Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can suppress deterioration of a game amusement.SOLUTION: A game machine carries out a lottery related to giving a privilege to a player, executes a performance based on a result of the lottery, executes counting based on giving the privilege according to a reception of a game medium in a predetermined winning port, and includes display means which can display a suggestion display of suggesting that the performance and the counting reach a predetermined value, and a movable body. When the counting reaches the predetermined value in execution of a movable body performance in which operation of the movable body and a performance display corresponding to the operation of the movable body are executed, and the suggestion display is displayed, the operation of the movable body and the performance display are continuously executed, or the performance display is not displayed while the operation of the movable body is continuously executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 36

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines (commonly also referred to as "pachinko machines") and rotary gaming machines (commonly also referred to as "pachislot machines").

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lottery is conducted to determine whether or not to consider a jackpot based on a winning of a game ball at a start port, and a symbol is variably displayed on a display device and stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the lottery result. When the lottery result is a jackpot, a gaming machine is known that stops and displays a jackpot symbol on the display device to generate a jackpot gaming state.

[0003] Also, many gaming machines have been proposed that execute an effect indicating an expectation of a win while variably displaying a symbol on a display device and stopping and displaying the symbol in a manner corresponding to the lottery result (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there is room for further improvement in such effects. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing a decrease in gaming interest by devising the effects.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Means 1: lottery means for conducting a lottery regarding the granting of benefits to a player, effect execution means capable of executing an effect, counting means capable of executing a count based on the awarding of a privilege according to the acceptance of a game medium into a predetermined winning opening, a movable body for presentation, and The presentation executed by the presentation execution means includes a variable presentation for notifying the result of the lottery, a notification presentation for performing a display corresponding to the count, and a jackpot presentation during a jackpot game. When the count by the counting means reaches a predetermined range, the notification presentation performs a display of a specific display suggesting that the count by the counting means is included in the predetermined range, and can be executed simultaneously with the variable presentation or the jackpot presentation. When the count exceeds the predetermined range, the notification presentation can display a suggestive display suggesting that the count by the counting means has exceeded the predetermined range. The specific display is being displayed by the notification presentation simultaneously with the variable presentation or the jackpot presentation, and when the movable body is operating at the timing when the count exceeds the predetermined range, There are cases where the operation of the movable body and the display corresponding to the operation of the movable body continue, and the suggestive display is displayed overlapping with the movable body and the display corresponding to the operation of the movable body; There are cases where the display corresponding to the operation of the movable body is made non-displayed, and the suggestive display is displayed overlapping with the movable body.

[0007] In a gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention, when a count by a counting means reaches a predetermined value during the execution of a movable body effect and a suggestion display is displayed, and the operation of the movable body and the effect display are continuously executed, the player can enjoy the movable body effect while recognizing the suggestion by the suggestion display. Further, when a count by a counting means reaches a predetermined value during the execution of a movable body effect and a suggestion display is displayed, and the operation of the movable body is continuously executed but the effect display is turned off, the player can more easily recognize the suggestion by the suggestion display shown on the display means, and the operation of the movable body continues so that the movable body effect does not break in an unnatural form, and thus no unnecessary discomfort is given to the player (see paragraphs

[0585] to

[0611] and FIG. 36 etc.).

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing a decrease in gaming interest.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [1. Configuration example of pachinko machine] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the outline of the appearance of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 is installed in an island facility (not shown) in a game hall. The pachinko machine 1 includes a game board 5 having a game area 5a that is visible from the player side and into which a game ball is driven by the player and through which the game ball can flow down.

[0011] The game area 5a includes a general winning opening 2001, a first start opening 2002, a gate section 2003, a second start opening 2004, and a big winning opening 2005. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 2001, a predetermined number (for example, 5) of game balls are paid out. When a game ball enters the first start opening 2002, a predetermined number (for example, 4) of game balls are paid out and a first special lottery is executed. Note that the first start opening 2002 and the second start opening 2004 are collectively referred to simply as the start opening.

[0012] When a game ball passes through the gate section 2003, a normal lottery is executed. If a win occurs in the normal lottery, an opening / closing member (not shown) provided at the second start opening 2004 is opened for a predetermined time. It is possible to enter a game ball into the second start opening 2004 only when the opening / closing member is open. When a game ball enters the second start opening 2004, a predetermined number (for example, 1) of game balls are paid out and a second special lottery that is more advantageous to the player than the first special lottery is executed. Note that the first special lottery and the second special lottery are collectively referred to simply as the special lottery.

[0013] In the game area 5a, a plurality of obstacle pins (not shown) are implanted on the front surface in a predetermined gauge arrangement at appropriate positions. When the game ball contacts the obstacle pins, the flow rate of the game ball is suppressed and various movements are imparted to the game ball so that the player can enjoy the movements. In addition to the obstacle pins, a windmill (not shown) that rotates when contacted by the game ball is provided at an appropriate position in the game area 5a.

[0014] When winning a jackpot in the first special lottery or the second special lottery, the machine transitions to the jackpot gaming state, and the big winning opening 2005 is opened. When a game ball enters the big winning opening 2005, a predetermined number (e.g., 15) of game balls are paid out. In the jackpot gaming state, the opening and closing of the big winning opening 2005 are repeated. Also, the game area 5a is arranged to surround the area where the game balls do not flow down, and in the area where the game balls do not flow down, an effect display device 1600 capable of displaying a predetermined effect image is arranged.

[0015] The pachinko machine 1 includes a pressing operation unit 303 and a rotating operation unit 302, which are respectively effect operation units operable by the player. The pressing operation unit 303 is an operation unit that can be pressed by the player. The rotating operation unit 302 is an annular operation unit arranged around the lower side of the pressing operation unit 303 and is an operation unit that can be rotated by the player. The rotatable direction of the rotating operation unit 302 may be in one direction (e.g., only clockwise rotation is possible) or in both directions (rotation is possible both clockwise and counterclockwise). Also, the rotating operation unit 302 includes a detection unit that can detect the operation by the player.

[0016] The pachinko machine 1 includes a handle unit 500 operable by the player to drive the game balls stored in the upper tray (not shown) into the game area 5a. The handle unit 500 includes a handle lever, a handle touch sensor, and a shooting stop button. After the handle touch sensor detects contact by the palm or finger of the player, when the handle rotates by a predetermined amount or more, the game balls are shot out, and the more the handle rotates, the stronger the game balls are shot out. Also, even if the handle touch sensor detects contact and the handle rotates by a predetermined amount or more, if the shooting stop button is operated, the game balls are not shot out.

[0017] Note that in FIG. 1, although it is not visible, an out port that penetrates front and back is formed at the lowest position in the game area 5a (behind the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302). The game balls that flow down to the lower end of the game area 5a are guided to the out port and discharged to the rear side of the game board 5 through the out port.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the control configuration of a pachinko machine. As shown in the figure, the main control configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a main control board 1310 and a peripheral control board 1510 attached to the game board 5, and a payout control board 63 attached to the main body frame, and the controls are shared among them. The main control board 1310 controls the game operation (progress of the game). The peripheral control board 1510 includes a peripheral control unit 1511 that controls various effects during the game based on commands from the main control board 1310, and an effect display control unit 1512 that controls the display of effect images on the effect display device 1600 based on commands from the peripheral control unit 1511. The payout control board 63 includes a payout control unit 633a that controls the payout of game balls, etc., and a launch control unit 633b that controls the launch of game balls by the rotation operation of the handle.

[0019] The main control board 1310 that controls the progress of the game is a main control MPU, which is a microprocessor with a built-in ROM that stores various processing programs and various commands, and a RAM that temporarily stores data, etc. It also includes a main control I / O port as an input / output device (I / O device), a main control input circuit to which detection signals from various detection switches are input, a main control solenoid drive circuit for driving various solenoids, and a RAM clear switch for completely erasing the information stored in the RAM built into the main control MPU. In addition to the built-in ROM and RAM, the main control MPU also has a watchdog timer for monitoring its operation (system) and functions for preventing fraud, etc. built in.

[0020] The main control MPU on the main control board 1310 receives detection signals from a first start port sensor 3052 that detects a game ball received at the first start port 2002, a gate sensor 2801 that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate section 2003, a second start port sensor 2401 that detects a game ball received at the second start port 2004, a general winning port sensor 3051 that detects a game ball received at the general winning port 2001, a big winning port sensor 2402 that detects a game ball received at the big winning port 2005, an out port sensor 3053 that detects a game ball received at the out port, and a magnetic sensor 2404 that detects improper magnetism within the game area 5a, etc., via the main control I / O ports respectively.

[0021] Based on these detection signals, the main control MPU outputs a control signal from the main control I / O port to the main control solenoid drive circuit, thereby outputting a drive signal to the second start port solenoid 2415, the attacker solenoid 2418, etc., or outputting a drive signal from the main control I / O port to the status indicator, normal symbol display, normal hold display, first special symbol display, first special hold number display, second special symbol display, second special hold number display, round display, etc. of the function display unit 1400.

[0022] The main control MPU transmits various types of information related to the game (game information) and various commands related to payout to the payout control board 63, and receives various commands related to the state of the pachinko machine 1 from this payout control board 63. Furthermore, the main control MPU transmits various commands related to the control of game effects and various commands related to the state of the pachinko machine 1 to the peripheral control section 1511 of the peripheral control board 1510 via the main control I / O port. Note that when the main control MPU receives various commands related to the state of the pachinko machine 1 from the payout control board 63, it formats these various commands and transmits them to the peripheral control section 1511.

[0023] The payout control board 63 that controls the payout of game balls and the like includes a payout control unit 633a that performs various controls related to payout, a launch control unit 633b that controls the launch by the launch solenoid 542 and also controls the ball feeding by the ball feeding solenoid 145, an error LED display (not shown) that displays the state of the pachinko machine 1, an error reset switch (not shown) for resetting the error displayed on the error LED display, and during maintenance, a ball drain switch for discharging the game balls in the ball tank (not shown), the tank rail (not shown), the ball guide unit (not shown), and the payout device (not shown) to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 and starting the ball draining operation.

[0024] The payout control unit 633a that performs various controls related to payout in the payout control board 63 is a payout control MPU, which is a microprocessor that incorporates a ROM that stores various processing programs and various commands and a RAM that temporarily stores data, etc., a payout control I / O port as an I / O device, an external WDT (external watchdog timer) for monitoring whether the payout control MPU is operating normally, a payout motor drive circuit for outputting a drive signal to the payout motor 584 of the payout device, and a payout control input circuit to which detection signals from various detection switches related to payout are input. In addition to the built-in ROM and RAM, the payout control MPU also incorporates functions for preventing fraud.

[0025] The payout control MPU of the payout control unit 633a receives various game-related information (game information) and various commands related to payout from the main control board 1310 in a serial manner via the payout control I / O port, and the operation signal (detection signal) of the RAM clear switch from the main control board 1310 is input via the payout control I / O port. In addition, a detection signal from the full tank detection sensor 154 is input, and detection signals from the ball depletion detection sensor 574 and the payout detection sensor 591 are input.

[0026] The detection signals from the ball cut detection sensor 574 of the ball induction unit and the payout detection sensor 591 of the payout device are input into the payout control input circuit and then input into the payout control MPU via the payout control I / O port. Also, the detection signal from the full detection sensor 154 is input into the payout control input circuit and then input into the payout control MPU via the payout control I / O port.

[0027] The payout control MPU outputs a drive signal for driving the payout motor 584 to the payout motor 584 via the payout control I / O, outputs a signal for displaying the state of the pachinko machine 1 on the error LED display to the error LED display via the payout control I / O port, transmits a command for indicating the state of the pachinko machine 1 to the main control board 1310 in a serial manner via the payout control I / O port, and outputs the number of game balls actually paid out to an external terminal via the payout control I / O port. This external terminal is connected to a hall computer installed on the game hall side. This hall computer monitors the game of the player by grasping the number of game balls paid out by the pachinko machine 1 and the game information of the pachinko machine 1, etc.

[0028] The error LED display (not shown in the figure) is a segment display that shows alphanumeric characters, graphics, etc. to indicate the state of the pachinko machine 1. Note that errors are classified into strong errors that stop the game for notification and weak errors that are notified while the game is in progress. An example of a strong error is an error detected by a launched ball sensor (not shown) that detects the game ball B launched into the game area 5a and an error detected by detecting an improper magnetism within the game area 5a. An example of a weak error is a full ball error (an error indicating that the far cover unit (not shown) provided with a full ball detection sensor (not shown) that discharges the game ball B that has missed hitting the game area 5a into a lower tray (not shown) is full based on a detection signal from the full ball detection sensor), a ball depletion error (an error indicating that there is no game ball B in the payout device based on a detection signal from a ball depletion detection sensor 574 attached within the payout device (not shown)), or a counting switch error (an error indicating that there is a malfunction in the payout detection sensor 591 based on a detection signal from a payout detection sensor 591 attached to a payout passage (not shown) within the payout device that detects the game ball B).

[0029] The launch control unit 633b performs launch control by the launch solenoid 542 and ball feeding control by the ball feeding solenoid 145. The launch control unit 633b controls the launch solenoid 542 and the ball feeding solenoid 145 so that 100 game balls B are launched toward the game area 5a per minute.

[0030] In the handle unit 500, detection signals from a handle touch sensor 192 that detects whether the palm or finger is touching the handle and a shot stop button sensor 194 that detects whether to forcibly stop the launch of the game ball according to the player's will are input to the launch timing control circuit after being input to the launch control input circuit. The handle rotation detection sensor 189 detects the rotation position of the handle. The intensity of launching the game ball toward the game area 5a is electrically adjusted according to the detected rotation position.

[0031] The peripheral control board 1510 includes a peripheral control unit 1511 that performs effect control based on commands from the main control board 1310, and an effect display control unit 1512 that performs drawing control of the effect display device 1600 based on control data from the peripheral control unit 1511.

[0032] The peripheral control unit 1511 that performs effect control in the peripheral control board 1510, although detailed illustration is omitted, includes a peripheral control MPU as a microprocessor, a peripheral control ROM that stores various processing programs and various commands, a sound source IC that performs high-quality performance, and a sound ROM that stores sound information such as music, voice, and sound effects referred to by this sound source IC.

[0033] The peripheral control MPU incorporates a plurality of parallel I / O ports, serial I / O ports, etc. When receiving various commands from the main control board 1310, based on these various commands, it transmits game board side light emission data for outputting a lighting signal, a blinking signal, or a gradation lighting signal to color LEDs provided on the decoration board 184 such as the game board 5 and the door frame from the serial I / O port for the lamp drive board to the decoration board 184, or transmits drive data for outputting a drive signal to the drive motor that operates various effect units from the serial I / O port for the game board decoration drive board to the drive motor or drive solenoid of the game board 5, or transmits door side drive light emission data composed of a lighting signal, a blinking signal, or a gradation lighting signal to color LEDs provided on the decoration board 184 such as the door frame from the serial I / O port for the frame decoration drive board to the door frame 3 side, or transmits control data (display command) indicating the screen to be displayed on the effect display device 1600 from the serial I / O port for the display control unit to the effect display control unit 1512. In addition, it outputs a control signal (sound command) for extracting sound information from the sound ROM to the sound source IC.

[0034] In addition, the detection signals from the pressing detection sensor 381 of the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotation detection sensor 347 of the rotation operation unit 302 are input to the peripheral control MPU. Also, the peripheral control MPU receives a signal (operation signal) from the effect display control unit 1512 indicating that the effect display control unit 1512 is operating normally, and monitors the operation of the effect display control unit 1512 based on this operation signal.

[0035] The sound source IC extracts sound information from the sound ROM based on control data (sound commands) from the peripheral control MPU, and controls the speakers 354 provided on the door frame, main body frame, etc. so that sounds such as music and sound effects corresponding to various effects flow out.

[0036] In addition to the built-in WDT (watchdog timer) in the peripheral control MPU, the peripheral control unit 1511 also includes an external WDT (watchdog timer) (not shown), and the peripheral control MPU diagnoses whether its system is running wild by using the built-in WDT and the external WDT in combination.

[0037] The effect display control unit 1512 performs drawing control of the effect display device 1600. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the effect display control unit 1512 includes a display control MPU as a microprocessor, a display control ROM that stores various processing programs, various commands, and various data, a VDP (abbreviation of Video Display Processor) that controls the display of the effect display device 1600, an image ROM that stores various data of the screen displayed on the effect display device 1600, and an image RAM to which the various data stored in this image ROM are transferred and copied.

[0038] This display control MPU incorporates a parallel I / O port, a serial I / O port, etc., and controls the VDP based on control data (display commands) from the peripheral control unit 1511 to perform drawing control of the effect display device 1600. Note that when the display control MPU is operating normally, it outputs an operation signal indicating so to the peripheral control unit 1511. Also, the display control MPU performs interrupt processing when an execution signal is input from the VDP and the output of this execution signal stops every 16 ms.

[0039] Next, an example of the control process executed by the main control board 1310 (specifically, the main control MPU) will be described. FIG. 3(a) is a flowchart showing the procedure of the control process performed by the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the main control board 1310 according to this embodiment first, as the process of step S1 on the condition that the RAM clear switch of the main control board 1310 is operated, initializes the data stored in various registers and the RAM built into the main control MPU (hereinafter referred to as the main control built-in RAM). The RAM clear switch is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 and cannot be operated unless the main body frame 4 is opened. Also, the RAM clear switch outputs a clear signal to the main control board 1310 according to an operation before a predetermined period (for example, 1 second) has elapsed since the power-on, and when the main control MPU determines that a clear signal is input at power-on, it executes an initialization process (step S1) to initialize the data stored in various registers and the main control built-in RAM.

[0041] Incidentally, although not shown in the figure, in this example, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is turned off, a backup process is executed to save information indicating the progress of the game (e.g., various flags, etc.) in the main control built-in RAM. Then, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on and the RAM clear switch has not been operated, the information stored in the main control built-in RAM by the backup process is referred to without executing the initialization process (step S1), and a recovery process is executed to restore the state according to the information. Further, when the RAM clear switch is operated when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the initialization process is executed without executing the recovery process to set the pachinko machine 1 to the initial state. Also, when the initialization process is executed, the game state is controlled to be a non-time-limited state.

[0042] Next, as the process of step S2, a random number that is updated within a predetermined numerical range is updated. That is, in the main control board 1310 according to this embodiment, special random numbers (first special random number, second special random number) used for the lottery process regarding the display mode at the time of stopping the variable display of the special symbol, variable random numbers used for the lottery process regarding a predetermined time (variable time) required for the variable display control of the special symbol, reach random numbers used for the lottery process as to whether or not to perform a reach as a game effect executed by the effect display device 1600 corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol (whether or not to execute the effect), symbol random numbers (first symbol random number, second symbol random number) used for the lottery process for determining the type of jackpot when it is determined that a jackpot is to be made based on the special random number, random numbers (ordinary random numbers) used for the lottery process regarding the winning or losing of the hit that triggers the opening of the second start port 2004, and the like, and a random number counter that holds such random numbers are provided.

[0043] Note that in this example, the reach random numbers used for the first special symbol and the second special symbol are the same. That is, even when a start winning occurs at the first start port 2002 or when a start winning occurs at the second start port 2004, the reach random numbers are obtained from the same counter that updates the reach random numbers. However, the execution ratio of the reach effect may be made different by obtaining the reach random numbers from counters with different ranges of random numbers for updating the reach random numbers. Alternatively, the execution ratio of the reach effect may be made different by providing a first reach determination table corresponding to the first special symbol and a second reach determination table corresponding to the second special symbol and having a determination value different from that of the first reach determination table as the reach determination table for comparing with the obtained reach random numbers.

[0044] In the process of this step S2, the counter operation of the random number counter is performed in such a way that only the random numbers (fluctuating random numbers) not related to winning or losing among these random numbers are updated. Note that after the processes of steps S1 and S2 are performed in this way, only the process of step S2 is basically repeated. However, in this embodiment, for example, the following timer interrupt control is performed every 4 mS.

[0045] FIG. 3(b) is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the timer interrupt control periodically performed by the main control MPU of the main control board 1310.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3(b), in this interrupt control, first, as the process of step S11, the save process of the register is performed. Next, as the process of step S12, detection signals from various sensors are input, such as the gate sensor 2801, the first start port sensor 3052, the second start port sensor 2401, the first count sensor that detects the game ball B received in the big winning port 2005, the general winning port sensor 3001, and various magnetic sensors. Then, next, as the process of step S13, a random number update process for updating the value of the random number counter that generates the random number is performed. Note that in the process of step S13, among the random numbers, the counter operation of the random number counter is performed in such a way that the random numbers (special random numbers, normal random numbers) related to the display mode at the stop of the variable display of the special symbol and the normal symbol are updated.

[0047] And after the random number is updated in this way, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 executes a special symbol process including a lottery process related to the display mode at the stop of the variable display of the special symbol as the process of step S14. Although the special symbol process will be described later, here, basically, the corresponding process is selectively executed based on the special symbol process flags (first special symbol process flag, second special symbol process flag) stored in the main control built-in RAM indicating the progress status of the game.

[0048] Then, next, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 executes a normal symbol process including a lottery process related to the winning or losing of the trigger for opening the second start port 2004 as the process of step S15. Also in this normal symbol process, basically, the corresponding process is selectively executed according to the normal symbol process flag indicating the progress status of the game.

[0049] Also, when the special symbol process (step S14) and the normal symbol process (step S15) are performed, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 then performs, as the process of step S16, a process of transmitting a command set in a predetermined area of the main control built-in RAM in the special symbol process to the peripheral control board 1510 and the like. Next, as the process of step S17, a process of transmitting a command set in a predetermined area of the main control built-in RAM in the normal symbol process to the peripheral control board 1510 and the like is performed.

[0050] Also, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 then performs, as the process of step S18, an information output process of outputting data such as winning information supplied to the hall management computer.

[0051] Then, next, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310, as the process of step S19, executes a prize ball process of outputting a payout control command to the payout control board 63 so that prize balls corresponding to those signals are paid out to the player when detection signals of the first start port sensor 3052, the second start port sensor 2401, the first count sensor, the second count sensor, the general winning port sensor 3051, etc. are in the on state. As a result, the payout control MPU mounted on the payout control board 63 outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 584 to pay out prize balls to the player. In this example, when a game ball B wins in the first start port 2002 and the first start port sensor 3052 is in the on state, "3 balls" are paid out, when a game ball B wins in the second start port 2004 and the second start port sensor 2401 is in the on state, "1 ball" is paid out, when a game ball B wins in the big winning port 2005 and the first count sensor is in the on state, "15 balls" are paid out, and when a game ball B wins in the general winning port 2001 and the general winning port sensor 3051 is in the on state, "8 balls" are paid out to the player respectively.

[0052] Also, as the next process of step S20, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 executes a storage process for checking the increase or decrease of the number of stored numbers. Next, as the process of step S21, it executes a test terminal process which is a process of outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the pachinko machine 1 to be confirmed outside the gaming machine. And then, while performing drive control of the actuator that operates constantly (step S22), it restores the content of the register (step S23), and when it is set to the interrupt permission state (step S24), this control will end.

[0053] By the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process will be started every 4 mS. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the interrupt process of the timer. However, in the interrupt process, for example, only the setting of a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred may be performed. However, in this case, the game control process will be executed in the main process.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the above special symbol process (step S14). Now, assuming that the random numbers used for various lottery processes are updated (step S13), as shown in FIG. 4, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 first executes a start winning determination process (S31).

[0055] An example of the start winning determination process will be described. When the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 detects the entry of a game ball into the first start port 2002, it acquires from the random number counter a first special random number for determining the result of the first special lottery, a reach random number for determining whether a reach is to be executed, a first symbol random number, and a variation random number for determining a variation pattern. The main control MPU of the main control board 1310 updates the number of stored first special random numbers in the main control built-in RAM with a predetermined number (for example, 4) as the upper limit (that is, when the number of stored numbers has already reached the upper limit, the update process is not performed).

[0056] In addition, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 determines, based on the acquired first special random number, reach random number, first symbol random number, and variable random number, whether the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol is a big win, and if it is a big win, the type of big win, and if it is not a big win, whether to execute a reach effect as a game effect executed by the effect display device 1600, or the mode type (type of variable pattern) of the game effect to be executed, etc. The pre-judgment information may be determined by performing an effect pre-judgment process that determines before starting the variable display corresponding to the start winning.

[0057] In this pre-judgment process, by comparing a pre-judgment table (not shown) with the acquired first special random number, first symbol random number, reach random number, and variable random number, it is determined in advance whether it is a big win, and if it is a big win, the type of big win, and if it is not a big win, whether to execute a reach effect as a game effect executed by the effect display device 1600, or the mode type of the game effect to be executed, etc. The main control MPU of the main control board 1310 transmits a command associating this pre-judgment information with the value of the counter in the hold memory (that is, which hold first special random number the pre-judgment information corresponds to) to the peripheral control board 1510 before starting the variable display corresponding to the start winning. Thus, the peripheral control MPU of the peripheral control board 1510 can execute a so-called pre-read effect corresponding to the start winning before the variable display corresponding to the start winning starts.

[0058] The process performed when the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 detects the entry of a game ball into the second start port 2004 is the same as the process performed when the entry of a game ball into the first start port 2002 is detected, although the random numbers and tables used for the determination are different, so the description is omitted.

[0059] Following the start determination process in step S31, the main control MPU determines whether a jackpot execution flag indicating that it is controlling a jackpot game is set (step S32). If the jackpot execution flag is set, it executes a jackpot control process (step S36) for controlling the jackpot game. In the jackpot control process, when the result of the lottery process regarding the display mode at the time of stopping the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol (the result of the winning determination and the details of the jackpot type) indicates a mode suggesting, for example, a "15R jackpot", it controls the game to a 15R jackpot game in which the opening and closing pattern of opening the big winning opening 2005 for a long time (for example, 28.5 seconds) and then closing it after 10 game balls B are detected to have won in the big winning opening 2005 is repeated 15 times.

[0060] Also, in the jackpot control process, after performing such opening control of the big winning opening 2005, it executes a setting process for the time shortening flag. The time shortening flag is a flag indicating that the time shortening control (control executed in the time shortening state) is being executed. It is set when ending a jackpot game based on a jackpot for which time shortening control is to be performed after the jackpot game ends, and is reset in the first special symbol stop process described later or in the second special symbol stop process of the second special symbol process process described later.

[0061] Also, if the jackpot execution flag is not set by the main control MPU, it executes a first special symbol process process including a lottery process regarding the display mode at the time of stopping the variable display of the first special symbol on the condition that the value of the second special reserved number counter indicating the number of second special random numbers stored in the second special symbol reserved memory area is "0" (step S33), and executes a second special symbol process process including a lottery process regarding the display mode at the time of stopping the variable display of the second special symbol on the condition that the value of the second special reserved number counter indicating the number of second special random numbers stored in the second special symbol reserved memory area is not "0" (step S33) (step S35).

[0062] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first special symbol process (step S34). Note that the first special symbol process executed in step S34 of the special symbol process and the second special symbol process executed in step S35 of the special symbol process are the same program modules, and only the random numbers and tables used for determination are different. Therefore, here, only the first special symbol process executed in step S38 of the special symbol process will be described. In the first special symbol process, on the condition that the interval timer described later has timed out (YES in step S85), one of the following five processings is selectively executed according to the above first special symbol process flag. When the interval timer has not timed out (NO in step S85), the process ends without executing the following process.

[0063] 1. Read the first special random number stored in the main control built-in RAM, and perform a lottery process or the like for the display mode at the time of stopping the variation control of the first special symbol based on the read first special random number, which is the first special symbol normal process (step S80).

[0064] 2. Based on the result of the lottery process for the display mode at the time of stopping the variation control of the first special symbol, perform a determination process or the like for the mode at the time of stopping the variation control of the first special symbol, which is the first special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S81).

[0065] 3. Based on the variation random number, perform a lottery process or the like for the variation mode of the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display of the function display unit 1400 and the variation mode of the effect display executed corresponding to the first special symbol on the effect display device 1600, which is the first variation pattern setting process (step S82). 4. Wait until the variation display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display of the function display unit 1400 stops, which is the first special symbol variation process (step S83).

[0066] The first special symbol stop process (step S84) that stops the variable display of the first special symbol so that the state at the time of stopping the variable control of the first special symbol, which is determined based on the result of the lottery process for the display mode at the time of stopping the variable control of the first special symbol, is displayed on the first special symbol display of the function display unit 1400

[0067] Note that the first special symbol process flag is operated in the process of step S1 to indicate that the first special symbol normal process (step S80) should be performed

[0068] An example of the first special symbol normal process (step S80) will be described. When the first special symbol process flag indicates that the first special symbol normal process should be performed, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 reads a random number (for example, a first special random number, a first symbol random number, a reach random number, a variable random number) from the main control built-in RAM if the counter value by the first special hold number counter is 0 or more, subtracts 1 from the first special hold number counter, and shifts the random numbers (first special random number, first symbol random number, reach random number, variable random number) related to the display mode at the time of stopping the variable display of the first special symbol stored in each storage area of the first special symbol hold storage area of the main control built-in RAM in a first-in first-out (First-In First-Out) manner. Further, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 performs a hit determination process, which is a lottery process for determining a big win or a small win, based on the read first special random number of the first special symbol. Then, when the first special symbol process flag is updated so that the process proceeds to the first special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S81), the first special symbol normal process ends

[0069] In the above winning determination process, the winning determination table stored in the main control built-in ROM is compared with a special random number (the first special random number read by the first special symbol normal process when the first special symbol normal process is being executed, and the second special random number read by the second special symbol normal process when the second special symbol normal process is being executed), and it is determined whether a big win has been won. According to the determination result, a big win flag is set. If it is determined that a big win has not been won, that is, if it is determined to be a loss, the reach determination table stored in the main control built-in ROM is compared with the read reach random number (the reach random number read by the first special symbol normal process when the first special symbol normal process is being executed, and the reach random number read by the second special symbol normal process when the second special symbol normal process is being executed), and it is determined whether to execute a reach and, if a reach is to be executed, the type of reach to be executed. According to the determination result, a reach flag is set.

[0070] An example of the above first special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S81) will be described. When the above first special symbol process flag indicates that the first special symbol stop symbol setting process should be performed, the main control MPU of the above main control board 1310 first discriminates the result of the lottery process of the display mode at the time of the stop of the variable display of the first special symbol, that is, the result of the above winning determination process, and determines a stop big win symbol or a loss symbol based on the determination result. The main control MPU of the above main control board 1310 transmits a determination result notification command indicating the above lottery result (indicating any one of the type of big win, small win, reach loss, and loss, which may also indicate the mode of the stop symbol of the first special symbol) to the above peripheral control board 1510, and updates the above first special symbol process flag so as to shift the process to the above first variation pattern setting process (step S82).

[0071] An example of the above first variation pattern setting process (step S82) will be described. When the above first special symbol process flag indicates that the first variation pattern setting process should be performed, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 selects a variation pattern table (not shown) at the time of jackpot according to the determined type of jackpot if the jackpot flag is set, selects a variation pattern table (not shown) at the time of reach if the reach flag is set, and selects a variation pattern table (not shown) at the time of loss when neither the jackpot flag nor the reach flag is set, that is, in the case of a normal loss (a loss without performing a reach effect). Each variation pattern table is stored in the main control built-in ROM.

[0072] Then, a variation pattern to be executed is determined by comparing the selected variation pattern table with the variation random number read in the first special symbol normal process, and a variation pattern command is sent to notify the peripheral control board 1510 to start the variation pattern determined, and the variation display of the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display of the function display unit 1400 is started. Also, when the variation pattern is determined, the main control MPU sets the variation time set corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the variation timer. Thereby, the variation display control of the first special symbol is performed on the first special symbol display of the function display unit 1400 for the variation time thus determined, and the effect control is performed on the effect display device 1600 in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol.

[0073] Also, in the variation pattern table of this example, for example, as the variation time corresponding to the first special random number, 13 to 60 seconds are set in the non-time shortening state, 4 to 60 seconds are set in the time shortening state, and similarly, as the variation time corresponding to the second special random number, 13 to 60 seconds are set in the non-time shortening state, and 2 to 60 seconds are set in the time shortening state.

[0074] Note that when the variable display control of the first special symbol starts, it is determined whether the counter value of the time-saving count counter, in which the number of continuous times of the time-saving state is set, is "0". If this counter value is not "0", after counting down the time-saving count counter, it is further determined whether the counter value of the simultaneous time-saving count counter is "0". As a result, if this counter value is "0", a time-saving end flag indicating the end of the above time-saving control is set.

[0075] When it is determined that the time-saving count counter is not "0", at the time when the above first special symbol process flag is updated so as to transfer the process to the above first special symbol variation process (step S83) (step S155), this process ends.

[0076] An example of the above first special symbol variation process (step S83) will be described. When the above first special symbol process flag indicates that the first special symbol variation process should be performed, the main control MPU of the above main control board 1310 subtracts 1 from the variation timer in which the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined by the lottery process (step S82) for the variation pattern is set. Then, when it is determined that the variation time timer is 0, that is, the above lottery-determined variation time has elapsed, the above first special symbol process flag is updated so as to transfer the process to the above first special symbol stop process (step S84).

[0077] An example of the above first special symbol stop process (step S84) will be described. When the above first special symbol process flag indicates that the first special symbol stop process should be performed, the main control MPU of the above main control board 1310 first performs display control for displaying the stop symbol determined in the above first special symbol stop symbol setting process on the first special symbol display of the function display unit 1400, and transmits a stop display command instructing the peripheral control board 1510 to derive and display the display result of the decorative symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol to the above effect display device 1600.

[0078] Next, when the time-saving end flag is set, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 resets the time-saving end flag and also resets the time-saving flag. This causes the time-saving control to end and the non-time-saving state control to start when the variable display of the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) has been executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

[0079] Incidentally, in the time-saving state, in order to cause the game ball B to enter the second start port 2004, an instruction recommending so-called right hitting (hereinafter also referred to as a right hitting instruction) is executed using the effect display device 1600, the speaker 354, and the like. And as described above, when a predetermined number of special symbol variations end after the time-saving state starts, the time-saving state ends and returns to the normal state (non-time-saving state). When returning to the normal state, in order to cause the game ball B to enter the first start port 2002, the right hitting instruction ends, and an instruction recommending so-called left hitting (hereinafter also referred to as a left hitting instruction) is executed using the effect display device 1600, the speaker 354, and the like.

[0080] For example, when the number of time-saving times is 100 (that is, the time-saving state ends when 100 special symbol variations end after the time-saving state starts), for example, during the execution of the 100th variation (that is, the final time-saving variation) from the start of time-saving, by causing the game ball B to enter the second start port 2004, in the normal state after the time-saving state ends, up to 4 second special symbol variations can be executed.

[0081] That is, after the time-saving state ends, although the second special symbol variation (which can mainly be executed during the time-saving state) is being executed, since the state is still the normal state, a state occurs where a left hitting instruction, which is a different hitting method from that during the time-saving state, is executed.

[0082] Incidentally, when the big win variation of the second special symbol variation ends, the big win game starts, and in the big win game, in order to cause the game ball to enter the big winning port, a right hitting instruction is executed in the same manner as during the time-saving state.

[0083] In addition, in the normal state after the time-saving ends, when a right hit is made, although the player can receive a lottery advantageous to the player different from a special lottery such as a normal lottery in which the game ball B passes through the gate unit 2003, the probability of winning in the normal lottery is extremely low (or zero), so it is difficult for the game ball B to reach the second start port 2004, and the opportunity to receive a special lottery is less compared to the case of making a left hit, that is, the winning probability of a big win decreases. Thus, in a situation where a left hit should be made, when a right hit is made (specifically, for example, when a predetermined number of game balls pass through the gate unit 2003 within a predetermined time), a left hit warning effect that warns to make a left hit is executed. The left hit warning effect does not appear in a situation where a right hit should be made, such as during the time-saving state or during a big win game.

[0084] Further, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 determines whether the big win flag is set. When it is determined that the big win flag is set, a big win start command indicating to start a big win game according to the type of big win is set, the waiting time until the start of the big win game (the time for displaying that the big win game is to start, etc.) is set in the interval timer, and further, the big win execution flag and the time-saving flag are set, and the first special symbol process flag is updated so as to be shifted to the first special symbol normal process which is the initial value. Note that when the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 determines that the big win flag is not set, the first special symbol process flag is updated so as to be shifted to the first special symbol normal process which is the initial value without executing the above-described processing.

[0085] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the big win control process (step S40). In the big win control process, one of the following three processings is selectively executed according to the big win process flag.

[0086] 1. Wait until the peripheral control board 1510 notifies the player that the game is transitioning to the jackpot game based on the fact that the display state of the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) has become the jackpot symbol, or wait until the next round starts. This is the pre-opening process for the big winning opening (step S91).

[0087] 2. Control the big winning opening 2005 to the open state based on the fact that the display state of the special symbols has become the jackpot symbol when the variation display stops, or control the big winning opening 2005 to the open state based on the start of the next round. After keeping the big winning opening 2005 open for a long time (e.g., 28.5 seconds) or when it is detected by the first count sensor or the second count sensor that 10 game balls B have won in the big winning opening 2005, close it. This is the process during the opening of the big winning opening (step S92).

[0088] 3. Wait until the peripheral control board 1510 notifies the player that the jackpot game has ended when all rounds are completed. This is the post-opening process for the big winning opening (step S93).

[0089] Note that the jackpot process flag is operated in the process of step S1 (see FIG. 3) to indicate that the pre-opening process for the big winning opening (step S91) should be performed. Also, in the process during the opening of the big winning opening (step S92), at the start of the round in which the big winning opening 2005 is controlled to the open state, a jackpot round start command corresponding to the round number is set, and at the end of the round in which the big winning opening 2005 is controlled to the closed state, a jackpot round end command corresponding to the round number is set. The jackpot round start command and the jackpot round end command are commands transmitted to the peripheral control board 1510, and the production of the jackpot game corresponding to the round number indicated by the jackpot round start command and the jackpot round end command is executed by the production display device 1600, the lamp·LED, the speaker 354, etc.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the normal symbol process (step S15).

[0091] Now, in the process of step S801, assuming that the detection signal by the gate sensor 2801 is in the on state and it is determined that the game ball B has passed through the gate unit 2003, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310, as the process of step S802, first executes a gate unit passing process such as obtaining a normal random number of the normal symbol from the random number counter and storing it in the normal symbol reservation storage area of the RAM.

[0092] Next, in the normal symbol process, one of the following five processings is selectively executed according to the normal symbol process flag.

[0093] 1. Normal symbol normal processing (step S803) in which the normal random number stored in the RAM of the main control MPU is read out, and a lottery process for the display mode at the time of stopping the variation control of the normal symbol is performed based on the read normal random number.

[0094] 2. Normal symbol variation pattern determination processing (step S804) in which a lottery process for the variation mode (variation time) of the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display of the function display unit 1400 is performed based on the normal symbol variation random number. 3. Normal symbol variation processing (step S805) in which waiting is performed until the variation display of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display of the function display unit 1400 stops.

[0095] 4. Normal symbol stop processing (step S806) in which the variation display of the normal symbol is stopped so that the mode at the time of stopping the variation control of the normal symbol determined based on the result of the lottery process for the display mode at the time of stopping the variation control of the normal symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display of the function display unit 1400.

[0096] 5. Normal electric accessory release processing (step S807) in which when the result of the lottery process for the mode at the time of stopping the variation control of the normal symbol indicates a mode suggesting "winning the normal symbol", a process for enabling the acceptance of the game ball B into the second start port 2004 is executed.

[0097] Note that the normal symbol process flag is operated to indicate that the normal symbol normal process (step S803) should be performed in the process of step S1 described above.

[0098] An example of the process of passing through the gate section (S802) will be described. Assuming that the detection signal by the gate sensor 2801 is in the on state and it is determined that there has been a passage of a game ball through the gate section 2003, a normal random number and a normal symbol variation random number are acquired from the random number counter, and the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 updates the reservation storage of the normal random number in the main control built-in RAM with a predetermined number (for example, 4) as the upper limit (that is, when the number of reservation storages has already reached the upper limit, the update process is not performed). Then, the above-mentioned normal symbol process flag is updated so that the process proceeds to the normal symbol normal process (step S803).

[0099] An example of the normal symbol normal process (S803) will be described. When the normal symbol process flag indicates that the normal symbol normal process should be performed, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 determines whether there is a variation display control of the normal symbol in the reserved state based on the counter value of the counter of the normal reservation storage. As a result, when it is determined that there is a variation display control of the normal symbol in the reserved state, the random number stored in the earliest storage area among the random numbers related to the display mode of the normal symbol stored in the normal symbol reservation storage area of the RAM of the main control MPU (for example, the normal random number, the normal symbol variation random number) is read out from the RAM. Then, the count of the normal reservation number counter is decremented by 1, and the random numbers related to the display mode at the time of stopping the variation display of the normal symbol (the normal random number, the normal symbol variation random number) stored in each storage area of the normal reservation storage area of the RAM of the main control MPU are shifted in a first-in first-out (First-In First-Out) manner.

[0100] Next, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 compares the determination table per general pattern stored in the built-in ROM of the main control with the read normal random number, and determines whether it is a match for the general pattern. If it is determined that it is a match for the general pattern, a general pattern match flag indicating that the variation has won the general pattern match is set, and it is determined as the general pattern match symbol as the mode (stop symbol of the normal symbol) at the time of stopping the variation control of the normal symbol. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a match for the general pattern, it is determined as the general pattern miss symbol as the mode (stop symbol of the normal symbol) at the time of stopping the variation control of the normal symbol.

[0101] And after the lottery process for the normal symbol is thus performed, a general pattern determination result notification command corresponding to these lottery results (indicating either a match or a miss for the general pattern) is transmitted to the peripheral control board 1510, and the above-described normal symbol process flag is updated so as to shift the process to the normal symbol variation pattern determination process (step S804).

[0102] An example of the above-described normal symbol variation pattern determination process (step S804) will be described. When the above-described normal symbol process flag indicates that the normal symbol variation pattern determination process should be performed, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 compares the normal symbol variation pattern determination table at the time of time shortening stored in the built-in ROM of the main control with the normal random number read in the normal symbol normal process if the time shortening flag is set, and compares the normal symbol variation pattern determination table when not in time shortening stored in the built-in ROM of the main control with the normal random number read in the normal symbol normal process if the time shortening flag is set, and determines the variation pattern (general pattern variation pattern) of the normal symbol to be executed. The main control MPU of the main control board 1310 sets a general pattern variation pattern command for notifying the peripheral control board 1510 of the start of the normal symbol variation in the determined general pattern variation pattern, and starts the variation display of the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display of the function display unit 1400.

[0103] Also, when the main control MPU determines the general pattern variation pattern, it sets the general pattern variation time corresponding to the determined general pattern variation pattern in the general pattern variation timer. As a result, effect control is performed in the normal symbol display (variation display of the normal symbol) of the function display unit 1400 for the general pattern variation time corresponding to the determined general pattern variation pattern.

[0104] Also, in the normal symbol variation pattern determination table for non-time-shortening in this example, for example, 20 seconds is set as the general pattern variation time. On the other hand, in the normal symbol variation pattern determination table for time-shortening in this example, for example, 0.8 seconds is set as the general pattern variation time so that the general pattern variation time is shorter compared to the normal symbol variation pattern determination table for non-time-shortening. Note that the normal symbol variation pattern determination table is stored in the ROM of the main control MPU.

[0105] Also, when the variation display control of the normal symbol is started, when the above-mentioned normal symbol process flag is updated so that the process shifts to the above-mentioned normal symbol variation process (step S805), this process ends.

[0106] An example of the above-mentioned normal symbol variation process (step S805) will be described. When the above-mentioned normal symbol process flag indicates that the normal symbol variation process should be performed, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 subtracts 1 from the general pattern variation timer in which the general pattern variation time is set. Then, when it is determined that the general pattern variation time timer is 0, that is, the variation time of the above-mentioned normal symbol has elapsed, the above-mentioned normal symbol process flag is updated so that the process shifts to the above-mentioned first special symbol stop process (step S806).

[0107] An example of the above-mentioned normal symbol stop process (step S806) will be described. When the above-mentioned normal symbol process flag indicates that the normal symbol stop process should be performed, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 performs display control to display the stop symbol of the normal symbol determined in the above-mentioned normal symbol normal process on the normal symbol display of the function display unit 1400, and at the same time, sends a general symbol stop display command notifying the derivation display of the stop symbol of the first special symbol to the peripheral control board 1510.

[0108] Next, when the above-mentioned per-symbol flag is set, the opening pattern of the second start port 2004 corresponding to the current gaming state is set using the per-symbol opening pattern table stored in the main control built-in ROM. Specifically, if it is controlled to be in a non-time-saving state at the start of the opening of the second start port 2004, when a lottery result of per-symbol is obtained by lottery based on normal random numbers, the start port solenoid 2514 that opens and closes the second start port 2004 is turned on, and the opening pattern A in which the second start port 2004 opens and closes in a short opening mode (for example, 0.05 seconds) is executed. Thus, when the opening pattern A is executed as the opening pattern of the second start port 2004, the time for the second start port 2004 to perform the opening operation is short, and it is difficult to let the game ball enter when the second start port 2004 is in the open state. That is, even if the second start port 2004 performs an opening and closing operation in a non-time-saving state, almost no game balls enter.

[0109] On the other hand, if it is controlled to be in a time-saving state at the start of the opening of the second start port 2004, when a lottery result of per-symbol is obtained by lottery based on normal random numbers, the start port solenoid 2514 that opens and closes the second start port 2004 is turned on, and the opening pattern B in which the second start port 2004 opens and closes in a long opening mode (for example, 1.5 seconds) is executed. Thus, when the opening pattern B is executed as the opening pattern of the second start port 2004, the time for the second start port 2004 to perform the opening operation is long, and it is possible to let the game ball enter when the second start port 2004 is in the open state.

[0110] When the opening pattern of the second start port 2004 is set, a start command per normal pattern indicating the start of a game per normal pattern is set, and the normal symbol process flag is updated so as to be process-shifted to the normal electric accessory opening process. Note that the start command per normal pattern is a command transmitted to the peripheral control board 1510, and the performance of the game per normal pattern according to the type of the normal pattern indicated by the start command per normal pattern can be executed by the performance display device 1600, the lamp / LED, the speaker 354, etc.

[0111] Also, when the above-mentioned flag per normal pattern is not set, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 updates the normal symbol process flag so as to be process-shifted to the normal symbol normal process which is the initial value without executing the above-described process.

[0112] An example of the above-mentioned normal electric accessory opening process (step S807) will be described. Assuming that it is determined that the second start port 2004 is in the open state, if a predetermined time (the opening time of the second start port 2004 in the set opening pattern) has elapsed since the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 controls the second start port 2004 to be in the open state, this process ends when the start port solenoid 2514 for opening and closing the second start port 2004 is turned off and the second start port 2004 is controlled to be in the closed state.

[0113] Also, assuming that it is determined that the second start port 2004 is in the closed state, if it is the timing to open the second start port 2004, this process ends when the start port solenoid 2514 for opening and closing the second start port 2004 is turned on and the second start port 2004 is controlled to be in the open state.

[0114] Also, if it is not the timing to open the second start port 2004, the main control MPU of the main control board 1310 sets an end command per normal pattern when the number of times the second start port 2004 is opened reaches a predetermined number of times (the number of times the second start port 2004 is opened in the set opening pattern). Then, when the normal symbol process flag is updated so as to be shifted to the normal symbol normal process which is the initial value, this process ends. Note that the end command per normal pattern is transmitted to the peripheral control board 1510, and when the peripheral control board 1510 receives the end command per normal pattern, the performance display device 1600, the lamp / LED, the speaker 354, etc. can end the performance of the ongoing normal pattern game.

[0115] Next, the process executed by the peripheral control MPU mounted on the peripheral control board 1510 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the control performed by the peripheral control MPU mounted on the peripheral control board 1510 when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on.

[0116] When the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is started, the peripheral control MPU performs an initial setting process (step S501). This initial setting process includes a process of clearing the RAM built in the peripheral control MPU mounted on the peripheral control board 1510. Note that interrupts are prohibited during this initial setting process and interrupts are permitted after the initial setting process. When the initial setting process (step S501) ends, a loop process for monitoring whether the 16 mS elapsed flag T is set is started (step S502).

[0117] In this embodiment, the peripheral control MPU generates an interrupt every 2 mS and executes 2 mS normal processing. In the 2 mS normal processing, a process of counting up a 16 mS elapsed monitoring counter (adding 1 to the 16 mS elapsed monitoring counter) is executed. When the value of the 16 mS elapsed monitoring counter becomes 8, that is, when 16 mS has elapsed, a 16 mS elapsed flag T is set, and a process of resetting (setting to 0) the 16 mS elapsed monitoring counter is executed. In this way, the 16 mS elapsed flag T is set to "1" every 16 mS in the 2 mS normal processing and is normally set (reset) to "0". When the 16 mS elapsed flag is set in step S502 (the 16 mS elapsed flag T is "1"), after resetting the 16 mS elapsed flag (step S503), 16 mS normal processing is performed (step S504).

[0118] In this 16 mS normal processing, a process of controlling the effect display device 1600, the lamp / LED, the speaker 354, etc. based on the command received from the main control board 1310 is executed. When the 16 mS normal processing ends, the process returns to step S502 again, and every time the 16 mS elapsed flag T is set, that is, every 16 mS, the above steps S503 to S504 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the 16 mS elapsed flag T is not set in step S502 (the 16 mS elapsed flag T is "0"), loop processing is performed until the 16 mS elapsed flag T is set.

[0119] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the 16 mS normal processing executed every 16 mS in the sub-main processing. In the 16 mS normal processing, the peripheral control MPU executes the processes of steps S601 to S606. In the command analysis process of step S601, the command received from the main control board 1310 is analyzed. In the effect control process of step S602, based on receiving the variable pattern command transmitted by being set in the variable pattern setting process (the first variable pattern setting process and the second variable pattern setting process), the control process related to the effect display device 1600 is executed.

[0120] Also, in the sound control process of step S603, control processing related to the speaker 354 provided in the pachinko machine 1 is executed. In the lamp control process of step S604, control processing related to the lamps and LEDs provided in the pachinko machine 1 is executed. In the information output process of step S605, processes such as transmitting a lighting signal of the lamp and LED to various decorative substrates 184, 273, etc. are executed. In the random number update process of step S606, a process of updating the random numbers used for various settings in the effect control process (step S602) is executed.

[0121] Note that the processes of step S601 to step S606 in the 16mS steady process end within 16mS. Even if it takes 16mS or more from the start of the 16mS steady process to the end of the 16mS steady process, the 16mS steady process is not immediately executed from the beginning (from the command analysis process of step S601) when 16mS has elapsed since the start of the 16mS steady process. That is, when 16mS has elapsed during the execution of the 16mS steady process, only the 16mS elapsed flag is set, and when it is determined in step S502 that the 16mS elapsed flag is set after the end of the 16mS steady process, the 16mS steady process is started.

[0122] Also, in this embodiment, the random number update process (step S606) is executed in the 16mS steady process to update various random numbers, but the timing for updating various random numbers is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to update various random numbers in either one or both of the loop process in the sub-main process and the 16mS steady process.

[0123] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control process (step S602). In the effect control process, the peripheral control MPU selectively executes one of the following five processings according to the effect process flag indicating the progress status of the game stored in the peripheral control MPU of the peripheral control board 1510.

[0124] 1. After performing processes such as controlling the effect display device 1600, the LED, the speaker 354, etc. based on a variation pattern command (a first variation pattern command for instructing the variation pattern of the first special symbol and a second variation pattern command for instructing the variation pattern of the second special symbol) that instructs the variation pattern of the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) analyzed in the above command analysis process, a variation effect start process (step S711) for changing the above effect process flag to a value corresponding to the in-variation effect process

[0125] 2. Measure the elapsed time since the start of controlling the effect display device 1600, the LED, the speaker 354, etc., perform processes such as controlling the effect display device 1600, the LED, the speaker 354, etc. according to the elapsed time, and change the above effect process flag to a value corresponding to the variation end process in response to the elapse of the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol). An in-variation effect process (step S712)

[0126] 3. Based on receiving a stop display command for instructing the stop of the variation display of the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol), perform a process for deriving and displaying a predetermined display result. If it is a losing combination, change the above effect process flag to a value corresponding to the variation effect start process. If it is a big win, change it to a value corresponding to the big win effect process. If it is a small win, change it to a value corresponding to the small win effect process. A variation effect end process (step S713)

[0127] 4. Based on receiving a big win start command for instructing the start of a big win game, perform a process for executing display control during the big win game on the effect display device 1600, and change the above effect process flag to a value corresponding to the variation effect start process when the big win game ends. A big win effect process (step S714)

[0128] By the above processing, the variable display of the decoration pattern is executed on the effect display device 1600 in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) executed on the special symbol display device (the first special symbol display device of the function display unit 1400 and the second special symbol display device of the function display unit 1400). If the special symbol variation is not performed for a predetermined time, a demo screen (a predetermined video including characters and stories that appear in the effect of the pachinko machine 1, an explanation of the effect, the model name, and the manufacturer name, etc.) indicating the customer waiting state is displayed on the effect display device 1600.

[0129] [2. Attack effect] FIGS. 11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an effect when an operation valid period for an attack effect (a period in which a predetermined operation on a predetermined operation unit is detected or which ends when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the period) occurs and an operation for launching an attack is performed during the operation valid period. The attack effect is an effect that is executed, for example, before the variable reach effect in which the reach effect is executed is started, or during the variable in which the reach effect is not executed. The attack effect is, for example, an effect that is executed when a jackpot flag is set by winning a start prize in the first start opening 2002 or the second start opening 2004, and when a reach flag is set, and is an effect that is executed regardless of which variable pattern is selected. When a start prize is won in the first start opening 2002 or the second start opening 2004 and neither the jackpot flag nor the reach flag is set, it is an effect that is executed when a predetermined variable pattern is selected.

[0130] During the attack performance, an operation valid period occurs. If a predetermined operation is performed on a predetermined operation unit during the operation valid period, the friendly character (the white character in the figure) will launch either a punch or a kick attack against the enemy character (the character with diagonal lines in the figure). If the attack hits the enemy character, it will then develop into a reach performance. If the enemy character avoids the attack, the decorative pattern will stop with a miss combination and the ongoing variation will end without developing into a reach performance. For example, when a variation pattern in which a reach is executed is selected, the distribution for determining that the friendly character executes a punch performance in the attack performance is smaller than the distribution for determining that the friendly character executes a kick performance (for example, the distribution for punching is 1 / 3 of the distribution for kicking). When a variation pattern in which a reach is not executed is selected, the distribution for determining that the friendly character executes a punch performance in the attack performance is larger than the distribution for determining that the friendly character executes a kick performance (for example, the distribution for punching is 3 times the distribution for kicking).

[0131] Note that the first performance pattern performed during the attack performance prompts an operation on the pressing operation unit 303 (for example, pressing (so-called single press)), and the second performance pattern performed during the attack performance prompts a continuous operation on the rotation operation unit 302 (for example, continuing rotation by a predetermined amount for a predetermined time or more, which is an operation different from the pressing (so-called single press) operation on the pressing operation unit 303).

[0132] Note that the rotation operation unit 302 in this example can be rotated in a clockwise direction within a range of up to 360 degrees (for example, when rotated 360 degrees clockwise, a stopper operates so that further clockwise rotation is not possible). When rotated one step clockwise, it rotates 10 degrees and can be rotated a maximum of 36 steps. The rotation detection sensor 347 provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects the amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 (how many steps it has been rotated). Note that the clockwise rotatable range from the initial position of the rotation operation unit 302 does not have to be 360 degrees as described above, and can be any value between, for example, 45 degrees and 360 degrees.

[0133] In the figure, the effects branch into an upper part and a lower part. However, the effect before the branching is an effect common to both the first effect pattern and the second effect pattern. The effect described in the upper part after the branching is the effect of the first effect pattern, and the effect described in the lower part after the branching is the effect of the second effect pattern.

[0134] In the first effect pattern, an operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 occurs. When the pressing detection sensor 381 provided in the pressing operation unit 303 changes from the off state to the on state during the operation valid period, the operation period ends. As an after-operation effect corresponding to the operation, a reach suggestion effect in which the friendly character attacks the enemy character (an effect in which the rate of executing the reach varies depending on whether a punch or a kick appears) and an effect in which the attack hits the enemy character or an effect in which the enemy character avoids the attack are executed.

[0135] In the second effect pattern, an operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 occurs. When the rotation detection sensor 347 provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a right rotation of a predetermined amount or more (hereinafter, 5 steps or more) from the initial position during the operation valid period, an effect in which the friendly character is wrapped in an aura is executed as an during-operation effect corresponding to the operation. The effect in which the friendly character is wrapped in an aura, which is this during-operation effect, is continuously executed while a right rotation of 5 steps or more of the rotation operation unit 302 is detected during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302.

[0136] Furthermore, in the second presentation pattern, if a right rotation of five or more steps of the rotation operation unit 302 continues for 3 seconds during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, the operation valid period ends, and as a post-operation presentation, a reach suggestion presentation in which a friendly character attacks an enemy character (a presentation in which the degree of expectation of executing the reach varies depending on whether a punch or a kick appears) and a presentation in which the attack hits the enemy character or a presentation in which the enemy character evades the attack are executed. In the first presentation pattern, when the pressure detection sensor 381 changes from the off state to the on state during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303, the operation valid period ends. In the second presentation pattern, when a right rotation of five or more steps of the rotation operation unit 302 continues for 3 seconds during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, the operation valid period ends. That is, in the first presentation pattern and the second presentation pattern, the operations for ending the operation valid period are different. In the second presentation pattern, the conditions for the operation valid period to end and the post-operation presentation to be executed are that the operation of the rotation operation unit 302 continues continuously for a predetermined time regardless of the rotation amount during the operation valid period, the rotation operation unit 302 is operated for a predetermined time with a rotation amount of five or more steps or regardless of the rotation amount during the operation valid period, or the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 reaches a predetermined number of steps (for example, 36 steps which is the maximum rotation amount) during the operation valid period, etc. may also be possible.

[0137] Note that the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 in the first presentation pattern and the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 in the second presentation pattern are both assumed to be 10 seconds. Note that the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 in the first presentation pattern may be longer or shorter than the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 in the second presentation pattern. However, since the operation for causing the post-operation presentation to appear in the second presentation pattern (continuing a right rotation of five or more steps of the rotation operation unit 302 for 3 seconds during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302) takes longer than the operation for causing the post-operation presentation to appear in the first presentation pattern (changing the pressure detection sensor 381 from the off state to the on state during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303), it is desirable that the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 in the second presentation pattern be longer than the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 in the first presentation pattern.

[0138] Figure 11(A) shows a state where all decorative symbols are fluctuating and an attack performance has started. In Figure 11(A), a message indicating that it is a chance if the punch of the friendly character hits the enemy character is displayed on the effect display device 1600. Note that the decorative symbol is a complex sequence of symbols indicating the result of a special lottery, which is displayed on the effect display device 1600. The decorative symbols consist of, for example, three columns: a left decorative symbol, a middle decorative symbol, and a right decorative symbol. The three columns of decorative symbols start to fluctuate at the start of the special symbol fluctuation, and then, for example, stop being displayed in the order of the left decorative symbol, the right decorative symbol, and the middle decorative symbol. When finally all the columns of decorative symbols stop being displayed, the result of the special lottery is shown to the player according to the combination of the stopped decorative symbols. Note that when the attack of the friendly character hits the enemy character in the attack performance, after the end of the attack performance, the decorative symbols form a reach and a reach performance is executed. The state of forming a decorative symbol reach means that among a complex sequence of decorative symbols (for example, three columns of a left decorative symbol, a middle decorative symbol, and a right decorative symbol), the decorative symbols excluding one decorative symbol (for example, the middle decorative symbol) stop in the same display mode (for example, the left decorative symbol and the right decorative symbol have the same symbol) (however, it is a so-called temporary stop state where it seems to be stopped although it is slightly swaying up and down), and the one decorative symbol is fluctuating.

[0139] In Figure 11(A), the operation valid periods of the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotation operation unit 302 have not started (the player does not know whether the first effect pattern in which an operation of the pressing operation unit 303 is required during the operation valid period, as in the effects after Figure 11(C), or the second effect pattern in which rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is required during the operation valid period, as in the effects after Figure 11(C’), will be executed), and the player has not yet operated the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotation operation unit 302.

[0140] In Fig. 11(B), the ally character and the enemy character are displayed on the production display device 1600, and a line suggesting that the ally character will attack from now on is further displayed on the production display device 1600. In Fig. 11(B), the operation valid periods of the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotation operation unit 302 have not started, and the player has not yet operated the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotation operation unit 302. Also, the player does not know whether the first production pattern or the second production pattern will be executed.

[0141] After Fig. 11(B), if it is determined that the first production pattern will be executed, the production will transition to the production after Fig. 11(C), and if it is determined that the second production pattern will be executed, the production will transition to the production after Fig. 11(C’). First, the case where the production transitions to the production of Fig. 11(C) (it is determined that the first production pattern will be executed) will be described. Following Fig. 11(B), in Fig. 11(C), the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 is started, and a gauge 1603 indicating the remaining time of the operation valid period and a display prompting the operation of the pressing operation unit 303 (an image imitating the pressing operation unit 303 and a message saying "Push!") are displayed on the production display device 1600. Note that in Fig. 11(C), the player has not yet operated the pressing operation unit 303.

[0142] In Fig. 12(D), the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 is progressing, and the remaining time of the operation valid period indicated by the gauge 1603 is decreasing, but the player has not yet operated the pressing operation unit 303.

[0143] Fig. 12(E) shows a state where the player has operated the pressing operation unit 303 during the operation valid period (the pressing operation unit 303 has been pushed in by a height tmax from the initial position state of the pressing operation unit 303 before Fig. 12(D) and the pressing has been detected), and the post-operation production has started. Specifically, a reach suggestion production in which the ally character punches (the expectation of reach being executed is lower than that of a kick) the enemy character is being executed, and it has not yet been reported whether the punch hits the enemy character.

[0144] Figure 12(F) is the continuation of the post-operation effect. It is notified that the enemy character avoids the punch of the friendly character with a backstep and does not develop into a reach effect, and then the post-operation effect ends. In the post-operation effect, a sound corresponding to the display mode of the post-operation effect (for example, different sounds depending on whether the friendly character's attack is a punch or a kick, and different sounds depending on whether the friendly character's attack hits or not) is output from the speaker 354, or the lamp emits light in a mode corresponding to the display mode of the post-operation effect (for example, different light emission modes depending on whether the friendly character's attack is a punch or a kick, and different light emission modes depending on whether the friendly character's attack hits or not).

[0145] In addition, when the first effect pattern is being executed in the variation where reach is executed, following the reach suggestion effect (the effect where the friendly character punches or kicks) in the effect of Figure 12(E), in Figure 12(F), an effect where the friendly character's attack hits the enemy character (an effect notifying the development into the reach effect) is performed and the post-operation effect ends, and then it develops into the reach effect. Also in the post-operation effect of the first effect pattern in the variation where reach is executed, a sound corresponding to the display mode of the post-operation effect (it may be the same sound or a different sound as in the case where it does not develop into reach) is output from the speaker 354, or the lamp emits light in a mode corresponding to the display mode of the post-operation effect (it may be the same light emission mode or a different light emission mode as in the case where it does not develop into reach).

[0146] Following the effect of Figure 12(F), the decoration pattern stops in a combination indicating that the result of the special lottery is a miss (a combination in which the display mode of at least one of the left decoration pattern, the middle decoration pattern, and the right decoration pattern is different from the display modes of the remaining decoration patterns), and the ongoing special pattern variation ends (not shown).

[0147] Next, the case of transitioning to the effect in Fig. 11(C’) (where it has been determined that the second effect pattern is to be executed) will be described. Following Fig. 11(B), in Fig. 11(C’), the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 starts, and a gauge 1603 indicating the remaining time of the operation valid period and a display prompting the operation of the rotation operation unit 302 (an image imitating the rotation operation unit 302 and the message “Turn it!”) are displayed on the effect display device 1600. Note that in Fig. 11(C’), the player has not yet operated the rotation operation unit 302.

[0148] In Fig. 12(D’), the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 is progressing and the remaining time of the operation valid period indicated by the gauge 1603 is decreasing. Furthermore, since the player has rotated the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right, as an in-operation effect, an ally character is wrapped in an aura, a sound corresponding to the aura is output from the speaker 354, and an effect in which a lamp emits light in the color of the aura is being executed. Note that by indicating the attack (punch or kick) performed by the ally character in the display mode such as the color and size of this aura, the expectation level of executing a reach earlier than the post-operation effect is suggested.

[0149] In Fig. 12(E’), since a right rotation of five or more steps of the rotation operation unit 302 has continued for 3 seconds during the operation valid period, the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 has ended and the post-operation effect has started. Specifically, a reach suggestion effect in which the ally character punches the enemy character (the expectation level of executing a reach is lower than that of a kick) is being executed, and it has not yet been notified whether the punch hits the enemy character. Fig. 12(F’) is a continuation of the post-operation effect, and it is notified that the enemy character avoids the ally character's punch with a backstep and does not develop into a reach effect, and the post-operation effect ends. Following the effect in Fig. 12(F’), the decorative symbol stops in a combination indicating that the result of the special lottery is a miss, and the ongoing special symbol variation ends (not shown).

[0150] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect when the operation unit is not operated during an attack effect. First, an example in which it is determined that the first effect pattern is to be executed will be described. Following FIG. 11(C), in FIG. 13(D2), similar to FIG. 12(D), although the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 is progressing and the remaining time of the operation valid period indicated by the gauge 1603 is decreasing, the player is not operating the pressing operation unit 303.

[0151] In FIG. 13(E2), the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 further progresses, and the remaining time of the operation valid period indicated by the gauge 1603 further decreases. Also, in FIG. 13(E2), the player is not operating the pressing operation unit 303, and a display similar to FIG. 13(D2) is performed except for the display of the remaining time of the operation valid period indicated by the gauge 1603. In FIG. 13(F2), although the entire operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 has elapsed and the operation valid period has ended, the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated, and the attack effect ends without performing a post-operation effect. Following the effect of FIG. 13(F2), the decorative symbols stop in a combination indicating that the result of the special lottery is a miss, and the ongoing special symbol variation ends (not shown).

[0152] Subsequently, an example in which it is determined that the second effect pattern is to be executed will be described. Following FIG. 11(C), in FIG. 13(D’2), similar to FIG. 12(D’), the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 is progressing and the remaining time of the operation valid period indicated by the gauge 1603 is decreasing. In FIG. 13(D’2), since the player is not operating the rotation operation unit 302 (no right rotation of 5 steps or more), the in-operation effect in which the ally character wraps itself in an aura is not being executed.

[0153] FIG. 13(E’2) shows a state where the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 further progresses and the remaining time of the operation valid period indicated by the gauge 1603 further decreases. In FIG. 13(E’2), since the player has not yet started the operation of the rotation operation unit 302 (a right rotation of 5 steps or more of the rotation operation unit 302 has not continued for 3 seconds), the same display as in FIG. 13(D’2) is performed except for the display of the remaining time of the operation valid period of the gauge 1603, and the in-operation effect is not executed either.

[0154] FIG. 13(F’2) shows a state where the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 ends because the entire operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 has elapsed without satisfying the condition that a right rotation of 5 steps or more of the rotation operation unit 302 continues for 3 seconds during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, and the attack effect ends without the post-operation effect being performed. Following the effect of FIG. 13(F’2), the decorative symbols stop in a combination indicating that the result of the special lottery is a miss, and the ongoing special symbol variation ends (not shown). When a right rotation of 5 steps or more of the rotation operation unit 302 is made during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, an effect in which the ally character is wrapped in an aura, which is an in-operation effect, is performed. However, if a right rotation of 5 steps or more of the rotation operation unit 302 does not continue for 3 seconds until the end of the operation valid period, the post-operation effect is not executed.

[0155] Note that if the operation valid period ends without an operation for executing the post-operation effect being performed during the operation valid period in the first effect pattern and the second effect pattern of the attack effect, an effect similar to the post-operation effect (that is, an effect of releasing an ally character attack and then notifying whether the attack hits and develops into a reach effect depending on whether the attack hits) is performed after the end of the operation valid period, and then an effect of stopping the decorative symbols in a combination indicating that the result of the special lottery is a miss or a reach effect may be executed.

[0156] Figs. 14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a presentation when the operation of the operation unit has started at the start of the operation valid period of the attack presentation. Fig. 14(A) is the same as Fig. 11(A). First, an example of the transition to Fig. 14(B3) (where it is determined that the first presentation pattern is to be executed) will be described. Following Fig. 14(A), in Fig. 14(B3), the same presentation as in Fig. 11(B) is being performed, and the player is already in a state where the pressing operation unit 303 is being operated (from the initial position state of the pressing operation unit 303 in Fig. 12(A), the pressing operation unit 303 has been pushed in by a height tmax and pressing has been detected). In Fig. 14(B3), the pressing operation unit 303 is being operated and the pressing operation unit 303 is in an on state, but since the operation valid period has not started, the post-operation presentation has not been executed.

[0157] In Fig. 14(C3), the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 has started. In Fig. 14(C3), the player continues to operate the pressing operation unit 303 (pressing continuously) from Fig. 14(B3). That is, before the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 occurs, the pressing detection sensor 381 provided in the pressing operation unit 303 is in an on state, and it has not changed from the off state to the on state after the start of the operation valid period. In this case (that is, even if the pressing operation unit 303 is being operated at the start point of the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 and there is no change from the non-operated state to the operated state during the operation valid period), the post-operation presentation does not occur. When the pressing operation unit 303 is operated simultaneously with the start of the operation valid period in Fig. 14(C3) (that is, the pressing detection sensor 381 provided in the pressing operation unit 303 is in an on state exactly at the start of the operation valid period), a presentation similar to the presentation after Fig. 14(C3) is performed.

[0158] In FIG. 15 (D3), the player continues to operate the pressing operation unit 303 from FIG. 14 (B3) (while continuously pressing). In this way, at the start of the effective operation period of the pressing operation unit 303, the pressing operation unit 303 is being operated, and if the operation of the pressing operation unit 303 continues thereafter, since the pressing detection sensor 381 provided in the pressing operation unit 303 does not change from the off state to the on state during the effective operation period of the pressing operation unit 303, the post-operation effect is not executed even though the pressing operation unit 303 is being operated. Therefore, the sound corresponding to the display mode of the post-operation effect is not output from the speaker 354, and the lamp does not emit light in the light emission mode corresponding to the display mode of the post-operation effect. In FIG. 15 (D3), the same effect as in FIG. 12 (D) is performed. Incidentally, if the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a lamp that emits light when the pressing operation unit 303 is being operated (the pressing detection sensor 381 is in the on state), the lamp emits light at the start of the effective operation period of the pressing operation unit 303 when the pressing operation unit 303 is being operated, and also emits light in the state where the operation of the pressing operation unit 303 continues after the pressing operation unit 303 is operated at the start of the effective operation period of the pressing operation unit 303.

[0159] In FIG. 15 (E3), the player continues to operate the pressing operation unit 303 from FIG. 14 (B3) (while continuously pressing). Since the pressing detection sensor 381 provided in the pressing operation unit 303 does not change from the off state to the on state during the effective operation period of the pressing operation unit 303, the post-operation effect is not executed. Therefore, the sound corresponding to the display mode of the post-operation effect is not output from the speaker 354, and the lamp does not emit light in the light emission mode corresponding to the display mode of the post-operation effect. In FIG. 15 (E3), the effective operation period of the pressing operation unit 303 further progresses and the remaining time indicated by the gauge 1603 further decreases.

[0160] In FIG. 15 (F3), the entire period of the operation effective period has elapsed. Also, in FIG. 15 (F3), the player continues to operate the pressing operation unit 303 (pressing continuously) from FIG. 14 (B3), and since the pressing detection sensor 381 provided in the pressing operation unit 303 has not changed from the off state to the on state during the operation effective period of the pressing operation unit 303, no post-operation effect is performed. Following the effect of FIG. 15 (F3), the decorative symbols stop in a combination indicating that the result of the special lottery is a miss, and the ongoing special symbol variation ends (not shown).

[0161] Up to FIG. 14 (B3), since the effects common to both the first effect pattern and the second effect pattern are being performed, the player does not know which effect pattern is being executed. If it is determined that the first effect pattern is to be executed, and the pressing operation unit 303 is operated before the operation effective period of the pressing operation unit 303 occurs and the pressing detection sensor 381 is in the on state at the start of the operation effective period, if the post-operation effect is to be executed, a reach suggestion effect (an effect where the ally character punches or kicks) will be executed immediately at the start of the operation effective period, which will startle the player extremely. Therefore, when it is determined that the first effect pattern is to be executed, even if the pressing operation unit 303 is operated before the operation effective period of the pressing operation unit 303 occurs and the pressing detection sensor 381 is in the on state at the start of the operation effective period, the post-operation effect is not executed. Incidentally, when it is determined that the first effect pattern is to be executed, and the pressing operation unit 303 is operated before the operation effective period of the pressing operation unit 303 occurs and the pressing detection sensor 381 is in the on state at the start of the operation effective period, if the operation continues, the post-operation effect is not executed, and even if the operation is aborted (that is, even if the pressing detection sensor 381 changes from the on state to the off state), the post-operation effect is not executed.

[0162] In addition, when the pressing operation unit 303 is in an operating state before the operation valid period occurs, if the operation is aborted during the operation valid period and the pressing operation unit 303 is operated again (that is, if the pressing detection sensor 381 changes from the on state to the off state and then changes from the off state to the on state), the post-operation effect is executed.

[0163] Subsequently, an example of the transition to FIG. 14(B’3) (where it is determined that the second effect pattern is to be executed) will be described. Following FIG. 14(A), in FIG. 14(B’3), the same effect as in FIG. 11(B) is being performed, and the player has already rotated the rotation operation unit 302 at least 5 steps to the right. In FIG. 14(B’3), although the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated at least 5 steps to the right, since the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 has not started, the in-operation effect is not being executed.

[0164] In FIG. 14(C’3), the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 has started. In FIG. 14(C’3), the player is continuously operating the rotation operation unit 302 (rotating it at least 5 steps to the right) from FIG. 14(B’3). That is, a rotation of at least 5 steps to the right of the rotation operation unit 302 is detected before the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 occurs, and at the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, the rotation detection sensor 347 is also detecting a rotation of at least 5 steps. As long as a rotation of at least 5 steps to the right of the rotation operation unit 302 is detected during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 (that is, a change from the off state of the rotation detection sensor 347 provided in the rotation operation unit 302 is not required), an in-operation effect in which an ally character wraps itself in an aura, similar to FIG. 12(D’), appears. Therefore, in FIG. 14(C’3), since a rotation of at least 5 steps to the right of the rotation operation unit 302 is detected at the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, the in-operation effect appears from the start of the operation valid period. If the rotation operation unit 302 has not been operated before the start of the operation valid period in FIG. 14(B’3), and a rotation of at least 5 steps to the right of the rotation operation unit 302 is performed from the start of the operation valid period in FIG. 14(C’3), the in-operation effect is started when a rotation of at least 5 steps to the right of the rotation operation unit 302 is detected.

[0165] In FIG. 15 (D’3), following FIG. 14 (B’3), although the rotation operation unit 302 is being operated (continuously rotated right by 5 steps or more), since the right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 by 5 steps or more has not continued for 3 seconds during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 (less than 3 seconds have elapsed since the start of the operation valid period), the in-operation effect continues but the post-operation effect is not performed, and as the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 further progresses, the remaining time indicated by the gauge 1603 decreases.

[0166] In FIG. 15 (E’3), following FIG. 14 (B’3), since the right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 by 5 steps or more has continued for 3 seconds during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 has ended and the post-operation effect has started. Specifically, a reach suggestion effect is being executed in which the friendly character punches the enemy character (the expectation of the reach being executed is lower than that of a kick), and whether the punch hits the enemy character has not been reported yet. FIG. 15 (F’3) is a continuation of the post-operation effect, and it is reported that the enemy character avoids the friendly character's punch with a backstep and does not develop into a reach effect, and the post-operation effect ends. Following the effect in FIG. 15 (F’3), the decorative pattern stops in a combination indicating that the result of the special lottery is a miss, and the ongoing special pattern variation ends (not shown in the figure).

[0167] In the second performance pattern, when the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated 5 steps or more to the right before the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 and the operation valid period starts, the performance during the operation in which the ally character is wrapped in an aura is executed. Therefore, even if a player who becomes extremely nervous when seeing the reach suggestion performance rotates the rotation operation unit 302 5 steps or more to the right before the start of the operation valid period and the operation valid period starts, if the player stops rotating the rotation operation unit 302 5 steps or more to the right before continuing to rotate the rotation operation unit 302 5 steps or more to the right for 3 seconds during the operation valid period (if the rotation amount is less than 5 steps or if it is not rotated at all), the player does not have to see the reach suggestion performance. In the second performance pattern, when the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated 5 steps or more to the right before the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 and the operation valid period starts, the performance during the operation in which the ally character is wrapped in an aura may not be executed. In the second performance pattern, even if the performance during the operation in which the ally character is wrapped in an aura is not executed when the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated 5 steps or more to the right before the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 and the operation valid period starts, if the player stops rotating the rotation operation unit 302 5 steps or more to the right before continuing to rotate the rotation operation unit 302 5 steps or more to the right for 3 seconds during the operation valid period (if the rotation amount is less than 5 steps or if it is not rotated at all), the player does not have to see the reach suggestion performance.

[0168] In the second presentation pattern, when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated 5 steps or more to the right at the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 and the rotation is stopped before the post-operation presentation appears, and then the rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 by 5 steps or more to the right is restarted during the operation valid period, but the rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 by 5 steps or more to the right cannot be continued for 3 seconds until the end of the operation valid period, the post-operation presentation is not performed as shown in FIG. 15 (F3). That is, in the second presentation pattern, when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated 5 steps or more to the right at the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 and the rotation is stopped before the post-operation presentation appears, the reach suggestion presentation cannot be made to appear unless the rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 by 5 steps or more to the right is restarted by 3 seconds before the end timing of the operation valid period.

[0169] Note that in the above example, the attack presentation is a pre-reach presentation indicating whether it develops into a reach presentation, but an attack presentation as a reach presentation may also be executable. Further, when it is notified that an attack presentation, which is a pre-reach presentation indicating whether it develops into a reach presentation, is performed and develops into a reach presentation, in the same variation (that is, in the reach presentation that is the development destination), an attack presentation as a reach presentation may also be executable.

[0170] The attack presentation as a reach presentation is a presentation in which the ally character launches either a punch or a kick attack, and if the ally character's attack hits the enemy character, it is notified that a big win has been won, and if the ally character's attack is avoided by the enemy character, it is notified that it is a miss. Note that, for example, the distribution for determining to execute a presentation in which the ally character launches a punch in the attack presentation in a big win variation (a variation in which the big win flag is set) is smaller than the distribution for determining to execute a presentation in which the ally character launches a kick (for example, the distribution for launching a punch is 1 / 3 of the distribution for launching a kick), and the distribution for determining to execute a presentation in which the ally character launches a punch in the attack presentation in a variation that is not a big win variation is larger than the distribution for determining to execute a presentation in which the ally character launches a kick (for example, the distribution for launching a punch is 3 times the distribution for launching a kick).

[0171] In the first pattern of the attack effect as the reach effect, when the pressing detection sensor 381 changes from the off state to the on state during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303, as the post-operation effect, an effect in which the friendly character attacks the enemy character (an effect in which the rate of notification of a big win varies depending on whether a punch or a kick appears) and an effect in which the attack hits the enemy character or an effect in which the enemy character evades the attack are executed. Note that the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 in the first pattern of the attack effect as the reach effect may be the same length or a different length from the operation valid period in the first effect pattern of the attack effect (the effects in FIGS. 11(A) to 12(F)), which is the pre-reach effect indicating whether it develops into the reach effect.

[0172] In the second pattern of the attack effect as the reach effect, when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated 5 steps or more to the right during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, as the during-operation effect, an effect in which the friendly character is wrapped in an aura is executed. Note that the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 in the second pattern of the attack effect as the reach effect may be the same length or a different length from the operation valid period in the second effect pattern of the attack effect (the effects in FIGS. 11(A) to 12(F’)), which is the pre-reach effect indicating whether it develops into the reach effect. When the rotation operation unit 302 rotates 5 steps or more to the right for 3 seconds continuously during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 in the second pattern of the attack effect as the reach effect, as the post-operation effect, an effect in which the friendly character attacks the enemy character (an effect in which the rate of notification of a big win varies depending on whether a punch or a kick appears) and an effect in which the attack hits the enemy character or an effect in which the enemy character evades the attack are executed.

[0173] In the first performance pattern of the attack performance as the reach performance, even if the pressing operation unit 303 is continuously pressed from before the start of the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 as shown in FIGS. 14(B3) to (C3) and the pressing operation unit 303 is being pressed at the start of the operation valid period (since the pressing detection sensor 381 provided in the pressing operation unit 303 does not change from the off state to the on state during the operation valid period), the post-operation performance is not executed at the start of the operation valid period. However, since whether or not the player has won the jackpot notified in the attack performance as the reach performance is important information for the player, when the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 has ended because a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the operation valid period, at least a part of the post-operation performance (for example, both the performance of punching or kicking in FIG. 12(E) (a performance suggesting the jackpot expectation level) and the performance of notifying whether or not the player has won the jackpot in FIG. 12(F), or only the performance in FIG. 12(F)) is desirably performed.

[0174] Also, since whether or not the player has won the jackpot is important information for the player, in the second performance pattern of the attack performance as the reach performance, when the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 has ended because a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the operation valid period, at least a part of the post-operation performance (for example, both the performance of punching or kicking in FIG. 12(E) (a performance suggesting the jackpot expectation level) and the performance of notifying whether or not the player has won the jackpot in FIG. 12(F), or only the performance in FIG. 12(F)) is desirably performed. For example, even if the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated 5 steps or more to the right at the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 but the right rotation has been stopped, and the right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 by 5 steps or more has been restarted during the operation valid period but the continuous time of the right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 by 5 steps or more is less than 3 seconds until the end of the operation valid period, it is desirable that at least a part of the post-operation performance is performed when the operation valid period has ended.

[0175] In addition, in the second performance pattern of the attack performance, an operation on another operation unit may be prompted instead of the rotation operation unit 302. This another operation unit is, for example, an operation unit capable of rotation operation and is an operation unit other than the rotation operation unit 302. Further, this another operation unit may be an operation unit capable of an operation different from the rotation operation (that is, an operation different from the rotation operation is prompted). Note that the operation units for which operations are prompted in the first performance pattern and the second performance pattern of the attack performance may be the same operation unit or different operation units.

[0176] For example, in the second performance pattern of the attack performance, an operation on the pressing operation unit 303 (that is, the same operation unit as the operation unit for which an operation is prompted in the first performance pattern) may be prompted instead of the rotation operation unit 302 (the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 occurs instead of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302). In this case, in the second performance pattern of the attack performance, for example, instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds, a long press or continuous hitting (continuous operation on the pressing operation unit 303) on the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted.

[0177] When a long press on the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance, if the pressing detection sensor 381 is in the on state during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 (regardless of the change from the off state to the on state of the pressing detection sensor 381), an effect in which the friendly character as the in-operation effect wraps an aura is executed. That is, when a long press on the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance, the fact that the pressing detection sensor 381 is in the on state during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 corresponds to the fact that the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated five or more steps to the right during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 when the rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is prompted in the second pattern of the attack performance.

[0178] Also, when a long press of the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance, if the pressing operation unit 303 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time during the operation valid period (if the pressing detection sensor 381 remains on for a predetermined time), the post-operation performance appears. That is, when a long press of the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance, the pressing detection sensor 381 remaining on for a predetermined time during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 corresponds to the rotation operation unit 302 rotating five or more steps to the right continuously for 3 seconds during the operation valid period when the rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is prompted in the second pattern of the attack performance.

[0179] When, instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance, rapid-fire of the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted, when the pressing detection sensor 381 changes from the off state to the on state during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303, a performance in which the ally character is wrapped in an aura as an in-operation performance is executed. That is, when rapid-fire of the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance, and the pressing detection sensor 381 changes from the off state to the on state during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303, this corresponds to the rotation operation unit 302 rotating five or more steps to the right during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 when rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is prompted in the second pattern of the attack performance. However, when rapid-fire of the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance, at the start of the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303, if the pressing detection sensor 381 is in the on state (regardless of the change of the pressing detection sensor 381 from the off state to the on state), a performance in which the ally character is wrapped in an aura as an in-operation performance is executed. Note that the in-operation performance when rapid-fire of the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted in the second pattern of the attack performance is erased when a predetermined time has elapsed after the pressing detection sensor 381 becomes in the on state. However, when the in-operation performance when rapid-fire of the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance is being executed, when the pressing detection sensor 381 changes to the off state and then changes back to the on state, the in-operation performance is started again. That is, if the pressing detection sensor 381 changes to the off state and then changes back to the on state before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the in-operation performance, the in-operation performance continues without ending.

[0180] Also, when, instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance, rapid-fire of the pressing operation unit 303 is encouraged, if the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed a predetermined number of times during the operation valid period (if the pressing detection sensor 381 is turned on a predetermined number of times), the post-operation performance appears. That is, when rapid-fire of the pressing operation unit 303 is encouraged instead of continuously rotating the rotation operation unit 302 five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds in the second pattern of the attack performance, the pressing detection sensor 381 being turned on a predetermined number of times during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 corresponds to the rotation operation unit 302 continuously rotating five or more steps to the right for 3 seconds during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 when rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is encouraged in the second pattern of the attack performance.

[0181] In addition, in the same variation, the second performance pattern of the attack performance may be performed after the first performance pattern of the attack performance. For example, the first performance pattern of the attack performance as a performance before reach indicating whether it develops into a reach performance is performed, and after the first performance pattern, in the same variation, the second performance pattern of the attack performance as a reach performance is executed.

[0182] Also, in the same variation, the first performance pattern of the attack performance may be performed after the second performance pattern of the attack performance. For example, the second performance pattern of the attack performance as a performance before reach indicating whether it develops into a reach performance is performed, and after the second performance pattern, in the same variation, the first performance pattern of the attack performance as a reach performance is executed.

[0183] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the performance when the operation of the rotation operation unit 302 has started at the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 in the second performance pattern of the attack performance. In the second performance pattern of the attack performance in FIG. 16, when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated five or more steps to the right at the start of the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, a penalty occurs where the operation of the rotation operation unit 302 becomes invalid for a predetermined time (hereinafter, 8 seconds) after the start of the operation valid period.

[0184] FIG. 16(A) is the same as FIG. 11(A). Following FIG. 16(A), in FIG. 16(B’4), the operation effective period of the rotation operation unit 302 has not started, and a message (“Don't turn until the gauge appears!!”) is displayed on the effect display device 1600 to prompt the player not to operate the rotation operation unit 302 before the start of the operation effective period.

[0185] In FIG. 16(C’4), the operation effective period of the rotation operation unit 302 has not started, and the same effect as FIG. 11(B) is being performed, but the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated 5 or more steps to the right. In FIG. 16(D’4), the operation effective period of the rotation operation unit 302 has started. Since the rotation operation unit 302 was rotated 5 or more steps to the right at the start of the operation effective period of the rotation operation unit 302, a penalty occurs where the operation of the rotation operation unit 302 is invalid for 8 seconds after the start of the operation effective period. In FIG. 16(D’4), a message (“You turned before the gauge appeared, so rotation is invalid for 8 seconds”) indicating that the penalty has occurred is displayed on the effect display device 1600 overlaid on the effect display of FIG. 13(D’2).

[0186] Also, in FIG. 16(D’4), since it is during the penalty period when the operation is invalid, the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated 5 or more steps to the right, but the effect of the ally character wearing an aura as an in-operation effect is not performed, and the continuous time of the rotation of 5 or more steps in the conditions for causing the post-operation effect to appear is not counted.

[0187] In FIG. 16(E’4), since 8 seconds have elapsed since the start of the operation effective period (i.e., since the start of the penalty), the penalty is lifted and the operation of the rotation operation unit 302 becomes effective. Note that since the operation effective period of the rotation operation unit 302 progresses even during the occurrence of the penalty, the original 10-second operation effective period remains 2 seconds remaining at the time of penalty release in FIG. 16(E’4).

[0188] Therefore, when a penalty occurs, even if the right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 for 5 steps or more is continued from the time when the penalty is lifted until the end of the operation valid period, the post-operation effect cannot appear (the remaining operation valid period at the time of penalty lifting is 2 seconds, and the condition for the post-operation effect to appear is to continuously rotate the rotation operation unit 302 to the right for 5 steps or more for 3 seconds during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302). Note that in the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 after the penalty is lifted, if the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated to the right for 5 steps or more, the effect of the ally character being wrapped in an aura as the in-operation effect is executed.

[0189] In FIG. 16 (E’4), since the entire operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 has elapsed and the operation valid period has ended, the attack effect ends without the post-operation effect being performed. Following the effect of FIG. 16 (E’4), the decorative pattern stops in a combination indicating that the result of the special lottery is a miss, and the ongoing special pattern variation ends (not shown).

[0190] In the above example, the penalty time is set to 8 seconds from the start of the operation valid period. However, the penalty time may be set to 7 seconds or less from the start of the operation valid period so that the reach suggestion effect can appear even if the operation of the rotation operation unit 302 is started after the penalty ends.

[0191] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotation operation unit 302. The rotation operation unit 302 in this example can be rotated in the range from the initial position to 360 degrees clockwise (for example, when rotated 360 degrees clockwise, a stopper operates so that it cannot be rotated further clockwise). When rotated one step clockwise, it rotates 10 degrees, and it can be rotated up to 36 steps at most. In this regard, it is the same as the rotation operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16. Also, the rotation operation unit 302 is the same as the rotation operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16 in that it is provided with a sensor that can detect the rotation amount (how many steps it has been rotated).

[0192] In addition, the rotation operation unit 302 in this example further includes a specific detection unit (not shown) that can detect a specific operation. The specific operation detected by the specific detection unit may be, for example, contact by the player, or pressing or rotation by the player. Note that the specific detection unit may be provided so as to cover the entire rotation operation unit 302 (that is, if the specific operation is contact, operating the rotation operation unit 302 will contact the specific detection unit), or may be provided so as to cover a part of the rotation operation unit 302 (that is, if the specific operation is contact, it is possible to operate the rotation operation unit 302 without contacting the specific detection unit). Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided, for example, on the game board 5 and includes a movable body 310 that imitates a chicken character and is located outside the game area 5a (it may be located above, below, to the right, or to the left of the game area 5a).

[0193] In FIG. 17(a), the rotation operation unit 302 is in the initial position, that is, the rotation amount is zero. At this time, the pressing operation unit 303 is in the initial position (the initial position in this example is the lowest position, and in the initial position, a part of the pressing operation unit 303 is hidden by the rotation operation unit 302 (that is, this part is not visible to the player due to the rotation operation unit 302), and a part of the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes from the rotation operation unit 302), and it cannot be pressed. Note that when the pressing operation unit 303 is in the initial position, all of the pressing operation unit 303 may be hidden by the rotation operation unit 302 (that is, all of the pressing operation unit 303 is not visible to the player due to the rotation operation unit 302). Also, in FIG. 17(a), the movable body 310 is not operating.

[0194] In Fig. 17(b), the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated r1 steps clockwise from the initial position. When the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise from the initial position, the pressing operation unit 303 starts to protrude. When the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated up to r1 steps, the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes t1 from the initial position (that is, the area of the pressing operation unit 303 that is not visible by the rotation operation unit 302 decreases compared to the state of Fig. 17(a)). Note that if the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes more than the initial position (that is, if the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise from the initial position, regardless of the presence or absence of a specific operation on the specific detection unit), the pressing of the pressing operation unit 303 becomes possible. In this way, only when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise, the pressing operation unit 303 can be operated, enabling the player to enjoy a complex operation.

[0195] When the specific detection unit provided on the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation in a state where the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r1 steps or more, the movable body 310 performs a periodic operation (here, an operation of swinging left and right). In Fig. 17(b), the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated r1 steps clockwise, and since the specific detection unit provided on the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation, the movable body 310 swings left and right, and the swing width is w1. Note that if the specific detection unit does not detect a specific operation, the movable body 310 does not operate even if the rotation operation unit 302 rotates by r1 steps or more. Also, as described above, the specific detection unit may be arranged to cover the entire outer peripheral surface of the rotation operation unit 302. At this time, for example, if the specific operation detected by the specific detection unit is contact, when the player rotates the rotation operation unit 302, the player will inevitably contact the specific detection unit. Therefore, when the player rotates the rotation operation unit 302 by r1 steps or more, the movable body 310 will operate.

[0196] When the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation, the greater the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302, the greater the width of the movement of the movable body 310. Also, if the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation, even if the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is less than r1 steps, the operation of the movable body 310 may be started at the time when the rotation is started.

[0197] In FIG. 17(c), the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated r2 (>r1) steps clockwise from the initial position (that is, from the state where the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated r1 steps clockwise from the initial position in FIG. 17(b), it is further rotated r2 - r1 steps clockwise), and further, the player is performing a specific operation on the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302. When the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated to r2 steps, the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes by tmax (>t1), which is the maximum protrusion amount, from the initial position (that is, the area of the pressing operation unit 303 that is not visible by the rotation operation unit 302 is reduced compared to the state of FIG. 17(b)). Further, in FIG. 17(c), since the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated r2 (>r1) steps and the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation, the movable body 310 sways left and right, and the sway width is w2 (>w1).

[0198] Note that in the range where the clockwise rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is from 0 to r2 steps, the greater the rotation amount, the greater the protrusion amount of the pressing operation unit 303. However, even if the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise more than r2 steps, the protrusion amount of the pressing operation unit 303 remains at tmax. On the other hand, when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by a rotation amount greater than r2 steps, the width of the sway of the movable body 310 continues to increase until the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by the maximum rotation amount rmax. When the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by the maximum rotation amount rmax, the movable body 310 sways left and right with the maximum sway width wmax.

[0199] In FIG. 17(d), the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by (r2 <) r3 (< maximum rotation amount rmax) steps from the initial position (that is, from the state where the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r2 steps from the initial position in FIG. 17(c), it is further rotated clockwise by r3 - r2 steps), and a specific operation on the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 is being performed by the player. Even if the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise up to r3 steps (which is r2 steps or more), the pressing operation unit 303 remains in the state of protruding by tmax, which is the maximum protrusion amount, from the initial position. Also, when the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation while the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated by r3 (> r2) steps, the movable body 310 sways left and right, and the sway width is (maximum sway width wmax >) w3 (> w2).

[0200] In FIG. 17(e), the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by (r3 <) r4 (< maximum rotation amount rmax) steps from the initial position (that is, from the state where the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r3 steps from the initial position in FIG. 17(d), it is further rotated clockwise by r4 - r3 steps), and a specific operation on the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 is being performed by the player. Even if the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated up to r4 steps (which is r2 steps or more), the pressing operation unit 303 remains in the state of protruding by tmax, which is the maximum protrusion amount, from the initial position. Also, when the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation while the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r4 (> r3) steps, the movable body 310 sways left and right, and the sway width is (maximum sway width wmax >) w4 (> w3).

[0201] Note that when the rotation operation unit 302 rotates clockwise but the specific detection unit does not detect a specific operation, the movable body 310 does not operate. However, when a specific operation is being performed on the specific detection unit while maintaining the clockwise rotation of the rotation operation unit 302, the movable body 310 immediately operates with a width corresponding to the amount of rotation. Specifically, for example, when the rotation operation unit 302 rotates clockwise by r4 steps but the specific detection unit does not detect a specific operation, the movable body 310 does not operate. However, when a specific operation is being performed on the specific detection unit while maintaining the clockwise rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 by r4 steps, the movable body 310 immediately sways with a sway width of w4.

[0202] In FIG. 17(f), the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r4 steps from the initial position, the player is performing a specific operation on the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302, and the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed to the initial position. When the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed to the initial position, regardless of the amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 and even if the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, the operation of the movable body 310 stops. Note that when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise from the initial position, the player is performing a specific operation on the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302, and when the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed to the initial position, if the pressing of the pressing operation unit 303 is canceled, the movable body 310 operates according to the amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit 302. Further, the drive member for swaying the movable body 310 left and right operates with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the rotation operation unit 302. When the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed to the initial position while the movable body 310 is operating, for example, when the movable body 310 returns to the initial position, stoppers operate on the left and right of the movable body 310, and the operation of the movable body 310 stops.

[0203] Further, when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise from the initial position, a specific operation is performed on the specific detection unit, and the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed to the initial position, the detection of the specific operation by the specific detection unit is configured to be invalidated by the operation of the pressing operation unit 303, or the detection of the specific operation is blocked from the input (that is, the specific operation on the specific detection unit is invalidated in the state where the pressing operation unit 303 is operated), so that the operation of the movable body 310 stops. Further, if the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated while pressing the pressing operation unit 303, the pressing operation unit 303 does not protrude as long as the pressing on the pressing operation unit 303 is maintained.

[0204] In addition, in the illustrated example, the volume of the rotation operation unit 302 is drawn smaller than the volume of the pressing operation unit 303, but even if the volume of the protruding portion is smaller than the volume of the rotation operation unit 302 in the state where the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes to tmax, it may be acceptable.

[0205] Also, when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r1 steps or more from the initial position and the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation and the movable body 310 is operating periodically, it is desirable that the operating mode of the movable body 310 changes such that the operating speed increases or the operating range widens as the number of steps by which the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise increases. In the example of FIG. 17, an example in which the operating range of the movable body 310 increases as the number of steps by which the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise increases is described. Although the operating range and the operating period of the movable body 310 are the same, the speed at which the movable body 310 moves from the initial position to the maximum operating range may be increased. Specifically, for example, when the movable body 310 operates, the movable body 310 repeats a series of operations of moving to the right from the initial position, returning to the initial position, stopping at the initial position, and then moving to the left from the initial position and returning to the initial position. At this time, for example, the movable body 310 operates for a time t1 - kr (where t1 and k are positive constants and r is the number of steps by which the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise, and t1 and k are determined such that t1 - kr > 0 even when r is the maximum value) from the initial position to the maximum operating range on the right side, returns to the initial position from the maximum operating range on the right side in a time t2 (positive constant), stops at the initial position for a time t3 + 2kr (where t3 is a positive constant), operates for a time t1 - kr from the initial position to the maximum operating range on the left side, and returns to the initial position from the maximum operating range on the right side in a time t2 (positive constant). Thereby, as the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 increases, the value of t1 - kr decreases, so the speed at which the movable body 310 moves from the initial position to the maximum operating ranges on the right and left sides increases, but the operating range of the series of operations and the time taken for the series of operations, that is, the operating period of the series of operations (t1 - kr) + t2 + (t3 + 2kr) + (t1 - kr) + t2 = 2t1 + 2t2 + t3, can be made constant regardless of the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302.Note that as the number of steps in which the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise increases, although the operating range and operating cycle of the movable body 310 are the same, when the speed at which the movable body 310 starts moving from the initial position and moves to the maximum operating range increases, if the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed to the initial position while the movable body 310 is operating periodically, the periodic operation of the movable body 310 stops regardless of the speed of the movable body 310.

[0206] Also, when the pressing operation unit 303 does not protrude to the maximum protrusion amount tmax, if the pressing operation unit 303 is pulled (that is, an operation of applying a force in the direction opposite to the direction of the force applied to the pressing operation unit 303 when performing pressing is performed on the pressing operation unit 303), the pressing operation unit 303 can be protruded to the maximum protrusion amount tmax, and at this time, the rotation operation unit 302 may be rotated clockwise according to the protrusion amount of the pressing operation unit 303. That is, when the pressing operation unit 303 does not protrude to the maximum protrusion amount tmax according to the operation of the rotation operation unit 302, if the pressing operation unit 303 is pulled to the maximum protrusion amount tmax without operating the rotation operation unit 302, even without an operation on the rotation operation unit 302 by the player, the rotation operation unit 302 can be rotated up to r2 steps. Further, by pulling the pressing operation unit 303 and performing a specific operation on the specific detection unit, even without an operation on the rotation operation unit 302 by the player, the state of FIG. 17(c) can be achieved, and the periodic operation of the movable body 310 can be started.

[0207] In the example of FIG. 17(b), even if the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is less than the minimum rotation amount (r2 steps) for causing the pressing operation unit 303 to reach the maximum protrusion amount tmax, the operation of the movable body 310 can be started. However, until the right rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 reaches a predetermined rotation amount (for example, r3 steps) greater than the minimum rotation amount r2 steps for causing the pressing operation unit 303 to reach the maximum protrusion amount tmax, the movable body 310 may be prevented from operating. That is, even though the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes to the maximum protrusion amount tmax, the movable body 310 can be prevented from operating. When the operation of the movable body 310 starts for the first time when the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated more than when the pressing operation unit 303 first protrudes to the maximum protrusion amount tmax (for example, when rotated by r3 steps which is greater than the rotation amount r2 steps of the rotation operation unit 302 for the pressing operation unit 303 to first protrude to the maximum protrusion amount tmax), even if a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation after the pressing operation unit 303 is pulled back to the maximum protrusion amount tmax, the movable body 310 does not operate.

[0208] In the example of FIG. 17, although the protruding pressing operation unit 303 has been described as protruding upward from the upper surface of the rotation operation unit 302, the protruding pressing operation unit 303 may be provided so as to protrude outward from a part of the side surface of the rotation operation unit 302 in the outer direction of the side surface. Further, the protruding pressing operation unit 303 may be attached to the rotation operation unit 302, or the protruding pressing operation unit 303 and the rotation operation unit 302 may be integrated. When the protruding pressing operation unit 303 is provided so as to protrude outward from a part of the side surface of the rotation operation unit 302 in the outer direction of the side surface, it is desirable that the surface area exposed outside the rotation operation unit 302 when the pressing operation unit 303 is in the initial position is about 1 / 30 to 1 / 5 of the surface area of the side surface of the rotation operation unit 302.

[0209] Figs. 18 and 19 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a cancellable attack performance. Note that the cancellation of an attack performance means that the attack performance is aborted and another performance is carried out instead, or that no performance is carried out. A cancellable performance is a performance that can be determined in either a variable pattern in which a reach is executed or a variable pattern in which a reach is not executed. In Fig. 19, the performance branches into upper and lower parts according to the operation on the operation unit. In the examples of Figs. 18 and 19, the pachinko machine 1 includes the pressing operation unit 303, the rotating operation unit 304, and the movable body 310 shown in Fig. 17, as well as a specific detection unit.

[0210] A cancellable attack performance is cancelled when a right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is detected during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 (that is, the attack performance is aborted and ends at that point. For example, if it is cancelled before a reach suggestion performance in which a friendly character launches a punch or kick attack, the reach suggestion performance is not carried out either, nor is a performance for notifying whether the attack hits and develops into a reach). Note that in a cancellable attack performance, if a force is applied so that the pressing operation unit 303 does not protrude (that is, if the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated from the initial position), the attack performance is not cancelled even if the rotation operation unit 302 detects a right rotation. When the detection of the rotation operation by the rotation operation unit 302 is configured to be invalidated by the operation of the pressing operation unit 303, or when the detection of a specific operation is blocked from the input, even if the pressing operation unit 303 does not have a sensor for detecting pressing, as long as the pressing operation unit 303 is being pressed (that is, in a state where the pressing operation unit 303 is not allowed to protrude) and the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated to the right, the right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is invalidated, so the attack performance is not cancelled.

[0211] In the cancelable attack performance, it is always during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302. From the start of the attack performance (from when a message similar to that in FIG. 11(A) is displayed) to the end (until the performance in which the attack hits or is avoided by the enemy character similar to that in FIGS. 12(F) and 12(F’)), the attack performance can be canceled by operating the rotation operation unit 302 at any timing. Also, when a predetermined time elapses after the start of the cancelable attack performance without the attack performance being canceled, a reach suggestion performance in which the friendly character attacks (punches or kicks) the enemy character and a performance for notifying whether the enemy character avoids the friendly character's attack or the attack hits the enemy character's reach are performed.

[0212] FIG. 18(A) shows the same performance as that in FIG. 11(A). In FIG. 18(A), since the rotation operation unit 302 is not operated, the pressing operation unit 303 is in the initial position and does not protrude, so the pressing operation unit 303 cannot be pressed, the movable body 310 is not operating, and the attack performance continues without being canceled.

[0213] In FIG. 18(B), a message (``If you don't want to see the performance, turn it! '') indicating that the attack performance is canceled is displayed on the performance display device 1600 when the rotation operation unit 302 is operated. Also in FIG. 18(B), since the rotation operation unit 302 is not operated, the pressing operation unit 303 does not protrude in the initial position and the pressing operation unit 303 cannot be pressed, the movable body 310 is not operating, and the attack performance continues without being canceled. Note that even before the message in FIG. 18(B) is displayed, if the cancelable attack performance has started (for example, even at the timing of FIG. 18(A)), the attack performance can be canceled. Note that the performance in FIG. 18(B) that displays a message indicating an operation for canceling the attack performance may not be performed.

[0214] In Fig. 18(C), the same effect as in Fig. 11(B) is being performed. However, since the entire attack effect is within the effective operation period of the rotation operation unit 302, the gauge 1603 indicating the remaining time of the effective operation period of the rotation operation unit 302 is not displayed. Also in Fig. 18(C), since the rotation operation unit 302 is not being operated, the pressing operation unit 303 does not protrude at the initial position and cannot be pressed, the movable body 310 is not operating, and the attack effect continues without being canceled.

[0215] First, an example of transitioning to Fig. 19(D) (an example of canceling the attack effect) will be described. Fig. 19(D) shows a state where, in the state of Fig. 18(C), the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated r1 steps clockwise and a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 has detected a specific operation. However, in Fig. 19(D), the pressing operation unit 303 is not being operated. At this time, since the clockwise rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is detected without detecting the pressing of the pressing operation unit 303, the attack effect is canceled (ended). Note that in Fig. 19(D), only the fluctuating decorative pattern is being displayed on the effect display device 1600 after the attack effect is canceled. However, when the attack effect is canceled, a stopped decorative pattern and an image that is not displayed in the cancelable attack effect (for example, an image different from both the ally character and the enemy character displayed in the cancelable attack effect) may be displayed. Also in Fig. 19(D), since the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated r1 steps clockwise, the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes up to t1, and since the specific detection unit has detected a specific operation, the movable body 310 is operating by a width w1. Thus, when the conditions for canceling the attack effect are satisfied and the movable body 310 is operating, even if the attack effect is canceled, the player's gaming interest does not decrease as long as they watch the operation of the movable body 310.

[0216] As described above, when a cancellable attack effect is being executed, the attack effect may be cancelled just by detecting a specific operation on the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302. In this case, the attack effect can be cancelled without the pressing operation unit 303a protruding and without operating the movable body 310. (Since the condition for operating the movable body 310 includes the specific detection unit detecting a specific operation), the attack effect must be cancelled in order to operate the movable body 310 (that is, the movable body 310 cannot be operated when a cancellable attack effect is being executed). Also, in a cancellable attack effect, there may be a timing when the attack effect is not cancelled even if a specific operation on the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 is detected.

[0217] FIG. 19(E) shows a state where, although the attack effect has been canceled, the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated clockwise by r3 steps, and a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 has detected a specific operation. Since there are players who feel it is boring if nothing is displayed on the effect display device 1600 after the attack effect has been canceled, the clockwise rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is within a predetermined range (here, it is assumed to be equal to or greater than r3 steps and less than r4 steps), and on the condition that a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 has detected a specific operation, an effect in which the ally character makes a punching motion is displayed on the effect display device 1600. Also, in FIG. 19(E), since the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated clockwise by r3 (>r2) steps, the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes to tmax, and since the specific detection unit has detected a specific operation, the movable body 310 operates with a width of w3. When the ally character is making a punching motion, the jackpot expectancy in the ongoing variation may be suggested by the color of the fist (for example, when the ally character punches with a white fist, the jackpot expectancy in the ongoing variation is lower than when the ally character punches with a red fist). Note that instead of the effect in which the ally character makes a punching motion, the attack effects described in FIGS. 11 to 16 may be executed, or an effect different from the cancelable attack effect (an effect in which a display different from the ally characters and enemy characters displayed in the attack effect is displayed) may be performed.

[0218] Note that the effect where the ally character makes a punching motion may be executed immediately when the right rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is equal to or greater than r3 steps and less than r4 steps, and the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation. Or, it may not be executed immediately after the detection of these operations, such as being executed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detected a specific operation when the right rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is equal to or greater than r3 steps and less than r4 steps. Further, the effect where the ally character makes a punching motion may be executed with a predetermined probability when the right rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is equal to or greater than r3 steps and less than r4 steps, and the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation (that is, it is not necessarily executed even if these operations are detected).

[0219] Also, after a cancellable attack effect is cancelled, the next special symbol variation may start and an effect where the ally character makes a punching motion may be performed on the condition that the right rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is equal to or greater than r3 steps and less than r4 steps, and the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation. Further, in the special variation that starts next after a cancellable attack effect is cancelled, an effect of displaying an ally character who is in a fighting pose but not making a punching motion (an example of an effect suggesting that the ally character will make a punching motion in the next special symbol variation) may be performed on the condition that the right rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is equal to or greater than r3 steps and less than r4 steps, and the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation, and then an effect where the ally character makes a punching motion may be executed in the next special symbol variation.

[0220] FIG. 19(F) shows a state where, after the attack effect is canceled, the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated r4 steps clockwise, and a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation. In FIG. 19(F), since the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated r4 (>r2) steps clockwise, the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes to tmax, and since the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, the movable body 310 operates with a width of w4. Also, when the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is r4 steps or more and a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation, a message is displayed on the effect display device 1600. This message may be displayed so as to be visible to the player as if the chicken of the movable body 310 is making a sound. The message "Too wobbly, getting dizzy, stop wobbling..." in FIG. 19(F) is a message that prompts the player to reduce the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302. The player can enjoy the game more by seeing this message. If the player reduces the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 according to the message, the operation amount of the movable body 310 will decrease, and the load on the movable body 310 can be reduced. Note that the message may be a message that prompts the player to return the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302, such as "You're getting too dizzy from the wobbling, so return the rotation amount...", or the message may also suggest specifically how much the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 should be returned (for example, it should be returned to less than r4 steps). Note that the message is not displayed when the condition that the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is r4 steps or more and a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation is not satisfied.

[0221] When the condition for displaying the message in Fig. 19(F) is satisfied while the display in Fig. 19(E) continues, the message in Fig. 19(F) may be displayed overlapping the display in Fig. 19(E). However, in order to make the player more easily recognize the message in Fig. 19(F) and quickly reduce the load on the movable body 310, when the display in Fig. 19(E) and the message in Fig. 19(F) are displayed overlapping, in the area where the display in Fig. 19(E) and the message in Fig. 19(F) are displayed overlapping, it is desirable that the message in Fig. 19(F) has a higher display priority (that is, the message in Fig. 19(F) is displayed closer to the front than the display in Fig. 19(E)).

[0222] Note that since the message in Fig. 19(F) is a message indicating that the operation amount of the movable body 310 is too large, it is desirable that the message in Fig. 19(F) be immediately displayed when the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is r4 steps or more and a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation. However, the message in Fig. 19(F) may be displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is r4 steps or more and a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation (that is, it does not have to be immediately displayed), or the message in Fig. 19(F) may be displayed with a predetermined probability when the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is r4 steps or more and a specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation (that is, the message does not necessarily have to be displayed even if these operations are detected).

[0223] In the examples of FIGS. 19(E) and 19(F), only when the right rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is equal to or greater than r3 steps and less than r4 steps and the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, an effect is performed in which the ally character makes a punching shadowboxing motion. When the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is equal to or greater than r4 steps and the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, an effect is described in which a message prompting to reduce the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is displayed. Apart from this effect, only when the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is equal to or greater than r3 steps and less than r4 steps and the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, a message prompting to increase the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302, such as "If you rotate more, a kicking shadowboxing effect will occur!", is displayed. When the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 is equal to or greater than r4 steps and the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, there may be an effect in which the ally character makes a kicking shadowboxing motion.

[0224] Note that the effect in which the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes a punching shadowboxing motion ends when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the effect. Also, the message in FIG. 19(F) is erased when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the display of the message. When the pressing operation unit 303 is operated while the ally character making a punching shadowboxing motion in FIG. 19(E) is being displayed or while the message in FIG. 19(F) is being displayed, the operation of the movable body 310 stops, but the effect in which the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes a punching shadowboxing motion and the display of the message in FIG. 19(F) do not end until the predetermined time has elapsed. That is, even when the effect in which the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes a punching shadowboxing motion or the message in FIG. 19(F) is being displayed, the operation of the movable body 310 stops.

[0225] Incidentally, the predetermined time from when the performance of the ally character in FIG. 19(E) starts punching until it ends and the predetermined time from when the message in FIG. 19(F) is displayed until it is erased may be the same or different. Also, the predetermined time from when the performance of the ally character in FIG. 19(E) starts punching until it ends may be a time determined from a plurality of times. Each of the plurality of times may be different from the predetermined time from when the message in FIG. 19(F) is displayed until it is erased, or a part of the plurality of times may be the same as the predetermined time when the message in FIG. 19(F) is displayed.

[0226] In addition, the performance where the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes punching motions ends after a lapse of a predetermined time. However, if the condition for executing the performance where the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes punching motions is satisfied again after the performance has ended, the performance where the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes punching motions may be executed again. Also, when the performance where the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes punching motions is being executed, if the condition for executing the performance where the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes punching motions is satisfied again, the count of the predetermined time may be cleared, the predetermined time may be reset, and the count may be resumed when the condition is satisfied again (that is, the time for which the ally character makes punching motions may be extended), or the count may be continued without clearing the count of the predetermined time (that is, the time for which the ally character makes punching motions may not be extended). Similarly, the message in FIG. 19(F) is erased after a lapse of a predetermined time. However, if the condition for displaying the message in FIG. 19(F) is satisfied again after the message in FIG. 19(F) has been erased, the message in FIG. 19(F) may be displayed again. Also, when the message in FIG. 19(F) is being displayed, if the condition for displaying the message in FIG. 19(F) is satisfied again, the count of the predetermined time may be cleared, the predetermined time may be reset, and the count may be resumed when the condition is satisfied again (that is, the display time of the message may be extended), or the count may be continued without clearing the predetermined time (that is, the display time of the message may not be extended).

[0227] It is desirable that the production in which the ally character in Fig. 19(E) makes a punching motion and the production in which the message in Fig. 19(F) is displayed cannot be canceled (that is, it cannot be canceled by an operation by the player). When the condition for starting the display of the ally character making a punching motion in Fig. 19(E) is satisfied while the message in Fig. 19(F) is being displayed, the message in Fig. 19(F) may be erased (that is, the display of the message in Fig. 19(F) may be canceled on the condition that the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r3 steps or more and less than r4 steps and the specific detection unit detects a specific operation). The fact that the condition for starting the display of the ally character making a punching motion in Fig. 19(E) is satisfied means that the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 has become less than r4 steps, because it is considered that the player has decreased the rotation amount of the rotation operation unit 302 in accordance with the message in Fig. 19(F).

[0228] An example of the transition from Fig. 18(C) to Fig. 19(D’) (an example in which the attack production is not canceled) will be described. Fig. 19(D’) shows a state in which, in the state of Fig. 18(C), while a force is applied to the pressing operation unit 303 so that the pressing operation unit 303 does not protrude, the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r1 steps, and the specific detection unit provided in the rotation operation unit 302 detects a specific operation. In an attack production that can be canceled, even if the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise, by not protruding the pressing operation unit 303 (that is, preventing the pressing operation unit 303 from operating from the initial position), the attack production continues without being canceled, the same production as in Fig. 12(E) is performed, and the movable body 310 is also not operating.

[0229] If the pressing operation unit 303 does not protrude in this way, even if the rotation operation unit 302 is operated (even if the operation necessary for cancellation is performed), the attack production is not canceled. Therefore, a player who does not want to accidentally cancel the attack production may prevent the pressing operation unit 303 from protruding in an attack production that can be canceled.

[0230] In Fig. 19 (E’), since the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated r1 steps clockwise without applying force to the pressing operation unit 303, the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes up to t1. That is, since only the rotation operation unit 302 rotates clockwise with the pressing operation unit 303 protruding, the attack effect similar to that in Fig. 12 (F) is not performed, and the attack effect is canceled as in Fig. 19 (D), and the movable body 310 also operates with a width of w1.

[0231] In addition, in Fig. 19 (D) and Fig. 19 (E’), when the attack effect is canceled, a dedicated sound may be output from the speaker 354, or a dedicated image may be displayed on the effect display device 1600. Note that the output of the dedicated sound and / or the display of the dedicated image may be performed instead of the cancelable attack effect. For example, by simply performing a specific operation on the specific detection unit of the rotation operation unit 302 during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302, a dedicated sound may be output from the speaker 354, or a dedicated image may be displayed on the effect display device 1600. In this case, although the movable body 310 is not operating, it is possible to output the dedicated sound or display the dedicated image. Thereby, the player is not distracted by the operation of the movable body 310 and can concentrate on the dedicated sound and the dedicated image.

[0232] Note that following the effect in Fig. 19 (E’), if the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated by r3 steps or more and less than r4 steps and the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, the effect in Fig. 19 (E) can be executed. If the rotation operation unit 302 is rotated by r4 steps or more and the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, the effect in Fig. 19 (F) can be executed.

[0233] In the cancellable attack effects shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, not only is the reach suggestion effect prevented from appearing as in the attack effect of FIG. 13, but also the effects prior to the reach suggestion effect (such as the display of the message explaining the cancellable attack effect in FIGS. 18(A) and 18(B), or the display before the ally character starts the attack although both the ally character and the enemy character are shown in FIG. 19(C), etc.) are cancellable. Therefore, a player who tends to feel tense when watching the attack effect can calm down and proceed with the game by cancelling the effect before the reach suggestion effect. Also, in the cancellable attack effects shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the effect can be cancelled even after the reach suggestion effect has started. Thus, the player can cancel the effect even at the timing when they anticipate after the reach suggestion effect has started, even if it is not suggested that the reach effect will be executed in the reach suggestion effect.

[0234] Also, it is desirable that the operation unit for cancelling the attack effect be limited to a part of the operation units provided in the pachinko machine 1 (for example, the operation unit for cancelling the attack effect is only the rotary operation unit 302). This is because if any operation unit provided in the pachinko machine 1 can cancel the attack effect during the attack effect, there is a risk that a player who did not intend to cancel the attack effect may accidentally cancel it. However, in order to make it easier to cancel the attack effect, it may be configured such that any operation unit provided in the pachinko machine 1 can cancel the attack effect.

[0235] In addition, the cancellable attack effects in FIGS. 18 and 19 may appear in the normal state, the time-saving state, and the probability variation state, but it is desirable that they do not appear during the jackpot game. This is because if the player accidentally cancels the effect during the jackpot game, the player's sense of exhilaration due to winning the jackpot will decrease. Note that not all effects that occur during the valid period of the rotation operation unit 302 are cancelled by the rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 during the valid period or by a specific operation on the specific detection unit of the rotation operation unit 302 during the valid period (that is, there are also effects that cannot be cancelled among the effects that occur during the operation valid period of the rotation operation unit 302).

[0236] Incidentally, there are players who do not want to see even a small attack effect because the sense of tension is increased too much by the attack effect. For example, when the cancellable attack effect is not being executed (it may be before the cancellable attack effect starts or after the cancellable attack effect has been cancelled), if the right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is maintained (a state in which an operation for cancelling the cancellable attack effect is being performed), the cancellable attack effect itself may not appear. Since the operation for cancelling the cancellable attack effect (whether the operation is the right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 or the detection of a specific operation by the specific detection unit) is included in the conditions for operating the movable body 310, the cancellable attack effect is not executed when the movable body 310 is operating (the operation of the movable body 310 and the cancellable attack effect are not executed simultaneously). However, since a player who does not protrude the pressing operation unit 303 while rotating the rotation operation unit 302 to the right when the cancellable attack effect is not being executed is considered to be a player who has the intention to see the cancellable attack effect, it is desirable that the cancellable attack effect can appear if the pressing operation unit 303 is not protruding even if the right rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 is maintained when the cancellable attack effect is not being executed.

[0237] As described above, when the pressing operation unit 303 is pulled from its initial position, the rotation operation unit 302 rotates clockwise according to the protruding amount of the pressing operation unit 303 without directly operating the rotation operation unit 302. Therefore, the condition for canceling the attack effect is the detection of a specific operation on the specific detection unit. When the specific operation is contact and the specific detection unit is provided so as to cover the entire outer peripheral surface of the rotation operation unit 302, when the pressing operation unit 303 is pulled without operating the rotation operation unit 302 and without the specific detection unit detecting the specific operation, although the rotation operation unit 302 rotates clockwise, since the specific detection unit provided on the rotation operation unit 302 does not detect the specific operation (contact), the attack effect can continue without being canceled even though the rotation operation unit 302 rotates clockwise and the pressing operation unit 303 protrudes.

[0238] Also, the cancellable attack performance in FIGS. 18 and 19 may be carried out when the game is not in progress (when neither a jackpot game nor a minor jackpot game, including jackpot games, nor a special symbol variation is being executed). In the cancellable attack performance carried out when the game is not in progress, for example, a divination performance (not showing the result of a special lottery) is carried out. The cancellable attack performance carried out when the game is not in progress starts, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed without detecting the rotation of the rotation operation unit 302 (that is, without an operation for canceling the cancellable attack performance) when the game is in a non-progressing state. When the rotation operation unit 302 is operated during the cancellable attack performance carried out when the game is not in progress, the attack performance is cancelled. When a predetermined operation unit different from the rotation operation unit 302 (the operation unit for canceling the cancellable attack performance) is operated during the cancellable attack performance carried out when the game is not in progress, an attack (punch or kick) of the friendly character on the enemy character, and an effect where the enemy character avoids the attack of the friendly character or the attack hits the enemy character (for example, according to a predetermined distribution, it is determined whether the enemy character avoids the attack of the friendly character or the attack hits the enemy character) are carried out. When the enemy character avoids the attack of the friendly character, "bad luck" is notified as the result of the divination, and when the attack of the friendly character hits the enemy character, "good luck" is notified as the result of the divination. In addition, in the cancellable attack performance carried out when the game is not in progress, the conditions for executing the performance of the friendly character attacking (punching or kicking) the enemy character and the performance of the enemy character avoiding the attack of the friendly character or the attack hitting the enemy character may be that a predetermined time has elapsed without the attack performance being cancelled after it has started. In addition, when the cancellable attack performance is being carried out when the game is not in progress, if the attack performance is not cancelled by preventing the pressing operation unit 303 from protruding, the game may remain stopped as long as the operation is maintained.

[0239] Also, for a player who has canceled a cancellable attack performance but still wants to see the attack performance, after canceling the attack performance (it may also be after the attack performance has ended without being canceled), the rotation operation unit 302 must be rotated to the right (if the same operation as the operation for canceling the attack performance is not performed), and a cancellable attack performance may be executed again after a predetermined time has elapsed. During this predetermined time, the stopped decorative symbol and an image that is not displayed in the cancellable attack performance (for example, an image different from both the ally character and the enemy character displayed in the cancellable attack performance) may be displayed. Also, even if the rotation operation unit 302 has been rotated to the right after canceling the attack performance, a cancellable attack performance may be redisplayed with a predetermined probability after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cancellation.

[0240] In addition, for example, when an operation (rotation of r3 steps or more and detection of a specific operation by a specific detection unit) that enables the performances of FIGS. 19(E) and 19(F), which are the performances after canceling the attack performance, to be executed is performed on the rotation operation unit 302, benefits such as a start winning being likely to occur or the player being able to receive a favorable special lottery may be given to the player. Also, for example, the performance where the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes a punching motion and the performance where the message in FIG. 19(F) is displayed may be performances that are executed under predetermined conditions. The state where the game ball B is being launched is an example of such a predetermined condition, and depending on the strength with which the game ball B is launched, whether the performance where the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes a punching motion or the performance where the message in FIG. 19(F) is displayed changes (for example, for the performance where the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes a punching motion to be executed, the strength with which the game ball B is launched needs to be within a first predetermined range, and for the message in FIG. 19(F) to be displayed, the strength with which the game ball B is launched needs to be within a second predetermined range (the minimum value of the second predetermined range is equal to or greater than the maximum value of the first predetermined range)). Also, the performance where the ally character in FIG. 19(E) makes a punching motion and the performance where the message in FIG. 19(F) is displayed may be executed not only after the cancellable attack performance has been canceled, but also if the above-described predetermined conditions are satisfied.

[0241] Note that instead of the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16, the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 provided with a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310 may be applied.

[0242] When the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 provided with a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310 are applied instead of the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16, in the first effect pattern of the attack effect, the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303 starts in FIGS. 11(C) and 14(C3), and when the pressing detection sensor 381 changes from the off state to the on state during the pressing operation valid period, the post-operation effect is executed. However, when the rotating operation unit 302 is not rotated to the right, the pressing operation unit 303 does not protrude. Therefore, in the first effect pattern of the attack effect, in order for the post-operation effect to be performed, the rotating operation unit 302 needs to be rotated to the right to protrude the pressing operation unit 303 and turn off the pressing detection sensor 381, and then during the operation valid period of the pressing operation unit 303, the pressing operation unit 303 needs to be operated to turn on the pressing detection sensor 381.

[0243] Instead of the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16, when the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 provided with a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310 are applied, in the second production pattern of the attack production, the operation valid period of the rotating operation unit 302 occurs in FIGS. 11(C’), FIG. 14(C’3), and FIG. 16(D’4). When a right rotation of a predetermined amount or more (hereinafter, r1 steps or more at which the operation of the movable body 310 can start) of the rotating operation unit 302 is detected during the operation valid period, the in-operation production is executed. Further, when a right rotation of a predetermined amount or more (hereinafter, r1 steps or more at which the operation of the movable body 310 can start) of the rotating operation unit 302 is continuously detected for a predetermined time (hereinafter, 3 seconds) during the operation valid period of the rotating operation unit 302, the post-operation production is executed. However, in FIG. 16, if the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated to the right by a predetermined amount or more (r1 steps or more) after the start of the attack production (the start of the display of the message in FIG. 16(A)) and before the start of the operation valid period of the rotating operation unit 302, a penalty for a predetermined time starts from the start of the operation valid period in FIG. 16(D’4). Until the predetermined time elapses, even if the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated to the right by a predetermined amount or more (r1 steps or more), the in-operation production is not executed, and it is not counted in the continuous time of the right rotation of a predetermined amount or more (r1 steps or more) in the condition for causing the post-operation production to appear.

[0244] Instead of the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16, when the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 provided with a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310 are applied, in the second effect pattern of the attack effect, during the operation valid period of the rotating operation unit 302, a right rotation of the rotating operation unit 302 by a predetermined amount or more (hereinafter, r1 steps or more at which the operation of the movable body 310 can start) is detected, and on the condition that the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, an in-operation effect may be executed. In this case, when the in-operation effect is being performed in the second effect pattern, since the condition for the movable body 310 to operate is also satisfied, the movable body 310 operates. However, in FIG. 16, if the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated to the right by a predetermined amount or more (r1 steps or more) after the start of the attack effect (the start of the display of the message in FIG. 16(A)) and before the start of the operation valid period of the rotating operation unit 302, a penalty for a predetermined time starts from the start of the operation valid period, and until the predetermined time elapses, even if the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated to the right by a predetermined amount or more (r1 steps or more) and the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, the movable body 310 operates but the in-operation effect is not executed. Also, in the second effect pattern of the attack effect, on the condition that the detection of a right rotation of the rotating operation unit 302 by a predetermined amount or more (hereinafter, r1 steps or more at which the operation of the movable body 310 can start) and the detection of a specific operation by the specific detection unit are continuously detected for a predetermined time (hereinafter, 3 seconds) during the operation valid period of the rotating operation unit 302, a post-operation effect may be executed. However, in FIG. 16, if the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated to the right by a predetermined amount or more (r1 steps or more) after the start of the attack effect (the start of the display of the message in FIG. 16(A)) and before the start of the operation valid period of the rotating operation unit 302, a penalty for a predetermined time starts from the start of the operation valid period in FIG. 16(D’4), and until the predetermined time elapses, the continuous time of the detection of a right rotation of a predetermined amount or more (r1 steps or more) and the detection of a specific operation by the specific detection unit in the conditions for causing the post-operation effect to appear is not counted.

[0245] In addition, when the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16 are replaced with the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 provided with a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310, in the second performance pattern of the attack performance, the rotation amount of the rotating operation unit 302 that is the minimum required for the in-operation performance to be performed and the rotation amount required for the attack performance to be canceled in the cancellable attack performance of FIGS. 18 and 19 may be the same or different. Further, when the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16 are replaced with the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 provided with a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310, in the second performance pattern of the attack performance, the rotation amount of the rotating operation unit 302 that is the minimum required for the post-operation performance to be performed and the rotation amount required for the attack performance to be canceled in the cancellable attack performance of FIGS. 18 and 19 may be the same or different. Note that the cancellable attack performance of FIGS. 18 and 19 may be performed in a state where the game is not in progress (when neither a big win game nor a small win game, which are winning games including a big win game and a small win game, nor a special symbol variation is being executed), but it is desirable that the attack performance of FIGS. 11 to 16 be executed only in a state where a special symbol variation is being performed.

[0246] When the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16 are replaced with the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 provided with a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310, for a player who does not want to see the attack performance, it is desirable that a predetermined operation be required for the attack performance of FIGS. 11 to 16 to be executed. Specifically, for example, for the attack performance of FIGS. 11 to 16 to be executed, the rotating operation unit 302 needs to be rotated clockwise by r3 steps or more and less than r4 steps, the specific detection unit needs to detect a specific operation, and the pressing operation unit 303 needs not to be operated (protruding from the initial position). On the other hand, for the cancellable attack performance of FIGS. 18 and 19, since it can be cancelled at any time even by a player who does not want to see the attack performance, it may appear regardless of the rotation amount of the rotating operation unit 302.

[0247] In addition, when the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16 are replaced with the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 including the specific detection unit, and the movable body 310, the conditions for executing the first performance pattern of the attack performance and the conditions for executing the second performance pattern of the attack performance may be different. For example, the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r3 steps or more and less than r4 steps, the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated (that is, the movable body 310 operates with a width of w3 or more and less than w4). The first performance pattern of the attack performance is executed under this condition. The rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r4 steps or more, the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated (that is, the movable body 310 operates with a width of w4 or more and wmax or less). The second performance pattern of the attack performance may be executed under this condition.

[0248] In this case, the shortest required time for the first pattern of the attack performance (the time required from the start of the performance in FIG. 11(A) to the change of the pressing operation unit 303 from the off state to the on state at the start of the effective operation period of the pressing operation unit 303 until the end of the performances in FIGS. 12(E) and 12(F)) is shorter than the shortest time for the second pattern of the attack performance (the time required from the start of the performance in FIG. 11(A) to the continuous clockwise rotation of the rotating operation unit 302 by 5 steps or more for 3 seconds from the start of the effective operation period of the rotating operation unit 302 until the end of the performances in FIGS. 12(E’) and 12(F’)). That is, the shortest required time for the performance performed when the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r3 steps or more and less than r4 steps and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated is shorter than the shortest required time for the performance performed when the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r4 steps or more and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated.

[0249] Also, when the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 are replaced with the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 provided with a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310, the probability that the reach effect is executed is higher when the first effect pattern of the attack effect is executed than when the second effect pattern of the attack effect is executed (that is, the probability that the attack of the friendly character hits the enemy character is high). That is, the probability that the reach effect is executed is higher when the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r3 steps or more and less than r4 steps and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated than when the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r4 steps or more and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated.

[0250] Also, when the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16 are replaced with the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 provided with a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310, the probability of a big win is higher when the second effect pattern of the attack effect (for example, the effects in FIGS. 11(A) to 12(F')) is executed than when the first effect pattern of the attack effect (for example, the effects in FIGS. 11(A) to 12(F)) is executed. That is, the probability of a big win is higher when the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r4 steps or more and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated than when the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r3 steps or more and less than r4 steps and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated.

[0251] Incidentally, even when the pressing operation unit 303 and the rotating operation unit 302 in FIGS. 11 to 16 are replaced with the pressing operation unit 303 shown in FIG. 17, the rotating operation unit 302 including a specific detection unit, and the movable body 310, the attack effects in FIGS. 11 to 16 are effects that cannot be canceled (that is, effects not aborted by the operation of the player). Incidentally, after the cancellable attack effect in FIGS. 18 and 19 is canceled by operating the rotating operation unit 302, if the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r3 steps or more and less than r4 steps, the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated (projecting from the initial position), the first effect pattern of the attack effect may be executed. Further, after the cancellable attack effect in FIGS. 18 and 19 is canceled by operating the rotating operation unit 302, if the rotating operation unit 302 is rotated clockwise by r4 steps or more, the specific detection unit detects a specific operation, and the pressing operation unit 303 is not operated, the second effect pattern of the attack effect may be executed.

[0252] [3. Exploration Quest Effect] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the first special symbol variation and the second special symbol variation are collectively referred to simply as "variation". The exploration quest effect will be described. The exploration quest effect is, for example, an effect that starts after the start of the variation and before the decorative symbols form a reach, ends before the decorative symbols form a reach, or continues even after the decorative symbols form a reach.

[0253] In the exploration quest effect, two characters are selected from a plurality of types of characters (here, "hunter" or "villager"), and the two selected characters search for and hunt down a rare beast. When the two selected characters discover a rare beast, attack the discovered rare beast, and hunt down the rare beast, a big win is notified. Also, in the exploration quest effect, if the two characters cannot discover a rare beast, a loss is notified.

[0254] In addition, in the exploration quest production, when two characters discover a rare beast and are attacked by the rare beast, a durability production is executed. In the durability production, if the two characters withstand the attack from the rare beast, a jackpot is announced, and if they cannot withstand it, a miss is announced.

[0255] In addition, when a jackpot is announced due to the success of the durability production in the exploration quest production, a reward production (for example, a message that is only displayed when the durability production is successful is displayed, etc.) must be executed, or a privilege advantageous to the player (for example, a transition to a jackpot game state with the largest number of rounds, etc.) must be given.

[0256] In addition, in the exploration quest production, there are a strong boss and a weak boss as discoverable rare beasts for two characters, and the probability of hitting the jackpot is higher when the weak boss is discovered than when the strong boss is discovered.

[0257] In addition, in the exploration quest production, when two different characters are selected, the two different characters cannot discover a rare beast and a miss is announced (that is, two different characters are only selected when a miss is selected). Also, in the exploration quest production, it is desirable that the probability of hitting the jackpot (the ratio of hitting the jackpot) is higher when two hunters are selected than when two villagers are selected, as long as the background at the start of the exploration quest production is at least the same.

[0258] Figures 20 and 21 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the production of encountering a strong boss in the exploration quest production. Figures 20 and 21 explain the exploration quest production executed in the normal game state which is a non-time-limited state and a non-variable probability state.

[0259] Figure 20(A) shows a state where the variation has started, and a display indicating that the exploration quest effect has started is being displayed on the effect display device 1600. Also, in Figure 20(A), a hold display corresponding to the pending variation and a hold display corresponding to the variation in progress (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to simply as the hold display) are being displayed on the effect display device 1600.

[0260] In addition, a first background hatched with vertical lines is being displayed as the background image on the effect display device 1600. Note that the first background is a background image that can be displayed only in the normal game state and is the background with the lowest jackpot expectation. Also, in the state where the exploration quest effect in Figure 20(A) has started, BGM1 is being output from the speaker 354. Note that BGM1 is a BGM that can be output only in the normal game state and is the BGM with the lowest jackpot expectation.

[0261] Figure 20(B) shows a state where Hunter 1601 has been selected as the first character. Hunter 1601 is a white character in the figure and holds a sword as a weapon. In the state where the first character has been selected, similar to Figure 20(A), the first background and the hold display are being displayed on the effect display device 1600, and BGM1 continues to be output from the speaker 354. Also, in Figure 20(B), a line indicating that Hunter 1601, the first character, is recruiting a partner character to search for a rare beast together is being displayed on the effect display device 1600.

[0262] In FIG. 20(C), in addition to the first hunter 1601, another hunter 1601 is displayed as the second character on the effect display device 1600. Both of the two hunters 1601 hold swords, and when the second hunter 1601 is displayed (when the same character is displayed as the first and the second), an effect selected from a plurality of effects (stars in the example in the figure, and the winning rate varies depending on the form of this effect) is displayed on the weapon they hold (here, the sword). Note that the designs of the swords held by the first hunter 1601 and the second hunter 1601 may be different. Also, in FIG. 20(C), the decorative pattern forms a reach.

[0263] Note that in the exploration quest effect, the expected winning rate is higher when both the first and second characters are hunters 1601 than when both are villagers. However, when background 1 is displayed as the background image and BGM1 is output at the start of the exploration quest effect as shown in FIG. 20, it is desirable that even when both the first and second characters are hunters 1601, a win is not determined (that is, it is desirable that both the first and second characters can be hunters 1601 even in the case of a miss).

[0264] Also, in FIG. 20(C), when the second hunter 1601 is displayed in addition to the first hunter 1601, the BGM output from the speaker 354 is changed to BGM2. Further, when the second hunter 1601 is displayed in addition to the first hunter 1601 (when the same character is displayed as the first and the second), a special sound may be output according to an output mode selected from a plurality of output modes. Note that the winning rate varies depending on the output mode of the special sound (for example, the length of the output time). By this change in BGM and output of the special sound, the player can be made to understand that the displayed character is about to seriously search for a rare beast.

[0265] Note that it is desirable that the above special sound be output only when the same character is displayed twice on the effect display device 1600 (i.e., two Hunters 1601 or two villagers). (That is, it is desirable that the sound not be output when one Hunter 1601 and one villager are displayed respectively).

[0266] In FIG. 20(D), two Hunters 1601 hide their weapons (i.e., the swords that were displayed up to FIG. 20(C) become invisible), and an effect is performed in which they seriously search for rare beasts. However, between FIGS. 20(C) and 20(D), in order to let the player recognize that the characters have not changed, the display mode of the two Hunters 1601 themselves has not changed (that is, the Hunters 1601 themselves are displayed in a common mode in FIGS. 20(C) and 20(D)).

[0267] As described above, each character (Hunter 1601 and villager) has a display mode in which they hold a weapon and a display mode in which they do not hold a weapon. When a plurality of characters are displayed simultaneously, they are displayed in the same display mode (that is, when a plurality of characters are displayed simultaneously, all of the plurality of characters hold a weapon, or none of the plurality of characters hold a weapon).

[0268] Also, in FIG. 20(D), the background displayed on the effect display device 1600 changes to a second background hatched with dots. While the second background is displayed on the effect display device 1600, the weapons held by the characters are invisible, and the hold display corresponding to the reserved variation is invisible (only the hold display corresponding to the variation in progress is displayed). By making the hold display corresponding to the reserved variation invisible in this way, the player can concentrate on the effect of searching for rare beasts.

[0269] Note that when the background displayed on the effect display device 1600 is the second background, not only the hold display corresponding to the reserved variation but also the hold display corresponding to the variation in progress may be invisible. Also, in FIG. 20(D), the BGM output from the speaker 354 changes to BGM3.

[0270] Incidentally, when the second background is being displayed on the effect display device 1600, it is desirable that the display size of the character be smaller than the display size of the character when the first background before FIG. 20(C) is being displayed. This is because there is a possibility of encountering a rare beast when the second background is being displayed, and it is to draw the player's attention to the display of the rare beast rather than the character.

[0271] Also, when the character changes from a mode of holding a weapon to a mode of not holding a weapon, as between FIG. 20(C) and FIG. 20(D), it may pass through a state where the character (and the weapon) is not visible (for example, the character may not be displayed on the effect display device 1600, or a predetermined movable body provided in the pachinko machine 1 may move to a position overlapping the display area of the character on the effect display device 1600 to make it not visible). When the character changes from a mode of holding a weapon to a mode of not holding it, the player's sense of tension can be alleviated by temporarily making the character non-displayed. Also, at the timing of temporarily making the character non-displayed, it is desirable that the background also be non-displayed (for example, a single-color background).

[0272] FIG. 20(E) shows a state where the hunter 1601 has discovered a rare beast. In FIG. 20(E), two hunters 1601 without weapons and a strong boss 1610 having a tosaka and a beak as a rare beast are displayed on the effect display device 1600. Also, BGM3 is being output from the speaker 354. Incidentally, instead of suddenly displaying the rare beast, for example, a valid operation period of a predetermined operation unit (for example, the pressing operation unit 303) may be generated, and when either the operation of the predetermined operation unit during the valid operation period or the end of the valid operation period is satisfied, the rare beast (either the strong boss 1610 or the weak boss) may be displayed.

[0273] Figure 20(F) shows a state where two hunters 1601 are under attack from a strong boss 1610. After the two characters are attacked by the rare beast, the game transitions to the durability effect. Also, in Figure 20(F), BGM3 is being output from the speaker 354.

[0274] When a character without a weapon is displayed and a predetermined effect (for example, an effect of encountering a rare beast and starting a battle) is being performed, for example, a dropped weapon (that is, an object that was displayed together with the character when the first background was being displayed) may be shown. Thereby, the player can obtain a sense of anticipation as to whether the character will utilize the weapon. It is desirable that the probability of a big win is higher when the dropped weapon is displayed than when it is not.

[0275] Figure 21(G) shows a state where the durability effect has started. In Figure 21(G), an effect is being performed where the two hunters 1601 (the characters attacked by the rare beast) use their weapons to maintain balance so as not to fall. Furthermore, a cut-in of a character different from the two hunters 1601 (that is, the villager 1602, who is the unselected character) occurs, and an effect is being executed where the cut-in villager 1602 tries to help the two hunters 1601 who are about to fall.

[0276] It is desirable that the two hunters 1601 (characters attacked by rare beasts) and the cut-in character who are about to fall perform dynamic effects. Specifically, for example, by repeating the action of the two hunters 1601 who are about to fall swaying from side to side, it becomes easier for the player to recognize that the two hunters 1601 have not fallen yet. Also, for example, by repeating the action of the cut-in character stomping their feet, the player can expect that the cut-in character has come to help the two hunters 1601 and will succeed in the endurance effect. Also, the length of time for performing this dynamic effect may suggest whether the endurance effect is successful (for example, the time for performing the dynamic effect is longer when the endurance effect is successful than when it fails).

[0277] Also, in FIG. 21(G), the character displayed in the cut-in also holds a weapon in the same way as the hunter 1601 (the weapon held by the villager 1602 is a club). In this way, in addition to the hunter 1601 who is about to fall in the endurance effect, the villager 1602 as a helping character is displayed, and further, since the displayed character holds a weapon again, a sense of expectation can be given to the player that the hunter 1601 will get up without falling down.

[0278] Also, in FIG. 21(G), in order to draw the player's attention to whether the hunter 1601 will fall, BGM is not output from the speaker 354. Note that in FIG. 21(G), a dedicated BGM may be output when the character attacked by the rare beast uses a weapon to maintain balance so as not to fall and a cut-in of the unselected character occurs.

[0279] Also, in FIG. 21(G), in order not to overly expect the player that the hunter 1601 will not fall, the background displayed on the effect display device 1600 has returned to the first background. Further, in FIG. 21(G), a hold display corresponding to the ongoing variation and a hold display corresponding to the held variation are displayed on the effect display device 1600. That is, the characters displayed when the first background is displayed are holding weapons, and all hold displays are displayed when the first background is displayed.

[0280] In addition, in order to suggest to the player that the durability effect starts, two hunters 1601 (characters attacked by the rare beast) with weapons and a villager 1602 (helper character) with a weapon may be displayed after FIG. 20(F) and before FIG. 21(G). And, for example, after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since the display of these two hunters 1601 (characters attacked by the rare beast) with weapons and the villager 1602 (helper character) with a weapon starts, the durability effect in FIG. 21(G) starts.

[0281] In addition, in FIG. 21(G), in order to make the player expect that the durability effect is successful due to the arrival of the helper character, it is desirable that the display size of the helper character is larger than the display size of the two hunters 1601 who are the first and second characters.

[0282] In addition, when the same character as the character attacked by the rare beast is difficult to help in the durability effect, the degree of expectation for a big win is higher than when a different character comes to help. Therefore, in the cut-in in FIG. 21(G), different characters are always displayed, and by displaying a message suggesting that the same character is difficult to help in FIG. 21(H) described later, a sense of exhilaration can be given to the player. Note that it may be determined that a big win is certain when the same character as the character attacked by the rare beast is difficult to help in the durability effect, and a loss is certain when a different character comes to help.

[0283] Also, when changing from a state where the character is not holding a weapon to a state where the character is holding a weapon, such as between FIG. 20(F) and FIG. 21(G), it may pass through a state where the character (and the weapon) is not visible (for example, the character may not be displayed on the effect display device 1600, or a predetermined movable body provided in the pachinko machine 1 may move to a position overlapping the display area of the character on the effect display device 1600 to become non-visible). When changing from a state where the character is not holding a weapon to a state where the character is holding a weapon, the player's sense of tension can be relieved by temporarily making the character non-displayed. Also, at the timing of temporarily making the character non-displayed, it is desirable that the background also be non-displayed (for example, a single-color background).

[0284] Subsequent to FIG. 21(G), a transition is made to FIG. 21(H) or FIG. 21(J). In FIG. 21(H), a message "I'll arrive first!" (a character different from the helping character displayed in FIG. 21(G), that is, a message suggesting that the hunter 1601 will come to help) is displayed on the effect display device 1600. Note that in FIG. 21(H), the first background is displayed as the background image of the effect display device 1600, but in order to give the player a sense of expectation by having a character different from the helping character displayed in FIG. 21(G) come to help, a background different from the first background (for example, a dedicated background for displaying the message) may be displayed.

[0285] Also, in FIG. 21(H), in order to give the player a sense of exhilaration that the hunter 1601 is coming to help, BGM4 (that is, a BGM different from BGM1 to BGM3) is output from the speaker 354. Also, in FIG. 21(H), the first background continues to be displayed on the effect display device 1600, but a special background different from the first background and the second background may be displayed in order to give the player a sense of exhilaration. Also, in FIG. 21(H), in order to draw the player's attention to the above-mentioned message, all hold displays are made non-displayed (while the hold displays are non-displayed, if the conditions for additional holds of fluctuations are satisfied, although the fluctuations are additionally held, the hold displays remain non-displayed).

[0286] In FIG. 21(I), due to the arrival of a new Hunter 1601, the two Hunters 1601 did not fall, that is, the durability performance was successful, and the decorative pattern stopped at a winning combination. In FIG. 21(I), a total of three Hunters 1601 (three identical characters), namely, the two Hunters 1601 attacked by the rare beast and the one Hunter 1601 who came to help, are displayed, and each Hunter 1601 holds a weapon (sword). In order to maintain the excitement of the player, BGM4 continues to be output from the speaker 354. Note that a display indicating that the game state has been controlled (transited) to a big win game state (an example of an advantageous state) may be displayed at the timing controlled to the big win game state (an example of an advantageous state) after the display in FIG. 21(I).

[0287] In FIG. 21(J) transitioning from FIG. 21(G), although the villager 1602 came to help, the two Hunters 1601 fell, that is, the durability performance failed, and the decorative pattern stopped at a losing combination. In FIG. 21(J), the two Hunters who were attacked by the rare beast and fell and the one villager 1602 who came to help (that is, two identical characters and one different character) are displayed, and each character holds a weapon (the Hunter 1601 has a sword and the villager 1602 has a club). In FIG. 21(J), no BGM is output from the speaker 354 so as not to stimulate the player's sense of disappointment.

[0288] Note that the time from the start of the state in FIG. 21(G) to the end of the variation in the state of FIG. 21(J) is within a predetermined time (for example, within 3 seconds), and the time from the start of the state in FIG. 21(G), passing through the state in FIG. 21(H), to the end of the variation in the state of FIG. 21(I) is longer than the predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). Thus, when the durability performance is successful, the time from the start of the durability performance to the end of the variation is longer compared to when it fails, so that the player can enjoy the successful durability performance for a longer time.

[0289] Also, the big win expectancy in the variation may be indicated by the length of time from the timing when the character holding the weapon in FIG. 21(G) is displayed again until the transition to the next effect (FIG. 21(H) or FIG. 21(J)). For example, if the time from the timing when the character holding the weapon in FIG. 21(G) is displayed again until the change to the effect in FIG. 21(H) is 5 seconds, and the time from the timing when the character holding the weapon in FIG. 21(G) is displayed again until the change to the effect in FIG. 21(J) is 3 seconds, if the effect does not change even after 3 seconds have passed from the timing when the character holding the weapon in FIG. 21(G) is displayed again, it is shown that the durability effect has been successful (that is, it is shown that a big win is notified).

[0290] Also, it is desirable that the ratio of the appearance of the effect of failing the durability effect is higher than the ratio of the appearance of the effect of succeeding the durability effect. If the ratio of succeeding the durability effect is high, it becomes difficult for the player to feel grateful for the bonus effect executed when the durability effect is successful and the advantageous privileges given to the player.

[0291] In FIGS. 21(I) and 21(J), in order to make it easier for the player to recognize which of the hunter 1601 or the villager 1602 appears as the helping character, the display size of the helping character may be larger than the display size of the two hunters 1601 who are the first and second characters, or the display sizes of all the characters may be the same in order to make it easier to recognize all the displayed characters. After displaying the display size of the helping character larger than the display sizes of the two hunters 1601 who are the first and second characters, all the characters may be displayed in the same size (the display sizes of the first and second characters may be adjusted to the display size of the helping character, or the display sizes of the first and second characters may be adjusted to the display size of the helping character, or the display sizes of all the characters may be adjusted to a size different from both the size when the first and second characters were displayed and the size when the helping character was displayed).

[0292] Also, it is desirable that the display size of the character when the durability effect has succeeded or failed in FIGS. 21(I) and 21(H) be larger than the display size of the character at the start of the durability effect in FIG. 21(G). This is to enable the player to recognize which character's durability effect has succeeded or failed.

[0293] Note that, for example, a zone effect related to a search quest effect may be executable. For example, when a rare beast discovery confirmation zone effect is executed, it is certain that the character can discover a rare beast, suggesting a higher jackpot expectation compared to the case where the rare beast discovery confirmation zone effect is not executed. This rare beast discovery confirmation zone effect may be executed during the variation in which the search quest effect is executed (however, starting from a timing before discovering the rare beast), or may be executed as a pre-reading effect from a variation before the variation in which the search quest effect is executed. The zone display indicating that the rare beast discovery confirmation zone effect is being executed has a higher display priority than the background display (i.e., in the overlapping display area of the zone display and the background display, the zone display is displayed on the front side), but has a lower display priority than the character and the weapon (i.e., in the overlapping display area of the zone display and the character or weapon, the character or weapon is displayed on the front side).

[0294] Note that the ratio of not changing (like the effect described in FIG. 24 to be described later) is preferably higher than the ratio of changing to a situation where a character not holding a weapon is displayed after a character holding a weapon is displayed when the first background is being displayed as in FIGS. 20(B) to 20(C). Thereby, when changing to a situation where a character not holding a weapon is displayed, the player's sense of expectation can be enhanced.

[0295] Also, when changing from a situation where a character holding a weapon is displayed to a situation where a character not holding a weapon is displayed, as when transitioning from FIG. 20(C) to FIG. 20(D), it is desirable to change from the situation where a character holding a weapon is displayed to the situation where a character not holding a weapon is displayed without including a period during which no character is displayed. This way, since the character not holding a weapon suddenly changes to a character holding a weapon, the player can easily notice the change in the presence or absence of the character's weapon, and it becomes easier to enhance the sense of anticipation.

[0296] On the other hand, when changing from a situation where a character not holding a weapon is displayed to a situation where a character holding a weapon is displayed, as when transitioning from FIG. 20(F) to FIG. 21(G), it is desirable to change from the situation where a character not holding a weapon is displayed to the situation where a character holding a weapon is displayed, including a period during which the character itself (including the weapon) is made non-displayed.

[0297] Note that even when changing from a situation where a character holding a weapon is displayed to a situation where a character not holding a weapon is displayed, as when transitioning from FIG. 20(C) to FIG. 20(D), it may be possible to change from the situation where a character holding a weapon is displayed to the situation where a character not holding a weapon is displayed, including a period during which the character itself (including the weapon) is made non-displayed.

[0298] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the production when a character discovers a weak boss, which is a rare beast, in the exploration quest production. FIG. 22(E2) that transitions from FIG. 20(D) shows a state where the hunter 1601 has discovered a rare beast. In FIG. 22(E2), two hunters 1601 without weapons and a weak boss 1611 having no tosaka and no mouth as a rare beast are displayed on the production display device 1600. It is assumed that the probability of a big win is higher when the character discovers the weak boss 1611 than when the character discovers the strong boss 1610. Also, in FIG. 22(E2), the second background is displayed as the background on the production display device 1600, and the BGM3 continues to be output from the speaker 354.

[0299] In FIG. 22(F2), in addition to the two hunters 1601 (the characters from FIG. 22(E2)) without weapons, a hunter 1601, who is a helper character without a weapon, participates in the battle, and a total of three characters are attacking the weak boss 1611 with a preemptive attack. When a character makes a preemptive attack on a rare beast, the durability production is not executed. Also, it is preferable that the probability of a big win is higher when a character makes a preemptive attack on a rare beast than when the durability production is executed. Although one helper character without a weapon is displayed in the area overlapping with the weak boss 1611, the display priority of the helper character is higher (that is, the helper character is displayed closer to the front than the weak boss 1611).

[0300] Note that the ratio of the character making a preemptive attack on a rare beast (that is, the ratio of being attacked by the rare beast is lower) is higher when the hunter 1601 is selected than when the villager 1602 is selected as the first and second characters. Also, the ratio of the character making a preemptive attack on a rare beast (that is, the ratio of being attacked by the rare beast is lower) is higher when the weak boss 1611 is selected than when the strong boss 1610 is selected as the rare beast.

[0301] In FIG. 22(G2), an effect is performed showing that a total of three characters, two hunters 1601 and one hunter 1601 as a helping character, have defeated the weak boss 1611, and the decorative pattern has stopped at a winning combination. Also, in FIG. 22(G2), a second background is displayed as the background on the effect display device 1600, and BGM3 continues to be output from the speaker 354. Note that after FIG. 22(G2), an effect may be executed in which the hunter 1601 not holding a weapon changes to the hunter 1601 holding a weapon.

[0302] Note that after FIG. 22(G2), at the timing controlled to the big win gaming state, a display indicating that the big win gaming state (an example of an advantageous state) has been controlled (transited) may be displayed. Thereby, the display indicating that the game has been controlled to the big win can give the player a sense of exhilaration all at once. Note that before the timing when the game is controlled to the big win gaming state (specifically, for example, at the start point of the variation in which the exploration quest effect is executed, or at the point when the special random number corresponding to the variation in which the exploration quest effect is executed is reserved), a display indicating that the game has already been controlled (transited) to the big win gaming state (an example of an advantageous state) may be displayed. Thereby, the player can be informed of the big win at an early timing, and a sense of surprise can be given.

[0303] Note that in FIG. 22(F2), when a character different from the first and second characters (here, the villager 1602) is selected as the helping character, the big win expectation level is lower than when the same character is selected (or it may be determined that it is a miss). Note that in FIG. 22(F2), when the same character as the first and second characters is selected as the helping character, the big win may be determined (that is, it may not be transitioned to FIG. 22(H2)).

[0304] Note that in FIG. 22 (H2), an effect is performed to show that a total of three characters, two hunters 1601 and one hunter 1601 as a helper character, have fled to the weak boss 1611. Further, the background image displayed on the effect display device 1600 returns to the first background, and no BGM is output from the speaker 354.

[0305] Note that in the exploration quest effect, since various background images such as the first background, the second background, and the third background (described later) can be displayed on the effect display device 1600, in order to let the player enjoy the background image, the transparency of the character and the image may be changed.

[0306] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the exploration quest effect. In the exploration quest effect of FIG. 23, BGM3, which was output when a character encountered a rare beast in the exploration quest effects of FIGS. 20 to 22, is output from the speaker 354 at the start of the variation (it can be suggested that a rare beast is encountered by BGM3, that is, BGM3 functions as a precursor effect for encountering a rare beast), and further, the background displayed on the effect display device 1600 is the third background hatched with horizontal straight lines.

[0307] In the exploration quest effect of FIG. 23 (the exploration quest effect in which BGM3 is output at the start of the variation and the background is the third background), it is desirable that the character can always encounter a rare beast (or it is desirable that the ratio of encountering a rare beast is higher than that in the exploration quest effects of FIGS. 20 to 22).

[0308] Thereby, when the exploration quest effect of FIG. 23 starts, a player who hears BGM3 (which was output when encountering a rare beast in the exploration quest effects of FIGS. 21 to 22) can obtain a sense of expectation that the character can encounter a rare beast.

[0309] FIG. 23 (A3) is the same as FIG. 20 (A) except that the third background is displayed as the background image on the effect display device 1600 and BGM3 is output from the speaker 354.

[0310] In FIG. 23 (B3), the third background is displayed as the background image on the effect display device 1600, and the BGM3 is output from the speaker 354. Further, in FIG. 23 (B3), when the character hunter 1601 is looking for companions, the weapon is hidden (that is, the weapon is not displayed).

[0311] In the effects of FIGS. 20 and 22, as described above, when the character encounters a rare beast, the weapon is hidden. Therefore, since the hunter 1601 hides the weapon in advance in FIG. 23 (B3), the player can obtain the expectation that the character will encounter a rare beast. Note that the characters displayed in the exploration quest effect of FIG. 23 do not always carry weapons.

[0312] FIG. 23 (C3) is the same as FIG. 20 (C) except that the third background is displayed as the background image on the effect display device 1600, the BGM5 is output from the speaker 354, and the character hides the weapon. That is, in FIG. 23 (C3), when the second hunter 1601 is displayed in addition to the first hunter 1601 (when the same character is displayed as the first and the second), the same special sound as in FIG. 20 (C) may be output. Note that the BGM3 may continue to be output instead of the BGM5 even after FIG. 23 (C3).

[0313] Figs. 23(D3) to 23(F3) are the same as Figs. 22(E2) to 22(G2), except that the third background is displayed as the background image on the effect display device 1600 and BGM5 is output from the speaker. In the exploration effect where the first background was displayed at the start of the variation, when the second character identical to the first character is additionally displayed in Fig. 20(C3), BGM2 which is not output at other timings is output from the speaker 354. However, when the second character identical to the first character is additionally displayed in Fig. 23(C3), BGM5 which is output also after Fig. 23(D3) is output from the speaker 354. In Fig. 23(C3), BGM2 (BGM output when the display of two identical characters starts in the exploration quest effect starting with the display of the first background) may be output, or a dedicated BGM for when the display of two identical characters starts in the exploration quest effect starting with the output of BGM3 may be output.

[0314] Note that BGM3 may be continuously output from the speaker 354 throughout the exploration quest effect in Fig. 23. That is, in the exploration quest effect in Fig. 23, there are cases where the BGM changes and cases where BGM3 continues to be output, so the length of the time during which BGM3 is output is indefinite. For example, if the longer the time during which BGM3 is output, the higher the probability of a big win when the length of the time during which BGM3 is output is indefinite, the player can wait for when BGM3 ends with a sense of tension. On the other hand, in Fig. 20, BGM3 is output when two characters are seriously exploring a rare beast and fighting the rare beast, so the length of the time during which BGM3 is output is constant.

[0315] In addition, in the exploration quest effect shown in FIG. 23, that is, in the exploration quest effect where the third background is displayed as the background image on the effect display device 1600 and BGM3 is output from the speaker 354 from the start of the variation, in order not to impair the player's sense of anticipation heightened by the third background and BGM3, when two hunters 1601 (who give a stronger sense of anticipation than villager 1602) search for a rare beast, a jackpot may be determined.

[0316] Also, when the exploration quest effect shown in FIG. 23 is executed, since the player's sense of anticipation is heightened by the third background and BGM3 output from the start of the variation, it is desirable that the probability of a jackpot is higher than when the exploration quest effects shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 (the exploration quest effect where the first background is displayed as the background image on the effect display device 1600 and BGM1 is output from the speaker 354) are executed.

[0317] In addition, in the exploration quest effect where the third background shown in FIG. 23 is displayed, when a predetermined effect (for example, an effect after encountering a rare beast or an effect where two or more of the same characters are displayed) is not performed, by operating a predetermined operation unit (for example, the pressing operation unit 303), the BGM output from the speaker 354 is interrupted (simply the BGM stops or changes to another BGM), and when the predetermined operation unit is operated again, the BGM can be output again. In addition, in order to draw the player's attention to the interruption of the BGM by this operation, no operation sound associated with the operation for interrupting the BGM is output. On the other hand, in the exploration quest effect where the third background is not displayed as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, even if a predetermined operation unit (for example, the pressing operation unit 303) is operated, the BGM output from the speaker 354 is not interrupted.

[0318] Also, in the exploration quest presentation where the third background of FIG. 23 is displayed, when a predetermined presentation (for example, a presentation after encountering a rare beast or a presentation where two or more identical characters are displayed) is not being performed, an icon display that can change its mode in response to an operation of a predetermined operation unit (for example, the pressing operation unit 303) may be displayed on the presentation display device 1600. Therefore, when the predetermined operation unit is operated when the predetermined presentation is not being performed, the output of the BGM being output from the speaker is interrupted and the mode of the icon display changes. Then, when the predetermined operation unit is operated again, the BGM is output again and the mode of the icon display can also change again (it may return to the original mode or change to an even different mode). On the other hand, in the exploration quest presentation where the third background is not displayed as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the icon display is not displayed on the presentation display device 1600 regardless of the operation on the predetermined operation unit. Note that the icon display may include information related to the BGM being output from the speaker 354.

[0319] Note that the exploration quest presentation of FIG. 23 is executed in a game state advantageous to the player in a time-saving state or the like or a probability-variable state (for example, a game state with a higher probability of a big win than the exploration quest presentation where the first background is displayed) in order to enhance the player's sense of anticipation by the third background and BGM3. On the other hand, the exploration quest presentations of FIGS. 20 to 22 are desirably executed in a normal game state that is neither a time-saving state nor a probability-variable state.

[0320] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a presentation when the two selected characters cannot find a rare beast in the exploration quest presentation. FIG. 24(A4) is the same as FIG. 20(A). FIG. 24(B4) is the same as FIG. 20(B) except that the villager 1602 holding a weapon (a club) is selected as the first character.

[0321] In FIG. 24(C4), in addition to the first villager 1602, the hunter 1601 is further displayed as the second character on the effect display device 1600. The villager 1602 holds a club, and the hunter 1601 holds a sword. In FIG. 20(C), when the same character as the first character is displayed as the second character, a predetermined effect is displayed on the weapon being held. However, when the first character and the second character are different, since a rare beast cannot be encountered and a miss is finally notified, the predetermined effect is not displayed so as not to unnecessarily increase the player's sense of expectation. Also, in FIG. 24(C4), the decorative pattern forms a reach. Further, in FIG. 24(C4), in order not to unnecessarily increase the player's sense of expectation, the BGM output from the speaker 354 remains BGM1, and no special sound is output.

[0322] In FIG. 24(D4), unlike FIG. 20(D), an effect of hiding the weapons for not being noticed by the rare beast is not performed (that is, the weapons remain displayed), and an effect of two characters searching for the rare beast is being performed. This suggests to the player that the two characters cannot encounter the rare beast.

[0323] Also, in FIG. 24(D4), in order not to unnecessarily increase the player's sense of expectation, the background image displayed on the effect display device 1600 remains the first background, all the hold displays remain displayed, and the BGM output from the speaker 354 remains BGM1.

[0324] In FIG. 24(E4), an effect is performed where it seems that the two characters have discovered the rare beast, but it was actually another villager 1602 (that is, the rare beast could not be discovered), and the decorative pattern stops with a losing combination. Also, in FIG. 24(E4), the background image displayed on the effect display device 1600 remains the first background, and no BGM is output from the speaker 354.

[0325] In FIG. 24, an effect where different two characters are selected and a rare beast cannot be encountered was described. However, even when the same two characters are selected, an effect where a rare beast cannot be encountered may be executed. That is, for example, the effects of FIGS. 20(A) to 20(C) may be executed, and subsequently, the effects of FIGS. 24(D4) and 24(E4) (however, the first and second characters in FIGS. 24(D4) and 24(E4) are the hunter 1601 as in FIG. 20(C), and the third character is a villager 1602 different from the first and second characters) may be executable.

[0326] Note that without transitioning from FIG. 24(C4) to FIG. 24(D4), after the first and second selected characters are once made invisible, re-selection of the first and second characters may be performed. This re-selection of characters may be repeated multiple times. Also, it is desirable that the higher the number of times the character re-selection is performed, the higher the expectation of a big win. In the re-selection of characters, characters in the same combination as the combination of the first and second characters selected immediately before may be selected, or characters in a different combination may be selected. For example, if the re-selection where both the first and second characters are hunters is repeated, each time the second hunter 1601 is displayed in addition to the first hunter 1601, the special sound described in FIG. 20(C) is output, that is, a plurality of such special sounds can be output with one variation.

[0327] Also, as in FIGS. 20(C) and 24(C4), after the first and second characters are selected, without transitioning to FIGS. 20(D) and 20(D4), a predetermined character that is neither the hunter 1601 nor the villager 1602 is displayed as the third character, and then re-selection of the first and second characters may be performed.

[0328] Figs. 25 and 26 are explanatory diagrams showing another example of the exploration quest production. In the exploration quest production of Figs. 25 and 256, similar to the exploration quest production of Fig. 23, from the start of the variation, the third background is displayed as the background image on the production display device 1600, and BGM3 is output from the speaker 354. Also, in the exploration quest production of Figs. 25 and 26, a durability production is being performed.

[0329] Figs. 25(A5) to 25(D5) are the same as Figs. 23(A3) to 23(D3), except that in both cases, the villager 1602 is selected as the first and second characters.

[0330] Fig. 25(E5) shows a state where two villagers 1602 are being attacked by the weak boss 1611. The third background continues to be displayed as the background image on the production display device 1600, and only the hold corresponding to the ongoing variation among the hold displays is shown, and BGM5 is output from the speaker 354.

[0331] In Fig. 25(F5), the durability production is being executed. In Fig. 25(F5), the third background continues to be displayed as the background image on the production display device 1600, all hold displays are shown, and no BGM is output from the speaker 354. Also, in the durability production when the third background is displayed on the production display device 1600, the characters (the two villagers 1602 who are the characters attacked by the rare beast and the hunter 1601 (different from the villager 1602) who is the cut-in character) do not have weapons. This is to prevent the player's sense of anticipation from becoming excessive because the third background has already heightened the player's sense of anticipation, so the characters are not given weapons.

[0332] In FIG. 26 (G5), a display indicating that the jackpot has not been won (failure in the endurance performance) (a message saying "This doesn't seem to make it in time...") is being displayed on the effect display device 1600. Also, on the effect display device 1600, as a background image, a fourth background hatched in a grid pattern is being displayed. The fourth background is a dedicated background image when the said message is being displayed. Also, all the hold displays are being displayed on the effect display device 1600, but in order to make it easier for the player to recognize the said message and the fourth background, the hold display corresponding to the ongoing variation may be made non-displayed, or both the hold display corresponding to the ongoing variation and the hold display corresponding to the held variation may be made non-displayed. Also, BGM6 is being output from the speaker 354. BGM6 is a dedicated BGM when the said message is being displayed.

[0333] In FIG. 26 (G5), by displaying a display indicating that the jackpot has not been won in this way, further displaying the fourth background which is a dedicated background image, and outputting BGM6 which is a dedicated BGM, it is possible to prevent giving a sudden discouragement by making the player aware that the jackpot has not been won before the exploration quest effect is completely finished.

[0334] However, the effect of FIG. 26 (G5) is desirably executable only when the third background has been displayed since the start of the exploration quest effect and when the characters selected as the first and second characters are not the hunter 1601 with the highest jackpot expectation (that is, one of the characters is the villager 1602). In the exploration quest effect starting from the first background with a low jackpot expectation as shown in FIG. 21, since the player is already aware that they will not win the jackpot in the first place, they will not be suddenly discouraged even if the deviation is notified without the effect of FIG. 26 (G5) being executed. Also, in the exploration quest effect starting from the third background with a high jackpot expectation, when two hunters 1601 with a high jackpot expectation are selected as the first and second characters, since the jackpot is determined in the first place, the effect of FIG. 26 (G5) is not executed.

[0335] In Fig. 26 (H5), it is a state where the durability effect has failed, and the decorative pattern has come off and stopped in a combination. On the effect display device 1600, the first background is displayed as the background image, and all holdover displays are shown. In Fig. 26 (H5), instead of the first background, a fifth background that can be displayed only after the fourth background in Fig. 26 (G5) is displayed may be displayed. The fifth background can be continuously displayed even in subsequent fluctuations. For example, it can be displayed until a predetermined number of fluctuations are completed after the fifth background is displayed. Both the two villagers 1602 and the hunter 1601, who is a helping character, are holding weapons. Also, no BGM is output from the speaker 354. When the fifth background is displayed until a predetermined number of fluctuations are completed, at least when the predetermined number of fluctuations are being executed, BGM (a dedicated BGM different from any of BGM1 to BGM6) can be output from the speaker 354 (it is also possible to switch to another BGM during the predetermined number of fluctuations, and it is also possible to return from the switched BGM to the dedicated BGM during the predetermined number of fluctuations).

[0336] In addition, when a search quest effect is performed in the next fluctuation after the fluctuation that ended in Fig. 26 (H5), the search quest effect starts from the effect in Fig. 20. That is, the search effect in the next fluctuation starts with the first background being displayed, and the characters selected for the first and second players are holding weapons. Therefore, in Fig. 26 (H5), in preparation for the search quest effect that can be performed in the next fluctuation, the first background is displayed in advance so that the characters hold weapons.

[0337] In addition, in the search quest effect, if the background image and BGM at the start of the search quest effect are the same, the probability of a big win is higher when both the first and second characters are the hunter 1601 than when both the first and second characters are the villagers 1602.

[0338] However, it is desirable that the probability of winning the jackpot is higher when villager 1602 is selected as both the first and second characters in the exploration quest event that starts with the display of the third background and the output of BGM3, rather than when hunter 1601 is selected as both the first and second characters in the exploration quest event that starts with the display of the first background and the output of BGM1 (for example, the exploration quest events in FIGS. 20 and 21).

[0339] In addition, when a miss is notified in the exploration quest event that starts with the display of the third background and the output of BGM3, the event in FIG. 26 (G5) may be omitted. When the event in FIG. 26 (G5) is omitted, it is preferable to return to the event in FIG. 25 (A5) again following FIG. 26 (H5). In FIGS. 25 (F5) and 26 (H5) in this case, BGM may not be output, or BGM3 may be output. Further, when a rare beast encounters a character in the exploration quest event that starts with the display of the third background and the output of BGM3 (FIGS. 23 (D3) to 23 (F3), FIGS. 25 (D5) to 25 (E5)), a background different from the third background (for example, the second background or a dedicated background) may be displayed.

[0340] In addition, in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23, an example in which the jackpot is notified after two identical characters encounter a rare beast has been described. However, the jackpot may be notified without the two identical characters encountering a rare beast even though the two identical characters have been selected. Specifically, for example, following FIG. 20 (C), the jackpot may be notified by performing the event in FIG. 21 (I). Further, following FIG. 23 (C3), the jackpot may be notified by performing the event in FIG. 21 (I) (however, the background image shall be the third background). This can give the player a sense of surprise. However, it is desirable that the probability of winning the jackpot is higher when the two identical characters encounter a rare beast than when they do not encounter a rare beast.

[0341] In the exploration quest performance that starts with the display of the first background and the output of BGM1, even when Hunter 1601 is selected as both the first and second characters (for example, the exploration quest performance in FIGS. 20 and 21), or even when Villager 1602 is selected as both the first and second characters, there is a possibility that a miss will be notified (that is, these performances can be selected whether a big win is selected or a miss is selected).

[0342] On the other hand, in the exploration quest performance that starts with the display of the third background and the output of BGM3, when Hunter 1601 is selected as both the first and second characters (for example, the exploration quest performance in FIG. 23), a big win is determined (that is, this performance can be selected only when a big win is selected), but when Villager 1602 is selected as both the first and second characters, there is a possibility that a miss will be notified (that is, this performance can be selected whether a big win is selected or a miss is selected).

[0343] Also, for example, in the exploration quest performance that starts with the display of the third background and the output of BGM3, it is desirable that the shortest time of the advantageous state (big win game) controlled when a big win is notified with both the first and second characters being Villager 1602 is shorter than the shortest time of the advantageous state (big win game) controlled when a big win is notified with both the first and second characters being Hunter 1601.

[0344] In the exploration quest production that starts with the display of the third background and the output of BGM3, even when a combination of different characters (the combination of Hunter 1601 and Villager 1602) is selected as the first character and the second character, a jackpot may be notified. Specifically, for example, in the exploration quest production that starts with the display of the third background and the output of BGM3, after the combination of the different characters is selected, a jackpot is notified without encountering a rare beast (for example, the production shown in Fig. 21(I) is executed). As a result, when the third background is displayed and BGM3 is output, the sense of anticipation increases. Although the sense of anticipation decreases when a combination of different characters is selected, and the sense of elation suddenly rises when a jackpot is notified without discovering a rare beast, the emotions of the player can be greatly fluctuated.

[0345] On the other hand, in the exploration quest production that starts with the display of the first background and the output of BGM1, when a combination of different characters is selected as the first character and the second character, it is advisable not to notify a jackpot (for example, like the exploration quest production in Fig. 24) (that is, a combination of different characters is selected only when a loss is selected, and the same character is always selected as the first character and the second character when a jackpot is notified).

[0346] Also, in the exploration quest production that starts with the display of the first background and the output of BGM1, after different characters are selected as the first character and the second character (for example, like Fig. 24(C4)), the second character may be reselected to be the same character as the first character (for example, it may transition to Fig. 20(C)).

[0347] Also, for example, in a search quest production that starts with the first background being displayed and BGM1 being output, (for example, at the timing of FIG. 20(C)), a production may be executed in which a total of four characters, two hunters 1601 and two villagers 1602, gather and go to search for a rare beast to hunt down. For example, it is desirable that the jackpot expectation level increases in the order of when two villagers 1602 gather < when a total of four characters, two hunters 1601 and two villagers 1602, gather < when two hunters 1601 gather.

[0348] In addition, in a production where such a plurality of characters (three or more characters) gather, other characters different from both the hunter 1601 and the villager 1602 may also be displayed. Even in that case, the jackpot expectation level is higher when a production in which only two hunters 1601 are displayed is executed than when a production in which a plurality of characters including the hunter 1601 gather is executed. However, it may be set such that the expectation level is higher only when all characters (when all types of characters gather) gather in a production where a plurality of characters (three or more characters) gather, than when a production in which only two hunters 1601 are displayed.

[0349] It is desirable that the variation time of the variation in which a jackpot is notified in a search quest production that starts with the third background being displayed and BGM3 being output is shorter than the variation time of the variation in which a jackpot is notified in a search quest production that starts with the first background being displayed and BGM1 being output. In a search quest production that starts with the first background being displayed and BGM1 being output, the player's sense of expectation is not high at the start of the search quest production, and by performing a variation production over a long time, the player's sense of expectation can be gradually increased. On the other hand, in a search quest production that starts with the third background being displayed and BGM3 being output, since the player's sense of expectation has already increased from the start of the search quest production, a short variation time can maintain the player's sense of expectation and thereby reduce fatigue.

[0350] Also, for the same reason, it is desirable that the variation time of the variation in which a miss is notified in the exploration quest production that starts with the first background being displayed and BGM1 being output is shorter than the variation time of the variation in which a miss is notified in the exploration quest production that starts with the third background being displayed and BGM3 being output.

[0351] Also, it is desirable that the shortest variation time of the variation in which a jackpot is notified in the exploration quest production that starts with the first background being displayed and BGM1 being output is shorter than the shortest variation time of the variation in which a jackpot is notified in the exploration quest production that starts with the third background being displayed and BGM3 being output. Also, regardless of whether a jackpot is notified, it is desirable that the shortest variation time of the exploration quest production that starts with the third background being displayed and BGM3 being output is shorter than the shortest variation time of the exploration quest production that starts with the first background being displayed and BGM1 being output. Thereby, in the exploration quest production that starts with the first background being displayed and BGM1 being output, various production patterns over time can be realized regardless of whether a jackpot is notified, and the expectation of the player, which was not heightened at the start of the exploration quest production, can be gradually heightened.

[0352] Also, in the exploration quest production, up to three characters can be displayed simultaneously, but a jackpot may be determined when three characters of a predetermined combination are displayed simultaneously. For example, as the predetermined combination, there are three hunters 1601 or three villagers 1602.

[0353] In addition, in the exploration quest presentation, after the jackpot is announced when the two characters who fought the rare beast and the assisting character become the characters in the above-mentioned predetermined combination, a character transformation presentation in which these characters change into other characters may be executable. For example, when three villagers 1602 holding weapons instead of three hunters 1601 holding weapons in FIG. 21(I) defeat the rare beast, a character transformation presentation in which all three villagers 1602 holding weapons simultaneously change into hunters 1601 holding weapons may be performed. However, since the player can feel a greater sense of exhilaration when hunters 1601 are displayed rather than villagers 1602, when three hunters 1601 holding weapons are displayed and the jackpot is announced, it is desirable that an effect in which these characters all simultaneously change into three villagers 1602 holding weapons is not performed.

[0354] Similarly, in FIG. 22(G2), when three villagers 1602 not holding weapons instead of three hunters 1601 not holding weapons defeat the rare beast, a character transformation presentation in which all three villagers 1602 not holding weapons simultaneously change into hunters 1601 not holding weapons may be performed. However, since the player can feel a greater sense of exhilaration when hunters 1601 are displayed rather than villagers 1602, when three hunters 1601 not holding weapons are displayed and the jackpot is announced, it is desirable that an effect in which these characters all simultaneously change into three villagers 1602 not holding weapons is not performed.

[0355] In addition, in order to give the player a sense of exhilaration through the character transformation presentation, it is desirable that the character transformation presentation is executed only when a predetermined advantageous state (for example, a jackpot that transitions to a time-saving state, etc.) is given. In the character transformation presentation, for example, the presence or absence of weapons of the characters may change, such as when three villagers 1602 not holding weapons change into hunters 1601 holding weapons, or when three villagers 1602 holding weapons change into hunters 1601 not holding weapons.

[0356] In the character change effect, when the three villagers 1602 transform into the three hunters 1601, it is advisable to display a dedicated effect movie or the like to give the player a sense of exhilaration. Also, in order to make the sense of exhilaration given to the player when the character change effect appears stronger, when a big win is notified in the exploration quest effect, the ratio at which the character change effect appears should be lower than the ratio at which the character change effect does not appear.

[0357] Also, in the character change effect, when the three villagers 1602 holding weapons transform into the three hunters 1601 holding weapons, and when the three villagers 1602 not holding weapons transform into the three hunters 1601 not holding weapons, the dedicated effect movies to be displayed and the benefits given to the player should be made different. For example, in the character change effect, when the three villagers 1602 not holding weapons transform into the three hunters 1601 not holding weapons, a more luxurious dedicated effect movie (for example, the display time of the effect movie is long, the number of characters displayed in the effect movie is large, or the volume of the sound output simultaneously with the effect movie is large, etc.) is displayed, or a more advantageous benefit (for example, the number of rounds of the big win game starting immediately after is large, etc.) is given to the player, compared to when the three villagers 1602 holding weapons transform into the three hunters 1601 holding weapons.

[0358] In FIGS. 21(G) and 25(F5), at the start of the durability effect, the two characters attacked by the rare beast and the cut-in character are displayed simultaneously. However, at the start of the durability effect, in order to ensure that the player surely recognizes who the cut-in character is, first, only the cut-in character is displayed (when the rare beast attacks and the background image does not change), and then, as in FIGS. 21(G) and 25(F5), the two characters attacked by the rare beast and the cut-in character are displayed.

[0359] In the exploration quest production that starts with the display of the third background and the output of BGM3, two villagers 1602 without weapons are attacked by the weak boss 1611, and the two villagers 1602 without weapons become invisible due to the fourth background in FIG. 26 (G5). The two villagers 1602 redisplayed in FIG. 26 (H5) are holding weapons. However, in the exploration quest production that starts with the display of the third background and the output of BGM3, when two hunters 1601 without weapons discover a rare beast, the fourth background in FIG. 26 (G5) is not displayed, and the two hunters 1601 without weapons in FIG. 26 (H5) do not change to hunters 1601 holding weapons. This is desirable. When the two hunters 1601 encounter a rare beast, the probability of a big win is high and the player's sense of expectation is heightened. Therefore, it is to prevent the player's sense of expectation from being dampened by the fourth background that includes a display indicating that the player has not won the big prize.

[0360] Also, in the exploration quest production that starts with the display of the first background and the output of BGM1 as in the examples of FIGS. 20 and 21, an effect where two hunters 1601 without weapons hold weapons again after fighting a rare beast, and an effect where two villagers 1602 without weapons hold weapons again after fighting a rare beast are both executable. However, in the exploration quest production that starts with the display of the first background and the output of BGM1, since the probability of a big win is not originally high, it is desirable not to display the fourth background that further reduces the player's sense of expectation as shown in FIG. 21 when the presence or absence of weapons changes.

[0361] Figure 27 shows another example of the exploration quest presentation. In the exploration quest presentation of Figure 27, during the battle between the character and the rare beast, a predetermined operation on the pressing operation unit 303 is prompted. When the predetermined operation is performed on the pressing operation unit 303, an effect where the character attacks the rare beast or an effect where the character is attacked by the rare beast is executed. Figure 27(E) is an effect that transitions from Figure 20(D), and the same effect as Figure 20(E) is being performed. From Figure 27(E), it is possible to transition to Figure 27(F6), Figure 27(F7), or Figure 27(F8).

[0362] In Figure 27(F6), similar to Figure 27(E), two hunters 1601 without weapons, a strong boss 1610, a first background as the background image, and a pending display corresponding to the ongoing variation are displayed on the effect display device 1600, and BGM3 is output from the speaker 354. Further, in Figure 27(F6), a first button image (an image composed of the image of the button described as "PUSH" and the image of an arrow) instructing the pressing (so-called single press) of the pressing operation unit 303 is displayed in the center of the effect display device 1600, and an instruction sound ("Press it!") indicating the instruction content of the first button image is output from the speaker 354.

[0363] To make it easier for the player to recognize that an operation on the pressing operation unit 303 is being instructed, the display priority of the first button image is higher than the display priority of other images such as characters and rare beasts. Note that the display of the first button image and the output of the instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the first button image may be executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a predetermined operation (for example, a long press different from a simple press) is performed on the pressing operation unit 303).

[0364] In Figure 27(F6), when the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed according to the instruction indicated by the first button image, the first button image is erased and the transition to Figure 27(F) occurs. In Figure 27(F), the same effect as Figure 20(F) is performed, and then the transition is made to the durability effect of Figure 21(G) (that is, the effect where a character with a weapon is displayed).

[0365] In FIG. 27(F6), when the pressing operation unit 303 is not pressed in accordance with the instruction indicated by the first button image, the process transitions to FIG. 27(F7). FIG. 27(F7) is an effect during a specific period when effect images such as images of characters and rare beasts are not displayed. The first button image continues to be displayed on the effect display device 1600, and an instruction sound indicating the pressing of the pressing operation unit 303 indicated by the first button image continues to be output from the speaker 354. However, in order to make it easier for the player to recognize the pressing instruction of the pressing operation unit 303, the images of the characters and rare beasts are erased from the effect display device 1600, and the output of the BGM is stopped. In this way, during the specific period when effect images such as images of characters and rare beasts are not displayed, and furthermore, when the output of the BGM is stopped, the player can increase the sense of anticipation that the character can defeat the rare beast by operating the pressing operation unit 303. Note that in FIG. 27(F7), instead of stopping the output of the BGM, the volume of the BGM may be suppressed (for example, lower than the volume at the start of the exploration quest effect).

[0366] In addition, in FIG. 27(F7), in order to make the first button image even easier to recognize, the background image may be changed to a single-color image of a predetermined color. Also, in FIG. 27(F7), all the hold displays may also be erased from the effect display device 1600. Further, in FIG. 27(F7), it is desirable that no effect sounds other than the instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the first button image be output from the speaker 354. Examples of effect sounds other than the instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the first button image include effect sounds related to two characters, such as the voices of two characters or rare beasts, and effect sounds in the battle between two characters or rare beasts. Effect sounds related to two characters include, for example, effect sounds accompanying the actions of two characters, the effect sounds at the time of character determination output in FIGS. 20(B) and 20(C), etc., and the effect sounds output when the same two characters are selected as in FIG. 20(C), etc. Also, as described above, the transition may be made directly from FIG. 27(E) to FIG. 27(F7) without passing through FIG. 27(F6).

[0367] In FIG. 27(F7), when the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed in accordance with the instruction content indicated by the first button image, after a specific period ends, the display transitions to FIG. 27(F). That is, in this case, the character without a weapon is made non-displayed, and when the character is redisplayed next, the character is also in a state of not having a weapon.

[0368] In FIG. 27(F7), when the pressing operation unit 303 is not pressed in accordance with the instruction content indicated by the first button image, after a specific period ends, the display transitions to FIG. 27(F8). Note that in FIG. 27(F7), when the pressing operation unit 303 is pressed in accordance with the instruction content indicated by the first button image, the first button image may be erased after the specific period ends, or the first button image may be erased after the specific period ends.

[0369] Note that in FIG. 27(F7), even when the pressing operation unit 303 is not pressed in accordance with the instruction content indicated by the first button image (even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the first button image was displayed), after a specific period ends, the display may transition to FIG. 27(F). Also, when the pressing operation unit 303 is not pressed in accordance with the instruction content indicated by the first button image (even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the first button image started), since the player is not interested in the effects of the character attacking the rare beast and the character being attacked by the rare beast, after FIG. 27(F7), the specific period may end, FIG. 27(F) may be omitted, and the display may transition to the durability effect of FIG. 21(G). That is, in this case, the character without a weapon is made non-displayed, and when the character is redisplayed next, the character is in a state of having a weapon.

[0370] Also, for example, even during a durability performance (a situation where three characters are displayed) (continuing from FIG. 27 (F7) or after the start of the durability performance), the first button image may be displayed. In this case, for example, when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the durability performance, the first button image is made non-displayed, and when a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed after the first button image is erased, the images of the three characters are also made non-displayed. Note that a predetermined movie is displayed on the effect display device 1600 after the three characters are also erased. However, for example, when an operation of a predetermined operation unit (e.g., the pressing operation unit 303) is detected, the predetermined movie is terminated.

[0371] Note that when the predetermined movie is being displayed, in order to maintain the sense of tension given to the player by the durability performance, it is desirable that no sound is output from the speaker 354. Note that the three characters may be made non-displayed and the predetermined movie may be displayed on the condition that a predetermined time (5 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the durability performance. Also, the time from when the three characters are displayed to when they become non-displayed during the durability performance is longer than the time until the first button image is erased. In the above example, the predetermined movie is displayed after the three characters become non-displayed, but the three characters may become non-displayed when the predetermined movie is displayed.

[0372] FIG. 27 (F8) shows an effect during a specific period when effect images such as images of characters and rare beasts are not displayed, and a second button image (an image consisting of an image of a button described as a long press and an image of an arrow) instructing a long press (an operation different from a single press) of the pressing operation unit 303 is displayed at the upper left part of the effect display device 1600 (a position different from the position (central part) where the first button image is displayed).

[0373] In FIG. 27 (F8), in order to make it easier for the player to recognize the long-press instruction of the pressing operation unit 303 indicated by the second button image, the images of the characters and rare beasts are not displayed on the effect display device 1600, and the BGM is not output either. Also, unlike when the first button image is displayed, when the second button image is displayed, the instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image is not output. In this way, during the specific period when the effect images such as the images of the characters and rare beasts are not displayed, and further the output of the BGM is stopped, the player can increase the sense of expectation that the character can defeat the rare beast by long-pressing the pressing operation unit 303. Also, since the instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image is not output, it gives the player a sense of tension, and further the instruction effect by the second button image can be treated as a hidden effect. Note that in FIG. 27 (F8), instead of stopping the output of the BGM, the volume of the BGM may be suppressed (for example, lower than the volume at the start of the exploration quest effect).

[0374] Also, the display size of the second button image is smaller than that of the first button image. Also, in FIG. 27 (F8), it is desirable that not only the BGM and the instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image but also other effect sounds (for example, the voices emitted by the characters and rare beasts, and the sound effects in the battle between the characters and rare beasts) are not output from the speaker 354.

[0375] In FIG. 27 (F8), when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second button image was displayed, or when the pressing operation unit 303 is long-pressed (for example, pressed and held for 3 seconds or more), the specific period ends and the transition to FIG. 27 (F) occurs. That is, in this case, the character without a weapon is made non-displayed, and when the character is redisplayed next, the character is also in a state without a weapon.

[0376] In addition, in FIG. 27 (F8), when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second button image was displayed, or when the pressing operation unit 303 is long-pressed (for example, pressed and held for 3 seconds or more), the specific period ends, and FIG. 27 (F) may be omitted and the durability effect of FIG. 21 (G) may be transitioned to. That is, in this case, the character without a weapon is made non-displayed, and when the character is redisplayed next, the character is in a state of holding a weapon.

[0377] In addition, after the second button image is displayed during a specific period when two characters and a rare beast are not displayed as in FIG. 27 (F8), when the specific period ends and the two characters and the rare beast are redisplayed, the first button image may be displayed instead of the second button image (or after the second button image is redisplayed and then the second button image is erased). In this way, when the display is changed from the second button image to the first button image, a specific effect image may always be displayed.

[0378] In addition, the second button image is smaller in display size than the first button image and is displayed at the corner of the display area of the effect display device 1600, and an instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image is not output. Thus, since the second button image is less conspicuous than the first button image, the second button image may be displayed continuously from before transitioning to FIG. 27 (F8) (for example, when the variation in which the exploration quest effect is executed starts or when the character encounters a rare beast).

[0379] In addition, for example, when the second button image is continuously displayed from when the variation in which the exploration quest effect is executed starts, an instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image may be output at the start of the variation or before the variation starts (for example, a predetermined number of seconds before).

[0380] In addition, in FIG. 27 (F8), an instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image may be output, but it is desirable that the ratio of the execution of the effect in which the instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image is not output is higher than the ratio of the execution of the effect in which the instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image is output.

[0381] In addition, in FIG. 27 (F8), when an operation different from a long press (for example, rapid-fire, etc.) is performed on the pressing operation unit 303, in order to allow the player to recognize the operation content, an instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image may be additionally output.

[0382] In addition, in FIG. 27 (F6), instead of the first button image, the second button image may be displayed. In this case, although BGM3 is output from the speaker 354, the instruction sound indicating the instruction content of the second button image is not output. The second button image may be displayable only in the search quest effect where the third background is displayed and BGM3 is output and starts. The display priority of the second button image may be higher than the display priority of other images such as characters and rare beasts, and may be higher or lower than the display priority of the first button image.

[0383] In addition, in order to enhance the player's sense of anticipation, a dedicated sound for a specific period may be output from the speaker 354 during the specific periods of FIGS. 27 (F7) and 27 (F8), and at this time, a dedicated effect image that is displayed only during the specific period and is different from both the first button image and the second button image may also be displayed.

[0384] In addition, in FIGS. 27 (F6), 27 (F7), and 27 (F8), when the pressing operation unit 303 is operated according to the instruction content of the first button image or the second button image, the first button image and the second button image are not made invisible until a predetermined time has elapsed from the operation (that is, not made invisible at the timing when the operation is detected) so that the player can confirm what instruction content was being displayed.

[0385] Incidentally, for example, the pachinko machine 1 may be provided with a movable body at a predetermined position. For example, at the timing when the two characters and the rare beast become invisible when transitioning from FIG. 27(F6) to FIG. 27(F7), the movable body starts to move from the standby position (initial position), and the movable body may move to a position overlapping the display area of the first button image while the two characters and the rare beast remain invisible. Also, for example, at the timing when the two characters and the rare beast become invisible when transitioning from FIG. 27(E) to FIG. 27(F8), the movable body starts to move from the standby position, and the movable body may move to a position overlapping the display area of the second button image while the two characters and the rare beast remain invisible. Further, since the display size of the second button image is smaller than that of the first button image and it becomes difficult for the player to visually recognize the instruction content of the second button image when the position of the movable body overlaps the display position of the second button image, the operating position of the movable body may include a position overlapping the display area of the first button image but not include a position overlapping the display area of the second button image.

[0386] Incidentally, it is desirable that the standby position of the movable body does not overlap with the display area of the first button image nor the display area of the second button image. Also, for example, at the maximum operating position of the movable body, the movable body may overlap with the display area of the first button image or the display area of the second button image, or the movable body may not overlap with the display area of the first button image or the display area of the second button image at the maximum operating position of the movable body, and the movable body may overlap with the display area of the first button image or the display area of the second button image only during the movement to the maximum operating position of the movable body. Also, there may be a timing when the movable body completely covers and hides the first button image or the second button image, or at least a part of the first button image or the second button image may be visible regardless of the position of the movable body.

[0387] Incidentally, for example, when two characters and a first button image are displayed as shown in F...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine that performs a lottery based on lottery information when a predetermined condition is met, A symbol variation execution means for executing a symbol variation based on predetermined lottery information on a predetermined display means; A bonus awarding means capable of awarding a bonus based on the result of the pattern variation; A performance control means capable of executing control related to the performance; A sound output means capable of outputting a sound related to the performance; A gaming machine including a performance display means capable of displaying the performance, which is different from the predetermined display means, The performance control means includes: a first display mode showing a special main display element selected from a plurality of main display elements and a special sub-display element corresponding to the special main display element among a plurality of sub-display elements; a second display mode showing only the special main display element; a third display mode showing a specific main display element selected from the plurality of main display elements and a specific sub-display element corresponding to the specific main display element among the plurality of sub-display elements; A fourth display mode showing only the specific main display element; and a fourth display mode showing the first display on the display means; The second display can be displayed on the display means in any one of a plurality of display modes including the first display mode, the second display mode, the third display mode, and the fourth display mode; a first background display, a second background display indicating that a bonus is given at a higher rate than the first background display, and a third background display to which the second background display can be transitioned when a bonus is not given; The first effect display and the second effect display can be displayed in front of either the first background display or the second background display among the plurality of background displays, In the pattern variation, the rate at which a special benefit is granted is lower when the main display elements in the display modes of the first and second performance displays displayed on the front side of the second background display are both the specific main display elements than when the main display elements in the display modes of the first and second performance displays displayed on the front side of the second background display are both the special main display elements; In the pattern variation, the rate at which a special benefit is granted is lower when the main display elements in the display modes of the first and second performance displays displayed on the front side of the first background display are both the specific main display elements than when the main display elements in the display modes of the first and second performance displays displayed on the front side of the first background display are both the special main display elements; In the pattern variation, the rate at which a special benefit is granted is lower when the main display elements in the display modes of the first and second performance displays displayed on the front side of the first background display are both the specific main display elements than when the main display elements in the display modes of the first and second performance displays displayed on the front side of the first background display are both the special main display elements; Furthermore, a third effect display can be displayed separately from the first effect display and the second effect display, In a specific reach effect that may suggest that a special benefit will be awarded, when the effect result of the specific reach effect is shown, the third effect display is displayed in a display mode that shows only the main display element without showing the sub-display element in accordance with the first effect display and the second effect display that are displayed in the second display mode that shows only the special main display element, When the first performance display and the second performance display are displayed in front of the second background display, if at least one of the main display elements in the display modes of the first performance display and the second performance display is the specific main display element, there is a case where the second background display transitions to the third background display after the display is performed, and a case where the second background display transitions to the third background display does not occur. When the first effect display and the second effect display are displayed in front of the second background display, if both of the main display elements in the display modes of the first effect display and the second effect display are the special main display elements, there is no transition from the second background display to the third background display after the display is performed, Furthermore, when a performance result resulting in the provision of a special benefit is displayed on the performance display means, the main display element in each display mode can be changed to the special main display element as a display change performance for changing the same main display element displayed on the first performance display, the second performance display, and the third performance display; Furthermore, a special sound can be output at a timing when the first effect display and the second effect display are displayed in a display mode showing the same main display element, and an expectation level for the award of a special benefit varies depending on an output mode of the special sound; Furthermore, the specific BGM that can be output when the first background display is displayed is not output when the second background display is displayed. A gaming machine characterized by:

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