Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can improve the interest in a game.SOLUTION: A main control CPU previously determines a variation content of a reserved variation game in special drawing pattern input processing, and outputs a prior determination command with which a result of the prior determination can be identified to a sub control CPU. The sub control CPU, when the prior determination command is input, can execute, as read-ahead performances, a read-ahead display performance, a read-ahead sound performance, and a read-ahead light emission performance on the basis of the prior determination command. The read-ahead display performance of the read-ahead performances is executed after starts of the read-ahead sound performance and the read-ahead light emission performance. In addition, a timing at which the read-ahead sound performance is started, and a timing at which the read-ahead light emission performance is started are the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a pachinko game machine, which is a type of game machine, various effects are performed for a variable game whose execution is suspended. For example, in the pachinko game machine of Patent Document 1, by changing the display mode of the suspended corresponding image corresponding to the variable game whose execution is suspended, it is possible to perform an effect suggesting the probability of a jackpot in the variable game. According to this, it is possible to specify the degree of advantage such as the probability of a jackpot in the variable game whose execution is suspended, and therefore it is possible to increase the attention to the variable game whose execution is suspended. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-29726 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in such gaming machines, it is desirable to increase interest in the game by being more creative in executing presentations targeting variable games whose execution has been put on hold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The gaming machine that solves the above problem is capable of putting a variable game on hold when a hold condition is satisfied, and capable of starting a held variable game when a start condition is satisfied. The gaming machine includes a pre-determination means for pre-determining the variable content of the held variable game before the start condition is satisfied, a performance execution means for executing a performance, and a performance control means for controlling the performance execution means. The performance execution means includes a first performance execution means for executing a display performance by displaying an image, and a second performance execution means for executing a performance different from the display performance. The first performance execution means is a first performance execution means for executing a display performance by displaying an image, and a second performance execution means for executing a performance different from the display performance. The gist of the invention is that the first performance execution means is capable of executing a first performance, the second performance execution means is capable of executing a second performance, the performance control means is capable of controlling the execution of the first performance and the second performance based on the result of a single pre-determination by the pre-determination means, the first performance may be executed after the second performance has been started, the second performance execution means has a first performance section and a second performance section, and the timing at which the second performance is started in the first performance section and the timing at which the second performance is started in the second performance section are the same or approximately the same. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, interest in games can be increased. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko gaming machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(c) are schematic diagrams showing how the pre-reading display performance is executed. [Diagram 5] 5(a) to 5(c) are schematic diagrams showing how a specific display effect is executed. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are timing charts showing a specific example of the flow of the presentation when the pre-reading presentation is executed. [Figure 7] 7(a) and 7(b) are timing charts showing a specific example of the flow of a performance when a specific performance is executed. [Figure 8] 8(a) to 8(c) are timing charts showing a specific example of the flow of the presentation when a look-ahead presentation is executed in the case where an error is detected. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a specific example of the flow of the presentation when the presentation mode is changed during execution of the pre-reading presentation in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the pachinko game machine will be described below. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by a player.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine includes a frame 11. The frame 11 includes an installation frame 11a for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to an island facility of an amusement parlor or the like, and a mounting frame 11b for mounting various gaming components. The mounting frame 11b is pivotally supported on one side edge of the opening of the installation frame 11a so as to be openable and closable relative to the installation frame 11a. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a locking device 11c for locking the mounting frame 11b so that it cannot be opened. The locking device 11c is configured to be unlocked by inserting a key that fits the locking device 11c and rotating it in a predetermined direction, thereby allowing the mounting frame 11b to be opened.

[0010] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a launch handle HD that is operated by a player when launching a gaming ball. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a speaker Sp that outputs sound. The speaker Sp can execute various notifications (hereinafter referred to as audio notifications) and various presentations (hereinafter referred to as audio presentations) by outputting sounds such as music and sound effects. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a decorative lamp La having a light-emitting body (not shown). The decorative lamp La can execute various notifications (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting notifications) and various presentations (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting presentations) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing the light-emitting body. In this embodiment, the speaker Sp and the decorative lamp La correspond to presentation execution means that can execute presentations.

[0011] The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect button D1 and a cross key D2 as an example of an operation means capable of performing a predetermined operation. In this embodiment, the effect button D1 and the cross key D2 are button-type means configured to be capable of being pressed. The effect button D1 and the cross key D2 are not limited to being button-type, and may be touch-sensor type, or may be configured to cause a predetermined display device to function as a touch panel type means. The effect button D1 and the cross key D2 may be configured to include multiple operable parts. In one example of this embodiment, the effect button D1 is configured to include a single operable part. The cross key D2 is configured to include multiple operable parts such as a left key D2l, a right key D2r, an up key D2u, and a down key D2d (see FIG. 3).

[0012] The pachinko game machine 10 includes a game board YB. A game area YBa is formed on the front side of the game board YB, into which game balls can flow. In this embodiment, game balls launched by operating the launch handle HD reach the game area YBa. The game board YB includes an opening window YBb in the approximate center when viewed from the front. A center frame W with various designs is attached to the opening window YBb.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a performance display device 12 having an image display unit GH capable of displaying an image. The performance display device 12 is attached to the game board YB so that the image display unit GH is visible through an opening window YBb (center frame W) of the game board YB when viewed from the front. For example, the image display unit GH is a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The performance display device 12 can execute various notifications (hereinafter referred to as display notifications) and various performances (hereinafter referred to as display performances) by displaying various images. In this embodiment, the performance display device 12 corresponds to a performance execution means capable of executing a performance.

[0014] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an information display device 13 capable of displaying predetermined information. The information display device 13 is provided on the game board YB at a position visible to the player. The information display device 13 includes a first special symbol display section 13a. The first special symbol display section 13a is capable of executing a first special symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and the first special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed and stopped symbol. The information display device 13 includes a second special symbol display section 13b. The second special symbol display section 13b is capable of executing a second special symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and the second special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed and stopped symbol. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are symbols for notifying the result of a special winning lottery, which will be described later.

[0015] In the following description, the special winning lottery for the first special symbol is abbreviated to "first special winning lottery," and the special winning lottery for the second special symbol is abbreviated to "second special winning lottery." The first special symbol changing game is abbreviated to "first special game," and the second special symbol changing game is abbreviated to "second special game." The first special game and the second special game are collectively referred to as "special games." In this specification, "changing display" means a state in which the type of the displayed symbol changes over time. In this specification, "determined stop display" means a state in which the symbol is definitively displayed and the type of the displayed symbol does not change. With respect to symbols, "determined stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning.

[0016] The special symbols that can be derived in the first special symbol display section 13a and the second special symbol display section 13b include a jackpot symbol as a jackpot result and a miss symbol as a miss result. In this embodiment, the first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously. In this embodiment, if a jackpot is won in the special winning lottery, a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, and a jackpot game occurs after the special game ends. The jackpot game will be described in detail later. On the other hand, if a jackpot is not won in the special winning lottery, a miss symbol is derived in the special game. That is, in the first special symbol display section 13a and the second special symbol display section 13b of this embodiment, a special game can be executed in which the special symbol is changed and stopped based on the result of the special winning lottery.

[0017] The information display device 13 includes a first special hold display section 13c. The first special hold display section 13c displays information that can identify the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. In the following description, the number of first special games that are on hold is indicated as the "first special hold number". In this embodiment, the maximum value of the first special hold number is "4". The information display device 13 includes a second special hold display section 13d. The second special hold display section 13d displays information that can identify the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. In the following description, the number of second special games that are on hold is indicated as the "second special hold number". In this embodiment, the maximum value of the second special hold number is "1".

[0018] The information display device 13 includes a normal symbol display unit 13e. The normal symbol display unit 13e can execute a normal symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and a normal symbol is finally displayed as a fixed stop. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of a normal lottery, which will be described later. In the following description, the normal symbol variation game is abbreviated to "normal game." The normal symbols that can be derived to the normal symbol display unit 13e include a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In this embodiment, when a normal winning symbol is won in the normal lottery, a normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game, and a normal winning game is generated after the normal game ends.

[0019] The information display device 13 includes a regular hold display section 13f. The regular hold display section 13f displays information that can identify the number of regular games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. In the following description, the number of regular games on hold is referred to as the "regular hold number." In this embodiment, the maximum value of the regular hold number is "1." Note that each display section in the information display device 13 does not need to be provided on one display device, and may be provided on different parts. In addition, the information display device 13 may include a right hit display section that displays information instructing a so-called "right hit" and a round display section that notifies the upper limit number of rounds of play, which will be described later.

[0020] A plurality of winning holes into which game balls can enter are formed on the game board YB. The plurality of winning holes are open to the game area YBa. The plurality of winning holes include a first start winning hole 14, a second start winning hole 15, and a big winning hole 17. The plurality of winning holes may include a winning hole different from these winning holes.

[0021] The first start winning opening 14 is a winning opening through which a game ball enters to establish the conditions for awarding prize balls and the reservation conditions for the first special game. As an example, the first start winning opening 14 is located below the performance display device 12. The first start winning opening 14 is always open so that game balls can enter. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a first start winning sensor SE1 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start winning opening 14 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the first start winning sensor SE1, the reservation conditions for the first special game can be established and the payout conditions for a predetermined number of prize balls are also established.

[0022] The second start winning opening 15 is a winning opening through which a game ball enters to establish the conditions for awarding prize balls and the reservation conditions for the second special game. As an example, the second start winning opening 15 is located at the lower right of the performance display device 12. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a second start winning sensor SE2 that detects a game ball that enters the second start winning opening 15 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2, the reservation conditions for the second special game may be established and the payout conditions for a predetermined number of prize balls are established.

[0023] The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a normal movable piece 16 that can be in a first operating state in which the game ball cannot enter the second start winning hole 15, and a second operating state in which the game ball can enter the second start winning hole 15. The normal movable piece 16 is always in the first operating state, and operates to the second operating state when a normal winning game is generated. In other words, when a normal winning game is generated, the second start winning hole 15 becomes capable of receiving the game ball. The game board YB is provided with a first solenoid SL1 as a means for operating the normal movable piece 16 (see FIG. 3).

[0024] The large prize opening 17 is an opening through which game balls enter in order to establish the conditions for awarding prize balls. As an example, the large prize opening 17 is located at the lower right of the performance display device 12 and above the upper right of the second start prize opening 15. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a count sensor SE3 that detects game balls that enter the large prize opening 17 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, in this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3, the conditions for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls are established.

[0025] The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a special opening / closing piece 18 that can be in an open state in which the large prize opening 17 is opened so that the game ball can enter, and in a closed state in which the large prize opening 17 is closed so that the game ball cannot enter. For example, the special opening / closing piece 18 may be a door-like member that opens and closes the large prize opening 17. The special opening / closing piece 18 is always in a closed state, and operates to an open state when a special winning game is generated. That is, when a special winning game is generated, the large prize opening 17 is opened so that the game ball can enter. The game board YB is provided with a second solenoid SL2 as a means for operating the special opening / closing piece 18 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, in a big winning game, the large prize opening 17 is opened, and the game ball that entered the large prize opening 17 is detected by the count sensor SE3, and the condition for awarding the prize ball is established. That is, in this embodiment, in a jackpot game, it is possible to obtain game balls as prize balls.

[0026] The game board YB has a gate 25. As an example, the gate 25 is located above the big prize opening 17. The gate 25 is always open so that game balls can enter (pass through). The pachinko game machine 10 has a gate sensor SE4 that detects game balls that have entered the gate 25 (see FIG. 3). The gate 25 is an entry opening through which game balls can enter in order to establish the conditions for starting a normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate 25, the conditions for awarding prize balls are not established.

[0027] Next, the path along which the gaming ball flows in this embodiment will be described. The pachinko game machine 10 configured as above has a plurality of paths through which the game balls flow down in the game area YBa according to the launch strength of the game balls. The paths through which the game balls flow down can also be understood as the areas through which the game balls flow down. The plurality of paths include a first path that flows down the left side of the center frame W (performance display device 12) and a second path that flows down the right side of the center frame W (performance display device 12). The first path and the second path may overlap in part or may not overlap in whole. In the following description, the area located to the left of the center line that bisects the game area YBa into the left and right sides when the game board YB is viewed from the front is referred to as the left side area, and the area located to the right of the center line is referred to as the right side area. That is, in this embodiment, the path that flows down the left side area is the first path, and the path that flows down the right side area is the second path.

[0028] A player can hit a game ball into the left area or the right area by adjusting the launch strength of the game ball by operating the launch handle HD. The first start winning hole 14 is open on the first path (left area). Therefore, if the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be weak, the game ball is likely to flow down the left area and may enter the first start winning hole 14. On the second path (right area), the gate 25, the big winning hole 17, and the second start winning hole 15 are open in that order from upstream. Therefore, if the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be strong, the game ball is likely to flow down the right area and may enter the second start winning hole 15, the big winning hole 17, or the gate 25.

[0029] In the following description, shooting a game ball toward the left side area may be referred to as a "left hit." Also, in the following description, shooting a game ball toward the right side area may be referred to as a "right hit."

[0030] Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment includes a non-time-shortening state and a time-shortening state as a plurality of game states with different degrees of advantage for the player. In this embodiment, the non-time-shortening state and the time-shortening state are game states in which the average fluctuation time of the special game is different. Specifically, the time-shortening state of this embodiment is a state in which the average fluctuation time of the special game is shorter than that of the non-time-shortening state. Also, in this embodiment, the non-time-shortening state and the time-shortening state are game states in which the probability of the game ball entering the second start winning hole 15 is different. Specifically, the time-shortening state of this embodiment is a state in which the probability of the game ball entering the second start winning hole 15 is higher than that of the non-time-shortening state. In other words, in this embodiment, the time-shortening state is a ball-entry rate improvement state in which the ball-entry rate of the game ball into the second start winning hole 15 is improved compared to the non-time-shortening state.

[0031] For example, the ball entry rate of the game balls into the second start winning hole 15 can be improved by performing one of the three controls described below, which is arbitrarily selected, or by performing a combination of the controls. The first control is a normal symbol variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game. The second control is a normal symbol probability variation control that varies the probability of winning a normal win in a normal lottery (normal win probability) to a high probability. The third control is an operation time extension control that lengthens the total operation time during which the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operation state in one normal win game. The operation time extension control may be at least one of a control that increases the number of times the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operation state in one normal win game, and a control that lengthens the operation time of one operation when the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operation state in a normal win game.

[0032] In particular, in this embodiment, the operating time during which the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operating state in one normal winning game in the non-time-saving state is short enough that the game ball cannot actually enter the second start winning hole 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the non-time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball to the left area than to shoot the game ball to the right area. In other words, the non-time-saving state can be said to be a game state in which hitting from the left is recommended.

[0033] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the operating time during which the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operating state in one normal winning game in the time-saving state is long enough for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball to the right area than to the left area. In other words, the time-saving state can be said to be a game state in which right-handed hitting is recommended.

[0034] Next, a big win in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. The types of jackpot symbols are also the types of jackpots. The jackpot symbols are classified into one or more types. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a jackpot game is awarded according to the type of jackpot symbol (type of jackpot).

[0035] In the jackpot game, a predetermined performance is first performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as the opening time). For example, the predetermined performance is an opening performance that can specify the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the large prize winning hole 17 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the hole or when a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed. In the round game, the large prize winning hole 17 is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). In each round game, a round performance is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined performance is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as the ending time). For example, the predetermined performance is an ending performance that can specify the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends with the passage of the ending time.

[0036] In the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, after the end of a jackpot game, the machine is controlled to a time-saving state until the special game is completed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) or until the next jackpot game is awarded.

[0037] Next, errors in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect various errors. Detectable errors in this embodiment include a frame opening error that is detected when a frame opening sensor (not shown) capable of detecting that the mounting frame 11b is open detects the opening of the mounting frame 11b. The frame opening error may be detected when the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10 operates the locking device 11c using a proper key to open the mounting frame 11b. The frame opening error may also be detected when a fraudster opens the mounting frame 11b by fraudulent means.

[0038] In addition, the detectable errors in this embodiment include a right-hit error that is detected when a game ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, or the gate sensor SE4 during a non-time-saving state. That is, a right-hit error is an error that is detected when a right hit is being performed in a non-time-saving state.

[0039] Next, the effect symbol variation game executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. In this embodiment, the performance display device 12 is capable of executing a performance pattern change game in which performance patterns are variably displayed in multiple rows and a final combination of performance patterns is derived. In the following explanation, the performance pattern change game is abbreviated to "performance game." Performance patterns are patterns (decorative patterns) decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are intended to diversify the display performance. In this embodiment, the performance game is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the first, second, and third pattern rows in a predetermined direction, respectively.

[0040] The effect game is started with the start of the special game and is ended with the end of the special game. Specifically, in the effect game, the effect symbols are temporarily displayed in a stopped state in each of the first to third symbol rows (hereinafter, referred to as a "temporary stop display"), and then the effect symbols temporarily displayed in each symbol row are displayed as a fixed stop display, thereby deriving a combination of effect symbols. In the effect game, a combination of effect symbols corresponding to the special symbols derived in the special game is derived. Specifically, when a big win symbol (a big win result) is derived in the special game, a big win symbol combination by the effect symbols is derived in the effect game. Also, when a losing symbol (a losing result) is derived in the special game, a losing symbol combination by the effect symbols is derived in the effect game. In the following description, the special game and the effect game may be collectively referred to as a "variable game".

[0041] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40. The main control board 40 performs various processes and outputs control signals such as control commands, which are an example of control information, depending on the results of the processes. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 are connected so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub-control board 50. The sub-control board 50 executes a predetermined process based on the control signal input from the main control board 40.

[0042] The main control board 40 will now be described in detail. The main control board 40 includes a microprocessor 41. The microprocessor 41 includes a processing unit (hereinafter referred to as the main control CPU 41a) and a storage unit (memory). The main control CPU 41a executes various processes by executing a program for main control. The storage unit of the microprocessor 41 includes a ROM area (hereinafter referred to as the main control ROM 41b) from which information can be read but to which information cannot be written, and a RAM area (hereinafter referred to as the main control RAM 41c) from which information can be read and written.

[0043] The main control ROM 41b stores judgment values ​​and tables used for various judgments and lotteries. The main control ROM 41b stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is variation information capable of identifying the content of the variation game. In particular, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is information capable of identifying the variation time from the start to the end of the special game. The variation pattern may be information capable of identifying the content of the performance performed during the execution of the special game.

[0044] The main control RAM 41c stores various information that is rewritten depending on the results of processing by the main control CPU 41a. In this embodiment, the main control RAM 41c corresponds to a storage means for storing various information related to the game. For example, the information stored in the main control RAM 41c is a flag, a counter, a timer, etc. The microprocessor 41 includes a random number circuit (not shown) that generates hardware random numbers. The microprocessor 41 may be capable of generating software random numbers by a random number generation process by the main control CPU 41a. Note that the main control CPU 41a, the main control ROM 41b, and the main control RAM 41c are not limited to being configured on a single chip as the microprocessor 41, and may be configured separately from each other.

[0045] The main control CPU 41a is connected to the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the gate sensor SE4. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input the detection signal output when each sensor detects a game ball. The main control CPU 41a is connected to the information display device 13. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information display device 13.

[0046] The main control CPU 41a is connected to the first solenoid SL1 and the second solenoid SL2. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the normal movable piece 16 by controlling the first solenoid SL1. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the special opening / closing piece 18 by controlling the second solenoid SL2.

[0047] The main control CPU 41a is connected to a frame open sensor (not shown). The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input an open detection signal that is output when the frame open sensor detects that the mounting frame 11b is opened.

[0048] Next, the sub-control board 50 will be described in detail. The sub-control board 50 includes a sub-control CPU 50a, a sub-control ROM 50b, and a sub-control RAM 50c. The sub-control CPU 50a executes a program for sub-control to perform various processes related to the presentation. The sub-control ROM 50b stores the sub-control program and a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery. The sub-control ROM 50b stores display presentation data used for display presentation, light-emitting presentation data used for light-emitting presentation, and audio presentation data used for audio presentation.

[0049] The sub-control RAM 50c stores various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-control RAM 50c is a flag, a counter, a timer, etc. In this embodiment, the sub-control board 50 is also configured to be capable of generating software random numbers by a random number generation process performed by the sub-control CPU 50a. The sub-control board 50 may also be equipped with a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

[0050] The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the performance display device 12. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the performance display device 12. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to a decorative lamp La. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp La. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to a speaker Sp. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker Sp. That is, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a functions as a performance control means that controls the performance execution means.

[0051] The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the effect button D1. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to input an operation signal (ON signal) that is output when the effect button D1 is operated. The sub-control CPU 50a is also connected to the cross key D2. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to input an operation signal that is output when each of the left key D2l, right key D2r, up key D2u, and down key D2d is operated. This allows the sub-control CPU 50a to detect which of the keys of the cross key D2 has been operated.

[0052] Next, various types of processing (control) executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. First, the special symbol input process will be described. In the special symbol input process, the main control CPU41a judges whether a game ball has entered the first start winning hole 14. At this time, the main control CPU41a judges that a game ball has entered the first start winning hole 14 by inputting a detection signal from the first start winning sensor SE1. When a game ball has entered the first start winning hole 14, the main control CPU41a judges whether the first special reserved number stored in the main control RAM41c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41a adds 1 to the first special reserved number stored in the main control RAM41c to update it. At this time, the main control CPU41a controls the information display device 13 to display the updated first special reserved number. Thus, in this embodiment, when the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, a game ball enters the first start winning port 14, and the entered game ball is detected by the first start winning sensor SE1, thereby establishing the reservation condition for the first special game. At this time, the main control CPU41a generates a first reserved number command capable of identifying the first special reserved number stored in the main control RAM41c, and sets it in the output buffer. In this embodiment, the command set in the output buffer is output to the sub-control CPU50a in a predetermined output process.

[0053] Next, the main control CPU41a acquires random numbers generated in the main control board 40, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM41c. For example, the random numbers are winning random numbers, big winning symbol random numbers, and variable pattern random numbers. At this time, the main control CPU41a 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 may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the first special game in the main control RAM41c, the execution of the first special game can be suspended until the start condition of the first special game is satisfied. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU41a stores the random number information for the first special game in the main control RAM41c, and the execution of the first special game can be suspended when the suspension condition of the first special game is satisfied.

[0054] Thereafter, the main control CPU41a pre-determines the variable content of the first special game for which the reserved condition is satisfied before the start condition of the first special game is satisfied, generates a pre-determination command capable of identifying the result of the pre-determination, and sets it in the output buffer. At this time, the main control CPU41a reads and identifies the first special reserved number stored in the main control RAM41c, generates a pre-determination command indicating the identified first special reserved number and the result of the above-mentioned pre-determination, and sets it in the output buffer.

[0055] Also, when a game ball has not entered the first start winning hole 14 and when the first special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41a judges whether a game ball has entered the second start winning hole 15. At this time, the main control CPU41a judges that a game ball has entered the second start winning hole 15 by inputting a detection signal from the second start winning sensor SE2. When a game ball has not entered the second start winning hole 15, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, when a game ball has entered the second start winning hole 15, the main control CPU41a judges whether the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM41c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41a adds 1 to the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM41c to update it. At this time, the main control CPU41a controls the information display device 13 to display the updated second special reserved number. Thus, in this embodiment, if the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, a game ball enters the second start winning hole 15, and the entered game ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2, thereby establishing the reservation condition for the second special game. Also, at this time, the main control CPU41a generates a second reserved number command capable of identifying the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM41c, and sets it in the output buffer.

[0056] Next, the main control CPU 41a acquires random numbers generated in the main control board 40, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 41c. At this time, the main control CPU 41a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is for the second special game, and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main control RAM 41c, the execution of the second special game can be suspended until the start condition of the second special game is satisfied. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a stores the random number information for the second special game in the main control RAM 41c, and thus the execution of the second special game can be suspended when the suspension condition of the second special game is satisfied.

[0057] After that, the main control CPU41a pre-determines the variable content of the second special game for which the reserved condition is satisfied before the start condition of the second special game is satisfied, generates a pre-determination command that can specify the result of the pre-determination, and sets it in the output buffer. At this time, the main control CPU41a reads and specifies the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM41c, generates a pre-determination command indicating the specified second special reserved number and the result of the above-mentioned pre-determination, and sets it in the output buffer. After that, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol input process.

[0058] By the special symbol input process as described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the variable game can be put on hold when the hold condition is met. Also, by the special symbol input process as described above, the main control CPU 41a can determine in advance the variable content of the held variable game before the start condition is met. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a functions as a pre-determination means for pre-determining the variable content of the held variable game before the start condition is met.

[0059] Next, the special symbol start process will be described. In the special symbol start process, the main control CPU41a judges whether the start condition of the special game is satisfied. The main control CPU41a judges positively when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played, and judges negatively when a jackpot game or a special game is being played. If the start condition of the special game is not satisfied, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol start process. If the start condition of the special game is satisfied, the main control CPU41a judges whether the second special reserved number is greater than zero. If the second special reserved number is zero, the main control CPU41a judges whether the first special reserved number is greater than zero.

[0060] When the first special reserved number is zero, the main control CPU41a judges whether or not an output flag is set in a predetermined storage area in the main control RAM41c. The output flag is information that can identify that a standby state command that can identify that the standby state has been output. The standby state is a state when the special game is not being executed, the jackpot game is not awarded, and the special game is not reserved. When the output flag is not set, the main control CPU41a generates a standby state command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU50a, and sets an output flag in the main control RAM41c. Thereafter, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol start process. On the other hand, when the output flag is set, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol start process without generating a new standby state command. In the following description, a period that is not in a standby state is referred to as a "play period". In other words, in this embodiment, the play period is a period during which a special game is being executed or a jackpot game is being executed.

[0061] If the first special reserved number is greater than zero, the main control CPU41a executes a process to execute the first special game. Specifically, the main control CPU41a updates the first special reserved number by subtracting 1. The main control CPU41a controls the first special reserved display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserved number. At this time, if an output flag is set in the main control RAM41c, the main control CPU41a erases the output flag.

[0062] Next, the main control CPU41a acquires the first stored random number information from the main control RAM41c among the random number information for the first special game. Next, the main control CPU41a performs a winning lottery (winning judgment) to determine whether or not a winning prize is awarded using a winning random number specified from the acquired random number information. As described above, all winning prizes in this embodiment are jackpots. Therefore, in this embodiment, the winning lottery can be understood as a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot is awarded.

[0063] When a jackpot is won, the main control CPU41a performs a jackpot variation process. In the jackpot variation process, the main control CPU41a performs a lottery for a jackpot pattern using a jackpot pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot pattern to be derived in the first special game. The main control CPU41a also performs a lottery for determining a variation pattern using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot variation pattern. After that, the main control CPU41a ends the special pattern start process.

[0064] If the jackpot is not won, the main control CPU41a performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the main control CPU41a determines a loss symbol to be derived in the first special game. In addition, the main control CPU41a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the loss variation pattern. After that, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol start process.

[0065] If the second special reserved number is greater than zero, the main control CPU41a performs processing to execute the second special game. The processing to execute the second special game is the processing to execute the first special game, with the "first special game" replaced with the "second special game" and the "first special reserved number" replaced with the "second special reserved number," so detailed explanations are omitted. In other words, the main control CPU41a performs subtraction of the second special reserved number, a jackpot lottery, and any of the variable processing based on the result of the jackpot lottery, and then ends the special symbol start processing.

[0066] The main control CPU41a outputs a variation start command and a special symbol command to the sub-control CPU50a in the jackpot variation process and the loss variation process. The variation start command is a control command capable of identifying the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of a special game (performance game). The special symbol command is a control command capable of identifying the special symbol (jackpot symbol or loss symbol) determined in each variation process. The variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation process of the first special game is executed and when the variation process of the second special game is executed.

[0067] When the special symbol start process is completed, the main control CPU 41a executes the first special game or the second special game by a process separate from the special symbol start process. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the main control CPU 41a executes the following process when the start condition of the special game is met, thereby starting the pending special game.

[0068] Specifically, when the main control CPU41a executes the first special game, it controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. The main control CPU41a measures the variable time determined in the variable pattern. When the variable time determined in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU41a controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. In addition, when the variable time determined in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU41a outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a variable end command) capable of specifying the end of the special game (presentation game) to the sub-control CPU50a.

[0069] On the other hand, when the main control CPU41a executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display section 13b to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. The main control CPU41a measures the variable time determined in the variable pattern. When the variable time determined in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU41a controls the second special symbol display section 13b to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. In addition, when the variable time determined in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU41a outputs a variable end command to the sub control CPU50a.

[0070] By the above-described process, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a pending variable game can be started when a starting condition is met. Next, the big win game processing will be explained.

[0071] The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the main control CPU41a causes a jackpot symbol to be derived in a special game, the main control CPU41a executes the jackpot game process after the end of the jackpot special game. The main control CPU41a specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. The main control CPU41a awards the specified type of jackpot game.

[0072] First, the main control CPU41a outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as an opening command) capable of specifying the start of the opening time to the sub-control CPU50a. When the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU41a performs processing for executing a round game. That is, the main control CPU41a controls the second solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game to open the big win opening 17. When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor SE3 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or the above-mentioned upper limit time has elapsed, the main control CPU41a controls the second solenoid SL2 to close the big win opening 17, thereby ending the round game. The main control CPU41a repeats such processing for executing a round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big win game is ended. The main control CPU41a outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a round command) capable of specifying the start of a round game to the sub-control CPU50a every time a round game is started. When the final round of play ends, the main control CPU41a outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as an ending command) capable of identifying the start of the ending time to the sub-control CPU50a. When the ending time has elapsed, the main control CPU41a ends the big win game. The main control CPU41a may be configured to output a control command (hereinafter, referred to as an ending end command) capable of identifying the elapse of the ending time to the sub-control CPU50a.

[0073] Next, the process of transitioning the gaming state will be described. The main control CPU41a controls the time-shortening state by setting the operation flag stored in the main control RAM41c to the ON state when the jackpot game ends. After that, the main control CPU41a counts the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends by updating the value of the execution counter stored in the main control RAM41c every time the special game is started after the jackpot game ends. Then, when the special game in which the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game reaches the number of times of operation ends, the main control CPU41a sets the operation flag stored in the main control RAM41c to the OFF state to end the time-shortening state and control the time-shortening state to the non-time-shortening state. That is, the main control CPU41a controls the time-shortening state by ending the time-shortening state when the special game that has been activated ends after the jackpot game ends. Also, the main control CPU41a controls the time-shortening state by setting the operation flag to the OFF state when the jackpot game starts. That is, the main control CPU 41a controls the game to a non-time-saving state during a jackpot game.

[0074] When the main control CPU 41a transitions the game state, the main control CPU 41a generates a game state command capable of identifying the current game state and outputs the game state command to the sub-control CPU 50a. Next, a process for detecting various errors will be described.

[0075] The main control CPU 41a sets the frame open error flag in the main control RAM 41c to the ON state when an open detection signal is input from the frame open sensor. The frame open error flag is information that can identify that a frame open error has been detected. In addition, the main control CPU 41a generates a frame open error command indicating the occurrence of a frame open error in response to setting the frame open error flag to the ON state and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. After that, the main control CPU 41a sets the frame open error flag in the main control RAM 41c to the OFF state in response to no longer receiving the open detection signal from the frame open sensor. Then, the main control CPU 41a generates a frame open error resolution command indicating the resolution of the frame open error in response to setting the frame open error flag to the OFF state and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a.

[0076] In addition, when the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal indicating that a game ball has been detected from any of the second start winning sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the gate sensor SE4 during the time-saving state, it generates a right-hit error command indicating the occurrence of a right-hit error and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a.

[0077] In addition to the above-mentioned processes, the main control CPU 41a also performs the following processes. For example, the main control CPU 41a performs processes related to normal symbols. In the processes related to normal symbols, the main control CPU 41a performs processes such as inputting a detection signal from the gate sensor SE4, executing a normal lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has been achieved, and starting a normal symbol variation game.

[0078] Next, a description will be given of various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 50a of the sub-control board 50 based on the sub-control program. When a control signal is input from the main control CPU 41a, the sub-control CPU 50a executes various processes in response to the control signal.

[0079] First, the effect symbol variation process for executing the effect game will be described. In the effect symbol variation process, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special symbol command, it determines the combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the special symbol specified from the special symbol command. When the sub-control CPU 50a specifies a jackpot symbol of the special symbol, it determines the symbol combination of the jackpot by the effect symbol. When the sub-control CPU 50a specifies a losing symbol of the special symbol, it determines the combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the variation pattern specified from the variation start command.

[0080] Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a fluctuation start command, it determines the effects to be executed during the execution of the special game based on the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command. In this embodiment, the determination ratio of the effects to be executed during the execution of the special game varies depending on the fluctuation pattern identified from the fluctuation start command. Then, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12, the speaker Sp, and the decorative lamp La to execute the determined effect. In the following description, the effect display device 12, the speaker Sp, and the decorative lamp La may be collectively referred to as the "effect device group."

[0081] After that, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the presentation game in response to the input of the variation end command, and controls the presentation display device 12 to derive a combination of presentation symbols. The sub-control CPU 50a may start measuring the variation time in response to the input of the variation start command, and may end the presentation game in response to the passage of the variation time set for the variation pattern identified from the variation start command. In other words, the end of the presentation game may be controlled without outputting the variation end command from the main control board 40.

[0082] Next, the control regarding the big win game will be explained. When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs an opening command, it controls the group of performance devices to execute an opening performance among the performances during a big win game. When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a round command, it controls the group of performance devices to execute a round performance among the performances during a big win game. When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs an ending command, it controls the group of performance devices to execute an ending performance among the performances during a big win game.

[0083] Next, control regarding an error state will be described. When the sub-control CPU 50a receives an error command indicating the occurrence of an error, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device group to execute an error notification. For example, in this embodiment, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives a frame open error command, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to display an error notification image for frame open error notification. Also, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives a right hit error command, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to display an error notification image for right hit error notification.

[0084] Next, various images displayed on the performance display device 12 in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 4(a), in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a predetermined background image is displayed on the performance display device 12. In this embodiment, there are multiple types of background images that can be displayed by the performance display device 12. The background image displayed on the performance display device 12 may be changed by a look-ahead performance, which will be described later.

[0085] In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, game information indicating the pending variable games and the running variable games is displayed on the performance display device 12. In this embodiment, the game information G0 indicating the running variable game is displayed in the running display area HR0, which is a display area for the running variable games, of the image display unit GH of the performance display device 12. In this embodiment, the game information G1 to G4 indicating the pending variable games are displayed in the pending display area HR1, which is a display area for the pending variable games, of the image display unit GH of the performance display device 12.

[0086] In the pending display area HR1, the game information G1 to G4 are displayed in the order in which the variable games corresponding to the game information were put on hold. For example, in this embodiment, the game information G1 corresponding to the first-put on hold variable game is displayed on the leftmost side in the pending display area HR1. Then, the game information G2 corresponding to the second-put on hold variable game is displayed second from the left, the game information G3 corresponding to the third-put on hold variable game is displayed third from the left, and the game information G4 corresponding to the fourth-put on hold variable game is displayed fourth from the left.

[0087] In this embodiment, when the current game state is the non-time-saving state, game information indicating the first special game is displayed in each of the display areas HR0 and HR1, while when the current game state is the time-saving state, game information indicating the second special game is displayed in each of the display areas HR0 and HR1. Therefore, for example, when the first special game is being executed during the non-time-saving state, game information G0 corresponding to the first special game being executed is displayed in the execution display area HR0. Also, when the game is in the non-time-saving state and two first special games are reserved, game information G1 corresponding to the first special game reserved first and game information G2 corresponding to the second special game reserved second are displayed in the reserved display area HR1.

[0088] Next, the effects that can be executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment can execute a look-ahead performance that suggests the expectation that the pending variable game will be a jackpot (hereinafter, referred to as the jackpot expectation). In the following description, the variable game in which the expectation of a jackpot is suggested in the look-ahead performance may be referred to as a "variable game targeted by the look-ahead performance". The look-ahead performance of this embodiment is a performance executed by a combination of a display performance by the performance display device 12, an audio performance by the speaker Sp, and a light-emitting performance by the decorative lamp La. In the following description, the display performance in the look-ahead performance is referred to as a "look-ahead display performance", the audio performance in the look-ahead performance is referred to as a "look-ahead voice performance", and the light-emitting performance in the look-ahead performance is referred to as a "look-ahead light-emitting performance". That is, in this embodiment, the performance display device 12 can execute a look-ahead display performance as a look-ahead performance. Also, in this embodiment, the speaker Sp can execute a look-ahead voice performance as a look-ahead performance. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the decorative lamp La can execute a look-ahead light-emitting performance as a look-ahead performance.

[0089] In this embodiment, the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance are performed in a performance mode that encourages the look-ahead display performance to be executed thereafter. For example, in the look-ahead voice performance, a voice saying "Pay attention to the LCD" is output, and a song that encourages the execution of the look-ahead display performance is output. Also, for example, in the look-ahead light-emitting performance, the time interval at which the light-emitting body blinks is gradually shortened from the start of the look-ahead light-emitting performance to the execution of the look-ahead display performance, and after the look-ahead display performance is executed, the light-emitting body continues to light up until the end of the look-ahead light-emitting performance.

[0090] As shown in Figures 4(b) and 4(c), the look-ahead display performance is a performance that changes the display mode of the image displayed on the performance display device 12. In other words, the look-ahead display performance is a performance that changes the display mode of the image in the display performance that is being executed. In this embodiment, there are multiple types of performance modes for the look-ahead display performance. Specifically, in this embodiment, the performance modes for the look-ahead display performance include a background change mode that changes the display mode of the background image being displayed, and a hold change mode that changes the display mode of the game information corresponding to the held variable game.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 4(b), in the look-ahead display performance by the background change mode, the display mode of the background image is changed in the same mode regardless of the number of the variable game in which the look-ahead display suggests the jackpot expectation in the look-ahead display is held among the pending variable games. Therefore, in this embodiment, the background change mode among the performance modes of the look-ahead display performance is a performance mode that conceals the number of the variable game in which the look-ahead display suggests the jackpot expectation in the pending variable games. Specifically, in this embodiment, in the look-ahead display performance by the background change mode, the display mode of the background image displayed on the performance display device 12 is changed from a normal mode to a special mode.

[0092] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4(c), in the pre-reading display performance by the reserved change mode, the display mode of the game information corresponding to the variable game whose expectation of a jackpot is suggested in the pre-reading performance is changed. For example, if the variable game whose expectation of a jackpot is suggested in the pre-reading performance is the fourth reserved variable game among the reserved variable games, the display mode of the game information G4 corresponding to the fourth reserved variable game is changed in the pre-reading display performance by the reserved change mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reserved change mode among the performance modes of the pre-reading display performance can be said to be a performance mode that can specify which of the reserved variable games the pre-reading performance suggests the expectation of a jackpot for. Specifically, in this embodiment, in the pre-reading display performance by the reserved change mode, the display mode of the game information corresponding to the variable game whose expectation of a jackpot is suggested in the pre-reading performance is changed from the normal mode to the special mode.

[0093] In this embodiment, there is one type of performance for each of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance. Specifically, the look-ahead voice performance is performed in a manner in which a predetermined look-ahead performance sound is output from the speaker Sp. Also, the look-ahead light-emitting performance is performed in a manner in which the light-emitting body of the decorative lamp La emits light in a predetermined light-emitting pattern for the look-ahead performance.

[0094] 5(a), the pachinko game machine 10 of the present embodiment can execute an operation instruction effect that instructs the operation of the effect button D1. The operation instruction effect of the present embodiment is an effect executed by displaying a predetermined operation instruction image G10 on the effect display device 12.

[0095] Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment can execute a specific effect that suggests the probability of a jackpot in the variable game being executed after the operation instruction effect ends. The specific effect of this embodiment is an effect executed by combining a display effect by the effect display device 12, an audio effect by the speaker Sp, and an illumination effect by the decorative lamp La. In the following description, the display effect in the specific effect is referred to as a "specific display effect", the audio effect in the specific effect is referred to as a "specific audio effect", and the illumination effect in the specific effect is referred to as a "specific illumination effect".

[0096] In this embodiment, the specific audio performance and the specific light-emitting performance are performed in a performance mode that encourages the specific display performance to be performed thereafter. For example, in the specific audio performance, a sound saying "Pay attention to the LCD" is output, and a piece of music that encourages the execution of the specific display performance is output. Also, for example, in the specific light-emitting performance, the time interval at which the light-emitting body blinks is gradually shortened from the start of the specific light-emitting performance to the execution of the specific display performance, and after the specific display performance is executed, the light-emitting body continues to light up until the end of the specific light-emitting performance.

[0097] As shown in Figures 5(b) and 5(c), in this embodiment, there are multiple types of presentation modes for the specific display presentation. Specifically, in this embodiment, the presentation modes for the specific display presentation include a first presentation mode and a second presentation mode in which different images are displayed on the presentation display device 12. In the specific presentation based on the first presentation mode, a first specific image G11 imitating the character string "Chance" is displayed. In the specific presentation based on the second presentation mode, a second specific image G12 imitating the character string "Congratulations" is displayed.

[0098] In this embodiment, there is one type of performance mode for each of the specific sound performance and the specific light emission performance. Specifically, the specific sound performance is performed in a mode in which a specific sound for the specific performance is output from the speaker Sp. Also, the specific light emission performance is performed in a mode in which the light emitter of the decorative lamp La emits light in a specific light emission pattern for the specific performance.

[0099] Next, the control of the sub-control CPU 50a for executing each performance will be described. First, the pre-reading effect determination process for executing the pre-reading effect will be described. When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the advance judgment command, it performs a look-ahead performance judgment process. In the look-ahead performance judgment process, the sub-control CPU 50a performs a look-ahead performance lottery to determine whether or not to execute the look-ahead performance. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a performs the look-ahead performance lottery with different winning probabilities depending on the result of the advance judgment specified from the advance judgment command. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a performs the look-ahead performance lottery so that the probability of winning is higher when the look-ahead performance lottery is won than when the look-ahead performance lottery is not won.

[0100] When the pre-reading performance lottery is won, the sub-control CPU 50a performs a pre-reading performance mode determination lottery to determine the performance mode in the pre-reading display performance. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a may perform the pre-reading performance mode determination lottery to determine the performance mode in the pre-reading display performance at a different determination ratio depending on the result of the pre-determination specified from the pre-determination command.

[0101] When the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance is determined in the look-ahead performance mode determination lottery, the sub-control CPU 50a stores in the sub-control RAM 50c look-ahead performance information that can identify the decision to execute the look-ahead performance and the performance mode determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance. After that, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the look-ahead performance determination process. On the other hand, if the look-ahead performance lottery is not won, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the look-ahead performance determination process without storing the look-ahead performance information in the sub-control RAM 50c.

[0102] Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a ends the look-ahead performance determination process, it performs control to execute the look-ahead performance. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 50a stores look-ahead performance information in the sub-control RAM 50c in the look-ahead performance determination process, it controls to start the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance upon the end of the look-ahead performance determination process. That is, in this embodiment, the timing at which the look-ahead voice performance starts and the timing at which the look-ahead light emission performance starts are the same.

[0103] In addition, when the sub-control CPU 50a stores pre-reading performance information in the sub-control RAM 50c during the pre-reading performance determination process, it controls the pre-reading display performance to be executed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the pre-reading performance determination process was completed.

[0104] At this time, the time from the end of the look-ahead performance determination process to the execution of the look-ahead display performance differs depending on the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance determined in the look-ahead performance determination process. Specifically, if the background change mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance in the look-ahead performance determination process, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the look-ahead display performance by the background change mode, triggered by the passage of a first time from the end of the look-ahead performance determination process. On the other hand, if the reserve change mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance in the look-ahead performance determination process, the sub-control CPU 50a executes the look-ahead display performance by the reserve change mode, triggered by the passage of a second time, which is longer than the first time, from the end of the look-ahead performance determination process. That is, in this embodiment, the timing at which the look-ahead display performance is executed differs depending on the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance.

[0105] After that, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the end of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance when the third time has elapsed since the look-ahead performance determination process ended. Here, the third time from the end of the look-ahead performance determination process to the end of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance is longer than the second time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the look-ahead display performance is executed from the start of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance to the end of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance, regardless of whether it is executed in the background change mode or in the hold change mode. That is, in this embodiment, the look-ahead display performance is executed after the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance are started.

[0106] When the pre-reading display performance is executed in the background change mode, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the display mode of the background image to be changed to the normal mode when the variable game targeted by the pre-reading performance is ended. When the pre-reading display performance is executed in the reserve change mode, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the game information corresponding to the variable game targeted by the pre-reading performance to be hidden when the variable game targeted by the pre-reading performance is ended.

[0107] As a result, the sub-control CPU 50a can control the execution of the look-ahead performance based on the result of the advance judgment by the main control CPU 41a. In particular, in this embodiment, the look-ahead performance includes a look-ahead display performance, a look-ahead voice performance, and a look-ahead light emission performance. That is, it can be said that the sub-control CPU 50a can control the execution of the look-ahead display performance, the look-ahead voice performance, and the look-ahead light emission performance based on the result of one advance judgment by the main control CPU 41a. In this embodiment, the look-ahead display performance corresponds to the first performance. That is, in this embodiment, the performance display device 12 corresponds to the first performance execution means. Also, in this embodiment, the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance correspond to the second performance. That is, in this embodiment, the speaker Sp and the decorative lamp La correspond to the second performance execution means and the third specific performance execution means. In particular, in this embodiment, the speaker Sp corresponds to the first performance section of the second performance execution means, and the decorative lamp La corresponds to the second performance section of the second performance execution means.

[0108] Next, the specific effect determination process for executing the operation instruction effect and the specific effect will be described. When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the fluctuation start command, it performs a specific effect determination process. In the specific effect determination process, the sub-control CPU 50a performs a specific effect lottery to determine whether or not to execute the operation instruction effect and the specific effect. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a performs a specific effect lottery with different winning probabilities according to the type of fluctuation pattern specified from the fluctuation start command. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a performs a specific effect lottery so that the probability of winning is higher when the specific effect lottery is won than when the specific effect lottery is not won.

[0109] When the specific performance lottery is won, the sub-control CPU 50a performs a specific performance mode determination lottery to determine the performance mode in the specific display performance. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a may perform the specific performance mode determination lottery to determine the performance mode in the specific display performance at a different determination ratio according to the type of fluctuation pattern specified from the fluctuation start command.

[0110] When the performance mode of the specific display performance is determined in the specific performance mode determination lottery, the sub-control CPU 50a stores in the sub-control RAM 50c the specific performance information that can identify the decision to execute the specific performance and the performance mode determined as the performance mode of the specific display performance. After that, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the specific performance determination process. On the other hand, if the specific performance lottery is not won, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the specific performance determination process without storing the specific performance information in the sub-control RAM 50c.

[0111] Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a ends the specific effect determination process, it performs control to execute the operation instruction effect during the execution of the variation game corresponding to the input variation start command. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 50a stores the specific effect information in the sub-control RAM 50c in the specific effect determination process, it controls to start the operation instruction effect at a predetermined timing during the execution of the variation game corresponding to the input variation start command. In addition, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to start an operation valid period during which the operation of the effect button D1 is valid, along with the start of the operation instruction effect.

[0112] Thereafter, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to end the operation instruction effect and execute a specific effect when an operation condition is met in which the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, or when a period end condition is met in which the operation valid period ends without the effect button D1 being operated. That is, the sub-control CPU 50a is capable of an operation-time effect control in which a specific effect is executed when the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, and a non-operation-time effect control in which a specific effect is executed when the operation valid period ends without the effect button D1 being operated. In this embodiment, the operation valid period ends when a predetermined specified time has elapsed since the start of the variable game. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to start a specific voice effect and a specific light emission effect when an operation condition or a period end condition is met. That is, in this embodiment, the timing at which the specific voice effect starts and the timing at which the specific light emission effect starts are the same.

[0113] Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to execute a specific display performance at a predetermined timing after the specific sound performance and the specific light emission performance are started. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a executes a specific display performance when a first specific time has elapsed since the specific sound performance and the specific light emission performance are started. At this time, the first specific time from the start of the specific sound performance and the specific light emission performance to the execution of the specific display performance is the same in the case where the specific performance is executed with the establishment of the operation condition as the trigger and the case where the specific performance is executed with the establishment of the period end condition as the trigger. In other words, in this embodiment, when the performance control during operation is executed, the time from the start of the specific sound performance and the specific light emission performance to the execution of the specific display performance is the same as the time from the start of the specific sound performance and the specific light emission performance to the execution of the specific display performance when the performance control during non-operation is executed.

[0114] Thereafter, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect to end when a second specific time has elapsed since the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect started. Here, the second specific time from the start of the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect to the end of the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect is longer than the first specific time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the specific display effect is executed between the start of the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect and the end of the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect. That is, in this embodiment, the specific display effect is executed after the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect started.

[0115] The sub-control CPU 50a controls the specific display effect to end when a third specific time has elapsed since the start of the variable game. Here, the third specific time from the start of the variable game to the end of the specific display effect is longer than the sum of the specified time and the second specific time.

[0116] By such control, the sub-control CPU 50a can control the execution of a specific performance triggered by one operation of the performance button D1. In particular, in this embodiment, the specific performance includes a specific display performance, a specific audio performance, and a specific light emission performance. That is, it can be said that the sub-control CPU 50a can control the execution of a specific display performance, a specific audio performance, and a specific light emission performance triggered by one operation of the performance button D1. In this embodiment, the specific display performance corresponds to the first specific performance. That is, in this embodiment, the performance display device 12 corresponds to the first specific performance execution means. Also, in this embodiment, the specific audio performance and the specific light emission performance correspond to the second specific performance. That is, in this embodiment, the speaker Sp and the decorative lamp La correspond to the second specific performance execution means.

[0117] In addition, by such control, the sub-control CPU 50a can control the execution of a specific effect even if the effect button D1 is not operated during the effective operation period. In other words, the sub-control CPU 50a can control the execution of a specific display effect, a specific audio effect, and a specific light emission effect even if the effect button D1 is not operated during the effective operation period.

[0118] Below, a specific example of the flow of presentation in this embodiment will be described. First, a specific example of the flow of the performance when the pre-reading performance is executed will be described. In this example, the flow of the performance when various errors are not detected will be described.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b), in this example, the background image is displayed in the normal mode on the performance display device 12 (time t0). Next, when the hold condition of the variable game is established, the performance display device 12 displays the game information corresponding to the held variable game in the normal mode (time t1). Here, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a pre-determination command in response to the hold condition of the variable game being established, it executes a look-ahead performance determination process. In the example of FIG. 6(a), it is determined that the look-ahead performance is to be executed, and a background change mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance. Also, in the example of FIG. 6(b), it is determined that the look-ahead performance is to be executed, and a hold change mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance.

[0120] When it is determined in the process of determining whether or not to execute the look-ahead performance, the speaker Sp starts a look-ahead sound performance upon completion of the process of determining whether or not to execute the look-ahead performance. Similarly, the decorative lamp La starts a look-ahead light emission performance upon completion of the process of determining whether or not to execute the look-ahead performance.

[0121] 6(a), when the background change mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance, the performance display device 12 executes the look-ahead display performance with the background change mode, triggered by the elapse of a first time from the end of the look-ahead performance determination process (time t2). That is, in the performance display device 12, the display mode of the background image is changed from the normal mode to the special mode, triggered by the elapse of a first time from the end of the look-ahead performance determination process.

[0122] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6(b), when the reserved change mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance, the performance display device 12 executes the look-ahead display performance according to the reserved change mode, triggered by the elapse of a second time from the end of the look-ahead performance determination process (time t3). That is, in the performance display device 12, the display mode of the game information is changed from the normal mode to the special mode, triggered by the elapse of a second time from the end of the look-ahead performance determination process.

[0123] Thereafter, in the speaker Sp, the look-ahead sound effect ends when the third time has elapsed since the look-ahead effect determination process is completed (time t4). Similarly, in the decorative lamp La, the look-ahead light emission effect ends when the third time has elapsed since the look-ahead effect determination process is completed (time t4). Then, when the look-ahead display effect is executed in the background change mode, the effect display device 12 changes the display mode of the background image to the normal mode when the variable game that was the target of the look-ahead effect is completed. On the other hand, when the look-ahead display effect is executed in the reserve change mode, the sub-control CPU 50a disables the display of game information corresponding to the variable game that was the target of the look-ahead effect when the variable game that was the target of the look-ahead effect is completed.

[0124] In this manner, in the present embodiment, when a look-ahead performance is executed, the look-ahead display performance among the look-ahead performances is executed after the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance among the look-ahead performances are started. In particular, in the present embodiment, the look-ahead display performance is executed between the start of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance and the end of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance.

[0125] Next, a specific example of the flow of the performance when the operation instruction performance and the specific performance are executed will be described. Note that in this example, the flow of the performance when various errors are not detected will be described.

[0126] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), in this example, a variable game is being played, and the execution of an operation instruction performance and a specific performance has been determined in the specific performance determination process, and the operation instruction performance has started in the performance display device 12 upon completion of the specific performance determination process (time t10).

[0127] Then, as shown in FIG. 7(a), when the operation condition that the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period is satisfied, the specific voice effect and the specific light emission effect are started. That is, when the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, the specific voice effect is started in the speaker Sp (time t11). Similarly, when the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, the specific light emission effect is started in the decorative lamp La (time t11). Also, when the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, the operation instruction effect is ended in the effect display device 12. After that, when a first specific time has elapsed since the start of the specific voice effect and the specific light emission effect, the specific display effect is started in the effect display device 12 (time t12). Then, when a second specific time has elapsed since the start of the specific voice effect and the specific light emission effect, the specific voice effect is ended in the speaker Sp (time t13). Similarly, when a second specific time has elapsed since the start of the specific voice effect and the specific light emission effect, the specific light emission effect is ended in the decorative lamp La (time t13). Then, when the third specific time has elapsed since the start of the variable game, the specific display effect is ended in the effect display device 12 (time t17).

[0128] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when the period end condition is satisfied that the operation effective period ends without the effect button D1 being operated, the specific voice effect and the specific light emission effect are also started. That is, when the operation effective period ends without the effect button D1 being operated, the specific voice effect is started in the speaker Sp (time t14). Similarly, when the operation effective period ends without the effect button D1 being operated, the specific light emission effect is started in the decorative lamp La (time t14). Also, when the operation effective period ends without the effect button D1 being operated, the operation instruction effect is ended in the effect display device 12. After that, when the first specific time has elapsed since the start of the specific voice effect and the specific light emission effect, the effect display device 12 starts the specific display effect (time t15). Then, when the second specific time has elapsed since the start of the specific voice effect and the specific light emission effect, the speaker Sp ends the specific voice effect (time t16). Similarly, when a second specific time has elapsed since the start of the specific sound effect and the specific light-emitting effect, the specific light-emitting effect of the decorative lamp La ends (time t16). Then, when a third specific time has elapsed since the start of the variable game, the specific display effect of the effect display device 12 ends (time t17).

[0129] In this manner, in the present embodiment, when a specific effect is executed, the specific display effect of the specific effect is executed after the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect of the specific effect are started. In particular, in the present embodiment, the specific display effect is executed between the start of the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect and the end of the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect.

[0130] Next, a specific example of the flow of the presentation when a pre-reading presentation is executed when various errors are detected will be described. As shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), in this example, it is assumed that a background image is displayed in a normal mode on the performance display device 12 (time point t20). In the example of Figure 8(a), it is assumed that neither a right hit error nor a frame opening error is detected. In the example of Figure 8(b), it is assumed that a right hit error is detected (time point t21) out of a right hit error and a frame opening error. In this case, an error notification image for notifying a right hit error is displayed on the performance display device 12. In the example of Figure 8(c), it is assumed that a frame opening error is detected out of a right hit error and a frame opening error. In this case, an error notification image for notifying a frame opening error is displayed on the performance display device 12.

[0131] Next, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a pre-determination command in response to the establishment of the hold condition of the variable game, it executes a look-ahead performance determination process (time t22). In this example, it is determined that the look-ahead performance is to be executed, and the background change mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance. In this case, the speaker Sp starts a look-ahead sound performance in response to the end of the look-ahead performance determination process. Similarly, the decorative lamp La starts a look-ahead light-emitting performance in response to the end of the look-ahead performance determination process.

[0132] 8(a), if neither the right-hit error nor the frame-opening error is detected, the performance display device 12 executes a look-ahead display performance with a background change mode, triggered by the first time having elapsed since the look-ahead performance determination process was completed (time t23). In other words, if neither the right-hit error nor the frame-opening error is detected, the performance display device 12 changes the display mode of the background image from the normal mode to the special mode, triggered by the first time having elapsed since the look-ahead performance determination process was completed.

[0133] Similarly, as shown in Fig. 8(b), when a right-hit error is detected, the performance display device 12 executes a look-ahead display performance in a background change mode when the first time has elapsed since the look-ahead performance determination process ended (time t23). In other words, when a right-hit error is detected, the performance display device 12 changes the display mode of the background image from the normal mode to a special mode when the first time has elapsed since the look-ahead performance determination process ended. In this case, even after the right-hit error is no longer detected, the performance display device 12 displays the background image in a special mode (time t24).

[0134] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8(c), when a frame opening error is detected, the performance display device 12 does not execute the look-ahead display performance by the background change mode when the first time has elapsed since the look-ahead performance determination process ended (time t23). In this case, when the frame opening error is no longer detected, the performance display device 12 executes the look-ahead display performance by the background change mode (time t24). In other words, when a frame opening error is detected, the performance display device 12 changes the display mode of the background image from the normal mode to the special mode when the frame opening error is no longer detected.

[0135] Thereafter, in the speaker Sp, the look-ahead sound effect is terminated (time t25) when the third time has elapsed since the look-ahead effect determination process was terminated. Similarly, in the decorative lamp La, the look-ahead light emission effect is terminated (time t25) when the third time has elapsed since the look-ahead effect determination process was terminated. Then, in the effect display device 12, the display mode of the background image is changed to the normal mode when the variable game that was the subject of the look-ahead effect is terminated.

[0136] Although not shown, when both a right hit error and a frame opening error are detected, similar to the case where only a frame opening error is detected among the right hit error and the frame opening error, the performance display device 12 does not execute the look-ahead display performance by the background change mode when the first time has elapsed since the look-ahead performance determination process ended. And when both a right hit error and a frame opening error are detected, similar to the case where a frame opening error is detected, the performance display device 12 executes the look-ahead display performance by the background change mode when the frame opening error is no longer detected.

[0137] Also, although not shown, when it is decided to execute a look-ahead performance, and a frame opening error is still detected at the time when the variable game that is the subject of the look-ahead performance ends, the performance display device 12 does not execute the look-ahead display performance.

[0138] Furthermore, although not shown, when a reserved change mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance, similarly to when a background change mode is determined, if a frame opening error is detected, the performance display device 12 does not execute the look-ahead display performance based on the reserved change mode when the first time has elapsed since the look-ahead performance determination process ended. Then, in the performance display device 12, when a frame opening error is no longer detected, the look-ahead display performance based on the reserved change mode is executed.

[0139] In this way, in this embodiment, when an error is detected, the timing of executing the look-ahead display effect differs depending on the type of error detected. In particular, in this embodiment, when a right-hit error is detected, the look-ahead display effect is executed at the same timing as when various errors are not detected, while when a frame-opening error is detected, the look-ahead display effect is executed at a different timing than when various errors are not detected and when a right-hit error is detected.

[0140] The effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) In this embodiment, when a look-ahead performance is executed based on the result of one advance judgment, the look-ahead display performance is executed after attracting the player's attention with the look-ahead sound performance and the look-ahead light emission performance. This makes it possible to prevent the player from missing the look-ahead display performance, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0141] (1-2) The look-ahead display effect is an effect that changes the display mode of the background image or reserved image being displayed, and therefore can be said to be an effect that is easily overlooked compared to effects that display new images, etc. Such look-ahead display effects can be executed after attracting the player's attention with the look-ahead sound effect and the look-ahead light emission effect, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0142] (1-3) In particular, the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light effect are executed in a manner that encourages the look-ahead display effect that is executed thereafter, which further prevents the player from missing the look-ahead display effect.

[0143] (1-4) Even after the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light-emitting effect have started, it is possible that the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light-emitting effect will no longer attract the player's attention when they end. In contrast, the look-ahead display effect is executed between the start of the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light-emitting effect and the end of the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light-emitting effect. This makes it harder for the look-ahead display effect to be overlooked, and increases the player's interest in the game.

[0144] (1-5) Since the pre-reading audio effect and the pre-reading light effect start at the same time, they can attract the player's attention more effectively than if they were to start at different times.

[0145] (1-6) Regardless of whether the look-ahead display performance is executed in the background change mode or the hold change mode, the look-ahead display performance is executed after the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light performance have started, which effectively prevents the player from missing the look-ahead display performance.

[0146] (1-7) Since the look-ahead display performance is executed at different timings depending on whether the performance mode, the background change mode or the hold change mode, is executed, it is possible to prevent the player from missing the look-ahead display performance, while also providing the player with the enjoyment of guessing the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance based on the start timing of the look-ahead display performance.

[0147] (1-8) In this embodiment, when a specific effect is executed by operating the effect button D1 once, the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect attract the player's attention, and then the specific display effect is executed. This makes it possible to prevent the player from missing the specific display effect, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0148] (1-9) In particular, the specific sound effects and the specific light emission effects are executed in a manner that encourages the specific display effects that are executed thereafter, which further reduces the chance that the player will miss the specific display effects.

[0149] (1-10) Even after the specific sound effects and specific light emission effects have started, it is possible that the player's attention will not be attracted when the specific sound effects and specific light emission effects end. In contrast, the specific display effects are executed between the start of the specific sound effects and the specific light emission effects and the end of the specific sound effects and the specific light emission effects. This makes it harder for the specific display effects to be overlooked, and increases the player's interest in the game.

[0150] (1-11) The specific sound effects and the specific light effects start at the same time, so that they can attract the player's attention more effectively than if they were to start at different times.

[0151] (1-12) Since the time from the start of the specific audio performance and the specific light emission performance to the execution of the specific display performance is the same when a specific performance is executed in response to the satisfaction of an operation condition and when a specific performance is executed in response to the satisfaction of a period end condition, the specific display performance is less likely to be overlooked.

[0152] Second embodiment Next, a pachinko game machine according to a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configurations and the same controls as those in the already described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description will be omitted or simplified.

[0153] The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the second embodiment has, as one of the customization functions related to the effects, a mode change function for changing the effect mode that defines the effect form of various effects. The presentation modes in the pachinko game machine 10 of the second embodiment include a first presentation mode and a second presentation mode. In the second embodiment, the first presentation mode and the second presentation mode are presentation modes in which the types of background images displayed in the presentation display device 12 during the execution of the variable game and during the standby state are different. Specifically, in the second embodiment, when the device is controlled to the first presentation mode, the background image of the first normal mode is displayed as the background image of the normal mode, while when the device is controlled to the second presentation mode, the background image of the second normal mode is displayed as the background image of the normal mode. Also, in the second embodiment, when the device is controlled to the first presentation mode, the background image of the first special mode is displayed as the background image of the special mode, while when the device is controlled to the second presentation mode, the background image of the second special mode is displayed as the background image of the special mode. That is, in the second embodiment, when the device is controlled to the first presentation mode and when the device is controlled to the second presentation mode, the background image displayed as the background image of the normal mode is different, and the background image displayed as the background image of the special mode is different.

[0154] In the second embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a can control to a predetermined presentation mode by storing a predetermined value in the mode flag stored in the sub-control RAM 50c. That is, in the second embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a functions as a customization means capable of customizing the presentation. The sub-control CPU 50a can change the presentation mode by updating the value of the mode flag when an operation signal indicating that the cross key D2 (left key D2l and right key D2r) has been operated is input.

[0155] Next, control for displaying a background image in the second embodiment will be described. When starting a variation game, the sub-control CPU 50a specifies the current presentation mode based on the value of the mode flag, and stores a value that can specify the specified presentation mode in the start mode flag in the sub-control RAM 50c. The sub-control CPU 50a controls the presentation display device 12 to display a background image in a display mode that corresponds to a presentation mode that can be specified from the value stored in the start mode flag during the execution of the variation game. Therefore, even if the value of the mode flag is updated during the execution of the variation game, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the background image to be displayed in a display mode that corresponds to the presentation mode at the start of the variation game until the variation game being executed is terminated. After that, the sub-control CPU 50a specifies the current presentation mode based on the value of the mode flag when the variation game being executed is terminated, and controls the presentation display device 12 to display a background image in a display mode that corresponds to the specified presentation mode. The sub-control CPU 50a also erases the value of the start mode flag when the variation game being executed is terminated. In other words, when the value of the mode flag is updated during execution of a variation game, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the display mode of the background image not to be changed during execution of the variation game, but to be changed when the variation game ends.

[0156] On the other hand, when the value of the mode flag is updated during the standby state, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to display the background image in a display mode corresponding to the presentation mode specified from the updated value of the mode flag during the standby state. In other words, when the value of the mode flag is updated during the standby state, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to change the display mode of the background image in accordance with the update of the mode flag value.

[0157] Hereinafter, a specific example of the flow of the presentation when a look-ahead presentation is executed in the second embodiment and a background change mode is determined as the presentation mode of the look-ahead display presentation will be described.

[0158] As shown in Fig. 9, in this example, it is assumed that the variable game is started during the first presentation mode. Therefore, in this example, the background image is displayed in the first normal mode on the presentation display device 12 (time t30). Also, in this example, values ​​that can specify the first presentation mode are stored in the mode flag and the start mode flag.

[0159] Next, when a pre-determination command is input in response to the establishment of the hold condition of the variable game, the sub-control CPU 50a executes a look-ahead performance determination process (time t31). In this example, it is determined that the look-ahead performance is to be executed, and a background change mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance. When the look-ahead performance determination process determines that the look-ahead performance is to be executed, the speaker Sp starts a look-ahead sound performance upon completion of the look-ahead performance determination process. Similarly, the decorative lamp La starts a look-ahead light-emitting performance upon completion of the look-ahead performance determination process.

[0160] After that, in this example, the cross key D2 is operated during the execution of the variable game in which the look-ahead performance determination process is executed, and the performance mode is changed to the second performance mode (time t32). That is, in this example, the performance mode is changed during the execution of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance. At this time, the value of the mode flag is updated from a value that identifies the first performance mode to a value that identifies the second performance mode, while the value of the start mode flag remains the value that identifies the first performance mode and is not updated. Therefore, the performance display device 12 continues to display the background image in the first normal mode.

[0161] Next, in the performance display device 12, the first time has passed since the end of the look-ahead performance determination process, and the look-ahead display performance is executed in the background change mode (time t33). Here, the first time is the same time as when the performance mode is not changed during the execution of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance. That is, in the second embodiment, even if the performance mode is changed during the execution of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance, the look-ahead display performance is executed at the same timing as when the performance mode is not changed during the execution of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a determines the display mode of the background image based on the value of the start-time mode flag. In this example, at time t33, a value that can specify the first performance mode is stored in the start-time mode flag. Therefore, in the performance display device 12, the background image is displayed in the first special mode. That is, in the performance display device 12, the display mode of the background image is changed from the first normal mode to the first special mode, triggered by the first time having passed since the end of the look-ahead performance determination process.

[0162] Thereafter, in the speaker Sp, the pre-reading sound effect is terminated (time t34) when the third time has elapsed since the pre-reading effect determination process was completed. Similarly, in the decorative lamp La, the pre-reading light emission effect is terminated (time t34) when the third time has elapsed since the pre-reading effect determination process was completed.

[0163] Then, when the variable game in which the look-ahead performance determination process was executed ends, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to display a background image based on the value of the mode flag (time t35). In this example, at time t35, a value capable of identifying the second performance mode is stored in the mode flag. Therefore, the performance display device 12 displays the background image in the second special mode. That is, in the performance display device 12, the display mode of the background image is changed from the first special mode to the second special mode in response to the end of the variable game in which the look-ahead performance determination process was executed.

[0164] After that, in the effect display device 12, the display mode of the background image is changed to the normal mode when the variable game that was the target of the look-ahead effect is ended. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a controls so as to display the background image in a display mode according to the value of the mode flag. Specifically, when the variable game that was the target of the look-ahead effect is ended, if the mode flag stores a value that can identify the first effect mode, the sub-control CPU 50a displays the background image in the first normal mode, whereas when the mode flag stores a value that can identify the second effect mode, the sub-control CPU 50a displays the background image in the second normal mode.

[0165] In this way, in the second embodiment, even if the presentation mode is changed during the execution of the look-ahead performance, the look-ahead performance continues in a presentation mode corresponding to the presentation mode before the change until the end of the running variable game. Although not shown, even if the presentation mode is changed during the execution of the variable game in which the look-ahead performance determination process is executed and before the start of the look-ahead performance, the look-ahead performance is executed in a presentation mode corresponding to the presentation mode before the change in the running variable game.

[0166] In the second embodiment, even if the presentation mode is changed during the execution of the look-ahead voice presentation and the look-ahead light-emitting presentation, the look-ahead display presentation is executed at the same timing as when the presentation mode is not changed during the execution of the look-ahead voice presentation and the look-ahead light-emitting presentation. Although not shown, even if the presentation mode is changed during the execution of the variable game in which the look-ahead presentation determination process is executed and before the start of the look-ahead presentation, the look-ahead display presentation is executed at the same timing as when the presentation mode is not changed during the execution of the look-ahead voice presentation and the look-ahead light-emitting presentation.

[0167] The effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The timing at which the look-ahead display performance is executed does not change depending on whether or not the performance mode is changed during the execution of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light performance, which more effectively prevents the player from missing the look-ahead display performance.

[0168] (2-2) Even if the presentation mode is changed while the look-ahead performance is being executed, the look-ahead performance continues in the presentation style corresponding to the presentation mode before the change until the currently executed variable game ends. This makes it easier for the player to understand the presentation content of the look-ahead performance compared to when the presentation style of the look-ahead performance is changed while the variable game is being executed in accordance with a change in presentation mode.

[0169] The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0170] In the second embodiment, the content of the different presentation modes depending on the type of presentation mode may be changed as appropriate. For example, the display mode of game information may be different depending on the type of presentation mode, and the presentation modes of the pre-reading voice presentation and pre-reading light emission presentation may be different. Also, the presentation mode of a specific presentation may be different depending on the type of presentation mode. In this case, even if the presentation mode is changed after the start of a specific presentation, the specific presentation may be executed in the presentation mode corresponding to the presentation mode before the change until the specific presentation being executed ends.

[0171] In the second embodiment, if the presentation mode is changed after the start of the look-ahead voice presentation and the look-ahead light presentation, the look-ahead display presentation may be executed at a different timing than when the presentation mode has not been changed after the start of the look-ahead voice presentation and the look-ahead light presentation.

[0172] In the second embodiment, when the presentation mode is changed during the execution of the variable game, the timing for changing the presentation mode of the currently executing presentation may be changed as appropriate. For example, when the presentation mode is changed during the execution of the variable game and the pre-reading presentation, the presentation mode of the currently executing pre-reading presentation may be changed in accordance with the change in presentation mode before the currently executing variable game ends.

[0173] In the second embodiment, the customizable content by the customization function of the effects is not limited to the effect mode, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the volume of the sound effect may be customizable, and the amount of light in the light-emitting effect may be customizable. In addition, the possibility of executing various effects and the probability of execution may be customizable.

[0174] In each embodiment, the control regarding the look-ahead performance when any error is detected may be changed as appropriate. For example, even when a frame opening error is detected, the sub-control CPU 50a may control the look-ahead display performance to be executed at the same timing as when a frame opening error is not detected. In addition, when a specific error other than a frame opening error is detected, the sub-control CPU 50a may control the look-ahead display performance to be executed at a different timing than when the specific error is not detected.

[0175] In each embodiment, when a specific error is detected, the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light emission effect may not be executed. In this case, if it is decided to execute the look-ahead effect while the specific error is detected, and the specific error is no longer detected thereafter, the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light emission effect may be started from the time when the specific error is no longer detected. In this case, the look-ahead display effect may be executed at the same timing regardless of whether or not a specific error is detected. According to this, for example, if a specific error is no longer detected after the look-ahead display effect is executed, the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light emission effect may be executed after the look-ahead display effect is executed. In addition, in this case, when a specific error is no longer detected after the third time has elapsed since the look-ahead effect determination process ended, the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light emission effect may not be executed even after the specific error is detected. In addition, in each embodiment, when a specific error is detected, the look-ahead effect may be controlled not to be executed.

[0176] In each embodiment, when a specific error is detected during the execution of the look-ahead performance, the look-ahead performance being executed may be restricted. For example, when a specific error is detected during the execution of the look-ahead performance, the look-ahead performance being executed may be interrupted. In this case, after the specific error is no longer detected, the interrupted look-ahead performance may be resumed. Also, for example, when a specific error is detected during the execution of the look-ahead performance, the look-ahead performance being executed may be terminated. In this case, even when the specific error is no longer detected, the look-ahead performance may not be resumed. At this time, when an error different from the specific error is detected, the look-ahead performance being executed may not be restricted, or the look-ahead performance being executed may be restricted in a different manner.

[0177] In each embodiment, when a specific effect is executed while various errors are detected, the timing of execution of the specific display effect may be varied according to the type of error detected, similar to when a look-ahead effect is executed while various errors are detected. In addition, in each embodiment, when a specific error is detected, the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect may not be executed. In each embodiment, when a specific error is detected, the specific effect may not be executed.

[0178] In each embodiment, regardless of whether a specific error is detected, a pre-reading effect may be executed in the same manner. Also, in each embodiment, regardless of whether a specific error is detected, a specific effect may be executed in the same manner.

[0179] In each embodiment, the time from the start of the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect to the execution of the specific display effect may be different between the case where the specific effect is executed triggered by the satisfaction of an operation condition and the case where the specific effect is executed triggered by the satisfaction of a period end condition. For example, when the specific effect is executed triggered by the satisfaction of a period end condition, the time from the start of the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect to the execution of the specific display effect may be shorter than when the specific effect is executed triggered by the satisfaction of an operation end condition.

[0180] In each embodiment, the look-ahead audio performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance may be started at different times. In this case, the look-ahead display performance may be executed after at least one of the look-ahead audio performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance, whichever starts first. Also, in each embodiment, the specific audio performance and the specific light-emitting performance may be started at different times. In this case, the specific display performance may be executed after at least one of the specific audio performance and the specific light-emitting performance, whichever starts first.

[0181] In each embodiment, the look-ahead display effect may be executed after the look-ahead sound effect and the look-ahead light effect have ended. Also, in each embodiment, the specific display effect may be executed after the specific sound effect and the specific light effect have ended.

[0182] In each embodiment, the look-ahead display effect may be executed at the same timing as the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light-emitting effect. According to this, when the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light-emitting effect are started before the look-ahead display effect is executed, it is possible to prevent the look-ahead display effect from being overlooked, while when the look-ahead display effect is executed at the same timing as the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light-emitting effect, it is possible to give a surprise to the player and make the game enjoyable. In addition, the look-ahead display effect may be executed before the look-ahead voice effect and the look-ahead light-emitting effect are started. In addition, in each embodiment, the specific display effect may be executed at the same timing as the specific voice effect and the specific light-emitting effect, or may be executed before the specific voice effect and the specific light-emitting effect are started.

[0183] In each embodiment, the timing at which the look-ahead display performance is executed may be the same in the case where the look-ahead display performance is executed in the background change mode and in the case where the look-ahead display performance is executed in the hold change mode. Also, in each embodiment, the timing at which the specific display performance is executed may be the same in the case where the specific display performance is executed in the first performance mode and in the case where the specific display performance is executed in the second performance mode.

[0184] In each embodiment, the presentation mode of the pre-reading display presentation may be one type or three or more types. Also, the presentation mode of the specific display presentation may be one type or three or more types.

[0185] In each embodiment, when a specific performance mode is determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance, the look-ahead display performance may be executed before the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance are started. Also, in each embodiment, when a specific performance mode is determined as the performance mode of the specific display performance, the specific display performance may be executed before the specific voice performance and the specific light emission performance are started.

[0186] In each embodiment, the performance mode of the look-ahead voice performance may be two or more types. Similarly, the performance mode of the look-ahead light-emitting performance may be two or more types. In this case, the execution mode of the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance may be determined according to the performance mode determined as the performance mode of the look-ahead display performance. That is, the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light-emitting performance constituting one look-ahead performance and the look-ahead display performance may be executed in a performance mode related to each other. Also, in each embodiment, the performance mode of the specific voice performance may be two or more types. Similarly, the performance mode of the specific light-emitting performance may be two or more types. In this case, the execution mode of the specific voice performance and the specific light-emitting performance may be determined according to the performance mode determined as the performance mode of the specific display performance. That is, the specific voice performance and the specific light-emitting performance constituting one specific performance and the specific display performance may be executed in a performance mode related to each other.

[0187] Each embodiment may be embodied in a gaming machine having a plurality of speakers including a first speaker and a second speaker as the speaker Sp. In this case, the look-ahead performance may include a first look-ahead voice performance executed by the first speaker and a second look-ahead voice performance executed by the second speaker. At this time, both the first look-ahead voice performance and the second look-ahead voice performance may be executed as the second performance. That is, the speaker Sp as the second performance execution means may include a first speaker as the first performance section and a second speaker as the second performance section. Also, in this case, the specific performance may include a first specific voice performance executed by the first speaker and a second specific voice performance executed by the second speaker. At this time, both the first specific voice performance and the second specific voice performance may be executed as the second performance.

[0188] Each embodiment may be embodied in a gaming machine having a plurality of decorative lamps including a first decorative lamp and a second decorative lamp as the decorative lamp La. In this case, the look-ahead performance may include a first look-ahead light-emitting performance executed by the first decorative lamp and a second look-ahead light-emitting performance executed by the second decorative lamp. At this time, both the first look-ahead light-emitting performance and the second look-ahead light-emitting performance may be executed as the second performance. That is, the decorative lamp La as the second performance execution means may include a first decorative lamp as the first performance section and a second decorative lamp as the second performance section. Also, in this case, the specific performance may include a first specific light-emitting performance executed by the first decorative lamp and a second specific light-emitting performance executed by the second decorative lamp. At this time, both the first specific light-emitting performance and the second specific light-emitting performance may be executed as the second specific performance.

[0189] Each embodiment may be embodied in a gaming machine in which either one of the pre-reading sound effects and the pre-reading light-emitting effects is not executed. Also, each embodiment may be embodied in a gaming machine in which either one of the specific sound effects and the specific light-emitting effects is not executed.

[0190] In each embodiment, the content of the look-ahead performance may be changed as appropriate. For example, the image whose display mode is changed in the look-ahead display performance does not have to be a background image or game information. Furthermore, the look-ahead display performance does not have to be a performance that changes the display mode of the image being displayed. For example, the look-ahead display performance may be a performance that displays a predetermined image. Furthermore, the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance do not have to be performances that encourage the look-ahead display performance. For example, the look-ahead voice performance and the look-ahead light emission performance may be executed with performance content that is not related to the look-ahead display performance.

[0191] In each embodiment, the content of the specific effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, the specific display effect may be an effect that changes the display mode of the image being displayed. In addition, the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect do not have to be effects that encourage the specific display effect. For example, the specific sound effect and the specific light emission effect may be executed with content that is not related to the specific display effect.

[0192] In each embodiment, the specific effect may be a notification effect that notifies the player whether or not a jackpot display result will be derived in the running variable game. In this case, the notification effect that notifies the player about the content that the player is strongly interested in, that is, whether or not a jackpot display result will be derived in the running variable game, can be prevented from being overlooked, so that the interest of the player can be more effectively increased.

[0193] In each embodiment, the look-ahead performance may not be a performance executed by a combination of a display performance, a sound performance, and a light-emitting performance. For example, the look-ahead performance may include a movable body performance executed by the movement of a movable body capable of a predetermined movement, or may include a vibration performance executed by the vibration of a predetermined vibrating body. In addition, in each embodiment, the specific performance may not be a performance executed by a combination of a display performance, a sound performance, and a light-emitting performance. For example, the specific performance may include a movable body performance executed by the movement of a movable body capable of a predetermined movement, or may include a vibration performance executed by the vibration of a predetermined vibrating body.

[0194] In each embodiment, the second specific performance execution means for executing a performance corresponding to the second specific performance and the third specific performance execution means for executing a performance corresponding to the second performance may be the same performance execution means or different performance execution means. That is, in each embodiment, the performance execution means for executing a performance that starts before the look-ahead display performance is executed as a look-ahead performance and the performance execution means for executing a performance that starts before the specific display performance is executed as a specific performance may be the same performance execution means or different performance execution means.

[0195] The manner in which various errors are notified may be changed as appropriate. For example, the notification of various errors may be executed by different performance execution means depending on the type of error. Also, when a specific error is detected, the notification of the error may be executed by the entire image display unit GH of the performance display device 12. In this case, when a specific error is detected, the pre-reading display performance and the specific display performance may not be executed.

[0196] The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 having two or more types of probability states as probability states that determine the probability of winning the jackpot lottery. In other words, the present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 having a probability fluctuation function.

[0197] The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 having two or more types of time-saving states as the winning rate state of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Also, the present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 having a time-saving state as the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

[0198] The sub-control board 50 may be a sub-integrated control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the performance display device 12, an audio control board that specializes in controlling the speaker Sp, and a lamp control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamp La may be provided separately from the sub-control board 50. Also, some or all of the display control board, audio control board, and lamp control board may be the same board. Also, the sub-control CPU 50a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0199] The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a single control board that integrates the functions of the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50. The functions of the main control board 40 may be divided and realized on multiple boards. The main control CPU 41a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0200] The first special game and the second special game may be played according to the order in which the game balls enter the start winning holes 14, 15, or may be played simultaneously in parallel. The second special game may be omitted.

[0201] The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 that does not execute a special effect game. In this case, it is preferable to display a special symbol on the effect display device 12. The technical ideas that can be understood from this embodiment and its modifications will be described.

[0202] (Note 1) A gaming machine capable of putting a variable game on hold when a hold condition is satisfied and capable of starting a held variable game when a start condition is satisfied, the gaming machine is provided with a pre-determination means for pre-determining the variable content of the held variable game before the start condition is satisfied, a performance execution means capable of executing a performance, and a performance control means for controlling the performance execution means, the performance execution means including a first performance execution means capable of executing a display performance by displaying an image, and a second performance execution means capable of executing a performance different from the display performance, the first performance execution means being capable of executing a first performance, the second performance execution means being capable of executing a second performance, the performance control means being capable of controlling the execution of the first performance and the second performance based on the result of a single pre-determination by the pre-determination means, the first performance may be executed after the second performance is started, the second performance execution means including a first performance section and a second performance section, and the timing at which the second performance is started in the first performance section and the timing at which the second performance is started in the second performance section are the same or substantially the same.

[0203] (Appendix 2) The first performance is an effect that changes the display mode of an image in a display performance currently being executed, and is executed between the start of the second performance and the end of the second performance, in the gaming machine described in Appendix 1.

[0204] (Supplementary Note 3) A gaming machine as described in Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, in which the first performance may be executed at the same or substantially the same timing as the start of the second performance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] D1...Performance button (operation means) D2...Cross pad D2d...Down key D2l...Left key D2r...Right key D2u...Up key G0~G4...Game information G10...Operation instruction image G11...First specific image G12...Second specific image GH...Image display HD...Launch handle HR0...In-execution display area HR1...Pending display area La...Decorative lamp (Performance execution means, Second performance execution means, Second specific performance execution means, Third specific performance execution means) SE1...First start winning sensor SE2...Second start winning sensor SE3...Count sensor SE4...Gate sensor SL1...First solenoid SL2...Second solenoid Sp...Speaker (Performance execution means, Second performance execution means, Second specific performance execution means, Third specific performance execution means) W...Center frame YB...Game board YBa...Game area YBb...Opening window 10...Pachinko game machine 11...Frame body 11a...Installation frame 11b...mounting frame 11c...locking device 12...performance display device (performance execution means, first performance execution means, first specific performance execution means) 13...information display device 13a...first special pattern display section 13b...second special pattern display section 13c...first special hold display section 13d...second special hold display section 13e...normal pattern display section 13f...normal hold display section 14...first start winning port 15...second start winning port 16...normal movable piece 17...large winning port 18...special opening / closing piece 25...gate 40...main control board 41...microprocessor 41a...main control CPU (preliminary judgment means) 41b...main control ROM 41c...main control RAM 50...sub-control board 50a...sub-control CPU (performance control means, customization means) 50b...sub-control ROM 50c...sub-control RAM

Claims

[Claim 1] In a gaming machine in which a variable game can be put on hold when a hold condition is satisfied and a variable game that is on hold can be started when a start condition is satisfied, A pre-determination means for pre-determining the variation content of a pending variation game before a start condition is established; A performance execution means capable of executing a performance; A performance control means for controlling the performance execution means, The performance execution means includes a first performance execution means capable of executing a display performance by displaying an image, and a second performance execution means capable of executing a performance different from the display performance, The first performance execution means is capable of executing a first performance, The second performance execution means is capable of executing a second performance, The performance control means is capable of controlling execution of the first performance and the second performance based on a result of a single pre-determination by the pre-determination means, The first performance may be executed after the second performance is started, The second performance execution means includes a first performance section and a second performance section, A gaming machine characterized in that the timing at which the second presentation starts in the first presentation section and the timing at which the second presentation starts in the second presentation section are the same or approximately the same.

Images