second fluctuation cycle. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the execution device group ES to execute the ripple display effect that makes up the pseudo-ripple effect for a performance time that corresponds to the fluctuation period of the fluctuation cycle in which the ripple display effect is executed. As an example, the performance time of the ripple display effect that makes up the pseudo-ripple effect is 1/10 of the fluctuation time of the fluctuation cycle in which the ripple display effect is executed. In other words, the performance time of the ripple display effect that makes up the pseudo-ripple effect is the time when the ratio of the execution period of the ripple display effect to the fluctuation period is 1/10.

The process for executing the countdown effect will be described.
After deciding to execute a countdown effect, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the timing to execute the countdown effect has arrived. For example, after deciding to execute a continuous countdown effect, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the timing to execute the continuous countdown effect has arrived so that the last count display effect of the count display effects constituting the continuous countdown effect is executed in the variation game that is the target of the continuous countdown effect. For example, if the continuous countdown effect includes three count display effects, the secondary CPU 51 determines that the timing to execute the continuous countdown effect has arrived when a second time has elapsed since the variation game that is two games before the variation game that is the target of the continuous countdown effect was executed. For example, the second time is two seconds. For example, if the continuous countdown effect includes two ripple display effects, the secondary CPU 51 determines that the timing to execute the continuous countdown effect has arrived when a second time has elapsed since the variation game that is one game before the variation game that is the target of the continuous countdown effect was executed.

When the sub-CPU 51 determines that the timing to execute a continuous countdown effect has arrived, it controls the effect device group ES to execute the continuous countdown effect. As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 determines that the timing to execute a continuous countdown effect has arrived, it controls the effect device group ES to execute the count display effect executed in the first variable game among the count display effects that constitute the continuous countdown effect. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES to execute the count display effects that constitute the continuous countdown effect in sequence each time a new variable game is started, triggered by the elapse of a second time since the start of the variable game, until all of the count display effects that constitute the continuous countdown effect have been executed. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES to execute the count display effects that constitute the continuous countdown effect for a performance time corresponding to the variation period of the variation game in which the count display effect is executed. As an example, the performance time of the count display effect that constitutes the continuous countdown effect is 1/15 of the variation time of the variation game in which the count display effect is executed. In other words, the duration of the countdown display effects that make up the continuous countdown effect is a time in which the ratio of the execution period of the countdown display effects to the variable period is 1/15.

As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 decides to execute a pseudo countdown effect, it controls the execution device group ES to execute the first countdown display effect among the countdown display effects that make up the pseudo countdown effect, triggered by the elapse of a second time since the start of the first fluctuation cycle. Thereafter, when the sub-CPU 51 executes a second fluctuation cycle, it controls the execution device group ES to execute the second countdown display effect among the countdown display effects that make up the pseudo countdown effect, triggered by the elapse of a second time since the start of the second fluctuation cycle. Furthermore, when the sub-CPU 51 executes a third fluctuation cycle, it controls the execution device group ES to execute the third countdown display effect among the countdown display effects that make up the pseudo countdown effect, triggered by the elapse of a second time since the start of the third fluctuation cycle. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 controls the execution device group ES to execute the countdown display effect that makes up the pseudo countdown effect for a performance time corresponding to the fluctuation period of the fluctuation cycle in which the count display effect is executed. As an example, the duration of the count display effect that makes up the pseudo countdown effect is 1/15 of the fluctuation time of the fluctuation cycle in which the count display effect is executed. In other words, the duration of the count display effect that makes up the pseudo countdown effect is a time in which the ratio of the execution period of the count display effect to the fluctuation period is 1/15.

The process for executing the curtain effect will be described.
As an example, if the sub-CPU 51 determines to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1 in the execution lottery for a curtain effect corresponding to a predetermined fluctuation cycle, it controls the execution device group ES to execute the curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1 when a third time has elapsed since the start of the predetermined fluctuation cycle. For example, the third time is three seconds. For example, if the sub-CPU 51 determines to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP2 in the execution lottery for a curtain effect corresponding to a predetermined fluctuation cycle, it controls the execution device group ES to execute the curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP2 when a third time has elapsed since the start of the predetermined fluctuation cycle. For example, if the sub-CPU 51 determines to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP3 in the execution lottery for a curtain effect corresponding to a predetermined fluctuation cycle, it controls the execution device group ES to execute the curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP3 when a third time has elapsed since the start of the predetermined fluctuation cycle. For example, the execution time of the curtain effect is constant. For example, the execution time of the curtain effect is two seconds. In other words, the proportion of the period in which the curtain performance is performed in the variable period varies depending on the length of the variable period.

The control for executing the customization effect will be described.
When an operation signal of the effect button BT is input, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the effect button BT has been operated, and controls the effect device group ES to execute a customized effect. When executing a customized effect, the sub-CPU 51 assumes that the first item image kg1 corresponding to the customization of the ripple effect has been selected. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES to display the first item image kg1 in a brighter display mode than the other item images. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 updates the selection information stored in the sub-RAM 53 so that it can be identified that the first item image kg1 is being selected. The selection information is information that can identify the selected item image. When the sub-CPU 51 starts the customized effect, it counts a predetermined set time.

Then, when the set time has elapsed, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES to end the customized effect. Furthermore, if an operation signal for the cross button JB is input during the period until the set time has elapsed, the secondary CPU 51 changes the selected item image when it detects that the up button JBu or the down button JBd of the cross button JB has been operated based on the operation signal. As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the down button JBd of the cross button JB has been operated when it is possible to identify that the first item image kg1 is currently selected from the selection information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the selection information so that it is possible to identify that the second item image kg2 is currently selected. As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the down button JBd of the cross button JB has been operated when it is possible to identify that the second item image kg2 is currently selected from the selection information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the selection information so that it is possible to identify that the third item image kg3 is currently selected. As one example, when the sub-CPU 51 detects that the down button JBd of the cross button JB has been operated when it is possible to specify from the selection information stored in the sub-RAM 53 that the third item image kg3 is being selected, it updates the selection information so that it is possible to specify that the first item image kg1 is being selected. As one example, when the sub-CPU 51 detects that the up button JBu of the cross button JB has been operated when it is possible to specify from the selection information stored in the sub-RAM 53 that the first item image kg1 is being selected, it updates the selection information so that it is possible to specify that the third item image kg3 is being selected. As one example, when the sub-CPU 51 detects that the up button JBu of the cross button JB has been operated when it is possible to specify from the selection information stored in the sub-RAM 53 that the second item image kg2 is being selected, it updates the selection information so that it is possible to specify that the first item image kg1 is being selected. As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 detects that the up button JBu of the cross button JB has been operated while it is possible to determine from the selection information stored in the sub-RAM 53 that the third item image kg3 is currently selected, it updates the selection information so that it is possible to determine that the second item image kg2 is currently selected. The sub-CPU 51 controls the performance device group ES so that the item image currently selected after the change is displayed in a brighter manner than the other item images. The sub-CPU 51 then initializes the timing status of the set time. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 starts timing the set time again.

Furthermore, if the sub-CPU 51 inputs an operation signal for the effect button BT during the period until the set time has elapsed, it determines that the effect button BT has been operated and controls the effect device group ES so that the customization status of the effect corresponding to the selected item image can be recognized. In other words, if the sub-CPU 51 can determine from the selection information stored in the sub-RAM 53 that the first item image kg1 is being selected, it controls the effect device group ES to display the first status image jg1 indicating the customization status of the ripple effect. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES to display the first status image jg1 in a manner that suggests or notifies the setting of the ripple effect. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group ES to display the image corresponding to the setting of the ripple effect in a brighter manner than the images corresponding to other settings. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 identifies the setting of the ripple effect based on the first setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53. As an example, when the secondary backup information is initialized, the first setting information is updated so that it can be determined that the setting of the ripple effect is the second setting. The secondary CPU 51 then initializes the timing status of the set time.

When the secondary CPU 51 can determine from the selection information stored in the secondary RAM 53 that the second item image kg2 is being selected, it controls the group of effect devices ES to display a second status image jg2 indicating the customization status of the countdown effect. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 controls the group of effect devices ES to display the second status image jg2 in a manner that suggests or notifies the setting of the countdown effect. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 controls the group of effect devices ES to display an image corresponding to the setting of the countdown effect in a brighter manner than images corresponding to other settings. As an example, the secondary CPU 51 determines the setting of the countdown effect based on the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53. As an example, when the secondary backup information is initialized, the second setting information is updated so that it can be determined that the setting of the countdown effect is the second setting. Thereafter, the secondary CPU 51 initializes the timing status of the set time.

When the sub-CPU 51 can determine from the selection information stored in the sub-RAM 53 that the third item image kg3 is being selected, it controls the performance device group ES to display a third status image jg3 indicating the customization status of the curtain effect. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance device group ES to display the third status image jg3 in a manner that suggests or notifies the setting of the curtain effect. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance device group ES to display an image corresponding to the setting of the curtain effect in a brighter manner than images corresponding to other settings. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 determines the setting of the curtain effect based on the third setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53. As an example, when the secondary backup information is initialized, the third setting information is updated so that it can be determined that the setting of the curtain effect is the second setting. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the timing status of the set time.

If the sub-CPU 51 receives an operation signal for the cross button JB during the period from when the first status image jg1 is displayed until the set time has elapsed, and detects that the left button JBl or the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated based on the operation signal, the sub-CPU 51 changes the ripple effect setting. As an example, if the sub-CPU 51 detects that the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated when the first setting can be identified from the first setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53, it updates the first setting information so that the second setting can be identified. Furthermore, if the sub-CPU 51 detects that the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated when the second setting can be identified from the first setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53, it updates the first setting information so that the third setting can be identified. Furthermore, if the sub-CPU 51 detects that the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated when the third setting can be identified from the first setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53, it updates the first setting information so that the first setting can be identified.

Furthermore, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the left button JBl of the cross button JB has been operated when the first setting can be identified from the first setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the first setting information so that the third setting can be identified. Further, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the left button JBl of the cross button JB has been operated when the second setting can be identified from the first setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the first setting information so that the first setting can be identified. Further, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the left button JBl of the cross button JB has been operated when the third setting can be identified from the first setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the first setting information so that the second setting can be identified.

The secondary CPU 51 controls the group of effect devices ES so that the image corresponding to the changed setting is displayed brighter than the images corresponding to the other settings. The secondary CPU 51 then initializes the timing status of the set time. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 starts timing the set time again. If an operation signal for the effect button BT is input during the period until the set time is timed, the secondary CPU 51 determines that the effect button BT has been operated, and controls the group of effect devices ES to end the customized effect.

If the secondary CPU 51 receives an operation signal for the cross button JB during the period from when the second status image jg2 is displayed until the set time has elapsed, and detects that the left button JBl or the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated based on the operation signal, the secondary CPU 51 changes the countdown effect setting. As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated when the first setting can be identified from the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the second setting information so that the second setting can be identified. As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated when the second setting can be identified from the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the second setting information so that the third setting can be identified. As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated when the third setting can be identified from the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the second setting information so that the first setting can be identified.

As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the left button JBl of the cross button JB has been operated when the first setting can be identified from the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the second setting information so that the third setting can be identified. As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the left button JBl of the cross button JB has been operated when the second setting can be identified from the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the second setting information so that the first setting can be identified. As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the left button JBl of the cross button JB has been operated when the third setting can be identified from the second setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, it updates the second setting information so that the second setting can be identified.

The secondary CPU 51 controls the group of effect devices ES so that the image corresponding to the changed setting is displayed brighter than the images corresponding to the other settings. The secondary CPU 51 then initializes the timing status of the set time. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 starts timing the set time again. If an operation signal for the effect button BT is input during the period until the set time is timed, the secondary CPU 51 determines that the effect button BT has been operated, and controls the group of effect devices ES to end the customized effect.

If the sub-CPU 51 receives an operation signal for the cross button JB during the period from when the third status image jg3 is displayed until the set time has elapsed, and detects that the left button JBl or the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated based on the operation signal, the sub-CPU 51 changes the setting of the curtain effect. As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 detects that the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated when the first setting can be identified from the third setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53, it updates the third setting information so that the second setting can be identified. As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 detects that the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated when the second setting can be identified from the third setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53, it updates the third setting information so that the third setting can be identified. As an example, when the sub-CPU 51 detects that the right button JBr of the cross button JB has been operated when the third setting can be identified from the third setting information stored in the sub-RAM 53, it updates the third setting information so that the third setting can be identified.

As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the left button JBl of the cross button JB has been operated and the first setting can be identified from the third setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, the secondary CPU 51 updates the third setting information so that the third setting can be identified. As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the left button JBl of the cross button JB has been operated and the second setting can be identified from the third setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, the secondary CPU 51 updates the third setting information so that the first setting can be identified. As an example, when the secondary CPU 51 detects that the left button JBl of the cross button JB has been operated and the third setting can be identified from the third setting information stored in the secondary RAM 53, the secondary CPU 51 updates the third setting information so that the second setting can be identified.

The secondary CPU 51 controls the group of effect devices ES so that the image corresponding to the changed setting is displayed brighter than the images corresponding to other settings. The secondary CPU 51 then initializes the timing status of the set time. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 starts timing the set time again. If an operation signal for the effect button BT is input during the period until the set time is timed, the secondary CPU 51 determines that the effect button BT has been operated, and controls the group of effect devices ES to end the customized effect. The secondary CPU 51 is an example of customization means capable of customizing effects that include at least specific effects.

The control executed by the secondary CPU 51 when power supply is started will be described.
When the secondary CPU 51 inputs an initialization command, it initializes the secondary backup information. On the other hand, when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a restore command, it restores various effects based on the secondary backup information. At this time, when the secondary CPU 51 restores a pseudo-continuous variation game, it restores only the effect game. In other words, when the secondary CPU 51 restores a pseudo-continuous variation game, it does not restore the pseudo-ripple effect and the pseudo-countdown effect. On the other hand, when the secondary CPU 51 restores a non-pseudo-continuous variation game, it restores various effects including the pseudo-ripple effect and the pseudo-countdown effect. Note that when the secondary CPU 51 restores a pseudo-continuous variation game, it may restore the effect game, that is, the display of the effect symbols, as well as the display of the background image, the output of BGM, and the illumination of the decorative lamp LA.

Next, specific execution modes of the ripple effect, countdown effect, and curtain effect in various situations will be described.
First, an example of a specific execution mode of the pseudo ripple effect and the continuous ripple effect will be described.

Figure 18 shows a situation in which a pseudo-ripple effect using ripple effect pattern RP03 is executed in a variation game using variation pattern H12. When a first time has elapsed since the start of the first variation cycle in a variation game using variation pattern H12, a first ripple display effect is executed as the first ripple display effect that constitutes the pseudo-ripple effect using ripple effect pattern RP03. At this time, the first ripple display effect is executed for a presentation time corresponding to the variation period of the first variation cycle in a variation game using variation pattern H12. As described above, the variation period of the first variation cycle in a variation game using variation pattern H12 is different from the variation period of the first variation cycle in any variation game consisting of a single variation cycle. Therefore, a player can infer whether a pseudo-ripple effect or a continuous ripple effect is being executed from the presentation time of the first ripple display effect.

After that, when the first time has elapsed since the start of the second fluctuation cycle, the second ripple display effect is executed as the second ripple display effect that constitutes the pseudo-ripple effect using the ripple effect pattern RP03. At this time, the second ripple display effect is executed for a display time corresponding to the fluctuation period of the second fluctuation cycle in the fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H12. The fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H12 is a fluctuation game made up of two fluctuation cycles. Therefore, the second fluctuation cycle in the fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H12 is the final fluctuation cycle in the fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H12. As described above, the final fluctuation cycle has a longer fluctuation period than the previous fluctuation cycles. Therefore, the player can infer from the display time of the second ripple display effect whether the current fluctuation cycle is the final fluctuation cycle.

Figure 19 shows a situation in which a continuous ripple effect using ripple effect pattern RP12 is executed over two consecutive variation games: a variation game using variation pattern H01 and a variation game using variation pattern H10. When a first time has elapsed since the start of the variation game using variation pattern H01, a first ripple display effect is executed as the first ripple display effect that constitutes the continuous ripple effect using ripple effect pattern RP12. At this time, the first ripple display effect is executed for a presentation time corresponding to the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H01. As described above, the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H01 is different from the variation period of the first variation cycle in any variation game that is composed of multiple variation cycles. Therefore, a player can infer whether a pseudo-ripple effect or a continuous ripple effect is being executed from the presentation time of the first ripple display effect.

After that, when the first time has elapsed since the start of the variation game using variation pattern H10, a second ripple display effect is executed as the second ripple display effect that constitutes the continuous ripple effect using ripple effect pattern RP12. The second ripple display effect is executed for a duration corresponding to the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H10. As described above, the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H10 is different from the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H01. Therefore, the player can infer from the duration of the second ripple display effect whether the variation game currently being executed is the variation game that was the target of the continuous ripple effect.

In this way, a pseudo-ripple effect executed over multiple fluctuation cycles and a continuous ripple effect executed over multiple fluctuation games can include effect patterns in which the types of ripple display effects that make up each ripple effect and the execution order are the same. In other words, a ripple effect as a specific effect can be executed in the same manner when executed over multiple non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation games and when executed over multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-continuous fluctuation game. This makes it difficult for a player to distinguish whether a ripple effect as a specific effect is being executed over multiple non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation games or over multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-continuous fluctuation game. Meanwhile, the display time of the ripple display effects that make up a ripple effect varies depending on the fluctuation period of the fluctuation cycle in which the ripple display effect is executed or the fluctuation period of the fluctuation game in which the ripple display effect is executed. Specifically, the presentation time of the ripple display effect that constitutes the ripple effect, whether it is a pseudo-ripple effect or a continuous ripple effect, is a time during which the proportion of the ripple display effect's execution period to the fluctuation period of the fluctuation cycle in which the ripple display effect is executed, or to the fluctuation period of the fluctuation game in which the ripple display effect is executed, is 1/10. As a result, the ripple effect as a specific effect can be executed so that the proportion of the ripple display effect's execution period to the fluctuation period of the first non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation game when executed across multiple non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation games is the same as the proportion of the ripple display effect's execution period to the fluctuation period of the first fluctuation cycle when executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-continuous fluctuation game. Therefore, by paying attention to the presentation time of the first ripple display effect that constitutes the ripple effect, a player can infer whether the ripple effect as a specific effect is being executed across multiple non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation games or multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-continuous fluctuation game.

Next, an example of a specific execution mode of the pseudo countdown effect and the continuous countdown effect will be described.
20 shows a situation in which a pseudo countdown effect using the countdown effect pattern CP06 is executed in a variation game using the variation pattern H13. In a variation game using the variation pattern H13, when a second time has elapsed since the start of the first variation cycle, a first countdown effect is executed as the first countdown effect constituting the pseudo countdown effect using the countdown effect pattern CP06. At this time, the first countdown effect is executed for a duration corresponding to the variation period of the first variation cycle in the variation game using the variation pattern H13. As described above, the variation period of the first variation cycle in the variation game using the variation pattern H13 is different from the variation period of the first variation cycle in any variation game consisting of a single variation cycle. Therefore, a player can infer whether a pseudo countdown effect or a continuous countdown effect is being executed from the duration of the first countdown effect.

After that, when a second time has elapsed since the start of the second fluctuation cycle, the fifth count display effect is executed as the second count display effect that constitutes the pseudo countdown effect using the countdown effect pattern CP06. At this time, the fifth count display effect is executed for a duration corresponding to the fluctuation period of the second fluctuation cycle in the fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H13. The fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H13 is a fluctuation game consisting of three fluctuation cycles. Therefore, the second fluctuation cycle in the fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H13 is the fluctuation cycle that precedes the final fluctuation cycle in the fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H13. As described above, the final fluctuation cycle has a longer fluctuation period than the previous fluctuation cycles. Therefore, the player can infer from the duration of the fifth count display effect whether the fluctuation cycle currently being executed is the final fluctuation cycle.

After that, when the second time has elapsed since the start of the third fluctuation cycle, the ninth count display effect is executed as the third count display effect that constitutes the pseudo-countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP06. At this time, the ninth count display effect is executed for a duration corresponding to the fluctuation period of the third fluctuation cycle in the fluctuation game using fluctuation pattern H13. The third fluctuation cycle in the fluctuation game using fluctuation pattern H13 is the final fluctuation cycle in the fluctuation game using fluctuation pattern H13. Therefore, the player can infer from the duration of the fifth count display effect whether the fluctuation cycle currently being executed is the final fluctuation cycle.

Figure 21 shows a situation in which a continuous countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP27 is executed over three consecutive variation games: two variation games using variation pattern H01 and one variation game using variation pattern H10. When a second time has elapsed since the start of the first variation game using variation pattern H01, a first countdown display effect is executed as the first countdown display effect that constitutes the continuous countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP27. At this time, the first countdown display effect is executed for a presentation time corresponding to the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H01. As described above, the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H01 is different from the variation period of the first variation cycle in any variation game that is composed of multiple variation cycles. Therefore, the player can infer whether a pseudo countdown effect or a continuous countdown effect is being executed from the presentation time of the first countdown display effect.

After that, when a second time has elapsed since the start of the second variation game using variation pattern H01, the fifth count display effect is executed as the second count display effect that constitutes the continuous countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP27. At this time, the fifth count display effect is executed for a presentation time that corresponds to the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H01. As described above, the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H01 differs from the variation period of the variation game using variation patterns that include reach effects. Therefore, the player can infer from the presentation time of the fifth count display effect whether the variation game currently being executed is the variation game that is the target of the continuous countdown effect.

After that, when the second time has elapsed since the start of the variation game using variation pattern H10, the ninth count display effect is executed as the third count display effect that constitutes the continuous countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP27. At this time, the ninth count display effect is executed for a presentation time that corresponds to the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H10. As described above, the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H10 is different from the variation period of the variation game using variation pattern H01. Therefore, the player can infer from the presentation time of the ninth count display effect whether the variation game currently being executed is the variation game that was the subject of the continuous countdown effect.

In this way, a pseudo countdown effect executed over multiple fluctuation cycles and a continuous countdown effect executed over multiple fluctuation games may include effect patterns in which the types of count display effects that make up each countdown effect and the execution order are the same. In other words, a countdown effect as a specific effect can be executed in the same manner when executed over multiple non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation games and when executed over multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-continuous fluctuation game. This makes it difficult for a player to distinguish whether a countdown effect as a specific effect is being executed over multiple non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation games or over multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-continuous fluctuation game. Meanwhile, the execution time of the count display effect that makes up the countdown effect varies depending on the fluctuation period of the fluctuation cycle in which the count display effect is executed or the fluctuation period of the fluctuation game in which the count display effect is executed. Specifically, the presentation time of the countdown display effect that constitutes the countdown effect, whether it is a pseudo countdown effect or a continuous countdown effect, is a time during which the proportion of the execution period of the countdown effect to the fluctuation period of the fluctuation cycle in which the countdown display effect is executed or the fluctuation period of the fluctuation game in which the countdown display effect is executed is 1/15. As a result, the countdown effect as a specific effect can be executed so that the proportion of the execution period of the countdown effect to the fluctuation period of the first non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation game when executed across multiple non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation games is the same as the proportion of the execution period of the countdown effect to the fluctuation period of the first fluctuation cycle when executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-continuous fluctuation game. Therefore, by paying attention to the presentation time of the first count display effect that constitutes the countdown effect, a player can infer whether the countdown effect as a specific effect is being executed across multiple non-pseudo-continuous fluctuation games or multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-continuous fluctuation game.

Furthermore, the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects are both effects that can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games and are effects that can be executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game. In other words, in this embodiment, there are multiple types of specific effects, and the multiple types of specific effects are effects that can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games and are effects that can be executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, regardless of the type of specific effect. Furthermore, the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects are effects that can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games and are effects that can be executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, whether they are executed in a first mode that allows the player to recognize that a bonus will be awarded, or in a second mode that allows the player to recognize the expected degree of bonus award. In other words, the specific effects, ripple effects and countdown effects, are effects that can be executed across multiple non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games, regardless of whether they are in the first mode or the second mode, and are effects that can be executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo consecutive fluctuation game.

Next, a specific manner in which the ripple effect is executed when the power supply is temporarily stopped during execution of the ripple effect as a specific effect will be described.
FIG. 22 illustrates a situation in which power supply is temporarily stopped during the execution of a pseudo-ripple effect according to the ripple effect pattern RP03 executed in a variation game according to the variation pattern H12. In a variation game according to the variation pattern H12, when a first time has elapsed since the start of the first variation cycle, a first ripple display effect is executed as the first ripple display effect constituting the pseudo-ripple effect according to the ripple effect pattern RP03. At this time, the first ripple display effect is executed for a duration corresponding to the variation period of the first variation cycle in the variation game according to the variation pattern H12. As described above, the variation period of the first variation cycle in the variation game according to the variation pattern H12 is different from the variation period of the first variation cycle in any variation game consisting of a single variation cycle. Therefore, a player can infer whether a pseudo-ripple effect or a continuous ripple effect is being executed from the duration of the first ripple display effect.

Then, suppose that the power supply is temporarily suspended before the second fluctuation cycle begins. In other words, suppose that the power supply is cut off before the second fluctuation cycle begins, and then restarted. As the power supply is restarted, the pachinko gaming machine 10 returns to the state it was in when the power supply was cut off. This restores the variable game that was running when the power supply was cut off. However, because the variable game that was running when the power supply was cut off was a pseudo-consecutive variable game, the pseudo ripple effect that was running when the power supply was cut off is not restored. Therefore, the second ripple display effect that constitutes the pseudo ripple effect is not executed when the first time has passed since the start of the second fluctuation cycle, allowing the player to recognize that the pseudo ripple effect was being executed.

Figure 23 shows a situation in which power supply is temporarily stopped during the execution of a continuous ripple effect according to ripple effect pattern RP12, which is executed across two consecutive variation games: a variation game according to variation pattern H01 and a variation game according to variation pattern H10. When a first time has elapsed since the start of the variation game according to variation pattern H01, a first ripple display effect is executed as the first ripple display effect that constitutes the continuous ripple effect according to ripple effect pattern RP12. At this time, the first ripple display effect is executed for a duration corresponding to the variation period of the variation game according to variation pattern H01. As described above, the variation period of the variation game according to variation pattern H01 is different from the variation period of the first variation cycle in any variation game that is composed of multiple variation cycles. Therefore, a player can infer whether a pseudo-ripple effect or a continuous ripple effect is being executed from the duration of the first ripple display effect.

Then, suppose that the power supply is temporarily stopped before the start of the variation game based on variation pattern H10. In other words, the power supply is cut off before the start of the variation game based on variation pattern H10, and then power is restarted. As the power supply is restarted, the pachinko gaming machine 10 returns to the state it was in when the power supply was cut off. This restores the variation game that was running when the power supply was cut off. At this time, because the variation game that was running when the power supply was cut off was a non-pseudo consecutive variation game, the continuous ripple effect that was running when the power supply was cut off is restored. In other words, after the power supply is temporarily stopped, when a first time has elapsed since the start of the variation game based on variation pattern H10, a second ripple display effect is executed as the second ripple display effect that constitutes the continuous ripple effect based on ripple effect pattern RP12. This allows the player to recognize that the continuous ripple effect is being executed.

In this way, when a ripple effect is executed as a specific effect over multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, if the power supply is cut off in one non-final fluctuation cycle and then power is started again, it will not return to normal even when the start of the next fluctuation cycle arrives. On the other hand, when a ripple effect is executed as a specific effect over multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games, if the power supply is cut off in one non-final non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game and then power is started again, it will return to normal when the start of the next non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game arrives.

Note that the specific execution mode of the countdown effect when power supply is temporarily suspended during execution of the specific countdown effect is the same as that of the ripple effect. In other words, the ripple effect and the ripple effect's execution pattern in the description of the specific execution mode of the ripple effect when power supply is temporarily suspended during execution of the specific ripple effect can be interpreted as the countdown effect and any execution pattern of the countdown effect. In other words, when the countdown effect as the specific effect is executed over multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, if the power supply is cut off in one non-final fluctuation cycle and then started again, it will not be restored even when the start of the next fluctuation cycle arrives. On the other hand, when the countdown effect as the specific effect is executed over multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games, if the power supply is cut off in one non-final non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game and then started again, it will be restored when the start of the next non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game arrives.

Next, we will explain the specific execution mode of the countdown effect when the settings of the countdown effect are changed while the countdown effect is being executed as a specific effect.
FIG. 24 illustrates a situation in which the setting of the countdown effect is changed from the second setting to the third setting during the execution of the pseudo countdown effect according to the countdown effect pattern CP02 executed in the variation game according to the variation pattern H13. In the variation game according to the variation pattern H13, when the second time has elapsed since the start of the first variation cycle, the first countdown display effect is executed as the first countdown display effect constituting the pseudo countdown effect according to the countdown effect pattern CP02. At this time, the first countdown display effect is executed for a duration corresponding to the variation period of the first variation cycle in the variation game according to the variation pattern H13. As described above, the variation period of the first variation cycle in the variation game according to the variation pattern H13 is different from the variation period of the first variation cycle in any variation game consisting of a single variation cycle. Therefore, the player can infer whether the pseudo countdown effect or the continuous countdown effect is being executed from the duration of the first countdown display effect.

Then, suppose the countdown effect setting is changed from the second setting to the third setting before the second fluctuation cycle begins. At this time, the countdown effect pattern is not updated. In other words, the pseudo countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP02 continues to be executed. Therefore, when the second time has passed since the second fluctuation cycle began, the fourth count display effect is executed as the second count display effect that constitutes the pseudo countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP02. Then, when the second time has passed since the third fluctuation cycle began, the seventh count display effect is executed as the third count display effect that constitutes the pseudo countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP02.

Figure 25 shows a situation in which the countdown effect setting is changed from the second setting to the third setting during the execution of a continuous countdown effect by countdown effect pattern CP23, which is executed over three consecutive variation games: two variation games by variation pattern H01 and one variation game by variation pattern H10. When the second time has elapsed since the start of the first variation game by variation pattern H01, the first countdown display effect is executed as the first countdown display effect that constitutes the continuous countdown effect by countdown effect pattern CP23. At this time, the first countdown display effect is executed for a presentation time corresponding to the variation period of the variation game by variation pattern H01. As described above, the variation period of the variation game by variation pattern H01 is different from the variation period of the first variation cycle in any variation game that is composed of multiple variation cycles. Therefore, the player can infer whether a pseudo countdown effect or a continuous countdown effect is being executed from the presentation time of the first countdown display effect.

Then, suppose the countdown effect setting is changed from the second setting to the third setting before the second variable game using variable pattern H01 starts. At this time, the countdown effect pattern is not updated. In other words, the continuous countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP23 continues to be executed. Therefore, when a second time has passed since the second variable game using variable pattern H01 started, the fourth count display effect is executed as the second count display effect that constitutes the continuous countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP23. Then, when a second time has passed since the variable game using variable pattern H10 started, the seventh count display effect is executed as the third count display effect that constitutes the continuous countdown effect using countdown effect pattern CP23.

In this way, when the countdown effect as a specific effect is customized in one non-final fluctuation cycle among multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, the countdown effect will be executed with the content before customization in the next fluctuation cycle. Also, when the countdown effect as a specific effect is customized in one non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, the countdown effect as a specific effect will be executed with the content before customization in the next non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game.

Note that the specific execution mode of the ripple effect when the settings of the ripple effect are changed while the specific effect is being executed is the same as that of the countdown effect. In other words, the countdown effect and the countdown effect pattern in the description of the specific execution mode of the countdown effect when the settings of the countdown effect are changed while the specific effect is being executed can be interpreted as the ripple effect and any execution pattern of the ripple effect. In other words, when the ripple effect as a specific effect is customized in one non-final fluctuation cycle among multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, the ripple effect is executed with the content before customization in the next fluctuation cycle. Also, when the ripple effect as a specific effect is customized in one non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, the ripple effect as a specific effect is executed with the content before customization in the next non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game.

Next, we will explain the specific execution mode of the curtain effect when the setting of the curtain effect is changed during the execution of the curtain effect as a special effect.
FIG. 26 illustrates a situation in which the curtain effect setting is changed from the second setting to the third setting in the first fluctuation cycle executed in a fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H12. At this time, it is assumed that the execution of curtain effects using the curtain effect pattern MP1 is determined in the first fluctuation cycle of the fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H12, and that the execution of curtain effects using the curtain effect pattern MP1 is determined in the second fluctuation cycle. In a fluctuation game using the fluctuation pattern H12, when a third time has elapsed since the start of the first fluctuation cycle, curtain effects using the curtain effect pattern MP1 are executed. As described above, since the curtain effect execution time is constant, it is impossible to infer from the curtain effect execution time whether the currently executed fluctuation game is a pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game or a non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game. Then, it is assumed that the curtain effect setting is changed from the second setting to the third setting before the start of the second fluctuation cycle. At this time, the curtain effect execution pattern in the second fluctuation cycle is not updated. In other words, when a third time has elapsed since the start of the second fluctuation cycle, curtain effects using the curtain effect pattern MP1 are executed.

Figure 27 shows a situation in which two consecutive variation games are played: one using variation pattern H01 and the other using variation pattern H10. In the variation game using variation pattern H01, a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1 is played, and in the variation game using variation pattern H10, a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP2 is played. After a third time has passed since the start of the variation game using variation pattern H01, a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1 is played. Then, before the start of the variation game using variation pattern H10, the curtain effect setting is changed from the second setting to the third setting. Thus, when the variation game using variation pattern H10 starts, whether or not a curtain effect will be played and the performance pattern of the curtain effect are determined based on the third setting. Here, it is assumed that a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP3 has been played. After a third time has passed since the start of the variation game using variation pattern H10, a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP3 is played.

In this way, it is impossible to guess from the duration of a curtain effect as a special effect whether the variable game being played is a pseudo-consecutive variable game or a non-pseudo-consecutive variable game. On the other hand, when a curtain effect as a special effect is customized in a non-final variable cycle among multiple variable cycles in a pseudo-consecutive variable game, the special effect is executed with the content before customization in the next variable cycle. On the other hand, when a curtain effect as a special effect is customized in a non-pseudo-consecutive variable game, the special effect is executed with the customized content in the next non-pseudo-consecutive variable game.

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) In this embodiment, the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-continuous variation games and across multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-continuous variation game. The ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects can be executed in the same manner when executed across multiple non-pseudo-continuous variation games and when executed across multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-continuous variation game. This makes it difficult for a player to recognize, during execution of the ripple effect or countdown effect as specific effects, whether the effect is being executed across multiple non-pseudo-continuous variation games or across multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-continuous variation game.

(2) Furthermore, the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects can both be executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games, and can also be executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game. This makes it difficult for players to tell whether the ripple effect or countdown effect as a specific effect is being executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games or across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game.

(3) Furthermore, the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects may be executed in a first mode that allows the player to recognize that a bonus will be awarded, or in a second mode that allows the player to recognize the likelihood of a bonus being awarded. The ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games, regardless of the mode, and can be executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game. This makes it difficult for the player to recognize whether the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects are being executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games or multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, regardless of the mode.

(4) Furthermore, the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects can be executed so that the proportion of their execution period in the fluctuation period of the first non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game when executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games is the same as the proportion of their execution period in the fluctuation period of the first fluctuation cycle when executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game. In this way, while a specific effect is being executed, the specific effect is being executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games. In this way, the fluctuation period of the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects can be inferred from their execution periods, allowing the player to infer whether they are being executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games or multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game.

(5) Furthermore, when the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects are executed over multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, if the power supply is cut off in one non-final fluctuation cycle and then power is started again, they will not be restored even when the start of the next fluctuation cycle arrives. On the other hand, when the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects are executed over multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games, if the power supply is cut off in one non-final non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game and then power is started again, they will be restored when the start of the next non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game arrives. This allows the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects to be resumed depending on the situation, thereby increasing interest.

(6) Furthermore, when a ripple effect or countdown effect as a specific effect is customized in a non-final fluctuation cycle among multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-sequential fluctuation game, the content before customization is executed in the next fluctuation cycle. This prevents the control for executing the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects in the pseudo-sequential fluctuation game from becoming complicated.

(7) Furthermore, when a ripple effect or countdown effect as a specific effect is customized in one non-pseudo-consecutive variable game, it is executed with the content before customization in the next non-pseudo-consecutive variable game. This prevents the control for executing the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects in non-pseudo-consecutive variable games from becoming complicated.

(8) Furthermore, when a curtain effect as a special effect is customized in one non-final fluctuation cycle among multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, the next fluctuation cycle will be executed with the content before customization. On the other hand, when customized in one non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, the special effect will be executed with the customized content in the next non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game. In this way, the timing at which the curtain effect as a special effect reflects the customized content can be varied depending on the situation. This can increase interest.

(9) If a loss is recognizable before or during the execution of the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects, these effects suggest or notify the player of the likelihood of winning, but since the loss is already recognizable, there is a risk that interest will be reduced. For variable games with variation patterns that have this risk, the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects will not be executed, and by determining a non-win without conducting each execution lottery, the memory capacity required for a specified lottery can be reduced. On the other hand, for variable games with other variation patterns, by conducting each execution lottery, it is easy to make changes so that the execution lottery can be won.

(10) The specific effects of the ripple effect and countdown effect not only differ in the likelihood of winning depending on the effect pattern, but also allow different expectations of winning to be inferred depending on the fluctuation pattern inferred from the length of the execution period of the display effects that make up each effect. This can increase interest.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.
The presentation time of the ripple display effect that constitutes the ripple effect as a specific effect, and the presentation time of the count display effect that constitutes the countdown effect as a specific effect, may be changed as desired within a range in which the execution period is equal to or shorter than the variable period. In other words, the presentation time of the ripple display effect that constitutes the ripple effect as a specific effect, and the presentation time of the count display effect that constitutes the countdown effect as a specific effect, may be changed as desired within a range in which the execution period is equal to or shorter than the variable cycle in which the effect is executed, or the variable time of the variable game.

- As an example, the duration of the ripple display effect that constitutes the ripple effect as a specific effect, and the duration of the countdown display effect that constitutes the countdown effect as a specific effect, may be the same regardless of the length of the variable period. In other words, the proportion of the execution period of the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects within the variable period may be indefinite.

- When a ripple effect is executed as a specific effect over multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, power supply may be cut off in one non-final fluctuation cycle, and then when power supply is started again, it may be restored when the start of the next fluctuation cycle arrives.

- When a countdown effect as a specific effect is executed over multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-multiple fluctuation game, power supply may be cut off in one non-final fluctuation cycle, and then when power supply is started again, it may be restored when the start of the next fluctuation cycle arrives.

- When a ripple effect is executed as a specific effect across multiple non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games, if the power supply is cut off in a non-final non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation game and then power is started again, it may not be restored even when the start time of the next non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation game arrives. In this case, the effect game may be restored in the next non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation game.

- When a countdown effect as a specific effect is executed across multiple non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games, if the power supply is cut off in a non-final non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation game, and then power is started again, it may not be restored even when the start time of the next non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation game arrives. In this case, the effect game may be restored in the next non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation game.

Only one of the ripple effect and the countdown effect may be executed as the special effect. In other words, there may be only one type of special effect.
- Either or both of the ripple effect and the countdown effect as specific effects do not have to include an effect that makes it possible to recognize that a bonus will be awarded.

- One or both of the ripple effect and the countdown effect as specific effects may not be customizable.
- When a ripple effect as a specific effect is customized in one non-final fluctuation cycle among multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, in the next fluctuation cycle, the ripple effect as a specific effect may be executable with the customized content.

- When a countdown effect as a specific effect is customized in one non-final fluctuation cycle among multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-multiple fluctuation game, in the next fluctuation cycle, the countdown effect as a specific effect may be executed with the customized content.

- When a ripple effect as a specific effect is customized in a non-pseudo consecutive variation game (1), the ripple effect as a specific effect may be executable with the customized content in the next non-pseudo consecutive variation game.

- When a countdown effect as a specific effect is customized in a non-pseudo consecutive variation game, in the next non-pseudo consecutive variation game, the countdown effect as a specific effect may be executed with the customized content.

- Either the ripple effect or the countdown effect as a specific effect does not have to include an effect that can be executed in both multiple non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games and multiple fluctuation cycles in a single pseudo consecutive fluctuation game. In other words, the effect pattern of the pseudo ripple effect does not have to include an effect pattern that is common to the effect pattern of the continuous ripple effect. Furthermore, the effect pattern of the pseudo countdown effect does not have to include an effect pattern that is common to the effect pattern of the continuous countdown effect.

- The ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects may be executable at the same time, or may not be executable at the same time. In other words, the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects may be executed while the other is being executed, or may not be executed while the other is being executed. Furthermore, the ripple effect and countdown effect as specific effects may be determined to be executed while the other is being executed or while execution is pending, or may not be determined to be executed.

- Either or both of the ripple effect and the countdown effect as specific effects may be executable across one or more non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games and one or more pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games. Specifically, either or both of the ripple effect and the countdown effect as specific effects may be executable across one non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game and one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game consisting of two fluctuation cycles. In this case, an effect using an effect pattern consisting of three display effects may be executed. Furthermore, in this case, the jackpot expectation rate for either or both of the ripple effect and the countdown effect as specific effects may differ depending on the type of effect pattern, as well as the ratio between the number of one or more non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games and the total number of fluctuation cycles of one or more pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games. In other words, even if the type of effect pattern is the same, the jackpot expectation rate for either or both of the ripple effect and the countdown effect as specific effects may differ depending on the ratio between the number of one or more non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games and the total number of fluctuation cycles of one or more pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games. As an example, the greater the number of non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games that are 1 or greater, the higher the jackpot expectation may be, or the greater the total number of fluctuation cycles in pseudo consecutive fluctuation games that are 1 or greater, the higher the jackpot expectation may be.

- While ripple effects and countdown effects have been given as examples of special effects, they are not limited to these. Other special effects may be executed in addition to or instead of the ripple effects and countdown effects.

- When a curtain effect is executed in a pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, it may be configured so that a curtain effect with a lower expectation level than the curtain effect executed in the immediately preceding fluctuation cycle is not executed. In other words, if a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1 is executed in the immediately preceding fluctuation cycle, it may be determined to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP1, curtain effect pattern MP2, or curtain effect pattern MP3. Similarly, if a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP2 is executed in the immediately preceding fluctuation cycle, it may be determined to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP2, or curtain effect pattern MP3. Similarly, if a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP3 is executed in the immediately preceding fluctuation cycle, it may be determined to execute a curtain effect using curtain effect pattern MP3.

- When a curtain effect as a special effect is customized in one non-final variation cycle among multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-multiple variation game, in the next variation cycle, the curtain effect as a special effect may be executable with the customized content.

- When a curtain effect as a special effect is customized in a non-pseudo consecutive variation game (1), in the next non-pseudo consecutive variation game, the curtain effect as a special effect may be executable with the content before customization.

The curtain effect may be an effect that can be performed over multiple cycles of variation.
The curtain effect may be an effect that can be performed across multiple non-pseudo consecutive variation games.
- There may be fluctuation cycles in which different performance contents are defined but the fluctuation period is the same.

Although a curtain effect is given as an example of a special effect, this is not limiting. In addition to or instead of the curtain effect, another special effect may be executed, or the curtain effect may not be executed.
- When customizing the presentation, it may be possible to customize one or both of the probability of the presentation being executed and the expected probability of a jackpot suggested or announced by the presentation, and in addition to or instead of these, it may be possible to customize the presentation style.

The variation pattern may be changed as desired.
The presentation and execution modes of various effects may be changed as desired.
The first variation game and the second variation game may be executed in the order in which the hold conditions are met.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 can employ a specification that provides a high probability state until the next jackpot game, a specification that provides a high probability state until a drop lottery is won (so-called drop specification), or a specification that provides a high probability state until a specified number of variable games have been completed (so-called ST specification). The pachinko gaming machine 10 can employ a specification that provides a high probability state on the condition that the gaming ball passes through a specific area (so-called V-probability specification). The pachinko gaming machine 10 may employ a specification that combines the drop specification and the V-probability specification. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may employ a specification that combines the ST specification and the V-probability specification.

- The special symbol winning lottery may include a lottery for a small win in addition to a lottery for a big win. If a small win is won in the winning lottery, a small win game (winning game) will be awarded after the special game ends. As an example, the high-probability, non-time-saving state may be a state in which the number of times (frequency) a small win is won per unit time or the number of times (frequency) a small win game is awarded per unit time is increased compared to the low-probability, non-time-saving state (so-called small win rush specification). In other words, the high-probability, non-time-saving state may be a state in which the number of specific balls is likely to increase.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may adopt specifications classified as Type 2, also known as a "wing type" or "airplane type." In this type of pachinko gaming machine, the opening and closing blades (opening and closing members) of the ball entry device (large prize entry port) open when a game ball enters the starting port, and a jackpot game is triggered when the game ball that entered the ball entry device enters the special prize entry port. The opening and closing blades of the ball entry device may also open when a small prize game is awarded by winning a small prize lottery. In this case, the lottery for winning the special symbol may include both a jackpot lottery and a small prize lottery, or it may include only a small prize lottery.

The main CPU 41, the main ROM 42, the main RAM 43, and the random number generation circuit 44 may be configured on a single chip.
The specific configuration of the game board YB may be changed as desired.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may have the sub-substrate 50 as a sub-general control substrate, and may also have a display control substrate that specializes in controlling the effect display device EH, a light-emitting control substrate that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps LA, and a sound control substrate that specializes in controlling the speaker SP, separate from the sub-substrate 50. Such a sub-general control substrate and substrates that control other effects may also be combined together to form a sub-substrate. In addition, in an embodiment, the main CPU 41 and sub-CPU 51 may be mounted on a single substrate. Furthermore, the display control substrate, light-emitting control substrate, and sound control substrate may be combined in any manner to form a single or multiple substrates.

The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described.
(Appendix 1) A gaming machine capable of executing a pseudo-consecutive variation game consisting of a plurality of variation cycles and a non-pseudo-consecutive variation game different from the pseudo-consecutive variation game, the gaming machine comprising: a presentation execution means for executing presentations; and a presentation control means for controlling the presentation execution means, the presentations including specific presentations that can be executed across a plurality of the non-pseudo-consecutive variation games and across a plurality of variation cycles in one of the pseudo-consecutive variation games, and capable of executing specific presentations in the same presentation format when executed across a plurality of the non-pseudo-consecutive variation games and when executed across a plurality of variation cycles in one of the pseudo-consecutive variation games.

(Appendix 2) A gaming machine capable of executing a pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game comprising multiple fluctuation cycles and a non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game different from the pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, the gaming machine comprising: an effect execution means for executing effects; and an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means, wherein the effects include specific effects, of which there are multiple types, and the specific effects are effects that can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games regardless of the type of the specific effects, and are effects that can be executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game.

(Appendix 3) A gaming machine capable of executing a pseudo-sequential fluctuation game comprising multiple fluctuation cycles and a non-pseudo-sequential fluctuation game different from the pseudo-sequential fluctuation game, the gaming machine comprising: an effect execution means for executing effects; and an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means, wherein the effects include specific effects, including the specific effect according to a first mode and the specific effect according to a second mode, the specific effect according to the first mode being an effect that allows the player to recognize that a bonus will be awarded, and the specific effect according to the second mode being an effect that allows the player to recognize the likelihood of a bonus being awarded, and the specific effect, regardless of whether it is the specific effect according to the first mode or the specific effect according to the second mode, being an effect that can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-sequential fluctuation games and across multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo-sequential fluctuation game.

(Appendix 4) A gaming machine as set forth in any of Appendices 1 to 3, which is equipped with a customization means capable of customizing the specific effects, and when the specific effects are customized in a non-final variation cycle among multiple variation cycles in one of the pseudo-multiple variation games, the specific effects are executed with the content prior to the customization in the next variation cycle.

(Appendix 5) A gaming machine as set forth in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, which is equipped with a customization means for customizing the specific effects, and when the specific effects are customized in one of the non-pseudo consecutive variable games, the specific effects are executed in the next non-pseudo consecutive variable game with the content prior to the customization.

(Appendix 6) A gaming machine capable of executing a pseudo-consecutive variation game comprising multiple variation cycles and a non-pseudo-consecutive variation game different from the pseudo-consecutive variation game, the gaming machine comprising: an effect execution means for executing effects; an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means; and a customization means for customizing the effects, wherein the effects include specific effects that can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive variation games and across multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive variation game, and when the specific effect is customized in one non-pseudo-consecutive variation game, the specific effect is executed in the next non-pseudo-consecutive variation game with the content prior to the customization.

(Appendix 7) A gaming machine capable of executing a pseudo-consecutive variation game comprising multiple variation cycles and a non-pseudo-consecutive variation game different from the pseudo-consecutive variation game, the gaming machine comprising: an effect execution means for executing effects; an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means; and a customization means for customizing the effects, wherein the effects include specific effects that can be executed across multiple non-pseudo-consecutive variation games and across multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive variation game, and when the specific effect is customized in a non-final variation cycle among the multiple variation cycles in one pseudo-consecutive variation game, the specific effect is executed with the content prior to the customization in the next variation cycle.

(Appendix 8) A gaming machine as described in Appendix 6, in which, when the specific effect is customized in the non-pseudo consecutive variable game of 1, the specific effect is executed in the next non-pseudo consecutive variable game with the content before the customization.

(Appendix 9) A gaming machine as described in Appendix 7, in which, when the specific effect is customized in one non-final variation cycle among multiple variation cycles in the pseudo-consecutive variation game of 1, in the next variation cycle, the specific effect is executed with the content before the customization.

(Appendix 10) A gaming machine as set forth in any one of Appendices 1 to 9, capable of executing the specific effect so that the proportion of the execution period of the specific effect in the fluctuation period of the first non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation game when executed across multiple non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games is the same as the proportion of the execution period of the specific effect in the fluctuation period of the first fluctuation cycle when executed across multiple fluctuation cycles in one pseudo consecutive fluctuation game.

(Appendix 11) A gaming machine as set forth in any one of Appendices 1 to 10, wherein when the specific effect is executed over multiple fluctuation cycles in one of the pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games, the power supply is cut off in one non-final fluctuation cycle, and when the power supply is subsequently started, the operation does not return even when the start of the next fluctuation cycle arrives; and when the specific effect is executed over multiple of the non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games, the power supply is cut off in one non-final non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game, and when the power supply is subsequently started, the operation returns when the start of the next non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game arrives.

(Appendix 12) A gaming machine as set forth in any one of Appendices 1 to 11, wherein the effects include a special effect that is different from the specific effect, and when the special effect is customized in a non-final fluctuation cycle among multiple fluctuation cycles in one of the pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games, the special effect is executed with the content before the customization in the next fluctuation cycle, and when the special effect is customized in one of the non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation games, the special effect is executed with the content after the customization in the next non-pseudo-consecutive fluctuation game.

BT...Effect button cg1 to cg10...Count image CP01 to CP53...Countdown effect pattern EH...Effect display device ES...Effect device group H01 to H13...Variation pattern HD...Launch handle hg1 to hg3...Ripple image JB...Drawing pad JBd...Down button JBl...Left button JBr...Right button JBu...Up button jg1 to jg3...Situation image kg1 to kg3...Item image LA...Decorative lamp mg1 to mg3...Curtain image MP1 to MP3...Curtain effect pattern R...Display area RP01 to RP40...Ripple effect pattern SE1...First start sensor SE2...Second start sensor SE3...Count sensor SE4...Gate sensor SL1...Normal solenoid SL2...Special solenoid SP...Speaker YB...Game board YBa...Game area YBb...Display window YBc...Firing passage YBd...Anti-return valve 10...Pachinko machine 11...Frame 11a...Outer frame 11b...Mounting frame 12...First starting port 13...Second starting port 13a...Normal opening/closing piece 14...Big prize opening 14a...Special opening/closing piece 17...Gate 17a...Gate opening 18...Outlet opening 19a...First special symbol display device 19b...Second special symbol display device 19c...First reserved display device 19d...Second reserved display device 19e...Normal symbol display device 40...Main circuit board 41...Main CPU 42...Main ROM 43...Main RAM 44...Random number generation circuit 46...RAM clear switch 50...Sub-circuit board 51...Sub-CPU 52...Sub-ROM 53...Sub-RAM

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine capable of executing a pseudo-sequential fluctuation game including a plurality of fluctuation cycles and a non-pseudo-sequential fluctuation game different from the pseudo-sequential fluctuation game,
a performance execution means for executing a performance;
a performance control means for controlling the performance execution means,
The performance includes specific performances,
There are several types of specific effects:
The specific effect is an effect that can be executed across a plurality of the non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games, regardless of the type of the specific effect, and is an effect that can be executed across a plurality of fluctuation cycles in one of the pseudo consecutive fluctuation games,
The specific effect is an effect that can be executed across one or more of the non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games and one or more of the pseudo consecutive fluctuation games,
The gaming machine in which the specific performance can vary the expectation of a benefit being awarded depending on the ratio between the number of the non-pseudo consecutive fluctuation games, which is 1 or more, and the total number of fluctuation cycles of the pseudo consecutive fluctuation games, which is 1 or more .