Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine which contributes to improvement of game amusement through a performance.SOLUTION: A front door 23 is provided with a normal button 40 and lever button 42 which a player can play. A game control microcomputer 101 variably displays a first special drawing, when a game ball enters a first start port 11. A performance control microcomputer 121 can execute a character voice notice during the variable display of the first special drawing. In the character voice notice, a hero character image G200 is displayed on a display 50a according to an operation of the normal button 40, while a heroine character image G205 is displayed on the display 50a according to an operation of the lever button 42. After the display of the hero character image G200 or heroine character image G205, a voice of a hero character or heroine character is output from a speaker 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 46

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine typified by a pachinko machine.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional gaming machines, a determination is made based on the establishment of start conditions, and a special game (big win game) is performed based on the result of the determination. For example, a determination is made when a game ball wins (enters) the start port, and as a special game, a round game accompanied by the opening of the big win port is performed. By winning a game ball in the big win port, a large number of prize balls can be obtained. The result of the determination is shown to the player by the stop display after the variable display of the symbols on the symbol display means, depending on the stop mode of the symbols. Also, in the gaming machine, there may be provided operation buttons that can be operated by the player, and an effect corresponding to the operation of the operation buttons may be performed. For example, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 below, when an operation button is operated, as a result, a big win notice suggesting the possibility of a big win is executed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is room for improvement regarding the effects. By mounting improved effects, an improvement in the interest of the game can be expected. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. That is, the problem to be solved is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the interest of the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The gaming machine disclosed in this specification is a gaming machine that conducts a game using symbols, and includes an effect execution means that performs an effect using an effect means including an operation means operable by a player, a sound output means capable of outputting sound, and a display means capable of displaying an image. When the operation means is operated during the variable display of the symbols, the effect execution means can display a specific image on the display means, and after the display of the specific image, the sound output means may output a predetermined sound. The operation means includes a first operation means and a second operation means, the specific image includes a first image and a second image, the first image is displayed when the first operation means is operated, while the second image is displayed when the second operation means is operated.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that contributes to enhancing the interest of the game through the effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations regarding the same parts are omitted in principle. In this specification, for the sake of simplicity of description, the name of information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. corresponding to a symbol or sign may be omitted or abbreviated by writing the symbol or sign referring to the information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. Further, if there is an arbitrary flowchart hereinafter, in the flowchart, the plurality of processes in an arbitrary plurality of steps can be arbitrarily changed in the execution order or executed in parallel within a range where no contradiction occurs in the processing content.

[0009] <Basic Embodiment> Next, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described. First, the basic embodiment that forms the basis of these embodiments will be described. In the basic embodiment, the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine PY1. In the following description, the left-right, up-down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 are the left-right, up-down directions (in the front view) for the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1. Also, "front" is the direction approaching the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and "rear" is the direction approaching the pachinko gaming machine PY1 from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

[0010] 1. Structure of the gaming machine First, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

[0011] The pachinko gaming machine PY1 includes an outer frame 22 attached to the island structure of the pachinko parlor, and a front door 23 attached to the outer frame 22 so as to be openable and closable. The front door 23 includes a game board mounting frame 2A to which the game board 1 is attached, and a front frame 23m attached to the game board mounting frame 2A so as to be openable and closable. Further, the front frame 23m includes a transparent plate 23t having transparency, and the game board 1 can be visually recognized from the front (player side) through the transparent plate 23t.

[0012] Also, the front door 23 includes an upper tray 34 for storing game balls, and a handle 72k for launching the game balls onto the game board 1. The upper tray 34 is installed at the lower part of the front door 23 and stores the game balls supplied to the handle 72k. The handle 72k is installed at the lower right part of the front door 23, and when the player operates the handle 72k, the game balls stored in the upper tray 34 are launched onto the game board 1.

[0013] In addition, the front door 23 is provided with a speaker 52 capable of outputting a predetermined sound, a frame lamp 53 capable of emitting light in a predetermined emission color, and a frame movable body 58k capable of operating in a predetermined operation mode. The speakers 52 are installed at the upper left and upper right portions of the front door 23, and output, for example, BGM (Back Ground Music), sound effects, and the like. The frame lamps 53 are installed at the left and right portions of the front door 23 around the transparent plate 23t, and are composed of, for example, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The frame movable body 58k is installed at the upper portion of the front door 23. Further, the frame movable body 58k includes a drive motor (not shown), and is configured to be movable up and down by the drive motor as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Note that the movement of the frame movable body 58k may be other than vertical movement.

[0014] In addition, the front door 23 is provided with a normal button 40 operable by a player and a special button 41 operable by the player. The normal button 40 and the special button 41 are composed of, for example, a button having a pressed surface, a lever having a gripping portion, and the like. The normal button 40 includes a lamp (not shown) capable of emitting light in a predetermined emission color and a vibration motor (not shown) capable of vibrating in a predetermined vibration mode, and is configured to be capable of emitting light by the lamp and vibrating by the vibration motor. On the other hand, the special button 41 includes a lamp (not shown) capable of emitting light in a predetermined emission color and a vibration motor (not shown) capable of vibrating in a predetermined vibration mode, and is configured to be capable of emitting light by the lamp and vibrating by the vibration motor. Note that the normal button 40 or the special button 41 may be configured to be operable in a predetermined operation mode (for example, rotation, protrusion, etc.), or may be configured by a cross key, a touch panel, or the like.

[0015] 2. Structure of the game board Next, the structure of the game board 1 attached to the game board mounting frame 2A will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 1.

[0016] The game board 1 is provided with a game area 6 where the game balls launched by the operation of the handle 72k can flow down (fall). In the game area 6, game pins (not shown) that change the flowing direction of the game balls are installed, and a winning device into which the game balls can win (enter or pass through) is installed. The winning device includes a general winning opening 10, a first start opening 11, a second start opening 12, a gate 13, a first big winning opening 14, and a second big winning opening 15. Each of the winning devices is equipped with a detection sensor that detects the entry or passage of the game balls.

[0017] The first start opening 11 is installed at the lower part of the game area 6 so that the game balls can enter. When the game balls enter the first start opening 11 in the pachinko game machine PY1, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls are paid out as prize balls to the upper tray 34. In addition, when the game balls enter the first start opening 11 in the pachinko game machine PY1, the pachinko game machine PY1 acquires the right to receive the jackpot determination described later. The first start opening 11 is always configured such that the ease of entry of the game balls remains unchanged.

[0018] The second start opening 12 is installed below the first start opening 11 at the lower part of the game area 6 so that the game balls can enter. When the game balls enter the second start opening 12 in the pachinko game machine PY1, a predetermined number (for example, 1) of game balls are paid out as prize balls to the upper tray 34. In addition, when the game balls enter the second start opening 12 in the pachinko game machine PY1, the pachinko game machine PY1 acquires the right to receive the jackpot determination in the same way as when the game balls enter the first start opening 11. Different from the first start opening 11, the second start opening 12 is equipped with an opening / closing member 12k that can be opened and closed and an opening / closing solenoid (not shown). The pachinko game machine PY1 uses the opening / closing solenoid to open and close the opening / closing member 12k to make the second start opening 12 in either a closed state (closed mouth state) where the game balls do not enter or enter with difficulty, or an open state (open state) where the game balls enter the second start opening 12 more easily than in the closed state.

[0019] Gate 13 is installed in the right part of the game area 6 so that the game balls can pass through. When a game ball passes through Gate 13, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 acquires the right to receive the hit determination described later. Note that even if a game ball passes through Gate 13, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 does not pay out prize balls to the upper tray 34.

[0020] The first large winning opening 14 is installed in the lower right part of the game area 6 so that the game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the first large winning opening 14, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls as prize balls to the upper tray 34. The first large winning opening 14 includes a first opening / closing door 14k that can be opened and closed and an opening / closing solenoid (not shown). The pachinko gaming machine PY1 uses the opening / closing solenoid to open and close the first opening / closing door 14k, thereby setting it to either a closed state (closed mouth state) in which game balls cannot enter the first large winning opening 14 or an open state (open state) in which game balls can enter.

[0021] The second large winning opening 15 is installed in the lower right part of the game area 6, below the first large winning opening 14, so that the game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the second large winning opening 15, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls as prize balls to the upper tray 34. The second large winning opening 15 includes a second opening / closing door 15k that can be opened and closed and an opening / closing solenoid (not shown). The pachinko gaming machine PY1 uses the opening / closing solenoid to open and close the second opening / closing door 15k, thereby setting it to either a closed state (closed mouth state) in which game balls cannot enter the second large winning opening 15 or an open state (open state) in which game balls can enter.

[0022] The general winning opening 10 is installed in the lower left part and the lower right part of the game area 6 so that the game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 10, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 5) of game balls as prize balls to the upper tray 34.

[0023] In addition, an out port 19 is installed at the lowermost part of the game area 6, and game balls that have not won in any of the general winning ports 10, the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the first big winning port 14, and the second big winning port 15 are discharged from the pachinko machine PY1 through the out port 19.

[0024] In addition, the game board 1 includes an image display device 50 capable of displaying predetermined effects, a board lamp 54 capable of emitting light in a predetermined emission color, a right hitting lamp 54a capable of emitting light in a predetermined emission color, and a movable body 55k on the board capable of operating in a predetermined operation mode. The image display device 50 is installed at the central part of the game board 1 and includes a display unit 50a composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, a dot display, a 7-segment display, etc. The board lamp 54 is installed above the display unit 50a and is composed of, for example, a plurality of LEDs. The right hitting lamp 54a is installed to the right of the display unit 50a and is composed of, for example, one LED. The character "right hitting" is drawn near the right hitting lamp 54a. The movable body 55k on the board is installed in front of and above the display unit 50a. The movable body 55k on the board is equipped with a drive motor (not shown) and is configured to be movable up and down by the drive motor, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. Note that the movement of the movable body 55k on the board may be other than up and down movement.

[0025] In addition, the game board 1 includes indicators 8 for notifying the state of the pachinko machine PY1. The indicators 8 are installed at the lower left part of the game board 1 and are composed of, for example, a plurality of LEDs. The pachinko machine PY1 notifies the player of the game state of the pachinko machine PY1 (the variable display and stop display in the special drawing, the variable display and stop display in the general drawing, the remaining number of the special drawing 1, the remaining number of the special drawing 2, the remaining number of the general drawing, the current game state, the right hitting state, etc., which will be described later) by a combination of lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of the plurality of LEDs.

[0026] 3. Basic Game Next, the basic game of the pachinko machine PY1 will be described. The pachinko machine PY1 can execute a special drawing game and a general drawing game using game balls launched by operating the handle 72k.

[0027] 3-1. Special Figure Game When a prize is won at the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 of the pachinko game machine PY1, the pachinko game machine PY1 acquires the right to conduct a jackpot determination and conducts a jackpot determination based on the acquired right. Then, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs variable display of a special figure according to the result of the jackpot determination. The mode of the variable display of the special figure (also referred to as "variable display time") varies depending on the type of variation pattern described later.

[0028] The right to conduct a jackpot determination is, for example, a random number value, and the pachinko game machine PY1 conducts a jackpot determination based on the acquired random number value. The jackpot determination determines whether to conduct a jackpot game. If a jackpot game is conducted, it is a jackpot win; if a minor jackpot game is conducted, it is a minor jackpot win; and if neither a jackpot game nor a minor jackpot game is conducted, it is a loss.

[0029] When the pachinko game machine PY1 conducts a jackpot determination due to a prize being won at the first start port 11 of the game ball, it performs variable display of the first special figure. The variable display of the first special figure is, for example, a display in which two LEDs in the upper left part of the display devices 8 blink. When the variable display time corresponding to the type of variation pattern has elapsed, the pachinko game machine PY1 performs a stop display of the first special figure in a manner indicating the result of the jackpot determination. As the mode of the stop display of the first special figure, there are a mode indicating a jackpot win (for example, the two LEDs in the upper left part are lit), a mode indicating a minor jackpot win (for example, only one of the LEDs in the upper left part is lit), and a mode indicating a loss (for example, only the other LED in the upper left part is lit).

[0030] On the one hand, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 makes a jackpot determination upon the winning of a game ball in the second start port 12, it performs a variable display of the second special figure. The variable display of the second special figure is, for example, a display in which two LEDs at the lower left of the display devices 8 blink. When the variable display time corresponding to the type of variation pattern has elapsed, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs a stop display of the second special figure in a manner indicating the result of the jackpot determination. As the mode of the stop display of the second special figure, there are a mode indicating a jackpot win (for example, two LEDs at the lower left are lit), a mode indicating a minor win (for example, only one of the LEDs at the lower left is lit), and a mode indicating a loss (for example, only the other LED at the lower left is lit).

[0031] Also, when a game ball wins in the first start port 11 during the variable display of the special figure, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs a pre-reading determination described later and stores the right to receive the obtained jackpot determination as a reservation of special figure 1. On the other hand, when a game ball wins in the second start port 12 during the variable display of the special figure, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs a pre-reading determination and stores the right to receive the obtained jackpot determination as a reservation of special figure 2. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can store the reservation of special figure 1 and the reservation of special figure 2 up to a predetermined number (for example, 4 for the reservation of special figure 1 and 4 for the reservation of special figure 2). After the stop display of the special figure, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 makes a jackpot determination for the reservation of special figure 1 and the reservation of special figure 2. When the reservation of special figure 1 and the reservation of special figure 2 are stored simultaneously, the jackpot determination for the reservation of special figure 2 may be preferentially performed, or the jackpot determination for the reservation of special figure 1 may be preferentially performed, or the jackpot determination may be performed in the order in which they are stored.

[0032] The pre-reading determination is to pre-determine whether a jackpot game will be played (whether a jackpot win will be determined in the jackpot determination) before the jackpot determination. If a jackpot game is played, it is considered a pre-reading win, and if a jackpot game is not played, it is considered a pre-reading loss. When multiple types of variation patterns can be determined, in the pre-reading determination, a variation pattern pre-determination may be performed to pre-determine the variation pattern to be determined.

[0033] When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 stores the retention of Special Figure 1 or the retention of Special Figure 2, it notifies the player of the number. The number of retained Special Figure 1 is notified, for example, by the lighting or blinking of two LEDs in the upper middle part of the display devices 8. When the number of retained Special Figure 1 is "1", only one LED lights up; when the number of retained Special Figure 1 is "2", only two LEDs light up; when the number of retained Special Figure 1 is "3", only one LED blinks; when the number of retained Special Figure 1 is "4", only two LEDs blink. On the other hand, the number of retained Special Figure 2 is notified, for example, by the lighting or blinking of two LEDs in the lower middle part of the display devices 8. When the number of retained Special Figure 2 is "1", only one LED lights up; when the number of retained Special Figure 2 is "2", only two LEDs light up; when the number of retained Special Figure 2 is "3", only one LED blinks; when the number of retained Special Figure 2 is "4", only two LEDs blink.

[0034] Also, after the pachinko gaming machine PY1 stops displaying the First Special Figure or the Second Special Figure in a manner indicating a jackpot win, it conducts a jackpot game. The jackpot game, the details of which will be described later, is a game in which a plurality of (for example, 10) round games in which the First Big Winning Opening 14 or the Second Big Winning Opening 15 is opened are conducted. Since the jackpot game gives the player an opportunity to win a game ball (an opportunity to receive bonus balls) by the opening of the First Big Winning Opening 14 or the Second Big Winning Opening 15, it is a game advantageous to the player. Note that the jackpot game ends when all of the plurality of round games are conducted.

[0035] On the other hand, after the pachinko gaming machine PY1 stops displaying the First Special Figure or the Second Special Figure in a manner indicating a minor win, it conducts a minor win game. The minor win game, the details of which will be described later, is a game in which the First Big Winning Opening 14 or the Second Big Winning Opening 15 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). Since the minor win game gives the player an opportunity to win a game ball (an opportunity to receive bonus balls) by the opening of the First Big Winning Opening 14 or the Second Big Winning Opening 15, it is a game advantageous to the player.

[0036] 3-2. General Figure Game When a pachinko gaming machine PY1 detects that a game ball has passed through gate 13, it acquires the right to conduct a winning determination and makes the winning determination based on the acquired right. Then, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs variable display of the normal pattern according to the result of the winning determination.

[0037] The winning determination is used to decide whether to conduct an auxiliary game. If an auxiliary game is conducted, it is considered a winning selection; if no auxiliary game is conducted, it is considered a loss.

[0038] When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 makes a winning determination upon a game ball winning through gate 13, it performs variable display of the normal pattern. The variable display of the normal pattern is a display where a plurality of LEDs in the upper right part of the display devices 8 blink. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the normal pattern, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs stop display of the normal pattern in a manner indicating the result of the winning determination. As the modes of the stop display of the normal pattern, there are a mode indicating a winning selection (for example, all LEDs are lit) and a mode indicating a loss (for example, only one LED is lit).

[0039] Also, when a game ball wins through gate 13 during the variable display of the normal pattern, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 stores the acquired right to receive the winning determination as a normal pattern hold. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can store up to a predetermined number (for example, 2) of normal pattern holds. After the stop display of the normal pattern, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 makes a winning determination for the normal pattern hold.

[0040] When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 stores a normal pattern hold, it notifies the player of the number. The number of normal pattern holds is notified by the lighting of a plurality of LEDs in the lower right part of the display devices 8. For example, when the number of normal pattern holds is "1", only one LED is lit; when the number of normal pattern holds is "2", only two LEDs are lit.

[0041] After the normal drawing is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a winning combination, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 conducts an auxiliary game. Although the details of the auxiliary game will be described later, it is a game in which the second start port 12 is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 3.5 seconds). Since the opening of the second start port 12 in the auxiliary game gives an opportunity for a game ball to win in the second start port (an opportunity for a prize ball, an opportunity to acquire the right to receive a big win determination), it is a game advantageous to the player.

[0042] 4. Game State Next, the game states of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3(A). Fig. 3(A) is a diagram showing the game states that the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can take. As shown in Fig. 3(A), except for the big win game state in which a big win game is conducted, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can take one or more of the following four types of game states: "low probability low base game state" (also referred to as "normal game state"), "low probability high base game state" (also referred to as "time-saving game state"), "high probability low base game state" (also referred to as "potential probability game state"), and "high probability high base game state" (also referred to as "probability change game state").

[0043] The "low probability low base game state" is the game state in the initial state of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can set the game state to the initial state by operating an initialization switch (also referred to as a "RAM clear switch") (not shown) provided on the back of the front door 23.

[0044] The "low probability high base game state" is a game state that may be taken after the big win game state and continues until a predetermined time-saving end condition is satisfied. The predetermined time-saving end condition includes that a big win game is conducted and that the number of variable displays of the special drawing reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 200 times).

[0045] In addition, the "low-probability high-base gaming state" may be adopted even when a specific loss occurs in the jackpot determination in the "low-probability low-base gaming state". Specific losses include the loss on the specific number of times (for example, 900 times) when all jackpot determinations result in losses in advance, and the loss at a specific ratio (for example, 1 / 200) of the losses in jackpot determinations. The pachinko machine PY1 enters the "low-probability high-base gaming state" after the variable display of the special symbol that has resulted in a specific loss ends (after the stop display of the special symbol). The "low-probability high-base gaming state" in this case also continues until a predetermined time reduction end condition is satisfied, similar to the case when it becomes the "low-probability high-base gaming state" after the jackpot gaming state.

[0046] The "high-probability low-base gaming state" is a gaming state that may occur after the jackpot gaming state and continues until a predetermined potential probability end condition is satisfied. The predetermined potential probability end conditions include that a jackpot game is played and the number of variable displays of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 200 times). During the jackpot game, the gaming ball may pass through a specific area provided inside the first large winning opening 14 or the second large winning opening 15 to enter the "high-probability low-base gaming state".

[0047] The "high-probability high-base gaming state" is a gaming state that may occur after the jackpot gaming state and continues until a predetermined probability variation end condition is satisfied. The predetermined probability variation end conditions include that a jackpot game is played and the number of variable displays of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). During the jackpot game, the gaming ball may pass through a specific area provided inside the first large winning opening 14 or the second large winning opening 15 to enter the "high-probability high-base gaming state".

[0048] The "low-probability low-base gaming state" and the "low-probability high-base gaming state" belong to the normal-probability state where the probability of winning a big hit in the big hit determination is the normal probability (for example, 1 / 300), and the "high-probability low-base gaming state" and the "high-probability high-base gaming state" belong to the high-probability state where the probability of winning a big hit in the big hit determination is higher than the normal probability (for example, 1 / 30). Therefore, it can be said that the "high-probability low-base gaming state" and the "high-probability high-base gaming state" are gaming states that are more advantageous to the player regarding the big hit winning probability than the "low-probability low-base gaming state" and the "low-probability high-base gaming state".

[0049] Also, the "low-probability low-base gaming state" and the "high-probability low-base gaming state" belong to the non-time-saving state where it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to win a prize in the second start port 12 (for example, the state where it is difficult or impossible to win a hit in the hit determination or the state where the opening time of the second start port 12 is relatively short), and the "low-probability high-base gaming state" and the "high-probability high-base gaming state" belong to the time-saving state where it is easy for the game ball to win a prize in the second start port 12 (for example, the state where it is easy to win a hit in the hit determination or the state where the opening time of the second start port 12 is relatively long). Therefore, regarding the second start port 12 (regarding the ease of the game ball winning a prize in the second start port 12), it can be said that the "low-probability high-base gaming state" and the "high-probability high-base gaming state" are gaming states that are more advantageous to the player than the "low-probability low-base gaming state" and the "high-probability low-base gaming state".

[0050] Note that since the non-time-saving state is a state where it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to win a prize in the second start port 12, it can be said that the "low-probability low-base gaming state" and the "high-probability low-base gaming state" are gaming states where it is easier for the game ball to win a prize in the first start port 11 than in the second start port 12. On the other hand, since the time-saving state is a state where it is easy for the game ball to win a prize in the second start port 12, it can be said that the "low-probability high-base gaming state" and the "high-probability high-base gaming state" are gaming states where it is easier for the game ball to win a prize in the second start port 12 than in the first start port 11.

[0051] In addition, in the non-time-limited state, in order to aim at the first starting port 11 installed in the central part of the game area 6, the player fires a game ball toward the left part of the game area 6 to play the game. Therefore, the "low-probability low-base game state" and the "high-probability low-base game state" can also be said to be the left-shot states. Also, in the time-limited state, in order to aim at the second starting port 12 installed in the right part of the game area 6, the player fires a game ball toward the right part of the game area 6 to play the game. Therefore, the "low-probability high-base game state" and the "high-probability high-base game state" can also be said to be the right-shot states.

[0052] In addition, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can change the jackpot winning probability in the normal probability state and the high probability state by operating a setting change switch (not shown) provided on the back of the front door 23. The setting change switch is, for example, a dip switch that can be switched among three levels: upper, middle, and lower. When the setting change switch is in the upper position, it is called "Setting 1"; when it is in the middle position, it is called "Setting 2"; and when it is in the lower position, it is called "Setting 3". In "Setting 1", the jackpot winning probability in the normal probability state is the first probability (for example, 1 / 300), and the jackpot winning probability in the high probability state is the second probability (for example, 1 / 30). Also, in "Setting 2", the jackpot winning probability in the normal probability state is a third probability (for example, 1 / 280) higher than the first probability, and the jackpot winning probability in the high probability state is a fourth probability (for example, 1 / 28) higher than the second probability. Further, in "Setting 3", the jackpot winning probability in the normal probability state is a fifth probability (for example, 1 / 260) higher than the third probability, and the jackpot winning probability in the high probability state is a sixth probability (for example, 1 / 26) higher than the fourth probability. Note that the jackpot winning probability can be appropriately changed within the range where it increases in the order of "Setting 1" < "Setting 2" < "Setting 3".

[0053] 5. Jackpot Game Next, the jackpot games performed by the pachinko machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(B) and 4(A). As shown in FIG. 3(B), the pachinko machine PY1 can perform one or more of four types of jackpot games: "Jackpot Game Wα", "Jackpot Game Xα", "Jackpot Game Yα", and "Jackpot Game Zα".

[0054] "Jackpot Game Wα" is a jackpot game that will enter the "High Probability High Base Game State" afterwards and continues until α rounds of the round game are completed. α is an integer from 2 to 10. In one round of the round game, the pachinko machine PY1 opens either the first large winning opening 14 or the second large winning opening 15. That is, in "Jackpot Game Wα", depending on α, the round game is carried out for any number of times from 2 to 10 times.

[0055] "Jackpot Game Xα" is a jackpot game that will enter the "Low Probability High Base Game State" afterwards and continues until α rounds of the round game are completed. α is an integer from 2 to 10. In one round of the round game, the pachinko machine PY1 opens either the first large winning opening 14 or the second large winning opening 15. That is, in "Jackpot Game Xα", depending on α, the round game is carried out for any number of times from 2 to 10 times.

[0056] "Jackpot Game Yα" is a jackpot game that will enter the "High Probability Low Base Game State" afterwards and continues until α rounds of the round game are completed. α is an integer from 2 to 10. In one round of the round game, the pachinko machine PY1 opens either the first large winning opening 14 or the second large winning opening 15. That is, in "Jackpot Game Yα", depending on α, the round game is carried out for any number of times from 2 to 10 times.

[0057] "The jackpot game Zα" is a jackpot game that will subsequently enter the "low probability and low base game state" and continues until α rounds of the round game are completed. α is an integer from 2 to 10, and the pachinko machine PY1 opens either the first major winning port 14 or the second major winning port 15 in one round of the round game. That is, in the "jackpot game Zα", depending on α, a round game is conducted for any number of times from 2 to 10 times.

[0058] In addition, in the "jackpot game Wα", "jackpot game Xα", "jackpot game Yα" and "jackpot game Zα", it is also possible that only the first major winning port 14 is opened for all round games, or only the second major winning port 15 is opened for all round games, or the first major winning port 14 is opened for some round games and the second major winning port 15 is opened for the remaining round games. Any round game in which the first major winning port 14 is opened and any round game in which the second major winning port 15 is opened provide the player with an opportunity to win a prize (an opportunity to receive bonus balls), so it is a game advantageous to the player.

[0059] "The jackpot game Wα" and "jackpot game Yα" belong to the so-called probability-variable jackpot games in which the game state becomes a high probability state, and "jackpot game Xα" and "jackpot game Zα" belong to the so-called normal jackpot games in which the game state becomes a normal probability state. Therefore, it can be said that "the jackpot game Wα" and "jackpot game Yα" are jackpot games more advantageous to the player regarding the subsequent jackpot winning probability than "jackpot game Xα" and "jackpot game Zα", and the jackpot game state in which either "jackpot game Wα" or "jackpot game Yα" is conducted can be said to be a game state more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game state in which either "jackpot game Xα" or "jackpot game Zα" is conducted.

[0060] In addition, "Big Win Game Wα" and "Big Win Game Xα" belong to the so-called electrically supported big win games in which the game state becomes a time-saving state, and "Big Win Game Yα" and "Big Win Game Zα" belong to the so-called electrically unsupported big win games in which the game state becomes a non-time-saving state. Therefore, it can be said that "Big Win Game Wα" and "Big Win Game Xα" are more advantageous big win games for the player in terms of the subsequent second start port 12 (in terms of the ease of winning a game ball into the subsequent second start port 12), and the big win game state in which either "Big Win Game Wα" or "Big Win Game Xα" is played is a game state that is more advantageous for the player than the big win game state in which either "Big Win Game Yα" or "Big Win Game Zα" is played.

[0061] Note that the big win game state can also be said to be a right-handed state because the player fires a game ball toward the right part of the game area 6 to aim for the first big winning port 14 or the second big winning port 15 installed in the right part of the game area 6 and plays the game.

[0062] Here, the flow of the big win game will be described. FIG. 4(A) is a time chart showing the flow of the big win game. Here, a big win game in which only the first big winning port 14 is opened is illustrated.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4(A), when a jackpot game starts after the stop display in the special figure, first, a jackpot opening (also referred to as "jackpot OP") is set. The jackpot OP continues until a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses. When the jackpot OP ends, the first-round round game starts. The round game continues until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls win in the first big winning port 14. When the first-round round game ends, a round interval (also referred to as "round IT") is set. The round IT continues until a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses. When the round IT ends, the second-round round game starts. Then, when the final round game (for example, the tenth-round round game) ends, a jackpot ending (also referred to as "jackpot ED") is set. The jackpot ED continues until a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) elapses. When the jackpot ED ends, one jackpot game ends. Note that either one or both of the jackpot OP and the jackpot ED may not be set.

[0064] 6. Small jackpot game Next, the small jackpot game performed by the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(B) and 4(B). As shown in FIG. 3(B), the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a small jackpot game as a game different from the jackpot game. Different from the jackpot game, the small jackpot game is a game in which the game state is not changed thereafter. For example, when the small jackpot game is performed in the "low probability low base game state", the "low probability low base game state" continues even after the small jackpot game. In the small jackpot game, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 opens either the first big winning port 14 or the second big winning port 15.

[0065] Figure 4(B) is a time chart showing the flow of a minor winning game. Here, a minor winning game in which only the first major winning opening 14 is opened is illustrated. As shown in Figure 4(B), after the stop display of the special figure, when the minor winning game starts, first, a pre-opening interval (also referred to as "pre-opening IT") is set. The pre-opening IT continues until a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses. When the pre-opening IT ends, the first major winning opening 14 opens. The opening of the first major winning opening 14 continues until a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses, or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls win in the first major winning opening 14. When the opening of the first major winning opening 14 ends, a post-opening interval (also referred to as "post-opening IT") is set. The post-opening IT continues until a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses, and the end of the post-opening IT ends one minor winning game. Note that either one or both of the pre-opening IT and the post-opening IT may not be set. Also, considering the playability of the pachinko machine PY1, the minor winning game may not be performed.

[0066] 7. Auxiliary Game Next, the auxiliary game performed by the pachinko machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 3(B) and 4(C). As shown in Figure 3(B), the pachinko machine PY1 can perform an auxiliary game as a game different from the jackpot game and the minor winning game. The auxiliary game is a game in which the second starting opening 12 opens, which is different from the jackpot game and the minor winning game. The opening time of the second starting opening 12 changes according to the game state. For example, when the auxiliary game is performed in the non-time-saving state, the second starting opening 12 opens only for the first opening time (for example, 0.1 second), while when the auxiliary game is performed in the time-saving state, the second starting opening 12 opens for the second opening time (for example, 3.5 seconds), which is longer than the first opening time.

[0067] Figure 4(C) is a time chart showing the flow of the auxiliary game. As shown in Figure 4(C), after the stop display of the normal drawing, when the auxiliary game starts, the second start port 12 opens. The opening of the second start port 12 continues until a predetermined time (the first opening time in the non-time-short state or the second opening time in the time-short state) elapses, or until a predetermined number (for example, 4) of game balls win in the second start port 12. When the opening of the second start port 12 ends, an interval after opening (also referred to as "IT after opening") is set. The IT after opening continues until a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses, and the end of the IT after opening ends one auxiliary game.

[0068] 8. Effects Next, the effects performed by the pachinko machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12. The pachinko machine PY1 can set different effect modes according to the game state. In each effect mode, the pachinko machine PY1 can perform the following effects using various effect devices (normal button 40, special button 41, image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, board lamp 54, on-board movable body 55k, frame movable body 58k, etc.) equipped with the pachinko machine PY1.

[0069] 8-1. Effect mode First, the effect mode will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The effect mode is the classification of effects (or a higher-conceptual attribute). The pachinko machine PY1 can set a customer-waiting effect mode, a normal effect mode, a probability-variable effect mode, a time-short effect mode, and a big-win effect mode as the effect modes.

[0070] The waiting-for-guest performance mode is a performance mode that may be set when the stop display of the special figure is being performed (when the variable display of the special figure is not being performed) in the "low-probability low-base game state", "low-probability high-base game state", "high-probability low-base game state", and "high-probability high-base game state". In the waiting-for-guest performance mode, it is suggested to the player that the machine is in a state of waiting for the variable display of the special figure. The pachinko machine PY1 can perform a waiting-for-guest performance during the setting of the waiting-for-guest performance mode. As shown in FIG. 5(A-1), the waiting-for-guest performance is an effect in which a waiting-for-guest demo video G100 introducing the pachinko machine PY1 is displayed on the display unit 50a. Also, when the normal button 40 is operated, for example, during the display of the waiting-for-guest demo video G100, the pachinko machine PY1 may display a setting screen G101 for setting the effects of the pachinko machine PY1 on the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 5(A-2). The pachinko machine PY1 enables the setting of the effects of the pachinko machine PY1 during the display of the setting screen G101. The settings related to the effects include the volume setting of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness setting of the display unit 50a (also referred to as "light amount setting"), the frequency setting of the executed effects (also referred to as "effect setting"), and the like.

[0071] The normal performance mode is a performance mode that may be set over one or more variable displays of the special figure in the "low-probability low-base game state" or "high-probability low-base game state". In the normal performance mode, it is suggested to the player that the machine is in a non-time-limited state. In the normal performance mode, the pachinko machine PY1 displays a normal background image G102 representing a mountain view, for example, on the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 5(B-1). Note that the background displayed in the normal performance mode is not limited to the normal background image G102 only, and a plurality of types of backgrounds may be displayed in order or randomly.

[0072] The probability-variable effect mode is an effect mode that may be set over one or more variable displays of special diagrams in the "high-probability high-base game state". In the probability-variable effect mode, it is suggested to the player that it is a high-probability state and a time-reduced state. In the pachinko machine PY1, in the probability-variable effect mode, as shown in FIG. 5(B-2), for example, a probability-variable background image G103 representing the universe is displayed on the display unit 50a. Note that the background displayed in the probability-variable effect mode is not limited to only the probability-variable background image G103, and a plurality of types of backgrounds may be displayed in order or randomly.

[0073] The time-reduced effect mode is an effect mode that may be set over one or more variable displays of special diagrams in the "low-probability high-base game state". In the time-reduced effect mode, it is suggested to the player that it is a normal-probability state and a time-reduced state. In the pachinko machine PY1, in the time-reduced effect mode, as shown in FIG. 5(B-3), for example, a time-reduced background image G104 representing the sky is displayed on the display unit 50a. Note that the background displayed in the time-reduced effect mode is not limited to only the time-reduced background image G104, and a plurality of types of backgrounds may be displayed in order or randomly.

[0074] The jackpot effect mode is an effect mode set in the jackpot game state. In the jackpot effect mode, it is suggested to the player that the jackpot game is being executed. In the pachinko machine PY1, in the jackpot effect mode, at the start of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 5(C-1), an opening image G107 indicating the start of the jackpot game, a right-hit image G108 prompting "right hit", etc. are displayed on the display unit 50a. Note that the display of these images is called an "opening effect".

[0075] Also, in the pachinko machine PY1, in the jackpot effect mode, during the round game, as shown in FIG. 5(C-2), a round image G109 indicating the number of rounds, etc. is displayed on the display unit 50a, and then, when it becomes a high-probability state, an upgrade image G110 indicating that it has become a high-probability state is displayed on the display unit 50a. Note that the display of these images is called a "round effect".

[0076] In addition, in the jackpot effect mode, when the jackpot game ends, as shown in FIG. 5(C-3), the pachinko gaming machine PY1 displays on the display unit 50a an ending image G111 suggesting the effect mode set after the jackpot effect mode, a total prize ball number image G112 suggesting the total number of prize balls paid out, and the like. The display of these images is referred to as "ending effect".

[0077] In the basic embodiment, five types of effect modes, namely the customer waiting effect mode, the normal effect mode, the probability variation effect mode, the time-saving effect mode, and the jackpot effect mode, are set. However, the types of effect modes may be appropriately changed or added.

[0078] 8-2. Special figure variation effect Next, the special figure variation effect (also referred to as "variation effect") will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. The special figure variation effect is an effect for suggesting the result of the jackpot determination. When the variable display of the special figure is started, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 executes a special figure variation effect using the effect symbols in parallel with the variable display of the special figure. As shown in FIG. 6(A), the effect symbols are composed of a left effect symbol EZ1, a middle effect symbol EZ2, and a right effect symbol EZ3.

[0079] In the special figure variation effect of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are variably displayed on the background (normal background image G102, probability variation background image G103, time-saving background image G104). Note that "↓" in the figure indicates that the effect symbols are being variably displayed. The effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are composed of, for example, the number symbols from "1" to "9" respectively. In the variable display of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 vary with the start of the variable display of the special figure and stop with the stop display of the special figure. And the result of the jackpot determination is suggested by the stop display mode of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3.

[0080] 8-2-1. Normal variation The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can first perform normal variations in the special figure variation performance. The normal variation is a performance in which the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are variably displayed, and it functions as a performance suggesting that the variable display of the special figure has started.

[0081] In the normal variation, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 starts the variable display of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 as shown in FIG. 6(B). Then, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 results in a loss without generating a reach after the normal variation, as shown in FIG. 6(C-1), after stopping the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3 in different manners, as shown in FIG. 6(D), the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are stopped and displayed in a manner suggesting a loss (so-called scattered pattern). The manner suggesting a loss is a manner in which the left and right performance symbols are not the same, such as "1·1·2" or "2·4·6". On the other hand, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 generates a reach after the normal variation, as shown in FIG. 6(C-2), the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3 are stopped and displayed in the same manner (so-called reach pattern) to establish a reach. Note that the stop order of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 can be appropriately changed.

[0082] 8-2-2.N Reach After the establishment of a reach, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an N reach. The N reach is, for example, a reach performance in which the variation speed of the middle performance symbol EZ2 gradually decreases, and it functions as a performance suggesting that a big win game may be played.

[0083] In the N-reach of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, as shown in Fig. 7(A), the variation speed of the middle effect symbol EZ2 is gradually decelerated. When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 results in a loss in the N-reach, as shown in Fig. 7(B), the middle effect symbol EZ2 is stopped, and the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are stopped and displayed in a manner suggesting a reach loss (so-called reach loss pattern). The manner suggesting a reach loss is a pattern in which the left and right effect symbols are the same, such as "7·6·7" or "5·3·5", and the middle symbol is different from the left and right effect symbols. On the other hand, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 develops into an SP-reach after the N-reach, the middle effect symbol EZ2 is not stopped. Note that the effect content of the N-reach can be changed as appropriate.

[0084] 8-2-3. SP-reach The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an SP-reach after the N-reach. The SP-reach is, for example, a reach effect in which a scene of a battle between the protagonist character and the enemy character is displayed, and functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of a big win game being played.

[0085] In the pachinko gaming machine PY1, during the SP reach, as shown in Fig. 8(A), an SP title image G1 indicating the start of the SP reach is displayed on the display unit 50a. The SP title image G1 is, for example, a character image such as "Defeat enemy A!". After that, as shown in Fig. 8(B), the pachinko gaming machine PY1 displays a protagonist character image G200 representing the protagonist character and an enemy character image G201 representing the enemy character on the display unit 50a, and displays a video of the protagonist character and the enemy character battling on the display unit 50a. When approaching the final stage of the battle, if the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is a big win in the SP reach, as shown in Fig. 8(C-1), it displays the protagonist character winning the battle and being happy to suggest a big win, and stops and displays the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a mode suggesting a big win (so-called double zeros). Also, if the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is a loss in the SP reach, as shown in Fig. 8(C-2), it displays the enemy character winning the battle and being happy to suggest a loss, and stops and displays the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a mode suggesting a reach loss. On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine PY1 develops into an SP-SP reach after this SP reach, it does not stop the middle performance symbol EZ2. Note that the performance content of the SP reach can be changed as appropriate.

[0086] 8-2-4. SP-SP Reach The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an SP-SP reach after the SP reach. The SP-SP reach is, for example, a reach performance in which a scene of the protagonist character battling a powerful enemy character is displayed, and functions as a performance suggesting a high possibility of a big win game being played.

[0087] In the SPSP reach of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, as shown in Fig. 9(A), the SPSP title image G2 indicating the start of the SPSP reach is displayed on the display unit 50a. The SPSP title image G2 is, for example, a character image of "Defeat enemy B!". Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 9(B), the pachinko gaming machine PY1 displays on the display unit 50a the main character image G200 representing the main character and the powerful enemy character image G202 representing the powerful enemy character, and displays on the display unit 50a a video in which the main character and the powerful enemy character battle. Then, when reaching the final stage of the battle, if the pachinko gaming machine PY1 hits the jackpot in the SPSP reach, as shown in Fig. 9(C-1), it displays the main character being happy about winning the battle so as to suggest the jackpot, and stops and displays the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 in a mode (so-called double-zero) suggesting the jackpot. On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine PY1 misses in the SPSP reach, as shown in Fig. 9(C-2), it displays the powerful enemy character being happy about winning the battle so as to suggest the miss, and stops and displays the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 in a mode suggesting the reach miss. Note that the effect content of the SPSP reach can be changed as appropriate.

[0088] Here, the possibility that the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 stop in a mode indicating a jackpot (also referred to as "jackpot expectation degree") will be explained. The jackpot expectation degree is determined by the execution probability based on the result of the jackpot determination. For example, if the execution probability of the N reach is set to 10% when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss and 100% when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot win, and the execution probability of the SP reach is set to 4% when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss and 100% when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot win, the jackpot expectation degree for the SP reach can be made higher than the jackpot expectation degree for the N reach.

[0089] Also, for example, when the execution probability of SP reach is set to 4% when the jackpot determination result is a miss, and set to 100% when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot win, if the execution probability of SPSP reach is set to 2% when the jackpot determination result is a miss and set to 100% when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot win, the jackpot expectancy for SPSP reach can be made higher than the jackpot expectancy for SP reach. Thus, for an executable effect, by presetting the execution probability according to the result of the jackpot determination, the jackpot expectancy for that effect can be determined.

[0090] 8-3. Reserved Icon and the Said Icon The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can display a reserved icon HA on the display unit 50a during the storage of FIG. 1 reserved or FIG. 2 reserved. The reserved icon HA is, for example, an icon image of "〇". Also, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can display the said icon TA on the display unit 50a during the variable display of the special figure. The said icon TA is, for example, the same icon image of "〇" as the reserved icon HA.

[0091] A reserved icon display area 50d is installed at the lower part of the display unit 50a. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the reserved icon display area 50d is composed of a first display area 50d1, a second display area 50d2, a third display area 50d3, and a fourth display area 50d4. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 displays the reserved icon HA in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, 50d4 according to the number of FIG. 1 reserves or the number of FIG. 2 reserves. For example, when the number of FIG. 1 reserves is "1", the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and when the number of FIG. 1 reserves is "2", the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2. Note that both the number of FIG. 1 reserves and the number of FIG. 2 reserves may be displayed in the reserved icon display area 50d, or only one of the number of FIG. 1 reserves and the number of FIG. 2 reserves may be displayed. Also, the number of display areas constituting the reserved icon display area 50d can be changed as appropriate.

[0092] Also, in the lower part of the display unit 50a and in the vicinity of the held icon display area 50d, the icon display area 50e is provided. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the icon display area 50e is composed of the icon display area 50e which consists of one display area. When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 starts the variable display of the special figure, the icon TA, which is the same as or different from the held icon HA, is displayed in the icon display area 50e. Note that, in consideration of the game properties of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the icon TA may not be displayed.

[0093] 8-3-1. Held Presentation The pachinko gaming machine PY1 is capable of performing a held presentation in response to a game ball winning the first start port 11 or the second start port 12. The held presentation is, for example, a presentation in which the held icon HA is displayed in the held icon display area 50d, and functions as a presentation for notifying the player of the number of holds in special figure 1 or special figure 2.

[0094] When a game ball wins the first start port 11 while the variable display of the special figure is not being performed and the number of holds in special figure 1 is "0", the pachinko gaming machine PY1 displays the icon TA in the icon display area 50e as shown in FIG. 10(B). Also, for example, when two game balls win the first start port 11 during the variable display of the special figure, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 displays the held icon HA in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the held icon display area 50d, and notifies the player that the number of holds in special figure 1 is "2" as shown in FIG. 10(C). Further, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 starts a new variable display of the special figure while the held icon HA is being displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the held icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 10(D), the held icon HA in the first display area 50d1 of the held icon display area 50d is moved to the icon display area 50e and displayed as the icon TA, and the held icon HA in the second display area 50d2 of the held icon display area 50d is moved to the first display area 50d1 and displayed, and the player is notified that the number of holds in special figure 1 is "1".

[0095] 8-4. Advance Notice Performance The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an advance notice performance at any timing in the special figure variation performance. The advance notice performance is a performance using the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, the on-board movable body 55k, the frame movable body 58k, the normal button 40, the special button 41, etc., and functions as a performance suggesting the possibility of a big win game being played.

[0096] 8-4-1. Movable Body Performance The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a movable body performance using the on-board movable body 55k or the frame movable body 58k as an advance notice performance. The movable body performance is, for example, a performance in which the on-board movable body 55k or the frame movable body 58k operates.

[0097] The pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs a movable body performance at any timing (for example, the timing of developing from N reach to SP reach) in the special figure variation performance. Here, a movable body performance using the on-board movable body 55k is exemplified. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the movable body performance is a performance in which the on-board movable body 55k moves onto the display unit 50a. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 displays the effect image G4 in a space on the display unit 50a that does not overlap with the on-board movable body 55k in the movable body performance. After the movable body performance, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the on-board movable body 55k returns to the normal standby state (initial position), and the performance develops. FIG. 11(B) shows the case of developing to SPSP reach. Note that the movement of the on-board movable body 55k in the movable body performance can be changed as appropriate.

[0098] 8-4-2. Operation Performance The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an operation performance using the normal button 40 or the special button 41 as an advance notice performance. The operation performance is, for example, a performance in which the player operates the normal button 40 or the special button 41.

[0099] The pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs an operation effect at any timing (for example, during the SP reach) in the special figure variation effect. Here, an operation effect using the normal button 40 is exemplified. In the operation effect of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, a period during which the pressing operation of the normal button 40 is valid (referred to as the "button operation valid period") is generated, and along with the generation of this button operation valid period, as shown in Fig. 12(A), an effect to prompt the operation of the normal button 40 (referred to as the "button operation promotion effect") is performed. In the button operation promotion effect, a button operation promotion image G3 is displayed. The button operation promotion image G3 is composed of a normal button image G31 imitating the normal button 40, a pressing operation image G32 representing the operation mode of the normal button 40 (that is, the pressing operation) (here, the character image of "push"), and an operation valid period remaining time image G33 representing the remaining time of the button operation valid period. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 terminates the button operation promotion effect and performs an operation result effect as shown in Fig. 12(B) in response to the normal button 40 being pressed during the button operation valid period or after the button operation valid period has elapsed without the normal button 40 being operated during the button operation valid period. Fig. 12(B) shows a case where a movable body effect in which the on-board movable body 55k operates is performed as the operation result effect. Note that the content of the operation effect can be changed as appropriate.

[0100] 8-4-3. Anticipatory effect The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an anticipatory effect based on an anticipatory determination as a pre-warning effect. The anticipatory effect is, for example, an effect in which the hold icon HA changes, and functions as an effect to suggest the result of the jackpot determination in advance.

[0101] When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 memorizes the reservation of Special Figure 1 or the reservation of Special Figure 2, it performs a pre-reading effect. Here, the pre-reading effect for the reservation of Special Figure 1 is exemplified. When a game ball enters the first start port 11, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 memorizes the reservation of Special Figure 1, based on the result of the pre-reading determination for the reservation of Special Figure 1, as shown in Fig. 10(C), in the reservation icon display area 50d, instead of displaying the icon image of "〇" as the reservation icon HA as usual, the icon image of "☆" is displayed. Note that the content of the pre-reading effect can be changed as appropriate.

[0102] 9. Internal Structure Next, the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 16. Fig. 13 is a block diagram of the part related to the control of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. As shown in Fig. 13, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 includes a main control unit 100 that controls the game and a production control unit 120 that executes the production. The main control unit 100 and the production control unit 120 are electrically connected, and the production control unit 120 mainly executes the production according to the instructions of the main control unit 100.

[0103] 9-1. Main Control Unit The main control unit 100 includes a game control microcomputer 101. The game control microcomputer 101 is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and mainly controls various games (special drawing games, general drawing games, game states, prize ball payouts, etc.). Further, the game control microcomputer 101 includes a game input unit 101a, a game output unit 101b, and a game storage unit 101c. The game input unit 101a inputs winning information of game balls from winning devices (first start port 11, second start port 12, gate 13, first big winning port 14, second big winning port 15, general winning port 10, etc.) provided on the game board 1, operation information of the initialization switch, operation information of the setting change switch, and the like. The game output unit 101b outputs production data and production commands issued according to the control of the game to the outside of the production control unit 120 and the pachinko game machine PY1. The game storage unit 101c is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores a table for selecting game contents, game data (special drawing 1 hold, special drawing 2 hold, general drawing hold, etc.) issued according to the control of the game, and the like.

[0104] Various games are mainly controlled based on the winning information and operation information input by the game input unit 101a. The game control microcomputer 101 controls various games using the tables and game data stored in the game storage unit 101c.

[0105] 9-2. Table When controlling the game, the game control microcomputer 101 can make various selections. When making a selection, the table stored in the game storage unit 101c is referred to. The following tables are stored in the game storage unit 101c.

[0106] 9-2-1. Variation Pattern Judgment Table The game memory unit 101c stores a variation pattern determination table 103a1 shown in FIG. 14. The variation pattern determination table 103a1 is a table referred to when selecting the type of variation pattern. When performing variable display of the first special figure or the second special figure based on the result of jackpot determination, the game control microcomputer 101 refers to the variation pattern determination table 103a1 to select the type of variation pattern.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 14, the game control microcomputer 101 selects the type of variation pattern based on the game state, the type of start port, the result of jackpot determination, the result of reach determination, the number of special figure reservations, etc. The reach determination is to determine whether to perform the above-mentioned reach effect (N-reach, SP-reach, SPSP-reach) during the variable display of the special figure. If the reach effect is to be performed, it is considered that there is a reach, and if the reach effect is not to be performed, it is considered that there is no reach. The game control microcomputer 101 can select any one of seven types of variation patterns, namely, "THP001" to "THP002", "THP011" to "THP013", and "THP021" to "THP022" as the variation pattern. The game control microcomputer 101 performs variable display of the first special figure or the second special figure in a variable display mode (variable display time) corresponding to the selected variation pattern. It should be noted that the type of variation pattern can be changed as appropriate.

[0108] Here, the roles of each variation pattern will be described. As described above, during the variable display of the special figure, a special figure variation effect is performed. In the special figure variation effect, an effect flow composed of one or more effects is executed, and each variation pattern is associated with the variable display time of the special figure and the effect flow executed in the special figure variation effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, "THP001" and "THP011" are associated with a variable display time of the special figure of 120,000 ms and an effect flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach" → "SPSP reach", and "THP002" and "THP012" are associated with a variable display time of the special figure of 100,000 ms and an effect flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach", "THP013" is associated with a variable display time of the special figure of 20,000 ms and an effect flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach", and "THP021" and "THP022" are associated with a variable display time of the special figure of 13,000 ms or 2,000 ms and an effect flow composed of only "normal variation". In this way, depending on the type of variation pattern selected by the game control microcomputer 101, the time of the special figure variation effect and the effects executed in the special figure variation effect are made different.

[0109] 「THP001」 is selected when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot win. Since the end of the production flow is "SPSP reach", "THP001" is called "SPSP jackpot variation". Also, "THP002" is selected when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot win. Since the end of the production flow is "SP reach", "THP002" is called "SP jackpot variation". Also, "THP011" is selected when the jackpot determination result is a loss. Since the end of the production flow is "SPSP reach", "THP011" is called "SPSP loss variation". Also, "THP012" is selected when the jackpot determination result is a loss. Since the end of the production flow is "SP reach", "THP012" is called "SP loss variation". Also, "THP013" is selected when the jackpot determination result is a loss. Since the end of the production flow is "N reach", "THP013" is called "N loss variation". Also, "THP021" and "THP022" are selected when the jackpot determination result is a loss. Since the end of the production flow is "normal variation", "THP021" and "THP022" are called "normal loss variation". Note that the selection ratio of the variation patterns can be set as appropriate in consideration of the game characteristics of the pachinko machine PY1.

[0110] 9-2-2. Prediction Judgment Table In the game memory unit 101c, the prediction judgment table 103b1 shown in FIG. 15 is stored. The prediction judgment table 103b1 is a table referred to when selecting the type of prediction pattern. When the game control microcomputer 101 acquires the right to receive the jackpot determination, it refers to the prediction judgment table 103b1 and selects the type of prediction pattern. The figure shown in FIG. 15 is the prediction judgment table 103b1.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 15, the game control microcomputer 101 selects the type of the read-ahead pattern based on the game state, the type of the start port, the result of the read-ahead determination, and the like. The game control microcomputer 101 can select any one of three types of read-ahead patterns, namely, "SHP001" to "SHP003" as the read-ahead pattern. Note that the type of the read-ahead pattern can be changed as appropriate.

[0112] Since "SHP001" is selected when the result of the read-ahead determination is a read-ahead win, "SHP001" is referred to as the "big win read-ahead pattern". Further, "SHP002" is selected when the result of the read-ahead determination is a read-ahead loss, and since the result of the variable pattern pre-determination is a variable pattern with a reach ("THP011" to "THP013"), "SHP002" is referred to as the "reach loss read-ahead pattern". Further, "SHP003" is selected when the result of the read-ahead determination is a read-ahead loss, and since the result of the variable pattern pre-determination is a variable pattern without a reach ("THP021" to "THP022"), "SHP003" is referred to as the "normal loss read-ahead pattern".

[0113] 9-2-3. Symbol Determination Table In the game storage unit 101c, a symbol determination table 103c1 shown in FIG. 16 is stored. The symbol determination table 103c1 is a table referred to when selecting the types of the stop symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When a big win determination is made, the game control microcomputer 101 refers to the symbol determination table 103c1 to select the types of the stop symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The figure shown in FIG. 16 is the symbol determination table 103c1.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 16, the game control microcomputer 101 selects the types of stop symbols in the first and second special figures based on the types of start ports, the results of jackpot determinations, and the like. The game control microcomputer 101 can select any one of seven types of stop symbols, namely, "jackpot Wα symbol", "jackpot Xα symbol", "jackpot Yα symbol", "jackpot Zα symbol", "small win symbol", "losing A symbol", and "losing B symbol", as the type of stop symbol. The game control microcomputer 101 performs stop display of the first or second special figure in a manner corresponding to the selected stop symbol. Note that the types of stop symbols can be changed as appropriate.

[0115] Here, the roles of each stop symbol will be described. As described above, after the stop display of the special figure, there are cases where a jackpot game is played, a small win game is played, a time-saving state occurs, and a loss occurs without performing anything. There are four types of jackpot games ("jackpot game Wα", "jackpot game Xα", "jackpot game Yα", "jackpot game Zα"), one type of small win game, and two types of losses (the aforementioned specific loss and simple loss). Each stop symbol is associated with the type of jackpot game, the type of small win game, and the type of loss. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the "jackpot Wα symbol" is associated with the "jackpot game Wα", the "jackpot Xα symbol" is associated with the "jackpot game Xα", the "jackpot Yα symbol" is associated with the "jackpot game Yα", the "jackpot Zα symbol" is associated with the "jackpot game Zα", the "small win symbol" is associated with the small win game, the "losing A symbol" is associated with a simple loss where nothing is done, and the "losing B symbol" is associated with the time-saving state. In this way, depending on the type of stop symbol selected by the game control microcomputer 101, the types of jackpot games, small win games, and losses (whether to enter the time-saving state) to be executed are made different.

[0116] Since the "Big Hit Wα Symbol" and the "Big Hit Yα Symbol" are selected when a big hit game with a high probability state is to be played later, the "Big Hit Wα Symbol" and the "Big Hit Yα Symbol" are sometimes referred to as "probability change symbols". Also, since the "Big Hit Xα Symbol" and the "Big Hit Zα Symbol" are determined when a big hit game with a normal probability state is to be played later, the "Big Hit Xα Symbol" and the "Big Hit Zα Symbol" are sometimes referred to as "normal symbols". Further, since the "Lose A Symbol" is determined in the case of a simple loss where nothing happens later, the "Lose A Symbol" is sometimes referred to as the "normal loss symbol". Additionally, since the "Lose B Symbol" is determined in the case of a specific loss where the time is shortened later, the "Lose B Symbol" is sometimes referred to as the "loss time - shortening symbol". Regarding the selection ratio of the stop symbols, it can be appropriately set in consideration of the playability of the pachinko machine PY1.

[0117] 9 - 3. Command The game - control microcomputer 101 can output the production commands issued according to the control of the game to the production control unit 120 via the game output unit 101b. The game - control microcomputer 101 can issue the following commands.

[0118] 9 - 3 - 1. Winning Command Winning commands are issued in relation to the winning of the game balls in various winning devices (the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the gate 13, the first big - winning port 14, the second big - winning port 15, the general winning port 10, etc.). As winning commands, there are the first start - port command issued when the game ball wins at the first start port 11, the second start - port command issued when the game ball wins at the second start port 12, the gate command issued when the game ball passes through the gate 13, the first big - winning port command issued when the game ball wins at the first big - winning port 14, the first big - winning port command issued when the game ball wins at the second big - winning port 15, the general winning port command issued when the game ball wins at the general winning port 10, etc.

[0119] 9 - 3 - 2. Special Figure Command Special figure commands are issued in relation to the operations of the first special figure and the second special figure. Examples of special figure commands include a special figure variation pattern command issued when a variation pattern of the special figure is determined, a special figure stop symbol command issued when a stop symbol of the special figure is determined, a special figure start command issued when the start of variable display of the special figure occurs, a special figure confirmation command issued when the stop display of the special figure occurs, and so on.

[0120] 9-3-3. General figure command General figure commands are issued in relation to the operations of the general figure. Examples of general figure commands include a general figure start command issued when the start of variable display of the general figure occurs, a general figure confirmation command issued when the stop display of the general figure occurs, and so on.

[0121] 9-3-4. Hold command Hold commands are issued in relation to the increase or decrease in the number of holds for special figure 1 hold, special figure 2 hold, and general figure hold. Examples of hold commands include a special figure 1 hold increase command issued when the number of special figure 1 holds increases, a special figure 1 hold decrease command issued when the number of special figure 1 holds decreases, a special figure 2 hold increase command issued when the number of special figure 2 holds increases, a special figure 2 hold decrease command issued when the number of special figure 2 holds decreases, a general figure hold increase command issued when the number of general figure holds increases, a general figure hold decrease command issued when the number of general figure holds decreases, and so on.

[0122] 9-3-5. Big win game command Big win game commands are issued in relation to the operations of big win games. Examples of big win game commands include an OP command issued when the start of OP occurs, a round command issued when the start of each round game occurs, an ED command issued when the start of ED occurs, and so on.

[0123] 9-3-6. Small win game command Small win game commands are issued in relation to the operations of small win games. Examples of small win game commands include a pre-opening IT command issued when the start of pre-opening IT occurs, a post-opening IT command issued when the start of post-opening IT occurs, and so on.

[0124] 9-3-7. Auxiliary game command The auxiliary game command is issued in relation to the operation of the auxiliary game. Examples of the auxiliary game command include an auxiliary game start command issued upon the start of the auxiliary game.

[0125] 9-3-8. Game state command The game state command is issued in relation to the current game state. Examples of the game state command include a normal probability command issued when the game state is the normal probability state, a high probability command issued when the game state is the high probability state, a non-time limit command issued when the game state is the non-time limit state, a time limit command issued when the game state is the time limit state, a big win command issued when the game state is the big win game state, a left hit command issued when the game state is the left hit state, a right hit command issued when the game state is the right hit state, etc.

[0126] 9-4. Presentation control unit The presentation control unit 120 includes a presentation control microcomputer 121. The presentation control microcomputer 121 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, and mainly executes various presentations (presentation modes, special figure variation presentations, reserved presentations, preview presentations, etc.). Further, the presentation control microcomputer 121 includes a presentation input unit 121a and a presentation storage unit 121b. The presentation input unit 121a inputs presentation commands output from the main control unit 100, operation information of the normal button 40, operation information of the special button 41, etc. The presentation storage unit 121b is composed of, for example, a ROM or a RAM, and stores processing programs for the CPU to perform in various presentations, tables for selecting preview presentations, etc., presentation data issued in response to the execution of the presentation, etc.

[0127] Various presentations are mainly executed based on the presentation commands and operation information input by the presentation input unit 121a. The presentation control microcomputer 121 uses the processing programs, tables, presentation data, etc. stored in the presentation storage unit 121b to execute various presentations.

[0128] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above-described basic embodiment is also applicable to the first embodiment.

[0129] First, with reference to FIG. 17, the displays 8 installed on the game board 1 will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 17, the displays 8 include a FIG. 1 LED 8a for indicating the variable display / stop display of FIG. 1, a FIG. 2 LED 8b for indicating the variable display / stop display of FIG. 2, a general view LED 8c for indicating the variable display / stop display of the general view, a FIG. 1 hold LED 8d for indicating the FIG. 1 hold number, a FIG. 2 hold LED 8e for indicating the FIG. 2 hold number, a general view hold LED 8f for indicating the general view hold number, a game state LED 8g for indicating the current game state, and a right hitting state LED 8h for indicating that it is in the right hitting state.

[0130] The FIG. 1 LED 8a consists of two LEDs. During the variable display of FIG. 1, the two LEDs alternately light up at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, during the stop display of FIG. 1, if the stop symbol is the "big win Wα symbol", both of the two LEDs light up; if the stop symbol is the "big win Xα symbol", only the left LED of the two LEDs lights up; if the stop symbol is the "loss A symbol", only the right LED of the two LEDs lights up. In the first embodiment, the case where the "big win Yα symbol", "big win Zα symbol", and "loss B symbol" are made non-stopable will be described. However, if these stop symbols are made stoppable, the number of LEDs can be increased to make each stop symbol distinguishable and the LEDs can be lit accordingly.

[0131] Special Figure 2 LED8b consists of two LEDs. During the variable display of Special Figure 2, the two LEDs light up alternately at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, during the stop display of Special Figure 2, if the stop symbol is the "big win Wα symbol", both of the two LEDs light up; if the stop symbol is the "big win Xα symbol", only the left LED of the two LEDs lights up; if the stop symbol is the "loss A symbol", only the right LED of the two LEDs lights up. In the first embodiment, the case where the "small win symbol" cannot be stopped is described. However, if this stop symbol can be stopped, by increasing the number of LEDs, each stop symbol can be distinguished and the LEDs can be lit accordingly.

[0132] General Figure LED8c consists of two LEDs. During the variable display of the general figure, the two LEDs light up alternately at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, during the stop display of the general figure, if the stop symbol indicates "win and winning", both of the two LEDs light up; if the stop symbol indicates "loss", only the right LED of the two LEDs lights up.

[0133] Special Figure 1 reserved LED8d consists of two LEDs. When the reserved number of Special Figure 1 is "0", both of the two LEDs are turned off. When the reserved number of Special Figure 1 is "1", only the left LED of the two LEDs lights up. When the reserved number of Special Figure 1 is "2", both of the two LEDs light up. When the reserved number of Special Figure 1 is "3", the left LED of the two LEDs blinks and the right LED of the two LEDs lights up. When the reserved number of Special Figure 1 is "4", both of the two LEDs blink.

[0134] Special Figure 2 reserved LED8e consists of two LEDs. When the reserved number of Special Figure 2 is "0", both of the two LEDs are turned off. When the reserved number of Special Figure 2 is "1", only the left LED of the two LEDs lights up. When the reserved number of Special Figure 2 is "2", both of the two LEDs light up. When the reserved number of Special Figure 2 is "3", the left LED of the two LEDs blinks and the right LED of the two LEDs lights up. When the reserved number of Special Figure 2 is "4", both of the two LEDs blink.

[0135] The general drawing reserved LED 8f consists of two LEDs. When the general drawing reserved number is "0", both of the two LEDs are turned off. When the general drawing reserved number is "1", only the left LED of the two LEDs is lit. When the general drawing reserved number is "2", both of the two LEDs are lit. When the general drawing reserved number is "3", the left LED of the two LEDs blinks and the right LED of the two LEDs is lit. When the general drawing reserved number is "4", both of the two LEDs blink.

[0136] The game state LED 8g consists of two LEDs. When the game state is the "low probability low base game state", both of the two LEDs are turned off. When the game state is the "low probability high base game state", only the left LED of the two LEDs is lit. When the game state is the "high probability high base game state", both of the two LEDs are lit. In the first embodiment, the case where the "high probability low base game state" cannot be set is described. However, when the "high probability low base game state" can be set, only the right LED of the two LEDs may be lit.

[0137] The right hitting state LED 8h consists of one LED. When the game state is the "big win game state", the "low probability high base game state", and the "high probability high base game state", in other words, when in the right hitting state where the game ball is launched toward the right side of the game area 6, one LED is lit (also referred to as "display").

[0138] Next, the control system of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 19. As shown in FIG. 18, the pachinko game machine PY1 includes a main control unit 100. The main control unit 100 is provided with a game control microcomputer 101 having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, a main input unit 104 having an input port 104a, a main output unit 105 having an output port 105a, a driver circuit 105b, a buffer circuit 105c, etc., and a data bus 106 connecting the game control microcomputer 101, the main input unit 104, and the main output unit 105.

[0139] The game control microcomputer 101 is provided with a crystal oscillator 101d that generates the operating clock of the CPU, timer interrupts, and the clock serving as a reference for the random number generation circuit. The ROM of the game control microcomputer 101 stores non-volatilely the information (programs, etc.) necessary for game control. On the other hand, the RAM of the game control microcomputer 101 is used as a storage area for data and signals created according to game control.

[0140] In addition, the game control microcomputer 101 is provided with a RAM clear switch 101e, and by operating the RAM clear switch 101e, the information stored in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 101 can be forcibly initialized.

[0141] The CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 executes the game control program stored in the ROM, issues commands output to the effect control unit 120, outputs operation data of the opening and closing solenoids of the first major winning port 14, the second major winning port 15, and the second start port 12, and outputs display data of the display devices 8, thereby performing game control of the pachinko game machine PY1. Also, although not shown, the game control microcomputer 101 is provided with a random number generation circuit for generating random numbers and the like related to various determinations, and a clock generator that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (for example, 4 ms) for the CPU and a clock for giving the update timing of the random number generation circuit.

[0142] In addition, various detection switches for detecting the winning of game balls into various winning devices (the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the gate 13, the first major winning port 14, the second major winning port 15, the general winning port 10, etc.) are connected to the main input unit 104 of the main control unit 100, and the detection signals of the various detection switches are read into the game control microcomputer 101 via the data bus 106.

[0143] The output port 105a provided in the main output unit 105 of the main control unit 100 is for outputting the operation data of the opening / closing solenoids of the first large winning port 14, the second large winning port 15, and the second start port 12, the display data of the displays 8, and the external information of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. The operation data, display data, and external information stored in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 101 are output to the driver circuit 105b via the data bus 106, and the operations of the opening / closing solenoids, the displays of the displays 8, and the external output are performed.

[0144] The buffer circuit 105c provided in the main output unit 105 of the main control unit 100 is for outputting commands to the effect control unit 120. The commands issued by the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 are output to the buffer circuit 105c without being stored in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 101, and are output to the effect control unit 120 in the order of output, independently of the main-side timer interrupt process described later. That is, the buffer circuit 105c can be said to be a circuit that temporarily stores the commands issued by the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 until they are output to the effect control unit 120. Note that the communication path from the game control microcomputer 101 to the effect control unit 120 is one-way communication so that input from the effect control unit 120 side to the main control unit 100 is impossible, and the main control unit 100 outputs a strobe signal for notifying the effect control unit 120 of the command output prior to the command output.

[0145] Here, with reference to FIG. 19, the information that can be stored in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. As shown in FIG. 19, in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 101, a winning information storage area 101c1, a reservation storage area 101c2, a determination result storage area 101c3, a high probability flag 101c4, a time shortening flag 101c5, a status storage area 101c6, a display data storage area 101c7, and an operation data storage area 101c8 are provided.

[0146] The winning information storage area 101c1 is a storage area that stores winning information corresponding to the winning device into which the game ball has won. The hold storage area 101c2 is a storage area that stores random values related to the hold of FIG. 1 of the special drawing, the hold of FIG. 2 of the special drawing, and the hold of the general drawing. The determination result storage area 101c3 is a storage area that stores the result of the jackpot determination, the result of the hit determination, and the like.

[0147] The high probability flag 101c4 is a storage area that stores information for distinguishing whether the game state is in the normal probability state or the high probability state. The time shortening flag 101c5 is a storage area for storing information for distinguishing whether the game state is in the non-time shortening state or the time shortening state. For example, when the game state is the "high probability high base game state", "1" is stored in the high probability flag 101c4 and "1" is stored in the time shortening flag 101c5. Also, the status storage area 101c6 is a storage area that stores information for distinguishing the current status, although details will be described later.

[0148] The display data storage area 101c7 is a storage area that stores display data related to the display of the displays 8. The operation data storage area 101c8 is a storage area that stores operation data related to the operation of the opening and closing solenoids of the second start port 12, the first big winning port 14, and the second big winning port 15.

[0149] Also, as shown in FIG. 18, the pachinko game machine PY1 includes an effect control unit 120. The effect control unit 120 is provided with an effect control microcomputer 121 having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, an interface chip 122 for inputting commands output from the main control unit 100, an image control unit 123 for controlling the image to be displayed on the image display device 50, an audio control unit 124 for controlling the audio output from the speaker 52, a lamp control unit 125 for causing the LEDs of the frame lamp 53 and the panel lamp 54 to emit light, a movable body control unit 126 for moving the on-board movable body 55k, and the like.

[0150] The ROM of the performance control microcomputer 121 stores information (such as programs) necessary for performance control. On the other hand, the RAM of the performance control microcomputer 121 is used as a storage area for data and signals created according to performance control.

[0151] The CPU of the performance control microcomputer 121 executes the performance control program stored in the ROM, and controls the image display device 50, the speaker 52, the frame lamp 53, the board lamp 54, and the on-board movable body 55k by the control of the image control unit 123, the audio control unit 124, the lamp control unit 125, and the movable body control unit 126 to perform performance control of the pachinko game machine PY1. Also, although not shown, the performance control microcomputer 121 is provided with a random number generation circuit for generating random numbers and the like related to various determinations, and a clock generator for generating a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (for example, 10 ms) for the CPU and a clock for updating the timing of the random number generation circuit.

[0152] Next, with reference to FIGS. 20 to 33, the processes executable by the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 20, the main control main process will be specifically described. When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 reads a processing program from the ROM of the game control microcomputer 101 and performs the main control main process.

[0153] In the main control main process, as shown in FIG. 20, first, the power-on process (S001) is performed. In the power-on process (S001), permission settings for accessing the RAM of the game control microcomputer 101, settings for the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101, settings for the period of the timer interrupt signal, etc. are performed.

[0154] When the power-on process (S001) ends, interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the random number update process (S003) is performed. In the random number update process (S003), random number values (such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, hit random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, etc.) for determining the stop symbols of the normal diagram, the stop symbols of the special diagram, the variation patterns of the special diagram, etc. are updated.

[0155] When the random number update process (S003) ends, interrupts are enabled (S004). While interrupts are enabled, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on a timer interrupt signal that occurs at a 4 ms cycle. That is, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed at a 4 ms cycle. Then, after the main timer interrupt process (S005) ends and before the next main timer interrupt process (S005) starts, the update of the random number value by the random number update process (S003) is repeatedly performed. Note that when a timer interrupt signal is input while interrupts are disabled, the main timer interrupt process (S005) is not started immediately but is started after interrupts are enabled (S004).

[0156] Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 21. When a timer interrupt signal is input while interrupts are enabled, the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 reads a processing program from the ROM of the game control microcomputer 101 and performs the main timer interrupt process (S005).

[0157] In the main timer interrupt process (S005), as shown in FIG. 21, first, an input process (S101) is performed. In the input process (S101), it is monitored whether a game ball has won a prize in various prize-winning devices (the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the gate 13, the first big prize port 14, the second big prize port 15, the general prize port 10, etc.). If there is a prize, prize information corresponding to the various prize-winning devices is stored in the prize information storage area 101c1.

[0158] When the input process (S101) ends, a prize ball process (S102) is performed. In the prize ball process (S102), if prize information is stored in the prize information storage area 101c1, a payout operation is performed to pay out prize balls corresponding to the type of winning device according to this prize information onto the upper tray 34. In the first embodiment, the game control microcomputer 101 performs the payout operation. However, a separate payout control microcomputer for performing the payout operation may be provided, and the payout control microcomputer may perform the payout operation according to an instruction from the game control microcomputer 101.

[0159] When the prize ball process (S102) ends, a switch process (S103) is performed. In the switch process (S103), if prize information is stored in the prize information storage area 101c1, a winning command corresponding to the type of winning device according to this prize information is issued. The issued winning command is temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c. Also, in the switch process (S103), if prize information related to the first start port 11, the second start port 12, or the gate 13 is stored in the prize information storage area 101c1, a random number value updated by the random number update process (S003) is acquired. The acquired random number value is stored in the pending storage area 101c2. Note that even if prize information related to the first start port 11, the second start port 12, or the gate 13 is stored in the prize information storage area 101c1, if a predetermined upper limit number (here, 4 each) of random number values is already stored in the pending storage area 101c2, no new random number value will be stored. In the first embodiment, the upper limit number of random number values that can be stored by winning at the first start port 11 is "4", the upper limit number of random number values that can be stored by winning at the second start port 12 is "4", and the upper limit number of random number values that can be stored by winning at the gate 13 is "4". However, each upper limit number may be changed. Also, in the switch process (S103), when a new random number value is stored in the pending storage area 101c2, a pending command (special drawing 1 pending increase command, special drawing 2 pending increase command, general drawing pending increase command) is issued. The issued pending command is temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c.

[0160] When the switch process (S103) ends, the general drawing and general power process (S104) is performed. In the general drawing and general power process (S104), when the start condition for the variable display of the general drawing is satisfied, a hit determination, a determination of the winning symbol, and a subtraction of the number of general drawing holds are performed based on the random number value related to the general drawing hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2. Also, in the general drawing and general power process (S104), when the start condition for the variable display of the general drawing is satisfied, a general drawing command (general drawing start command) and a hold command (general drawing hold reduction command) are issued, and when the start condition for the auxiliary game is satisfied, an auxiliary game command is issued. The issued general drawing command, hold command, and auxiliary game command are temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c. Also, in the general drawing and general power process (S104), when the start condition for the auxiliary game is satisfied, operation data for performing the auxiliary game (opening of the second start port 12) is created. The created operation data is stored in the operation data storage area 101c8.

[0161] When the general drawing and general power process (S104) ends, the special drawing and special power process (S105) is performed. Details of the special drawing and special power process will be described later.

[0162] When the special drawing and special power process (S105) ends, the display process (S106) is performed. Details of the display process will be described later.

[0163] When the display process (S106) ends, the external information process (S107) is performed. In the external information process (S107), external information corresponding to the data stored in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 101 is output to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1.

[0164] When the external information process (S107) ends, the output process (S108) is performed. Details of the output process will be described later.

[0165] Next, the details of the special drawing and special power process (S105) will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 28. When the general drawing and general power process (S104) ends, the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 reads out the processing program from the ROM of the game control microcomputer 101 and performs the special drawing and special power process (S105).

[0166] In the special drawing and special power processing (S105), as shown in FIG. 22, first, status confirmation processing (S1051) is performed. In the status confirmation processing (S1051), the current status is confirmed. There are six types of statuses, namely status 1 to status 6. Each time the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 changes the status, it overwrites and stores the current status in the status storage area 101c6.

[0167] Status 1 indicates the state where the special drawing is waiting, status 2 indicates the state where the special drawing is in variable display, status 3 indicates the state where the special drawing is being determined, status 4 indicates the state during the jackpot opening, status 5 indicates the state during the round game, and status 6 indicates the state during the jackpot ending. In the first embodiment, the case where the minor jackpot game cannot be executed is described. However, when the minor jackpot game can be executed, in addition to status 1 to status 6, a status 7 indicating the state during the minor jackpot game may be provided.

[0168] When the status confirmation processing (S1051) ends, if status 1 is stored in the status storage area 101c6, waiting processing for special drawing (S1052) is performed. If status 2 is stored in the status storage area 101c6, variable display processing for special drawing (S1053) is performed. If status 3 is stored in the status storage area 101c6, determination processing for special drawing (S1054) is performed. If status 4 is stored in the status storage area 101c6, opening processing (S1055) is performed. If status 5 is stored in the status storage area 101c6, during-round processing (S1056) is performed. If status 6 is stored in the status storage area 101c6, ending processing (S1057) is performed.

[0169] In the special figure standby process (S1052) performed in the case of Status 1, as shown in FIG. 23, first, it is determined whether or not the standby time has elapsed (S10521). The standby time is the time from the end of the stop time of the previous special figure to the start of the variable display of the next special figure. The elapse of the standby time can also be said to be the establishment of the start condition of the variable display of the special figure. If the standby time has not elapsed (S10521: NO), the special figure standby process ends. If the standby time has elapsed (S10521: YES), the process proceeds to S10522 and a jackpot determination process is performed. In the jackpot determination process, based on the random number value related to the special figure reservation stored in the reservation storage area 101c2, a jackpot determination, determination of the type of the stop symbol of the special figure, determination of the type of the variation pattern of the special figure, and subtraction of the special figure reservation number are performed. The determination result obtained in the jackpot determination process is stored in the determination result storage area 101c3.

[0170] When the jackpot determination process ends, the process proceeds to S10523, where special figure commands (special figure stop symbol command, special figure variation pattern command, and special figure start command) are issued, and a reservation command (special figure 1 reservation decrease command or special figure 2 reservation decrease command) is issued. The issued special figure commands and reservation commands are temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c. When the special figure commands and reservation commands are issued, the process proceeds to S10524, where the status stored in the status storage area 101c6 is overwritten with Status 2, and the special figure standby process ends.

[0171] In the special figure variable display process (S1053) performed in the case of status 2, as shown in FIG. 24, first, it is determined whether the variable display time has elapsed (S10531). The variable display time is the time from the start to the end of the variable display of the special figure, and the variable display time varies depending on the type of variation pattern. If the variable display time has not elapsed (S10531: NO), the special figure variable display process ends. If the variable display time has elapsed (S10531: YES), the process proceeds to S10532, and a special figure command (special figure confirmation command) is issued. The issued special figure command is temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c. When the special figure command is issued, the process proceeds to S10533, the status stored in the status storage area 101c6 is overwritten with status 3, and the special figure variable display process ends.

[0172] In the special figure confirmation process (S1054) performed in the case of status 3, as shown in FIG. 25, first, it is determined whether the stop time has elapsed (S10541). The stop time is the time from the start to the end of the stop display of the special figure (for example, 500 ms). If the stop time has not elapsed (S10541: NO), the special figure confirmation process ends. If the stop time has elapsed (S10541: YES), the process proceeds to S10542, and it is determined whether the end condition of the time-saving state is satisfied. In the first embodiment, as the stop symbols indicating "big win", there are "big win Wα symbol" and "big win Xα symbol". In the "high probability high base game state" after the "big win game Wα" performed when the "big win Wα symbol" stops displaying, and in the "low probability high base game state" after the "big win game Xα" performed when the "big win Xα symbol" stops displaying, in both cases, it is described that the time-saving state ends when the variable display of the special figure is performed only 100 times. However, the upper limit number of times in the "high probability high base game state" and the upper limit number of times in the "low probability high base game state" may be different from each other. Since the time-saving state is set only in the "high probability high base game state" and the "low probability high base game state" as described above, in game states other than these, it is always determined that the end condition of the time-saving state is not satisfied.

[0173] If it is determined at S10542 that the end condition of the time shortening state is not satisfied (S10542: NO), the process proceeds to S10543, and it is determined whether the type of the stop symbol of the special drawing stored in the determination result storage area 101c3 is a stop symbol indicating "big win".

[0174] If it is determined at S10543 that it is a stop symbol indicating "big win" (S10543: YES), the process proceeds to S10544, and a big win game command (OP command) is issued. The issued big win game command is temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c. Although details will be described later, based on this big win game command (OP command), a "right hit confirmation effect" is performed. When the big win game command is issued, the process proceeds to S10545, the information of the high probability flag 101c4 and the time shortening flag 101c5 is cleared to "0", the process proceeds to S10546, the status stored in the status storage area 101c6 is overwritten with status 4, and the special drawing determination in - progress process ends.

[0175] Also, if it is determined at S10543 that it is not a stop symbol indicating "big win" (S10543: NO), the process proceeds to S10547, the status stored in the status storage area 101c6 is overwritten with status 1, and the special drawing determination in - progress process ends.

[0176] On the other hand, when it is determined that the end condition of the time-saving state is satisfied in S10542 (S10542: YES), the process proceeds to S10548, and a game state command (left hitting command) is issued. The issued game state command is temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c. Although details will be described later, based on this game state command, a "left hitting confirmation effect" is performed. When the game state command is issued, the process proceeds to S10549, where the information of the high probability flag 101c4 and the time-saving flag 101c5 is cleared to "0", and the process proceeds (returns) to S10543. Therefore, when a "big win" is selected in the big win determination related to the variable display of the special figure at the upper limit number of times in the "high probability high base game state" or "low probability high base game state", the OP command is issued after the left hitting command is issued. Note that whether the process of S10549 is executed or not is used for the right hitting state LED process described later.

[0177] In the opening process (S1055) performed in the case of status 4, as shown in FIG. 26, first, it is determined whether or not the big win OP time has elapsed (S10551). The big win OP time is the time from when the stop time of the special figure ends until the start of the first round game (for example, 10000 ms). If the big win OP time has not elapsed (S10551: NO), the opening process ends. If the big win OP time has elapsed (S10551: YES), the process proceeds to S10552, and a big win game command (round command) is issued. The issued big win game command is temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c. In the first embodiment, the round command is issued only at the start of the first round game, but the round command may be issued at the start of all round games.

[0178] When a jackpot game command is issued at S10552, the process proceeds to S10553 to create operation data for the first major winning opening 14 or the second major winning opening 15. For example, in the operation data when the round game in which the first major winning opening 14 is opened is performed only 10 times, the data related to the opening time of the first major winning opening 14 opened in each round game and the data related to the closing time of the first major winning opening 14 closed during each round interval are included. The created operation data is stored in the operation data storage area 101c8. In the first embodiment, the operation data for all round games is created at the start of the first round game, but only the operation data for that round game may be created at the start of each round game.

[0179] When the operation data is created at S10553, the process proceeds to S10554 to overwrite the status stored in the status storage area 101c6 with status 5 and end the in-opening process.

[0180] In the in-round process (S1056) performed in the case of status 5, as shown in FIG. 27, first, it is determined whether the last round game has ended (S10561). If the last round game has not ended (S10561: NO), the in-round process ends. If the last round game has ended (S10561: YES), the process proceeds to S10562 to issue a jackpot game command (ED command). The issued jackpot game command is temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c. When the jackpot game command is issued, the process proceeds to S10563 to overwrite the status stored in the status storage area 101c6 with status 6 and end the in-round process.

[0181] In the ending process (S1057) performed in the case of status 6, as shown in FIG. 28, first, it is determined whether the jackpot ED time has elapsed. The jackpot ED time is the time from the end of the last round game until the end of the jackpot game state (for example, 10,000 ms). If the jackpot ED time has not elapsed (S10571: NO), the ending process is terminated. If the jackpot ED time has elapsed (S10571: YES), the process proceeds to S10572, where the information of the high probability flag 101c4 and the time shortening flag 101c5 is updated. Then, the process proceeds to S10573, where the status stored in the status storage area 101c6 is overwritten with status 1, and the ending process is terminated. In S10572, if the type of the stop symbol of the special symbol stored in the determination result storage area 101c3 is the "jackpot Wα symbol", the high probability flag 101c4 is updated to "1" and the time shortening flag 101c5 is updated to "1". On the other hand, if the type of the stop symbol of the special symbol stored in the determination result storage area 101c3 is the "jackpot Xα symbol", the high probability flag 101c4 is updated to "0" and the time shortening flag 101c5 is updated to "1". Therefore, in the former case, the game state switches from the "jackpot game state" to the "high probability high base game state", and in the latter case, the game state switches from the "jackpot game state" to the "low probability high base game state".

[0182] Next, the details of the display process (S106) will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 32. When the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 finishes the special symbol / special electric process (S105), it reads out the processing program from the ROM of the game control microcomputer 101 and performs the display process (S106).

[0183] In the display process (S106), as shown in FIG. 29, first, a game state LED process (S1061) is performed. In the game state LED process (S1061), display data for the game state LED 8g is created based on the information stored in the high probability flag 101c4 and the time shortening flag 101c5. The types of display data for the game state LED 8g include low probability low base display data corresponding to both the high probability flag 101c4 and the time shortening flag 101c5 storing "0", low probability high base display data corresponding to the high probability flag 101c4 storing "0" and the time shortening flag 101c5 storing "1", and high probability high base display data corresponding to the high probability flag 101c4 storing "1" and the time shortening flag 101c5 storing "1", a total of three types. The created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0184] When the game state LED process (S1061) ends, a general pattern hold LED process (S1062) is performed. In the general pattern hold LED process (S1062), display data for the general pattern hold LED 8f for notifying the general pattern hold count is created based on the number of random values related to the general pattern hold stored in the hold storage area 101c2. The types of display data for the general pattern hold LED 8f include general pattern hold 0 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the general pattern hold stored in the hold storage area 101c2 being "0", general pattern hold 1 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the general pattern hold stored in the hold storage area 101c2 being "1", general pattern hold 2 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the general pattern hold stored in the hold storage area 101c2 being "2", general pattern hold 3 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the general pattern hold stored in the hold storage area 101c2 being "3", and general pattern hold 4 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the general pattern hold stored in the hold storage area 101c2 being "4", a total of five types. The created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0185] When the general drawing hold LED process (S1062) ends, the special drawing 1 hold LED process (S1063) is performed. In the special drawing 1 hold LED process (S1063), based on the number of random values related to the special drawing 1 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2, the display data of the special drawing 1 hold LED 8d for notifying the special drawing 1 hold number is created. The types of the display data of the special drawing 1 hold LED 8d include the special drawing 1 hold 0 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 1 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "0", the special drawing 1 hold 1 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 1 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "1", the special drawing 1 hold 2 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 1 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "2", the special drawing 1 hold 3 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 1 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "3", and the special drawing 1 hold 4 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 1 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "4", a total of 5 types. The created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0186] When the special drawing 1 hold LED process (S1063) ends, the special drawing 2 hold LED process (S1064) is performed. In the special drawing 2 hold LED process (S1064), based on the number of random values related to the special drawing 2 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2, the display data of the special drawing 2 hold LED 8e for notifying the special drawing 2 hold number is created. The types of the display data of the special drawing 2 hold LED 8e include the special drawing 2 hold 0 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 2 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "0", the special drawing 2 hold 1 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 2 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "1", the special drawing 2 hold 2 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 2 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "2", the special drawing 2 hold 3 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 2 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "3", and the special drawing 2 hold 4 display data corresponding to the number of random values related to the special drawing 2 hold stored in the hold memory area 101c2 being "4", a total of 5 types. The created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0187] When the special drawing 2 LED process (S1064) ends, the general drawing LED process (S1065) is performed. In the general drawing LED process (S1065), based on the hit determination result stored in the determination result storage area 101c3, display data for the general drawing variable display / stop display of the general drawing LED 8c is created. The types of the display data of the general drawing LED 8c include two types: hit display data corresponding to the hit determination result of "hit win" and miss display data corresponding to the hit determination result of "miss". The created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0188] When the general drawing LED process (S1065) ends, the special drawing 1 LED process (S1066) is performed. In the special drawing 1 LED process (S1066), based on the jackpot determination result stored in the determination result storage area 101c3 and the type of the stop symbol of the special drawing 1, display data for the special drawing 1 variable display / stop display of the special drawing 1 LED 8a is created. The types of the display data of the special drawing 1 LED 8a include three types: jackpot Wα display data corresponding to the jackpot determination result of "jackpot win" and the stop symbol of the special drawing 1 corresponding to "jackpot Wα symbol", jackpot Xα display data corresponding to the jackpot determination result of "jackpot win" and the stop symbol of the special drawing 1 corresponding to "jackpot Xα symbol", and miss display data corresponding to the jackpot determination result of "miss". The created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0189] When the LED process of Special Figure 1 (S1066) ends, the LED process of Special Figure 2 (S1067) is performed. In the LED process of Special Figure 2 (S1067), display data for the variable display / stop display of Special Figure 2's LED 8b is created based on the jackpot determination result stored in the jackpot determination result storage area 101c3 and the type of stop symbol of Special Figure 2. There are three types of the display data of Special Figure 2's LED 8b: jackpot Wα display data where the jackpot determination result corresponds to "jackpot win" and the stop symbol of Special Figure 2 corresponds to "jackpot Wα symbol", jackpot Xα display data where the jackpot determination result corresponds to "jackpot win" and the stop symbol of Special Figure 2 corresponds to "jackpot Xα symbol", and loss display data where the jackpot determination result corresponds to "loss". The created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0190] When the LED process of Special Figure 2 (S1067) ends, the right strike state LED process (S1068) is performed. In the right strike state LED process (S1068), as shown in FIG. 30, first, the status change destination confirmation process (S10681) is performed. In the status change destination confirmation process (S10681), it is confirmed whether the status has been changed to either status 4 or status 1 in the special figure determination in progress process (S1054).

[0191] When the status change destination confirmation process (S10681) ends, if the status has been changed to status 4, the process for status 4 (S10682) is performed, and if the status has been changed to status 1, the process for status 1 (S10683) is performed.

[0192] In the status 4 time process (S10682), as shown in FIG. 31, first, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol indicating the "big win" that has been changed to status 4 has stopped and been displayed during non-time shortening, in other words, whether or not it is a big win (also referred to as "first win") in the "low probability, low base game state" (S106821). If it is not the first win (S106821: NO), the process proceeds to S106822, and if it is the first win (S106821: YES), the process proceeds to S106823. When the process proceeds to S106823, a game state command (right strike command) is issued. The issued game state command is temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c. Although details will be described later, based on this game state command (right strike command), a "right strike continuous effect" is performed.

[0193] On the other hand, when the process proceeds to S106822, it is determined whether or not the process of S10549 has been executed in the above-mentioned special figure determination in progress process (S1054). If the process of S10549 has not been executed (S106822: NO), the status 4 time process ends, and if the process of S10549 has been executed (S106822: YES), the process proceeds to S106823 and a game state command (right strike command) is issued.

[0194] When a game state command is issued in S106823, the process proceeds to S106824, and it is determined whether or not the right strike state LED 8h is lit. If the right strike state LED 8h is lit (S106824: YES), the status 4 time process ends, and if the right strike state LED 8h is not lit (S106824: NO), the process proceeds to S106825, and display data (lighting start data) of the right strike state LED 8h is created. The created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7. When the display data is created, the status 4 time process ends.

[0195] In the status 1-time process (S10683), as shown in FIG. 32, first, it is determined whether the process of S10549 has been executed in the above-described special drawing confirmation in-process (S1054) (S106831). If the process of S10549 has not been executed (S106831: NO), the status 1-time process ends. If the process of S10549 has been executed (S106831: YES), it proceeds to S106832, and display data (lighting end data) of the right hitting state LED8h is created. The created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7. When the display data is created, the status 1-time process ends.

[0196] Next, with reference to FIG. 33, the details of the output process (S108) will be specifically described. When the external information process (S107) ends, the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 reads a processing program from the ROM of the game control microcomputer 101 and performs the output process (S108).

[0197] In the output process (S108), as shown in FIG. 33, first, the display output process (S1081) is performed. In the display output process (S1081), the display data stored in the display data storage area 101c7 is output to the displays 8 (special drawing 1 LED8a, special drawing 2 LED8b, general drawing LED8c, special drawing 1 reserved LED8d, special drawing 2 reserved LED8e, general drawing reserved LED8f, game state LED8g, right hitting state LED8h) via the data bus 106, the output port 105a, and the driver circuit 105b, and lighting control of the displays 8 is performed.

[0198] When the display output process (S1081) ends, the action output process (S1082) is performed. In the action output process (S1082), the action data stored in the action data storage area 101c8 is output to the opening / closing solenoids of the second start port 12, the first big winning port 14, and the second big winning port 15 via the data bus 106, the output port 105a, and the driver circuit 105b, and operation control of each opening / closing solenoid is performed.

[0199] Here, the relationship between the output timing of the commands issued by the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 and the output timing of the display data created by the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101 will be described.

[0200] In the main-side timer interrupt process (S005), both the issuance of commands output to the effect control unit 120 and the creation of display data for the display devices 8 are performed by the CPU of the game control microcomputer 101. The issued commands are temporarily stored in the buffer circuit 105c, while the created display data is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0201] For example, in the right hitting state LED process (S1068) of the display process (S106), the issuance of the right hitting command and the creation of the display data (lighting start data) for the right hitting state LED 8h are performed within the same process (see FIG. 31). The right hitting command is output to the buffer circuit 105c, while the display data (lighting start data) for the right hitting state LED 8h is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0202] Also, in the process of determining the special figure (S1054), the left hitting command is issued (see FIG. 25), and then in the right hitting state LED process (S1068) of the subsequent display process (S106), the creation of the display data (lighting end data) for the right hitting state LED 8h is performed (see FIG. 32). The left hitting command is output to the buffer circuit 105c, while the display data (lighting end data) for the right hitting state LED 8h is stored in the display data storage area 101c7.

[0203] As described above, the command output to the buffer circuit 105c is immediately output to the effect control unit 120 via the buffer circuit 105c, regardless of the main-side timer interrupt process (S005). On the other hand, the display data stored in the display data storage area 101c7 is not output during the display process (S106), but is output in the subsequent output process (S108), and the right-handed state LED 8h is lit. That is, it can be said that the right-handed command is output to the effect control unit 120 before the right-handed state LED 8h is lit, and it can be said that the left-handed command is output to the effect control unit 120 before the right-handed state LED 8h is turned off.

[0204] Next, the processes executable by the CPU of the effect control microcomputer 121 will be described. First, the sub-control main process will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 34. When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the CPU of the effect control microcomputer 121 reads a processing program from the ROM of the effect control microcomputer 121 and performs the sub-control main process.

[0205] In the sub-control main process, as shown in FIG. 34, first, the power-on process (S011) is performed. In the power-on process (S011), settings such as permission for accessing the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121, setting of the CPU of the effect control microcomputer 121, and setting of the period of the timer interrupt signal are performed.

[0206] When the power-on process (S011) ends, interrupts are prohibited (S012), and the random number update process (S013) is performed. In the random number update process (S013), random number values (random numbers for determining various effects, random numbers for determining variable effect patterns, random numbers for determining warning effects, etc.) for determining various effects are updated.

[0207] When the random number update process (S013) ends, interrupts are permitted (S014). While interrupts are permitted, the reception interrupt process (S015) and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016) can be executed.

[0208] In the reception interrupt process (S015), when a strobe signal is input, the command output from the main control unit 100 is stored in the RAM of the production control microcomputer 121. This reception interrupt process (S015) is executed with higher priority than the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016). When a strobe signal is input while in the interrupt prohibition state, the reception interrupt process (S015) is not started immediately and is started after interrupt permission (S014).

[0209] The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016) is executed based on a timer interrupt signal that occurs at a 10 ms cycle. That is, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016) is executed at a 10 ms cycle. Then, after the reception interrupt process (S015) or the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016) ends and before the next reception interrupt process (S015) or 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016) starts, the update of the random number value by the random number update process (S013) is repeatedly performed. When a timer interrupt signal is input while in the interrupt prohibition state, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016) is not started immediately and is started after interrupt permission (S014).

[0210] Next, with reference to FIG. 35, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016) will be specifically described. When a timer interrupt signal is input while interrupt permission is enabled, the CPU of the production control microcomputer 121 reads a processing program from the ROM of the production control microcomputer 121 and performs the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016).

[0211] In the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016), as shown in FIG. 35, first, a received command analysis process (S201) is performed. In the received command analysis process (S201), the type of the command stored in the RAM of the production control microcomputer 121 is analyzed. Details of the received command analysis process will be described later.

[0212] When the reception command analysis process (S201) ends, the switch process (S202) is performed. In the switch process (S202), the operation information of the normal button 40 and the special button 41 is acquired, and the process related to the operation effect is performed.

[0213] When the switch process (S202) ends, the lamp process (S203) is performed. In the lamp process (S203), the process related to the lamp effect of lighting / flashing the frame lamp 53 and the panel lamp 54 (including the right-handed lamp 54a) is performed.

[0214] When the lamp process (S203) ends, the voice process (S204) is performed. In the voice process (S204), the process related to the voice effect of outputting voice from the speaker 52 is performed.

[0215] Next, with reference to FIG. 36, the details of the reception command analysis process (S201) will be specifically described.

[0216] In the reception command analysis process (S201), as shown in FIG. 36, first, it is determined whether a command is stored in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121 (S2011). If no command is stored (S2011: NO), the reception command analysis process (S201) ends. If a command is stored (S2011: YES), the process corresponding to the type of the command is performed.

[0217] If the command stored in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121 is a winning command, the winning effect process (S2012) is performed. In the winning effect process (S2012), the process of displaying an effect image suggesting that the game ball has won in various winning devices on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 is performed.

[0218] Also, if the command stored in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121 is a special figure command, the special figure effect process (S2013) is performed. In the special figure effect process (S2013), the process of displaying an effect image (effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3, etc.) suggesting the result of the big win determination on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 is performed.

[0219] Also, when the command stored in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121 is a general drawing command, general drawing effect processing (S2014) is performed. In the general drawing effect processing (S2014), processing is performed to display an effect image suggesting the result of the hit determination on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50.

[0220] Also, when the command stored in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121 is a pending command, pending effect processing (S2015) is performed. In the pending effect processing (S2015), processing is performed to display an effect image suggesting the number of general drawing pendings, the number of special drawing 1 pendings, or the number of special drawing 2 pendings on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50.

[0221] Also, when the command stored in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121 is a big win game command, big win effect processing (S2016) is performed. In the big win effect processing (S2016), processing is performed to display an effect suggesting that a big win game is being played on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. Note that when an OP command as a big win game command is stored in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121, a "right hit confirmation effect" described later is performed.

[0222] Also, when the command stored in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121 is a sub-game command, sub-game effect processing (S2017) is performed. In the sub-game effect processing (S2017), processing is performed to display an effect suggesting that a sub-game is being played on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50.

[0223] Also, when the command stored in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121 is a game state command, game state effect processing (S2018) is performed. In the game state effect processing (S2018), processing is performed to display an effect suggesting the current game state on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. Note that when a right hitting command is stored as a game state command in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 121, a "right hitting continuous effect" described later is performed, and when a left hitting command is stored, a "left hitting confirmation effect" described later is performed.

[0224] Next, with reference to FIGS. 37 to 40, the effects that can be executed by the effect control unit 120 when the main control unit 100 sets a right hitting state ("big win game state", "low probability high base game state", and "high probability high base game state") will be described. When the right hitting state is set, the effect control unit 120 can execute the following effects.

[0225] A. Right hitting continuous effect The "right hitting continuous effect" is an effect performed in response to input of a right hitting command output from the main control unit 100, and is an effect in which the right hitting lamp 54a is lit and the right arrow image G120 is displayed. Since the "right hitting continuous effect" is continuously performed from the start to the end of the right hitting state, it functions as an effect suggesting that the right hitting state is in progress.

[0226] B. Opening effect The "opening effect" is an effect performed in response to input of an OP command output from the main control unit 100, and is an effect in which the opening image G107 is displayed. Since the "opening effect" is performed at the start of the big win game, it functions as an effect suggesting that the big win game starts.

[0227] C. Right hitting confirmation effect The "right hitting confirmation effect" is an effect included in the "opening effect", and is an effect in which an image suggesting the opening of the first major winning opening 14 or the second major winning opening 15 is displayed. Since the "right hitting confirmation effect" is performed when the first major winning opening 14 or the second major winning opening 15 is opened, it functions as an effect that encourages the shooting of game balls toward the first major winning opening 14 or the second major winning opening 15.

[0228] C-1. Arrow effect The "arrow effect" is a type of "right hitting confirmation effect", and is an effect performed in the "opening effect" during a jackpot (also referred to as a "first win") in the "low probability low base game state", and is an effect in which a right large arrow image G121 larger than the right arrow image G120 is displayed.

[0229] C-2. Aim effect The "aim effect" is a type of "right hitting confirmation effect", and is an effect performed in the "opening effect" during a jackpot (also referred to as a "continuous win jackpot") in the "low probability high base game state" or the "high probability high base game state", and is an effect in which a character image G122 indicating aiming at the first major winning opening 14 or the second major winning opening 15 is displayed.

[0230] D. Left hitting confirmation effect The "left hitting confirmation effect" is an effect performed in response to input of a left hitting command output from the main control unit 100, and is an effect in which a left arrow image G123 is displayed. Since the "left hitting confirmation effect" is performed at the end of the short time state in which game balls are likely to win in the second start opening 12, it functions as an effect that encourages the shooting of game balls toward the first start opening 11. Also, since the "left hitting confirmation effect" is performed in response to the end of the "right hitting continuation effect", it also functions as an effect suggesting the end of the right hitting state.

[0231] Next, the "opening effect" will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 37. When the effect control unit 120 inputs an OP command output from the main control unit 100, it executes the "opening effect".

[0232] Figures 37(A) to 37(B) are diagrams showing how the "opening effect" is performed. When a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, as shown in Figure 37(A), the winning patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop and are displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 in a manner indicating a jackpot (here, the triple "5·5·5"). At this time, behind the winning patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, the normal background image G102 representing the normal effect mode is displayed. After that, when an OP command is input, the "opening effect" is performed.

[0233] In the "opening effect", as shown in Figure 37(B), the winning patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 and the normal background image G102 are erased, a voice "bonus" is output from the speaker 52, and an opening image G107 is displayed at the center of the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. The opening image G107 consists of an image of the characters "BONUS". After that, prior to the start of the first round of the game, a "right strike confirmation effect" is performed, but the details of the "right strike confirmation effect" will be described later.

[0234] Next, with reference to Figure 38, the "right strike continuation effect" will be specifically described. When the effect control unit 120 receives the right strike command output from the main control unit 100, it executes the "right strike continuation effect".

[0235] Figures 38(A) to 38(F) are diagrams showing how the "right strike continuation effect" is performed. As shown in Figure 38(A), the winning patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop and are displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 in a manner indicating a jackpot (here, the triple "5·5·5"). When an OP command is input, the "opening effect" is performed.

[0236] In the "opening effect", as shown in Figure 38(B), the opening image G107 is displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 in place of the winning patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 and the normal background image G102. After that, when a right strike command is input, the "right strike continuation effect" is performed.

[0237] In the "right strike continuous effect", as shown in FIG. 38(C), when the right strike lamp 54a is lit, a right arrow image G120 is displayed at the upper right part of the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. In this way, by making the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 be started by a right strike command input after the OP command, it is possible to prevent the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 from starting before the "opening effect" starts.

[0238] The right arrow image G120 consists of a first image of the character "right" and a second image representing "a right-facing arrow". The first image is a still image fixedly displayed at the upper right part of the display unit 50a of the image display device 50, and the second image is a moving image that repeatedly moves from left to right above the first image. In the first embodiment, the right arrow image G120 is set so that no sound is output from the speaker 52 when the "right strike continuous effect" starts, but a predetermined sound may be output.

[0239] And even in the jackpot gaming state, as shown in FIG. 38(D), the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 are continuously performed. Also, even in the time-limited state (the "high-probability high-base gaming state" or the "low-probability high-base gaming state") after the end of the jackpot gaming state, as shown in FIG. 38(E), the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 are continuously performed. In the example shown in FIG. 38(E), a probability-variable background image G103 is displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. Note that when a consecutive win occurs in the time-limited state, the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 are continuously performed even in the jackpot gaming state where the consecutive win occurs. In the first embodiment, both the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 are not erased until the "right strike continuous effect" ends, but the display of the right arrow image G120 may be temporarily erased.

[0240] When the 100th variable display of the special figure, which marks the end of the time-saving state, is completed and a left strike command is input, as shown in FIG. 38(F), the right strike lamp 54a turns off and the right arrow image G120 is erased, ending the "right strike continuous effect". In the example shown in FIG. 38(F), the sure-variable background image G103 switches to the normal background image G102, and the winning pattern EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 stops and is displayed in a losing mode (here, the "scattered state of '1·2·3'") on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50.

[0241] Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the "left strike confirmation effect" will be specifically described. When the effect control unit 120 receives the left strike command output from the main control unit 100, it executes the "left strike confirmation effect".

[0242] FIGS. 39(A) to 39(B) are diagrams showing how the "left strike confirmation effect" is performed. In the time-saving state, as shown in FIG. 39(A), the right strike lamp 54a is lit and the right arrow image G120 is displayed. When the 100th variable display of the special figure, which marks the end of the time-saving state, is completed and a left strike command is input, the "right strike continuous effect" ends and the "left strike confirmation effect" is performed.

[0243] In the "left strike confirmation effect", in response to the turning off of the right strike lamp 54a and the erasure of the right arrow image G120 due to the end of the "right strike continuous effect", as shown in FIG. 39(B), a voice "Please return to the left" is output from the speaker 52, and a left arrow image G123 is displayed in the upper left part of the display unit 50a of the image display device 50.

[0244] The left arrow image G123 consists of a third image of the character "left" and a fourth image representing a "left-facing arrow". The third image is a still image fixedly displayed in the upper left part of the display unit 50a of the image display device 50, and the fourth image is a moving image that repeatedly moves from right to left above the third image.

[0245] After a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed, the left arrow image G123 is erased and the "left hit confirmation effect" ends. In the first embodiment, the "left hit confirmation effect" ends when a predetermined time has elapsed, but it may also end when a game ball wins a prize in the first start port 11.

[0246] In addition, when the variable display of the 100th special figure, which will end the time shortening state, is due to a "big win", even if a left hit command is input, the "right hit continuation effect" ends, but the "left hit confirmation effect" is not performed, and the "right hit continuation effect" resumes by the right hit command input immediately thereafter.

[0247] Next, the "right hit confirmation effect" will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 40. When the effect control unit 120 inputs the OP command output from the main control unit 100, it executes the "opening effect" and also executes the "right hit confirmation effect" in the "opening effect". The "right hit confirmation effect" includes an "arrow effect" performed at the first win and a "take aim effect" performed at consecutive wins.

[0248] FIGS. 40(A) to 40(C) are diagrams showing the state in which the "arrow effect" is performed and the state in which the "take aim effect" is performed.

[0249] When the "opening effect" is performed, as shown in FIG. 40(A), the opening image G107 is displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the display of the opening image G107, the "arrow effect" is performed for the first win, and the "take aim effect" is performed for consecutive wins.

[0250] In the "Arrow Display", as shown in FIG. 40(B), a voice "Right strike" is output from the speaker 52, and a large right arrow image G121 is displayed on the right part of the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. The large right arrow image G121 is composed of an image representing a "rightward arrow" and is larger than the right arrow image G120. Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the large right arrow image G121, the large right arrow image G121 is erased and the "Arrow Display" ends.

[0251] On the other hand, in the "Aim Display", as shown in FIG. 40(C), a voice "Aim at the attacker" is output from the speaker 52, and a character image G122 of "Aim at the attacker" is displayed on the right part of the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. The character image G122 is an image of a text instructing to aim at the first big winning port 14 or the second big winning port 15. Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the display of the character image G122, the character image G122 is erased and the "Aim Display" ends.

[0252] Here, with reference to FIG. 41, the display timings of the right strike state LED8h, the right strike lamp 54a, the right arrow image G120, the large right arrow image G121, the character image G122, and the left arrow image G123 will be described.

[0253] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing the flow from the first hit through consecutive wins until the end of the time limit state. When executing the first hit, the main control unit 100 issues an OP command at the timing of t01 and outputs the OP command to the effect control unit 120 at the timing of t02. Then, a right strike command is issued at the timing of t03 and the right strike command is output to the effect control unit 120 at the timing of t04. And the right strike state LED8h is turned on at the timing of t05 (refer to the output process (S108) of the main side timer interrupt process (S005)).

[0254] On the one hand, when the performance control unit 120 receives the right strike command output from the main control unit 100 at the timing of t04, at the timing of t06, it displays the right arrow image G120 and lights up the right strike lamp 54a (refer to the game state performance process (S2018) and the lamp process (S203) of the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016)). Then, at the timing of t07 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of the OP command, it displays the large right arrow image G121. The display of the right arrow image G120 and the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a continue until the time shortening state ends, but the display of the large right arrow image G121 ends at the timing of t08.

[0255] Also, when executing per continuous jackpot, the main control unit 100 issues an OP command at the timing of t09 and outputs the OP command to the performance control unit 120 at the timing of t10.

[0256] On the one hand, the performance control unit 120 displays the character image G121 at the timing of t11 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of the OP command. The display of the character image G122 ends at the timing of t12.

[0257] Also, when the time shortening state ends (the variable display of 100 special symbols ends), the main control unit 100 issues a left strike command at the timing of t13 and outputs the left strike command to the performance control unit 120 at the timing of t14. Then, it turns off the right strike state LED8h at the timing of t15 (refer to the output process (S108) of the main side timer interrupt process (S005)).

[0258] On the other hand, when the performance control unit 120 inputs the left strike command output from the main control unit 100 at the timing of t14, at the timing of t16, it erases the right arrow image G120 and turns off the right strike lamp 54a (refer to the game state performance process (S2018) and the lamp process (S203) of the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S016)). Also, when the left strike command is input, the left arrow image G123 is displayed at the timing of t16. The display of the left arrow image G123 ends at the timing of t17. When the big hit determination related to the variable display of the special figure for which the main control unit 100 has issued the left strike command is "big hit winning", the right arrow image G120 is erased and the right strike lamp 54a is turned off, but the left arrow image G123 is not displayed.

[0259] In this way, by the main control unit 100 outputting the right strike command for the performance control unit 120 to turn on the right strike lamp 54a and display the right arrow image G120 before turning on the right strike state LED 8h, the deviation between the lighting timing of the right strike state LED 8h and the lighting timing of the right strike lamp 54a and the display timing of the right arrow image G120 can be reduced.

[0260] Also, by the main control unit 100 outputting the left strike command for the performance control unit 120 to turn off the right strike lamp 54a and erase the right arrow image G120 before turning off the right strike state LED 8h, the deviation between the turning-off timing of the right strike state LED 8h and the turning-off timing of the right strike lamp 54a and the erasing timing of the right arrow image G120 is reduced, and the deviation between the turning-off timing of the right strike state LED 8h and the display timing of the left arrow image G123 can also be reduced.

[0261] <Consideration of the First Embodiment> Next, consider the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the first embodiment. First, consider the relationship between the issuance timing of the left hitting command and the issuance timing of the right hitting command by the main control unit 100. When a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination related to the variable display of the special symbol at the 100th time, which is the upper limit number of times in the time-saving state, a left hitting command is issued in the ongoing process (S1054) within the special symbol and special power supply process (S105) (see Fig. 25), and a right hitting command is issued in the right hitting state LED process (S1068) within the display process (S106) (see Fig. 31). And in the main side timer interrupt process (S005), the special symbol and special power supply process (S105) is performed prior to the display process (S106) (see Fig. 21). That is to say, when a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination related to the variable display of the special symbol at the 100th time, which is the upper limit number of times in the time-saving state, it can be said that the left hitting command and the right hitting command are output to the effect control unit 120 in the order of left hitting command → right hitting command within the same main side timer interrupt process (S005).

[0262] Next, consider the relationship between the issuance timing of the OP command and the issuance timing of the right hitting command by the main control unit 100. When the stopped symbol of the special symbol stops and is displayed when a jackpot is won, an OP command is issued in the ongoing process (S1054) within the special symbol and special power supply process (S105) (see Fig. 25), and a right hitting command is issued in the right hitting state LED process (S1068) within the display process (S106) (see Fig. 31). And in the main side timer interrupt process (S005), the special symbol and special power supply process (S105) is performed prior to the display process (S106) (see Fig. 21). That is to say, when a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, it can be said that the OP command and the right hitting command are output to the effect control unit 120 in the order of OP command → right hitting command within the same main side timer interrupt process (S005).

[0263] Next, consider the differences between the lighting of the right-turn lamp 54a and the display of the right-arrow image G120, and the display of the large right-arrow image G121 and the character image G122. Since the right-turn lamp 54a, the right-arrow image G120, the large right-arrow image G121, and the character image G122 are all lit or displayed in the right-turn state, it can be said that they are effects that encourage the launch of the game ball toward the right side of the game area 6. When the main control unit 100 issues / outputs a right-turn command, the lighting of the right-turn state LED 8h is started. When the effect control unit 120 inputs a right-turn command, the lighting of the right-turn lamp 54a and the display of the right-arrow image G120 are started. Also, when the main control unit 100 issues / outputs a left-turn command, the right-turn state LED 8h is turned off. When the effect control unit 120 inputs a left-turn command, the right-turn lamp 54a is turned off and the right-arrow image G120 is not displayed (see Fig. 41). That is, it can be said that the lighting / extinguishing of the right-turn lamp 54a and the display / non-display of the right-arrow image G120 are linked to the lighting / extinguishing of the right-turn state LED 8h. On the other hand, the display of the large right-arrow image G121 and the display of the character image G122 are performed during the "opening effect" that is performed by inputting an OP command to the effect control unit 120, so it cannot be said that they are linked to the lighting / extinguishing of the right-turn state LED 8h.

[0264] <Effect of the First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the effects of the pachinko game machine PY1 described in the first embodiment will be described.

[0265] (1) When the main control unit 100 performs the display of the display devices 8, before starting the display of the display devices 8, an effect command related to the display of the display devices 8 is output to the effect control unit 120. Therefore, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the deviation between the display timing of the display devices 8 by the main control unit 100 and the effect start timing by the effect control unit 120, and it becomes possible for the player to play the game with confidence.

[0266] (2) When the main control unit 100 turns on the right-handed state LED 8h, before starting to turn on the right-handed state LED 8h, since a right-handed command related to turning on the right-handed lamp 54a and displaying the right arrow image G120 is output to the effect control unit 120, it is possible to minimize the deviation between the lighting timing of the right-handed state LED 8h by the main control unit 100, the lighting timing of the right-handed lamp 54a by the effect control unit 120, and the display timing of the right arrow image G120, enabling the player to play the game with confidence.

[0267] (3) When the main control unit 100 turns off the right-handed state LED 8h due to the end of the right-handed state, since a left-handed command is output to the effect control unit 120, the effect control unit 120 can perform an effect related to the end of the right-handed state by the left-handed command, enabling the player to play the game with confidence.

[0268] (4) When the main control unit 100 turns off the right-handed state LED 8h due to the end of the right-handed state, since a left-handed command related to turning off the right-handed lamp 54a and erasing the right arrow image G120 is output to the effect control unit 120, in accordance with the turning off of the right-handed state LED 8h by the main control unit 100, the effect control unit 120 can turn off the right-handed lamp 54a and erase the right arrow image G120, enabling the player to play the game with confidence.

[0269] (5) When the main control unit 100 turns off the right-handed state LED 8h due to the end of the right-handed state, since a left-handed command related to turning off the right-handed lamp 54a and erasing the right arrow image G120 is output to the effect control unit 120, it is possible to minimize the deviation between the turning-off timing of the right-handed state LED 8h by the main control unit 100, the turning-off timing of the right-handed lamp 54a by the effect control unit 120, and the erasing timing of the right arrow image G120, enabling the player to play the game with confidence.

[0270] When the main control unit 100 outputs a left turn command related to the extinguishing of the right turn lamp 54a and the erasure of the right arrow image G120 to the effect control unit 120, the effect control unit 120 performs a "left turn confirmation effect" that suggests the end of the right turn state while extinguishing the right turn lamp 54a and erasing the right arrow image G120. Therefore, the end of the right turn state can be made easily understandable, and it becomes possible for the player to play the game with peace of mind.

[0271] (7) When the main control unit 100 performs the variable display of the 100th special symbol, which is the upper limit number of times in the time shortening state, it outputs a left turn command to the effect control unit 120. Therefore, the effect control unit 120 can perform an effect related to reaching the upper limit number of times in the time shortening state by the left turn command, and it becomes possible for the player to play the game with peace of mind.

[0272] (8) When the main control unit 100 performs the variable display of the 100th special symbol, which is the upper limit number of times in the time shortening state, regardless of the result of the big hit determination related to the variable display of the 100th special symbol, it outputs a left turn command related to the extinguishing of the right turn lamp 54a and the erasure of the right arrow image G120 to the effect control unit 120. Therefore, the processing performed by the main control unit 100 can be simplified, and it becomes possible to reduce the processing load of the main control unit 100.

[0273] (9) When the main control unit 100 outputs a left turn command related to the extinguishing of the right turn lamp 54a and the erasure of the right arrow image G120 to the effect control unit 120 by performing the variable display of the 100th special symbol, which is the upper limit number of times in the time shortening state, when the result of the big hit determination related to the variable display of the 100th special symbol is "big hit winning", after the output of the left turn command, it outputs a right turn command related to the lighting of the right turn lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 to the effect control unit 120. Therefore, the right turn lamp 54a can be relit and the right arrow image G120 can be redisplayed, and it becomes possible for the player to play the game with peace of mind.

[0274] (10) When the main control unit 100 performs the variable display of the 100th special figure, which is the upper limit number of times in the time-saving state, and outputs a left strike command related to the turning off of the right strike lamp 54a and the deletion of the right arrow image G120 to the effect control unit 120, when the result of the jackpot determination related to the variable display of the 100th special figure is "miss", the effect control unit 120 turns off the right strike lamp 54a and deletes the right arrow image G120, and at the same time performs a "left strike confirmation effect". On the other hand, when the result of the jackpot determination related to the variable display of the 100th special figure is "jackpot win", the effect control unit 120 turns off the right strike lamp 54a and deletes the right arrow image G120, but does not perform a "left strike confirmation effect". Therefore, even though the first large winning opening 14 or the second large winning opening 15 is opened, it is possible to prevent the game from returning to the left strike, and the player can play the game with confidence.

[0275] (11) When the main control unit 100 enters the jackpot game state in the right strike state, after outputting the OP command related to the "opening effect" to the effect control unit 120, the right strike command related to the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 is output to the effect control unit 120. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 from being performed before the start of the "opening effect" that allows the player to recognize the jackpot game state, and the player can play the game with confidence.

[0276] (12) When the main control unit 100 lights the right strike state LED 8h, before starting the lighting of the right strike state LED 8h, both the OP command related to the "opening effect" and the right strike command related to the lighting of the right strike lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 are output to the effect control unit 120. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deviation between the lighting timing of the right strike state LED 8h by the main control unit 100 and the start timing of the "opening effect", the lighting timing of the right strike lamp 54a, and the display timing of the right arrow image G120 by the effect control unit 120 as much as possible, and the player can play the game with confidence.

[0277] When the main control unit 100 turns on / off the right-handed state LED 8h, in conjunction with the turning on / off of the right-handed state LED 8h, the effect control unit 120 turns on / off the right-handed lamp 54a and displays / hides the right arrow image G120. Therefore, by turning on the right-handed lamp 54a and displaying the right arrow image G120, it is possible to make it easily understandable that the right-handed state LED 8h is on, and the player can play the game with confidence.

[0278] (14) When the main control unit 100 turns on the right-handed state LED 8h, in addition to turning on the right-handed lamp 54a and displaying the right arrow image G120 in conjunction with the turning on of the right-handed state LED 8h, the effect control unit 120 displays the right large arrow image G121 or the character image G122. Therefore, it is possible to emphasize that it is in the right-handed state, and the player can play the game with confidence.

[0279] (15) When the effect control unit 120 turns on / off the right-handed lamp 54a and displays / hides the right arrow image G120, for the right-handed lamp 54a, it always remains lit without changing until it is turned off, while for the right arrow image G120, a second image representing a "right arrow" is displayed as a video. Therefore, it is possible to make it even more easily understandable that it is in the right-handed state, and the player can play the game with confidence.

[0280] (16) When the effect control unit 120 turns on the right-handed lamp 54a, displays the right arrow image G120, and displays the right large arrow image G121, for the right-handed lamp 54a and the right arrow image G120 that are linked to the right-handed state LED 8h, they are turned on and displayed by the input of a right-handed command from the main control unit 100. On the other hand, for the right large arrow image G121 that is not linked to the right-handed state LED 8h, it is displayed by the input of an OP command from the main control unit 100. Therefore, the lighting timing of the right-handed lamp 54a and the display timing of the right arrow image G120, and the display timing of the right large arrow image G121, can be performed at different timings, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0281] When the performance control unit 120 displays the right large arrow image G121, it is after the right hitting lamp 54a is lit and the right arrow image G120 is displayed, and is larger than the right hitting lamp 54a and the right arrow image G120, and the right large arrow image G121 is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to effectively emphasize that it is in the right hitting state, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0282] <Modification Examples of the Basic Embodiment and the First Embodiment> Hereinafter, modification examples of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the basic embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Of course, the configurations related to the modification examples may be appropriately combined. Also, the technical features in the above-described embodiment and the following modification examples can be appropriately deleted if they are not described as essential in this specification.

[0283] In the first embodiment, the right hitting command output from the main control unit 100 is output to the effect control unit 120 before the right hitting state LED 8h starts lighting, and the left hitting command output from the main control unit 100 is output to the effect control unit 120 before the right hitting state LED 8h starts turning off. However, among the right hitting command and the left hitting command, only the right hitting command may be output to the effect control unit 120 before the right hitting state LED 8h starts lighting.

[0284] Also, in the first embodiment, the right hitting command output from the main control unit 100 is output to the effect control unit 120 before the right hitting state LED 8h starts lighting, and the left hitting command output from the main control unit 100 is output to the effect control unit 120 before the right hitting state LED 8h starts turning off. However, among the right hitting command and the left hitting command, only the left hitting command may be output to the effect control unit 120 before the right hitting state LED 8h starts turning off.

[0285] Also, in the first embodiment, the right hitting command output from the main control unit 100 is output to the effect control unit 120 before the right hitting state LED 8h starts lighting, and the left hitting command output from the main control unit 100 is output to the effect control unit 120 before the right hitting state LED 8h starts turning off. However, to the extent that it does not interfere with the game, the right hitting command or the left hitting command may be output to the effect control unit 120 after the right hitting state LED 8h starts lighting or after the right hitting state LED 8h starts turning off.

[0286] Also, in the first embodiment, when the effect control unit 120 inputs a right hitting command, both the lighting of the right hitting lamp 54a and the display of the right arrow image G120 are performed. However, only the lighting of the right hitting lamp 54a may be performed, or only the display of the right arrow image G120 may be performed.

[0287] Also, in the first embodiment, when the effect control unit 120 inputs a left hitting command, a "left hitting confirmation effect" in which the left arrow image G123 is displayed is performed. However, it may be such that only the turning off of the right hitting lamp 54a and the erasure of the right arrow image G120 are performed, and the "left hitting confirmation effect" is not performed.

[0288] Also, in the first embodiment, the "high probability high base game state" after the "big win game Wα" ends when the variable display in the special figure reaches the upper limit number of times of 100 times (the number of big win determinations is 100 times). However, the upper limit number of times may be less than 100 times or may be 101 times or more.

[0289] Also, in the first embodiment, the "low probability high base game state" after the "big win game Xα" ends when the variable display in the special figure reaches the upper limit number of times of 100 times (the number of big win determinations is 100 times). However, the upper limit number of times may be less than 100 times or may be 101 times or more.

[0290] Also, in the first embodiment, when the variable display of the special figure for the 100th time, which is the upper limit number of times in the time-saving state, is performed, regardless of the result of the jackpot determination related to the variable display of the special figure for the 100th time, a left strike command is output from the main control unit 100. However, the left strike command may be output from the main control unit 100 only when the result of the jackpot determination related to the variable display of the special figure for the 100th time is "loss".

[0291] Also, in the first embodiment, the right arrow image G120 displayed in the "right strike continuous effect" is composed of a still image of the character "right" and a moving image representing an "arrow pointing to the right". However, all the images that make up the composition may be moving images.

[0292] Also, in the first embodiment, the moving image of the right arrow image G120 displayed in the "right strike continuous effect" is composed of images that repeat moving from left to right. However, as long as the player can recognize that the display mode is changing, it does not have to be a moving image. For example, the display color of the image representing the "arrow pointing to the right" may be changed every predetermined time.

[0293] Also, in the first embodiment, the right strike lamp 54a displayed in the "right strike continuous effect" is always lit. However, it may be temporarily turned off to the extent that it does not interfere with the game.

[0294] Also, in the first embodiment, the "arrow effect" and the "aim effect" are performed by inputting an OP command output from the main control unit 100. However, they may be performed by inputting a command other than the OP command. For example, they may be performed by inputting a round command output at the start of the first round game. In this case, the opening of the first major winning port 14 or the second major winning port 15 can be impressed on the player by the "arrow effect" and the "aim effect", and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0295] In the basic embodiment, the normal background image G102 is displayed in both the "low-probability low-base game state" and the "high-probability low-base game state". However, different backgrounds may be displayed in the "low-probability low-base game state" and the "high-probability low-base game state". For example, in the "high-probability low-base game state", a background including an image suggesting a high-probability state may be displayed.

[0296] In the basic embodiment, only the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are variably displayed on the display unit 50a in parallel with the variable display of the special figure. However, other symbols may be variably displayed on the display unit 50a in parallel with the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3. In this case, it is preferable that the size of the other symbols is smaller than the size of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3.

[0297] In the basic embodiment, only the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are variably displayed on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50 in parallel with the variable display of the special figure. However, other symbols may be variably displayed on a display device other than the image display device 50 in parallel with the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3. For example, dedicated LEDs for variably displaying other symbols may be installed on the game board 1, and the dedicated LEDs may blink during the variable display of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3.

[0298] In the basic embodiment, the first special figure and the second special figure are not variably displayed simultaneously, and only one of them is variably displayed. However, the first special figure and the second special figure may be variably displayed simultaneously.

[0299] In the basic embodiment, the progress of the game and the effect are controlled by separate control units. However, the progress of the game and the effect may be controlled by one control unit. For example, both the progress of the game and the effect may be controlled only by the main control unit 100.

[0300] In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention can also be applied to other pinball gaming machines such as volleyball machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, smart pachinko machines (regulated gaming machines), and the like.

[0301] <The invention disclosed in the first embodiment> Up to the previous paragraph in this [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention], the following inventions A to E are disclosed. In the descriptions of inventions A to E, the names, expressions, and reference numerals used in the drawings of the corresponding configurations in the embodiments for carrying out the aforementioned invention are appended in parentheses for reference. However, the elements such as the means constituting each invention are not limited to this appendix. Note that invention A is a general term for the following inventions A1 to A2, invention B is a general term for the following inventions B1 to B2, invention C is a general term for the following inventions C1 to C4, invention D is a general term for the following inventions D1 to D2, and invention E is a general term for the following inventions E1 to E4.

[0302] Also, for example, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-151588, an effect for instructing the launching direction of a game ball is performed, and a character image of "right hit" is displayed on the display unit to prompt the player to put the game ball into the second starting port. In such a gaming machine, there is room for improvement regarding the instruction of the launching direction of the game ball. Therefore, if the gaming machines according to the following inventions 1 to E are realized, the instruction of the launching direction of the game ball will be improved, and the player will be able to play the game with confidence.

[0303] The gaming machine according to invention A1 is a first control means (main control unit 100) for controlling the game using a first display means (display devices 8), and a second control means (effect control unit 120) for controlling the effect using a second display means (image display device 50, panel lamp 54), and is provided with the first control means is capable of displaying a specific display (lighting of the right hit state LED 8h) indicating that the launching direction of the game ball is a specific direction (right) on the first display means, When displaying the specific display, it is possible to output a specific command (right strike command) to the second control means before displaying the specific display. The second control means When the specific command is input, a firing display (right arrow image G120, lighting of the right strike lamp 54a) indicating the specific direction is displayed on the second display means. It is characterized by this.

[0304] The gaming machine according to Invention A2 is a gaming machine according to Invention A1, The first control means When making the specific display non-displayable, it is possible to output a non-specific command (left strike command) to the second control means. The second control means When the non-specific command is input while the firing display is being displayed, the display of the firing display is terminated. It is characterized by this.

[0305] The gaming machine according to Invention B1 a first control means (main control unit 100) that controls a game using a first display means (displays 8), a second control means (effect control unit 120) that controls an effect using a second display means (image display device 50), and The first control means is capable of displaying a specific display (lighting of the right strike state LED 8h) indicating that the firing direction of the game ball is a specific direction (right) on the first display means, When making the specific display non-displayable, it is possible to output a non-specific command (left strike command) to the second control means before making the specific display non-displayable. The second control means is capable of displaying a specific firing display (right arrow image G120) indicating the specific direction on the second display means when the specific display is being displayed. When the non-specific command is input while the specific emission display is being shown, the display of the specific emission display is terminated. characterized in that.

[0306] The gaming machine according to Invention B2 is a gaming machine according to Invention B1, wherein the second control means when the non-specific command is input, displays a non-specific emission display (left arrow image G123) that suggests that the emission direction of the game ball is not the specific direction on the second display means. characterized in that.

[0307] The gaming machine according to Invention C1 is provided with a first control means (main control unit 100) for controlling the game and a second control means (effect control unit 120) for controlling the effect, wherein the first control means can be set to a specific gaming state (time-saving state) in which the game ball is launched in a specific direction (right) until a determination as to whether or not to enter the jackpot gaming state is made a predetermined number of times (100 times), when the determination is made the predetermined number of times, a predetermined command (left strike command) can be output to the second control means, wherein the second control means can display an emission display (right arrow image G120, lighting of the right strike lamp 54a) that suggests the specific direction in the specific gaming state on a predetermined display means (image display device 50, panel lamp 54), when the predetermined command is input while the emission display is being shown, the display of the emission display is terminated. characterized in that.

[0308] The gaming machine according to Invention C2 is a gaming machine according to Invention C1, wherein the first control means outputs the predetermined command to the second control means regardless of the result of the determination the predetermined number of times. characterized in that.

[0309] The gaming machine according to Invention C3 is a gaming machine according to Invention C2, wherein the first control means when it is determined that a jackpot gaming state is to be set in the determination of the predetermined number of times, can output a specific command (right strike command) to the second control means after the predetermined command, and the second control means when the specific command is input, can redisplay the emission display on the predetermined display means. This is the gist.

[0310] The gaming machine according to Invention C4 is a gaming machine according to Invention C3, wherein the second control means when it is determined that a jackpot gaming state is not to be set in the determination of the predetermined number of times when the predetermined command is input, displays an end display (left arrow image G123) indicating a non-specific direction (left) different from the specific direction on the second display means, while when it is determined that a jackpot gaming state is to be set in the determination of the predetermined number of times, does not display the end display on the second display means. This is the gist.

[0311] The gaming machine according to Invention D1 is equipped with first control means (main control unit 100) for controlling the game and second control means (effect control unit 120) for controlling the effects, wherein the first control means when setting a jackpot gaming state in which a game ball is launched in a specific direction (right), after outputting a start command (OP command) indicating the start of the jackpot gaming state to the second control means, can output a specific command (right strike command) to the second control means, and the second control means in response to input of the start command, displays a start display (opening image G107) indicating the start of the jackpot gaming state on a specific display means (image display device 50). In response to input of the specific command, a launch display (right arrow image G120, lighting of the right hitting lamp 54a) indicating the specific direction is displayed on the specific display means or a predetermined display means (panel lamp 54) different from the specific display means. This is the gist.

[0312] The gaming machine according to Invention D2 is a gaming machine according to Invention D1, wherein the first control means when setting the jackpot gaming state, can display a specific display (lighting of the right hitting state LED 8h) indicating that the launch direction of the game ball is the specific direction on a predetermined display means (displays 8), and outputs the start command and the specific command to the second control means before displaying the specific display. This is the gist.

[0313] The gaming machine according to Invention E1 is provided with a first control means (main control unit 100) for controlling the game and a second control means (effect control unit 120) for controlling the effect, wherein the first control means can display a specific display (lighting of the right hitting state LED 8h) indicating that the launch direction of the game ball is a specific direction (right) on a first display means (displays 8), and the second control means can display a launch display (right arrow image G120, right large arrow image G121, right hitting lamp 54a) indicating the specific direction on a second display means (image display device 50, panel lamp 54) during display of the specific display, wherein the launch display includes a first launch display (lighting of the right arrow image G120, right hitting lamp 54a) linked to the display of the specific display and a second launch display (right large arrow image G121) not linked to the display of the specific display. This is the gist.

[0314] The gaming machine according to Invention E2 is A gaming machine according to Invention E1, The first launch display includes a display whose display mode changes (right arrow image G120) and a display whose display mode does not change (lighting of the right hit lamp 54a). It is characterized by this.

[0315] A gaming machine according to Invention E3 is A gaming machine according to Invention E1 or Invention E2, The first control means is It is possible to enter a jackpot gaming state in which the game ball is launched in the specific direction, When entering the jackpot gaming state, the specific display is displayed on the first display means, and it is possible to output a first command (right hit command) and a second command (OP command) to the second control means. The second control means is Displays the first launch display in response to input of the first command, Displays the second launch display in response to input of the second command. It is characterized by this.

[0316] A gaming machine according to Invention E4 is A gaming machine according to Invention E3, The second launch display is displayed after the first launch display and is larger than the first launch display. It is characterized by this.

[0317] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above-described basic embodiment or the first embodiment is also applicable to the second embodiment.

[0318] First, the front door 23 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 42. FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the lower part of the front door 23. On the front surface of the front door 23, as shown in FIG. 42, a normal button 40, a handle 72k, and a lever button 42 are provided as operation parts operable by the player.

[0319] The handle 72k is a handle for firing a game ball toward the game board 1, and is equipped with a touch sensor (not shown) for detecting that the player is gripping the handle 72k. When the handle 72k rotates to the right while the touch sensor is detecting, the game ball is fired.

[0320] The lever button 42 is provided on the left side of the normal button 40 and is a button used in the operation effect in the special figure variation effect, similar to the normal button 40. The lever button 42 is equipped with an LED (not shown) that can emit light in a predetermined emission color and a vibration motor (not shown) that can vibrate in a predetermined vibration mode, and is configured to be able to emit light by the LED and to be able to vibrate by the vibration motor. When an operation of pushing the lever button 42 backward or pulling it forward is performed by the player, a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit 50a, the panel lamp 54 lights up in a predetermined lighting mode, or a predetermined sound is output from the speaker 52. In the second embodiment, the size of the lever button 42 is made smaller than the size of the normal button 40, but it may be made larger than the size of the normal button 40.

[0321] Next, with reference to FIGS. 43 to 51, a special figure variation effect executable by the effect control microcomputer 121 according to the variation pattern selected by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The effect control microcomputer 121 can execute the following effects in the special figure variation effect in the non-time-limited state.

[0322] A. Normal variation "Normal variation" is an effect that may be performed in response to the start of the variable display of the special figure, and is an effect in which the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are variably displayed. Since "normal variation" is the first to be performed in the special figure variation effect, it functions as an effect suggesting that the special figure variation effect has started.

[0323] B. Reach "Reach" is an effect that may occur after "Normal Variation", and is an effect in which the left effect symbol EZ1 and the right effect symbol EZ3 stop and display the same type of effect symbol. Since "Reach" may occur when the result of the jackpot determination is "Jackpot Win", it functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game may be played. Also, since "Reach" may develop into reach effects such as "N-Reach", "SP-Reach", and "SPSP-Reach" afterwards, it also functions as an effect suggesting that a reach effect may be performed.

[0324] C. N-Reach "N-Reach" is an effect that may occur after "Reach" is established, and is a reach effect in which the variation speed of the middle effect symbol EZ2 gradually decelerates. Since "N-Reach" may occur when the result of the jackpot determination is "Jackpot Win", it functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game may be played.

[0325] D. SP-Reach "SP-Reach" is an effect that may occur after "N-Reach", and is a reach effect in which the main character and the enemy character battle. Since "SP-Reach" is more likely to occur when the result of the jackpot determination is "Jackpot Win" than when it is "Loss", it functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game is highly likely to be played.

[0326] E. SPSP-Reach "SPSP reach" is an effect that may occur after "SP reach", and is a reach effect in which the main character battles a strong enemy character. "SPSP reach" is more likely to occur when the result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot win" than when it is "miss", so it functions as an effect that suggests that there is a high possibility of a jackpot game being played. Also, since a jackpot game is more likely to be played when "SP reach" develops into "SPSP reach" than when it does not develop from "SP reach" into "SPSP reach", "SPSP reach" also functions as an effect that suggests that there is a high possibility of a jackpot game being played compared to "SP reach".

[0327] F. Character Voice Preview The "Character Voice Preview" is an effect that may occur during an "N Reach", and is a preview effect in which the voice of the main character or heroine character is output from speaker 52 in response to operation of normal button 40 or lever button 42. The "Character Voice Preview" may subsequently develop into an "SP Reach", and therefore functions as an effect suggesting that an "SP Reach" may occur.

[0328] G. Cut-in notice The "cut-in preview" is an effect that may occur during an "SP reach", and is a preview effect in which the main character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a in response to the operation of the normal button 40. The "cut-in preview" may subsequently develop into an "SPSP reach", and therefore functions as an effect suggesting that an "SPSP reach" may occur.

[0329] H. Roulette Notice "Roulette Preview" is an effect that may be performed in "SPSP Reach". It is a preview effect that selects one technique from a plurality of techniques (technique images G600a, G600b, G600c) according to the operation of the lever button 42. Since the production symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may stop and be displayed in a triple showing a big win after the "Roulette Preview", it functions as an effect suggesting that a big win game may be played.

[0330] Next, with reference to FIG. 43, the production flow of the main special symbol variation effect executed in the non-time-saving state will be described. In each effect constituting the production flow, the production control microcomputer 121 can display a production image on the display unit 50a, and according to the display of the production image, perform a light emission effect using the frame lamp 53 and the panel lamp 54, and a sound effect using the speaker 52.

[0331] As shown in FIG. 43(A), in the special symbol variation effects where the variation pattern is "SPSP big win variation" or "SPSP loss variation", a production flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach" → "SPSP reach" is executed. In these special symbol variation effects, "character voice preview" may be performed in "N reach", "cut-in preview" may be performed in "SP reach", and "roulette preview" may be performed in "SPSP reach".

[0332] Also, as shown in FIG. 43(B), in the special symbol variation effects where the variation pattern is "SP big win variation" or "SP loss variation", a production flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach" is executed. In these special symbol variation effects, "character voice preview" may be performed in "N reach", and "cut-in preview" may be performed in "SP reach".

[0333] Also, as shown in FIG. 43(C), in the special figure variation effect where the variation pattern is "N-miss variation", an effect flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N-reach" is executed. Note that in this special figure variation effect, "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" are not performed.

[0334] Also, as shown in FIG. 43(D), in the special figure variation effect where the variation pattern is "normal miss variation", an effect flow composed of only "normal variation" is executed. Note that in this special figure variation effect, "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" are not performed.

[0335] Next, the main effects executed in the special figure variation effect will be specifically described. Note that in the special figure variation effect described below, the display of the hold icon HA is also performed in parallel, but the illustration of the hold icon HA may be omitted.

[0336] First, the "character voice preview" will be specifically described. The effect control microcomputer 121 can execute the "character voice preview" in the "N-reach" of the special figure variation effect where the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation", "SP jackpot variation", "SPSP miss variation", or "SP miss variation".

[0337] In the performance memory unit 121b of the dedicated microcomputer 121 for performance control, as shown in FIG. 44, a character voice preview selection table 123a1 and a voice volume selection table 123a2 are stored. The dedicated microcomputer 121 for performance control can select whether to execute the "character voice preview" using the character voice preview selection table 123a1, and the type of voice when the "character voice preview" is executed. When the "character voice preview" is executed, the voice volume can be selected using the voice volume selection table 123a2. There are two types of voice types, "Chance" and "Congratulations", and there are three volumes from the first to the third for the voice volume. Although details will be described later, the voice volume varies depending on the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 displayed by operating the normal button 40 or the lever button 42 in the "character voice preview".

[0338] FIG. 45(A) is a diagram showing the content of the character voice preview selection table 123a1. The dedicated microcomputer 121 for performance control refers to the type of variation pattern and selects whether to execute the "character voice preview" and the type of voice when the "character voice preview" is executed.

[0339] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), the execution of the "character voice preview" with the voice of "Chance" is selected at a rate of 70%, the execution of the "character voice preview" with the voice of "Congratulations" is selected at a rate of 20%, and the non-execution of the "character voice preview" is selected at a rate of 10%.

[0340] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP loss variation" (THP011) or "SP loss variation" (THP012), the execution of the "character voice preview" with the voice of "Chance" is selected at a rate of 50%, the non-execution of the "character voice preview" is selected at a rate of 50%, and the execution of the "character voice preview" with the voice of "Congratulations" is not selected.

[0341] Also, when the variation pattern is "N losing variation" (THP013), the non-execution of the "character voice preview" is selected at a rate of 100%, and the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Chance" and the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" are not selected.

[0342] That is, the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" is set to be selected only when the result of the jackpot determination corresponds to the variation pattern of "jackpot win", and the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game is being played.

[0343] Also, the execution of the "character voice preview" is set to be selected only when the variation pattern includes "SP reach" in the effect flow, and the "character voice preview" functions as an effect suggesting the development into "SP reach".

[0344] In the second embodiment, the execution of the "character voice preview" is set to be selected only when the variation pattern includes "SP reach" in the effect flow. However, even for a variation pattern that does not include "SP reach" in the effect flow, the execution of the "character voice preview" may be selected. In this case, it is preferable to make it more difficult to select the execution of the "character voice preview" for the variation pattern that does not include "SP reach" in the effect flow than for the variation pattern that includes "SP reach" in the effect flow. Note that the selection rate indicated by the character voice preview selection table 123a1 shown in FIG. 45(A) can be changed as appropriate.

[0345] FIG. 45(B) is a diagram showing the content of the voice volume selection table 123a2. The effect control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of variation pattern and the type of display mode of the main character character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 displayed when the player operates the normal button 40 or the lever button 42 in the "character voice preview", and selects the volume of the voice output from the speaker 52 in the "character voice preview". Details of the type of display mode of the main character character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 will be described later.

[0346] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is "main character character" and "weapon A", the first volume is selected at a ratio of 70%, the second volume is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the third volume is not selected.

[0347] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is "main character character" and "weapon B", the second volume is selected at a ratio of 70%, the third volume is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the first volume is not selected.

[0348] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is "main character character" and "weapon C", the third volume is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the first volume and the second volume are not selected.

[0349] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is "heroine character" and "color A", the first volume is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the second volume and the third volume are not selected.

[0350] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is "hero character" and "color B", the second volume is selected at a ratio of 70%, the third volume is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the first volume is not selected.

[0351] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP loss variation" (THP011) or "SP loss variation" (THP012), regardless of the type of display mode, the second volume is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the first volume and the third volume are not selected.

[0352] That is, only in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to the result of a jackpot determination being "jackpot win", the first volume and the third volume are set to be selected, and the "character voice preview" in which the voice of the protagonist character or the heroine character is output at the first volume or the third volume functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game is being played.

[0353] Also, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to the result of a jackpot determination being "loss", when the type of display mode is "protagonist character", the second volume is always set to be selected. On the other hand, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to the result of a jackpot determination being "jackpot win", when the type of display mode is "protagonist character", when it is "weapon A", the first volume is more likely to be selected than the second volume, and when it is "weapon B", the second volume is more likely to be selected than the third volume. The "character voice preview" with the type of display mode being "protagonist character" and "weapon A" functions as an effect that more easily suggests that a jackpot game is being played than the "character voice preview" with the type of display mode being "protagonist character" and "weapon B".

[0354] Also, when the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon A", the first volume is likely to be selected. When the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon B", the second volume is likely to be selected. When the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon C", it is set so that the third volume is likely to be selected. For the "character voice preview" when "main character" and "Weapon A" are displayed, the probability that the voice of the main character is output at the first volume is high. For the "character voice preview" when "main character" and "Weapon B" are displayed, the probability that the voice of the main character is output at the second volume is high. For the "character voice preview" when "main character" and "Weapon C" are displayed, it can be said that the probability that the voice of the main character is output at the third volume is high. Note that the selection ratio indicated by the voice volume selection table 123a2 shown in FIG. 45(B) can be changed as appropriate.

[0355] In the second embodiment, the selected volume is made different according to the type of variation pattern. However, regardless of the type of variation pattern, the same volume may be selected. For example, when the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon A", the first volume is always selected. When the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon B", the second volume is always selected. When the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon C", the third volume is always selected. On the other hand, when the type of display mode is "heroine character", the second volume may always be selected.

[0356] When the production control microcomputer 121 executes the "character voice preview" in the special figure variation production, it executes the "character voice preview" with the type and volume of the voice selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a1 and the voice volume selection table 123a2.

[0357] Figs. 46(A) to 46(G), Figs. 47(A) to 47(B), Figs. 48(A) to 48(D), and Figs. 49(A) to 49(B) are diagrams showing how a "character voice preview" is performed. In the special figure variation effect, when a "reach" is achieved and as shown in Fig. 46(A), when an "N reach" is performed, a "character voice preview" is performed.

[0358] In the "character voice preview", operations of the normal button 40 and the lever button 42 become effective. As shown in Fig. 46(B), a normal button image G31 imitating the normal button 40 and a lever button image G300 imitating the lever button 42 are displayed at the lower center of the display unit 50a. An upward arrow image is added to the lever button image G300 to prompt the player to push the lever button 42 deeper.

[0359] When the normal button image G31 and the lever button image G300 are being displayed and the player operates the normal button 40, as shown in Fig. 46(C), the lever button image G300 is erased and a main character image G200 representing the main character is displayed on the display unit 50a. In the second embodiment, the main character image G200 is displayed by operating the normal button 40, but it may also be displayed before the operation of the normal button 40. For example, the main character image G200 may be displayed simultaneously with the display of the normal button image G31.

[0360] After that, when the player operates the normal button 40 again, as shown in Fig. 46(D), a weapon A image G301 representing "Weapon A" is displayed on the main character image G200. The weapon A image G301 is an image representing a single gold bar, suggesting that the main character is equipped with a gold bar.

[0361] After that, when the player operates the normal button 40 again, as shown in FIG. 46(E), the weapon A image G301 representing "Weapon A" changes to the weapon B image G302 representing "Weapon B". The weapon B image G302 is an image representing two daggers, suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with daggers.

[0362] After that, when the player operates the normal button 40 again, as shown in FIG. 46(F), the weapon B image G302 representing "Weapon B" changes to the weapon C image G303 representing "Weapon C". The weapon C image G303 is an image representing three bullets, suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with bullets.

[0363] In the second embodiment, when the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, even if the player further operates the normal button 40, the display of the weapon C image G303 is maintained. However, by further operating the normal button 40, the weapon C image G303 may be returned to the weapon A image G301.

[0364] When a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses after the normal button image G31 is displayed, the normal button image G31 is erased, and the weapon image displayed at that time is fixedly displayed. Note that if the normal button 40 is not operated after the protagonist character image G200 is displayed, no weapon image is displayed. FIG. 46(G) shows a case where the weapon C image G303 is fixedly displayed on the protagonist character image G205.

[0365] When a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses after the normal button image G31 is erased, the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52. At this time, when "Chance" is selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a1, as shown in FIG. 47(A), the voice of the protagonist character saying "Chance" is output from the speaker 52. When "Congratulations" is selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a1, as shown in FIG. 47(B), the voice of the protagonist character saying "Congratulations" is output from the speaker 52.

[0366] The voice of the protagonist character is output at the volume selected by the voice volume selection table 123a2, and is output at one of the first volume, the second volume, and the third volume. The second volume is the same volume as the various voices output from the speaker 52 before the "character voice preview" is performed. When no weapon image is displayed without operating the normal button 40, the voice of the protagonist character is output at this second volume. Also, the first volume is a volume smaller than the second volume, and the third volume is a volume larger than the second volume.

[0367] Specifically, when the fixedly displayed weapon image is the weapon A image G301, the voice of the protagonist character is output at either the first volume or the second volume. When the fixedly displayed weapon image is the weapon B image G302, the voice of the protagonist character is output at either the second volume or the third volume. When the fixedly displayed weapon image is the weapon C image G303, the voice of the protagonist character is output at either the second volume or the third volume (see FIG. 45(B)).

[0368] Then, when the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52, the protagonist character image G200 and the weapon image are erased, and the "character voice preview" ends. In the second embodiment, when the voice of the protagonist character in the "character voice preview" is output at the first volume or the third volume, the volume of the various voices output thereafter returns to the second volume. However, when the voice of the protagonist character is output at the first volume, the first volume may continue thereafter, and when the voice of the protagonist character is output at the third volume, the third volume may continue thereafter.

[0369] Also, in the second embodiment, even when no weapon image is displayed, in other words, even when the normal button 40 is not operated, the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52. However, when the player does not operate the normal button 40, the voice of the protagonist character may not be output from the speaker 52.

[0370] On the other hand, when the normal button image G31 and the lever button image G300 are being displayed (see Fig. 46(B)), if the player presses the lever button 42, as shown in Fig. 48(A), the normal button image G31 is erased, and a heroine character image G205 representing the heroine character is displayed on the display unit 50a. This heroine character image G205 is displayed in a display color based on blue. In the second embodiment, the heroine character image G205 is displayed by operating the lever button 42, but the heroine character image G205 may be displayed even before operating the lever button 42. For example, the heroine character image G205 may be displayed simultaneously with the display of the lever button image G300.

[0371] After that, if the player presses the lever button 42 again, as shown in Fig. 48(B), the heroine character image G205 changes to a display color based on red.

[0372] After that, if the player presses the lever button 42 again, as shown in Fig. 48(C), the heroine character image G205 changes to a display color based on gold.

[0373] In the second embodiment, when the heroine character image G205 changes to a display color based on gold, even if the player further operates the lever button 42, the display color based on gold is maintained, but it may be set to return to the display color based on blue by further operating the lever button 42.

[0374] Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) elapses after the lever button image G300 is displayed, the lever button image G300 is erased, and at that time, the display color of the heroine character image G205 being displayed is fixed and shown. Note that if the lever button 42 is not operated after the heroine character image G205 is displayed, the display color of the heroine character image G205 remains unchanged with blue as the base color. FIG. 48(D) shows the case where the heroine character image G205 is fixed with a display color based on gold.

[0375] Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) elapses after the lever button image G300 is erased, the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52. At this time, if "Chance" is selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a1, as shown in FIG. 49(A), the voice of the heroine character saying "Chance" is output from the speaker 52. If "Congratulations" is selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a1, as shown in FIG. 49(B), the voice of the heroine character saying "Congratulations" is output from the speaker 52.

[0376] The voice of the heroine character is output at the volume selected by the voice volume selection table 123a2, and is output at any one of the first volume, the second volume, and the third volume. The second volume is the same as the volume of various voices output from the speaker 52 before the "character voice preview" is performed. When the heroine character image G205 remains unchanged with blue as the base color without operating the lever button 42, the voice of the heroine character is output at this second volume. Also, the first volume is smaller than the second volume, and the third volume is larger than the second volume.

[0377] Specifically, when the fixed heroine character image G205 has a display color based on red, the voice of the heroine character is output at the first volume. When the fixed heroine character image G205 has a display color based on gold, the voice of the heroine character is output at either the second volume or the third volume (see FIG. 45(B)).

[0378] Then, when the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52, the heroine character image G205 and the weapon image are erased, and the "character voice preview" ends. In the second embodiment, when the voice of the heroine character in the "character voice preview" is output at the first volume or the third volume, the volumes of various voices output thereafter are set to return to the second volume. However, when the voice of the heroine character is output at the first volume, the first volume may continue thereafter, and when the voice of the heroine character is output at the third volume, the third volume may continue thereafter.

[0379] Also, in the second embodiment, even when the heroine character image G205 remains in the display color based on blue, in other words, even when the lever button 42 is not operated, the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52. However, when the player does not operate the lever button 42, the voice of the heroine character may not be output from the speaker 52.

[0380] Also, in the second embodiment, an example is given in which no voice is output from the speaker 52 between the change in the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 and the output of the voice of the protagonist character or the heroine character. However, between the change in the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 and the output of the voice of the protagonist character or the heroine character, a predetermined voice may be output. In this case, the volume of the predetermined voice may be output at the same volume as the volume selected by the voice volume selection table 123a2, or may be output at a predetermined volume (for example, the second volume) regardless of the volume selected by the voice volume selection table 123a2.

[0381] Next, the "cut-in preview" will be specifically described. The production control microcomputer 121 can execute the "cut-in preview" in the "SP reach" of the special figure variation performance with the variation patterns of "SPSP jackpot variation", "SP jackpot variation", "SPSP loss variation", and "SP loss variation".

[0382] As shown in FIG. 44, a cut-in preview selection table 123a3 is stored in the production memory unit 121b of the production control microcomputer 121. The production control microcomputer 121 can use the cut-in preview selection table 123a3 to select whether to execute the "cut-in preview" and the type of cut-in frame when the "cut-in preview" is executed. There are two types of cut-in frames: 'blue frame' and'red frame'.

[0383] FIG. 45(C) is a diagram showing the content of the cut-in preview selection table 123a3. The production control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of variation pattern to select whether to execute the "cut-in preview" and the type of cut-in frame when the "cut-in preview" is executed.

[0384] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), the execution of the "cut-in preview" with the 'blue frame' is selected at a rate of 20%, the execution of the "cut-in preview" with the'red frame' is selected at a rate of 40%, and the non-execution of the "cut-in preview" is selected at a rate of 40%.

[0385] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP loss variation" (THP011) or "SP loss variation" (THP012), the execution of the "cut-in preview" with the 'blue frame' is selected at a rate of 50%, the execution of the "cut-in preview" with the'red frame' is selected at a rate of 10%, and the non-execution of the "cut-in preview" is selected at a rate of 40%.

[0386] That is, the variation pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination being "jackpot win" makes it easier for the execution of the "cut-in preview" of the "red frame" to be selected than the variation pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination being "miss", and the "cut-in preview" of the "red frame" functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of a jackpot game being played.

[0387] Also, the case where the variation pattern including "SPSP reach" is included in the effect flow makes it easier for the execution of the "cut-in preview" of the "red frame" to be selected than the case where the variation pattern not including "SPSP reach" is included in the effect flow, and the "cut-in preview" of the "red frame" functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of developing into "SPSP reach".

[0388] In the second embodiment, the execution of the "cut-in preview" is set to be selected only in the case of the variation pattern including "SP reach" in the effect flow. However, even in the case of the variation pattern not including "SP reach" in the effect flow, the execution of the "cut-in preview" may be selected. In this case, it is preferable that the case where the variation pattern not including "SP reach" in the effect flow makes it more difficult for the execution of the "cut-in preview" to be selected than the case where the variation pattern including "SP reach" is included in the effect flow. Note that the selection ratio shown by the cut-in preview selection table 123a3 shown in FIG. 45(C) can be changed as appropriate.

[0389] When the effect control microcomputer 121 executes the "cut-in preview" in the special figure variation effect, it executes the "cut-in preview" with the type of cut-in frame selected by the cut-in preview selection table 123a3.

[0390] FIGS. 50(A) to 50(D) are diagrams showing how the "cut-in preview" is performed. When developing into "SP reach" in the special figure variation effect, as shown in FIG. 50(A), when the protagonist character tries to attack the enemy character, the "cut-in preview" is performed.

[0391] In the "Cut-in Preview", the operation of the normal button 40 becomes effective, and as shown in FIG. 50(B), a normal button image G31 imitating the normal button 40 is displayed at the lower center of the display unit 50a. Then, when the normal button image G31 is being displayed and the player operates the normal button 40, or when a predetermined operation effective time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses without the player operating the normal button 40, as shown in FIG. 50(C), the normal button image G31 is erased, and a cut-in frame image G400 and a protagonist character image G200 are displayed on the display unit 50a. At this time, when "blue frame" is selected by the cut-in preview selection table 123a3, the cut-in frame image G400 is displayed in blue, and when "red frame" is selected by the cut-in preview selection table 123a3, the cut-in frame image G400 is displayed in red.

[0392] Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) elapses after the cut-in frame image G400 and the protagonist character image G200 are displayed, as shown in FIG. 50(D), the voice "Go!" of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52. The volume of this voice of the protagonist character is output at the second volume regardless of whether the player has operated the normal button 40 or not.

[0393] Then, when the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52, the cut-in frame image G400 and the protagonist character image G200 are erased, and the "Cut-in Preview" ends.

[0394] In the second embodiment, in the "Cut-in Notice", even when the "Character Voice Notice" was given in "N Reach", the volume of the voice of the protagonist character output in the "Cut-in Notice" is output at the second volume regardless of the volume of the voice of the protagonist character output in the "Character Voice Notice". However, when the "Character Voice Notice" was given in "N Reach", the voice of the protagonist character output in the "Cut-in Notice" may be output at the same volume as the volume of the voice of the protagonist character output in the "Character Voice Notice". For example, when the voice of the protagonist character is output at the first volume in the "Character Voice Notice", the voice of the protagonist character is also output at the first volume in the "Cut-in Notice", and when the voice of the protagonist character is output at the third volume in the "Character Voice Notice", the voice of the protagonist character may also be output at the third volume in the "Cut-in Notice".

[0395] Also, in the second embodiment, in the "Cut-in Notice", when the normal button 40 is operated, the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52. However, when the lever button 42 is operated, the voice of the protagonist character may be output from the speaker 52.

[0396] Next, the "Roulette Notice" will be specifically described. The production control microcomputer 121 can execute the "Roulette Notice" in the "SPSP Reach" in the special figure variation production with the variation patterns of "SPSP Jackpot Variation" and "SPSP Loss Variation".

[0397] Figs. 51(A) to 51(C) are diagrams showing how the "Roulette Notice" is given. When the special figure variation production develops into "SPSP Reach" and as shown in Fig. 51(A), when the protagonist character tries to attack the powerful enemy character, the "Roulette Notice" is given.

[0398] In the "Roulette Preview", the operation of the lever button 42 becomes effective. As shown in FIG. 51(B), a skill image G600 representing the skills that the protagonist character can use is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. At the same time, a lever button image G300 imitating the lever button 42 is displayed below the skill image G600, and a downward arrow image is displayed on the lever button image G300 to prompt the player to pull the lever button 42. The skill image G600 consists of a skill image G600a indicating that the skill the protagonist character uses is "Punch", a skill image G600b indicating that the skill the protagonist character uses is "Chop", and a skill image G600c representing that the skill the protagonist character uses is "Kick". Initially, only the skill image G600a is displayed.

[0399] When the player pulls the lever button 42 forward while the lever button image G300 is displayed, the image displayed as the skill image G600 switches. Each time the lever button 42 is pulled forward, the displayed image switches in the order of skill image G600a → skill image G600b → skill image G600c.

[0400] Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses after the lever button image G300 is displayed, the lever button image G300 is erased, and the skill image G600 displayed at that time is fixedly displayed. At this time, a sound effect of "Pikoh" is output from the speaker 52 to indicate that the skill image G600 is fixedly displayed. The volume of this sound effect is output at the second volume regardless of whether the player operates the lever button 42. FIG. 51(C) shows the case where the skill image G600c is fixedly displayed.

[0401] Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) elapses after the skill image G600 is fixedly displayed, the skill image G600 is erased, and the "Roulette Preview" ends. After that, in the final stage of "SPSP Reach", the protagonist character uses the skill corresponding to the fixedly displayed skill image G600, and a scene where the protagonist character wins against the strong enemy character or a scene where the strong enemy character wins against the protagonist character is displayed on the display unit 50a.

[0402] In the second embodiment, even when the "character voice preview" is being performed in "N reach", the volume of the sound effect output in the "roulette preview" is output at the second volume regardless of the volume of the voice of the protagonist character or heroine character output in the "character voice preview". However, when the "character voice preview" is being performed in "N reach", the sound effect output in the "roulette preview" may be output at the same volume as the volume of the voice of the protagonist character or heroine character output in the "character voice preview". For example, when the voice of the protagonist character or heroine character is output at the first volume in the "character voice preview", the sound effect is also output at the first volume in the "roulette preview", and when the voice of the protagonist character or heroine character is output at the third volume in the "character voice preview", the sound effect may also be output at the third volume in the "roulette preview".

[0403] Also, in the second embodiment, in the "roulette preview", the image displayed as the skill image G600 is switched by operating the lever button 42, but the image displayed as the skill image G600 may be switched by operating the normal button 40.

[0404] <Consideration of the Second Embodiment> Next, consider the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the second embodiment. First, consider the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 displayed in the "Character Voice Preview". In the "Character Voice Preview", the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a by operating the normal button 40. Then, each time the normal button 40 is operated while the protagonist character image G200 is being displayed, one of the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, and the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200. That is, in the "Character Voice Preview", it can be said that the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 changes when the normal button 40 is operated while the protagonist character image G200 is being displayed.

[0405] Next, consider the display mode of the heroine character image G205 displayed in the "Character Voice Preview". In the "Character Voice Preview", the heroine character image G205 is displayed on the display unit 50a by operating the lever button 42. Then, each time the lever button 42 is operated while the heroine character image G205 is being displayed, the display color changes to either a display color based on red or a display color based on gold. That is, in the "Character Voice Preview", it can be said that the display mode of the heroine character image G205 changes when the lever button 42 is operated while the heroine character image G205 is being displayed.

[0406] Next, in the "Character Voice Preview", we will consider the display mode when the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 and the display mode when the heroine character image G205 has a display color based on gold. In the "Character Voice Preview", the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a by operating the normal button 40, and the heroine character image G205 is displayed by operating the lever button 42. And each time the normal button 40 is operated while the protagonist character image G200 is being displayed, the weapon images change in the order of weapon A image G301 → weapon B image G302 → weapon C image G303. When the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, even if the normal button 40 is further operated, the weapon C image G303 does not change. On the other hand, each time the lever button 42 is operated while the heroine character image G205 is being displayed, the display color changes in the order of a display color based on red → a display color based on gold. When the heroine character image G205 has a display color based on gold, even if the lever button 42 is further operated, the display color does not change. That is to say, both the state where the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 and the state where the heroine character image G205 has a display color based on gold can be said to be the final display modes.

[0407] Next, we will consider the display mode of the skill image G600 displayed in the "Roulette Preview". In the "Roulette Preview", each time the lever button 42 is operated while the skill image G600 is being displayed, the skill image G600 switches in the order of the skill image G600a indicating "Punch" → the skill image G600b indicating "Chop" → the skill image G600c indicating "Kick". That is to say, in the "Roulette Preview", when the lever button 42 is operated while the skill image G600 is being displayed, it can be said that the display mode of the skill image G600 changes.

[0408] Next, consider the volume of the voice of the protagonist character output in the "Character Voice Preview". In the "Character Voice Preview", after the display of the protagonist character image G200, the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52. The volume of the voice of the protagonist character is selected by the voice volume selection table 123a2, and the types of volume include the smallest first volume, the second volume larger than the first volume, and the third volume larger than the second volume. The third volume is selected with the highest probability when the "bullet" is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 (see Fig. 45(B)). That is, when the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 in a state where the weapon C image G303 representing the "bullet" is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, compared with the case where the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 in a state where the weapon C image G303 representing the "bullet" is not displayed on the protagonist character image G200, it can be said that the probability of outputting the voice of the protagonist character at the largest third volume is high.

[0409] Next, in the "Character Voice Preview", consider the relationship between the volume when the protagonist character image G200 is displayed and the volume when the heroine character image G205 is displayed. In the "Character Voice Preview", after the display of the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205, the voice of the protagonist character or the heroine character is output from the speaker 52. The volume of the voice of the protagonist character and the volume of the voice of the heroine character are selected by the voice volume selection table 123a2, and the largest third volume is more likely to be selected when the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 than when the display color of the heroine character image G205 is based on gold (see Fig. 45(B)). That is, when the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 in the state where the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 (the protagonist character image G200 is in the final display mode), compared with the case where the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52 in the state where the display color of the heroine character image G205 is based on gold (the heroine character image G205 is in the final display mode), it can be said that the probability that the character's voice is output at the largest third volume is higher.

[0410] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, the effects of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the second embodiment will be described.

[0411] (1) In the "Character Voice Preview", when the player operates the normal button 40, the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a, while when the player operates the lever button 42, the heroine character image G205 is displayed on the display unit 50a. Therefore, the player can arbitrarily select the type of character to be displayed, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0412] (2) In the "Character Voice Preview", when the player operates the normal button 40 while the protagonist character image G200 is being displayed, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 changes. Thus, the player can arbitrarily change the display mode of the protagonist character image G200, making it possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0413] (3) In the "Character Voice Preview", when the player operates the lever button 42 while the heroine character image G205 is being displayed, the display mode of the heroine character image G205 changes. Thus, the player can arbitrarily change the display mode of the heroine character image G200, making it possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0414] (4) In the "Character Voice Preview", after the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a, the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52, and after the heroine character image G205 is displayed on the display unit 50a, the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52. Therefore, the image displayed on the display unit 50a and the voice output from the speaker 52 can be associated with each other, making it possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0415] (5) In the "Character Voice Preview", whether the protagonist character image G200 is displayed or the heroine character image G205 is displayed, the same content voice is output as the content of the voice output from the speaker 52 thereafter. Therefore, the production content can be made easier to understand, making it possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0416] (6) In the "Character Voice Preview", whether the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 or the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52, it is output at any one of the first volume, the second volume, and the third volume. Therefore, the variations in the loudness of the voices of the protagonist character and the heroine character can be increased, making it possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0417] (7) In the "Character Voice Preview", when the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 in a state where the protagonist character image G200 is in the final display mode (weapon C image G303 representing "Bullet"), the probability that the voice of the character is output at the third volume, which is the loudest, is higher than when the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52 in a state where the heroine character image G205 is in the final display mode (display color based on gold). Therefore, depending on the type of character that has changed to the final stage, it is possible to suggest the possibility that the voice of the character is output at the third volume, which can enhance the interest of the game.

[0418] <Modification Example of the Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a modification example of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the second embodiment will be described. Of course, the components related to the modification examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration. Also, the technical features in the above-described embodiment and the following modification examples can be appropriately deleted if they are not described as essential in this specification.

[0419] In the second embodiment, the "Character Voice Preview" is performed in the "N Reach" of the special figure variation effect. However, it may be performed before the "N Reach" or after the "N Reach".

[0420] Also, in the second embodiment, the "Cut-in Preview" is performed in the "SP Reach" of the special figure variation effect. However, it may be performed after the "Character Voice Preview" or may be performed outside the "SP Reach". For example, in the "N Reach", the "Cut-in Preview" may be performed after the "Character Voice Preview" is executed, or the "Cut-in Preview" may be performed in the "SPSP Reach".

[0421] Also, in the second embodiment, the "roulette preview" is performed in the "SPSP reach" of the special figure variation effect. However, it may be performed after the "character voice preview", or it may be performed outside of "SPSP reach". For example, in the "N reach", the "roulette preview" may be performed after the "character voice preview" is executed. Or in the "SP reach", the "roulette preview" may be performed before or after the "cut-in preview" is executed.

[0422] Also, in the second embodiment, the "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" are performed based on the result (variation pattern) of the jackpot determination. However, they may be performed based on the type of the stopped symbol of the special figure. For example, when the stopped symbol of the special figure is a "certain change symbol", the "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" may be performed. In this case, it is possible to suggest that a high-probability state is reached by the "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview", and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0423] Also, in the second embodiment, the "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" are performed during the variable display of the first special figure in the non-time-limited state. However, they may be performed in a game state other than the non-time-limited state. For example, the "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" may be performed during the variable display of the second special figure in the time-limited state.

[0424] Also, in the second embodiment, in the "character voice preview", the display mode of the main character image G200 changes with the operation of the normal button 40, and the display mode of the heroine character image G205 changes with the operation of the lever button 42. However, the display mode of the main character image G200 may change with the operation of the lever button 42, and the display mode of the heroine character image G205 may change with the operation of the normal button 40.

[0425] Also, in the second embodiment, for the protagonist character image G200 displayed in the "Character Voice Notice", any one of the weapon A image G301, weapon B image G302, and weapon C image G303 is added by operating the normal button 40. However, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 may be changed by operating the normal button 40, and it is not limited to adding other images. For example, the expression of the protagonist character may change each time the normal button 40 is operated.

[0426] Also, in the second embodiment, the display color of the heroine character image G205 displayed in the "Character Voice Notice" is changed by operating the lever button 42. However, the display mode of the heroine character image G205 may be changed by operating the lever button 42, and it is not limited to the change of the display color. For example, the expression of the heroine character may change each time the lever button 42 is operated.

[0427] Also, in the second embodiment, the voice output in the "Character Voice Notice" is the voice of the protagonist character or the heroine character. However, other voices may be output. For example, sound effects such as "Kyuin" may be output, or sound effects may be output in addition to the voice of the protagonist character or the heroine character. In this case, it is preferable that the sound effects are output at the same volume as the volume selected by the voice volume selection table 123a2.

[0428] Also, in the second embodiment, in the "Character Voice Notice", when the protagonist character image G200 is displayed, the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52, and when the heroine character image G205 is displayed, the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52. However, the voice of the same character may be output from the speaker 52.

[0429] Also, in the second embodiment, the voice of the protagonist character output in the "character voice preview" is the same regardless of the display mode of the protagonist character image G200, but it may be set to output voices with different contents according to the display mode of the protagonist character image G200.

[0430] Also, in the second embodiment, the voice of the heroine character output in the "character voice preview" is the same regardless of the display mode of the heroine character image G205, but it may be set to output voices with different contents according to the display mode of the heroine character image G205.

[0431] Also, in the second embodiment, the types of volumes of the voice output in the "character voice preview" are three types: the first volume, the second volume, and the third volume, but it may be set to output voices with two types or four or more types of volumes.

[0432] Also, in the second embodiment, the voice output in the "character voice preview" is set to be output at any of the first volume, the second volume, and the third volume whether the protagonist character image G200 is displayed or the heroine character image G205 is displayed, but it may be set not to be output at some volumes. For example, when the protagonist character image G200 is displayed, the voice may be output at the third volume in some cases, while when the heroine character image G205 is displayed, the voice may not be output at the third volume.

[0433] <The invention disclosed in the second embodiment> Up to the previous paragraph in this [mode for carrying out the invention], the following invention AA is disclosed. In the description of invention AA, the names, expressions, and reference numerals used in the drawings of the corresponding configurations in the embodiments for carrying out the aforementioned invention are appended in parentheses for reference. However, the elements such as the means constituting each invention are not limited to this appendix. Note that invention AA is a general term for the following inventions AA1 to AA5.

[0434] In addition, for example, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-195889, an operation button operable by a player is provided, and an effect corresponding to the operation of the operation button may be performed. For example, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 below, when the operation button is operated, as a result, a jackpot preview suggesting the possibility of a jackpot is executed. In such a gaming machine, there is room for improvement in terms of the effect. Therefore, if the gaming machines according to the following Inventions AA1 to AA5 are realized, an improvement in the amusement of the game can be expected.

[0435] The gaming machine according to Invention AA1 is a gaming machine that performs a game using symbols (special figures), and includes an effect execution means (effect control microcomputer 121) that performs an effect using an effect means including operation means (normal button 40, lever button 42) operable by a player, voice output means (speaker 52) capable of outputting voice, and display means (image display device 50) capable of displaying an image. The effect execution means is capable of displaying a specific image (main character image G200, heroine character image G205) on the display means when the operation means is operated during the variable display of the symbols, and may output a predetermined voice (voice of the main character, voice of the heroine) from the voice output means after the display of the specific image. The operation means includes a first operation means (normal button 40) and a second operation means (lever button 42), the specific image includes a first image (main character image G200) and a second image (heroine character image G205), the first image is displayed when the first operation means is operated, while the second image is displayed when the second operation means is operated. It is characterized by this.

[0436] The gaming machine according to Invention AA2 is the gaming machine according to Invention AA1, wherein the effect execution means When the first operation means is operated during the display of the first image, while it is possible to change the display mode of the first image, when the second operation means is operated during the display of the second image, it is possible to change the display mode of the second image, which is characterized by the above.

[0437] The gaming machine according to Invention AA3 is a game according to Invention AA2, In any display mode of the first image and the second image, there is a final display mode (weapon C image G303, display color based on gold), The effect execution means Even when the first image is changed to the final display mode and then the predetermined sound is output, or when the second image is changed to the final display mode and then the predetermined sound is output, the same sound ('Chance', 'Congratulations') is output as the predetermined sound. which is characterized by the above.

[0438] The gaming machine according to Invention AA4 is a gaming machine according to Invention AA3, The voice output means There are cases where the predetermined sound is output at a first volume (first volume, second volume) and cases where the predetermined sound is output at a second volume (third volume) different from the first volume. which is characterized by the above.

[0439] The gaming machine according to Invention AA5 is a gaming machine according to Invention AA4, When the predetermined sound is output after the first image changes to the final display mode, the probability that the predetermined sound is output at the second volume is higher than when the predetermined sound is output after the second image changes to the final display mode. which is characterized by the above.

[0440] <Third Embodiment> Next, the third embodiment will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above-described basic embodiment or the first embodiment is also applicable to the third embodiment.

[0441] First, the front door 23 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 52. FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the lower part of the front door 23. As shown in FIG. 52, on the front surface of the front door 23, as an operation unit operable by the player, a normal button 40, a handle 72k, and a lever button 42 are provided.

[0442] The handle 72k is a handle for launching a game ball toward the game board 1, and is equipped with a touch sensor (not shown) for detecting that the player is holding the handle 72k. When the handle 72k rotates to the right while the touch sensor is detected, the game ball is launched.

[0443] The lever button 42 is provided on the left side of the normal button 40, and like the normal button 40, is a button used in the operation effect in the special figure variation effect. The lever button 42 is equipped with an LED (not shown) that can emit light in a predetermined emission color and a vibration motor (not shown) that can vibrate in a predetermined vibration mode, and is configured to be able to emit light by the LED and to be able to vibrate by the vibration motor. When an operation of pushing the lever button 42 backward or pulling it forward is performed by the player, a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit 50a, the panel lamp 54 lights up in a predetermined lighting mode, or a predetermined sound is output from the speaker 52. In the third embodiment, the size of the lever button 42 is made smaller than the size of the normal button 40, but it may be made larger than the size of the normal button 40.

[0444] Next, the on-board movable body 55k provided on the game board 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 53. As shown in FIG. 53(A), the on-board movable body 55k includes a left movable body 55Lk and a right movable body 55Rk. The left movable body 55Lk and the right movable body 55Rk each include a drive motor (not shown) and movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL that can emit light.

[0445] Each drive motor is composed of a stepping motor that rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the number of steps based on a pulse signal, and is electrically connected to the effect control microcomputer 121. The effect control microcomputer 121 can control the rotation of each drive motor to move the left movable body 55Lk and the right movable body 55Rk.

[0446] The left movable body 55Lk and the right movable body 55Rk are configured to be able to move between the standby position shown in FIG. 53(B) and the lowermost position shown in FIG. 53(C). The effect control microcomputer 121 can move one or both of the left movable body 55Lk and the right movable body 55Rk to an arbitrary position by controlling the rotation of each drive motor.

[0447] The movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL are electrically connected to the effect control microcomputer 121, and the effect control microcomputer 121 can cause the movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL to emit light to turn on or blink the left movable body 55Lk and the right movable body 55Rk.

[0448] In front of the movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL, movable body lenses 55LLr, 55RLr for diffusing the light emission of the movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL are provided. The effect control microcomputer 121 can turn on or blink the left movable body 55Lk and the right movable body 55Rk in an arbitrary color through the movable body lenses 55LLr, 55RLr by causing the movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL to emit light.

[0449] Next, with reference to FIGS. 54 to 62, a special figure variation effect that the effect control microcomputer 121 can execute according to the variation pattern selected by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The effect control microcomputer 121 can execute the following effects in the special figure variation effect in the non-time shortening state.

[0450] A. Normal variation "Normal Variation" is an effect that may be performed in response to the start of the variable display in the special drawing, and is an effect in which the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are variably displayed. Since "Normal Variation" is performed first in the special drawing variation effect, it functions as an effect suggesting that the special drawing variation effect has started.

[0451] B. Reach "Reach" is an effect that may be performed after "Normal Variation", and is an effect in which the left effect symbol EZ1 and the right effect symbol EZ3 stop and are displayed as the same type of effect symbol. Since "Reach" may be performed when the result of the jackpot determination is "Jackpot Win", it functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game may be played. Also, since "Reach" may develop into reach effects such as "N-Reach", "SP-Reach", and "SPSP-Reach" thereafter, it also functions as an effect suggesting that a reach effect may be performed.

[0452] C. N-Reach "N-Reach" is an effect that may be performed after "Reach" is established, and is a reach effect in which the variation speed of the middle effect symbol EZ2 gradually decreases. Since "N-Reach" may be performed when the result of the jackpot determination is "Jackpot Win", it functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game may be played.

[0453] D. SP-Reach "SP-Reach" is an effect that may be performed after "N-Reach", and is a reach effect in which the protagonist character and the enemy character battle. Since "SP-Reach" is more likely to be performed when the result of the jackpot determination is "Jackpot Win" than when it is "Loss", it functions as an effect suggesting that the possibility of a jackpot game being played is high.

[0454] E. SPSP-Reach "SPSP reach" is an effect that may occur after "SP reach", and is a reach effect in which the main character battles a strong enemy character. "SPSP reach" is more likely to occur when the result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot win" than when it is "miss", so it functions as an effect that suggests that there is a high possibility of a jackpot game being played. Also, since a jackpot game is more likely to be played when "SP reach" develops into "SPSP reach" than when it does not develop from "SP reach" into "SPSP reach", "SPSP reach" also functions as an effect that suggests that there is a high possibility of a jackpot game being played compared to "SP reach".

[0455] F. Character Voice Preview The "Character Voice Announcement" is an effect that may occur in an "N Reach", in which the voice of the main character or heroine character is output from the speaker 52 and the movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL of the on-board movable body 55k light up in response to the operation of the normal button 40 or the lever button 42. The "Character Voice Announcement" may subsequently develop into an "SP Reach", and therefore functions as an effect suggesting that an "SP Reach" may occur.

[0456] G. Gimmick Announcement The "gimmick announcement" is an effect that may occur during an "SP reach", and is an announcement effect in which the on-board movable body 55k moves in response to the operation of the normal button 40. Since the "gimmick announcement" may subsequently develop into an "SPSP reach", it functions as an effect suggesting that an "SPSP reach" may occur.

[0457] H. Roulette Notice "Roulette Preview" is an effect that may be performed in "SPSP Reach". It is a preview effect that selects one technique from a plurality of techniques (technique images G600a, G600b, G600c) according to the operation of the lever button 42. Since the production symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may stop and be displayed as a triple showing a big win after the "Roulette Preview", it functions as an effect suggesting that a big win game may be played.

[0458] Next, with reference to FIG. 54, the production flow of the main special symbol variation effect executed in the non-time shortening state will be described. In each effect constituting the production flow, the production control microcomputer 121 displays a production image on the display unit 50a, and according to the display of the production image, it is possible to execute a light emission effect using the frame lamp 53 and the panel lamp 54, and a sound effect using the speaker 52.

[0459] As shown in FIG. 54(A), in the special symbol variation effects where the variation pattern is "SPSP big win variation" or "SPSP loss variation", a production flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach" → "SPSP reach" is executed. In these special symbol variation effects, "character voice preview" may be performed in "N reach", "gimmick preview" may be performed in "SP reach", and "roulette preview" may be performed in "SPSP reach".

[0460] Also, as shown in FIG. 54(B), in the special symbol variation effects where the variation pattern is "SP big win variation" or "SP loss variation", a production flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach" is executed. In these special symbol variation effects, "character voice preview" may be performed in "N reach", and "gimmick preview" may be performed in "SP reach".

[0461] Also, as shown in FIG. 54(C), in the special figure variation effect where the variation pattern is "N miss variation", an effect flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" is executed. Note that in this special figure variation effect, "character voice preview", "gimmick preview", and "roulette preview" are not performed.

[0462] Also, as shown in FIG. 54(D), in the special figure variation effect where the variation pattern is "normal miss variation", an effect flow composed only of "normal variation" is executed. Note that in this special figure variation effect, "character voice preview", "gimmick preview", and "roulette preview" are not performed.

[0463] Next, the main effects executed in the special figure variation effect will be specifically described. Note that in the special figure variation effect described below, the display of the hold icon HA is also performed in parallel, but the illustration of the hold icon HA may be omitted.

[0464] First, the "character voice preview" will be specifically described. The effect control microcomputer 121 can execute the "character voice preview" in "N reach" in the special figure variation effect where the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation", "SP jackpot variation", "SPSP miss variation", or "SP miss variation".

[0465] In the performance memory unit 121b of the dedicated microcomputer 121 for performance control, as shown in Fig. 55, a character voice preview selection table 123a4 and a gimmick light quantity selection table 123a5 are stored. The dedicated microcomputer 121 for performance control can select whether to execute the "character voice preview" using the character voice preview selection table 123a4 and the type of voice when the "character voice preview" is executed. When the "character voice preview" is executed, the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL can be selected using the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a5. There are two types of voice types: "Chance" and "Congratulations". There are three light quantities from the first to the third for the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL. Although details will be described later, the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL varies depending on the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 displayed by operating the normal button 40 or the lever button 42 in the "character voice preview".

[0466] Fig. 56(A) is a diagram showing the content of the character voice preview selection table 123a4. The dedicated microcomputer 121 for performance control selects whether to execute the "character voice preview" and the type of voice when the "character voice preview" is executed by referring to the type of variation pattern.

[0467] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), the execution of the "character voice preview" with the voice of "Chance" is selected at a rate of 70%, the execution of the "character voice preview" with the voice of "Congratulations" is selected at a rate of 20%, and the non-execution of the "character voice preview" is selected at a rate of 10%.

[0468] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP loss variation" (THP011) or "SP loss variation" (THP012), the execution of the "character voice preview" with the voice of "Chance" is selected at a rate of 50%, the non-execution of the "character voice preview" is selected at a rate of 50%, and the execution of the "character voice preview" with the voice of "Congratulations" is not selected.

[0469] Also, when the variation pattern is "N miss variation" (THP013), the non-execution of the "character voice preview" is selected at a rate of 100%, and the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Chance" and the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" are not selected.

[0470] That is, it is set so that the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" is selected only when the result of the jackpot determination corresponds to the variation pattern of "jackpot win", and the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game is being played.

[0471] Also, it is set so that the execution of the "character voice preview" is selected only when the variation pattern includes "SP reach" in the effect flow, and the "character voice preview" functions as an effect suggesting the development into "SP reach".

[0472] In the third embodiment, it is set so that the execution of the "character voice preview" is selected only when the variation pattern includes "SP reach" in the effect flow, but even for a variation pattern that does not include "SP reach" in the effect flow, the execution of the "character voice preview" may be selected. In this case, it is preferable to make it more difficult to select the execution of the "character voice preview" for the variation pattern that does not include "SP reach" in the effect flow than for the variation pattern that includes "SP reach" in the effect flow. Note that the selection ratio indicated by the character voice preview selection table 123a1 shown in FIG. 56(A) can be changed as appropriate.

[0473] Figure 56(B) is a diagram showing the content of the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a5. The effect control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of variation pattern and the type of display mode of the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 displayed when the player operates the normal button 40 or the lever button 42 in the "character voice preview", and selects the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in the "character voice preview". Details of the type of display mode of the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 will be described later.

[0474] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is 'protagonist character' and 'weapon A', the first light quantity is selected at a ratio of 70% and the second light quantity is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the third light quantity is not selected.

[0475] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is 'protagonist character' and 'weapon B', the second light quantity is selected at a ratio of 70% and the third light quantity is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the first light quantity is not selected.

[0476] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is 'protagonist character' and 'weapon C', the third light quantity is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the first light quantity and the second light quantity are not selected.

[0477] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is 'heroine character' and 'color A', the first light quantity is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the second light quantity and the third light quantity are not selected.

[0478] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), and the type of display mode is "hero character" and "color B", the second light quantity is selected at a ratio of 70%, the third light quantity is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the first light quantity is not selected.

[0479] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP loss variation" (THP011) or "SP loss variation" (THP012), regardless of the type of display mode, the second light quantity is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the first light quantity and the third light quantity are not selected.

[0480] That is, only in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination being "jackpot win", the first light quantity and the third light quantity are set to be selected, and the "character voice preview" in which the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light at the first light quantity or the third light quantity functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game is to be played.

[0481] Also, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination being "loss", when the type of display mode is "main character", the second light quantity is always set to be selected. On the other hand, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination being "jackpot win", when the type of display mode is "main character", when it is "weapon A", the first light quantity is more likely to be selected than the second light quantity, and when it is "weapon B", the second light quantity is more likely to be selected than the third light quantity. The "character voice preview" with the type of display mode being "main character" and "weapon A" functions as an effect that more easily suggests that a jackpot game is to be played than the "character voice preview" with the type of display mode being "main character" and "weapon B".

[0482] Also, when the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon A", the first light quantity is likely to be selected; when the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon B", the second light quantity is likely to be selected; when the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon C", it is set so that the third light quantity is likely to be selected. When "character voice preview" is displayed with "main character" and "Weapon A", the probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light at the first light quantity is high. When "character voice preview" is displayed with "main character" and "Weapon B", the probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light at the second light quantity is high. When "character voice preview" is displayed with "main character" and "Weapon C", it can be said that the probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light at the third light quantity is high. Note that the selection ratio shown by the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a5 shown in FIG. 56(B) can be changed as appropriate.

[0483] In the third embodiment, the selected light quantity is made different according to the type of variation pattern. However, regardless of the type of variation pattern, the same light quantity may be selected. For example, when the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon A", the first light quantity is always selected; when the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon B", the second light quantity is always selected; when the type of display mode is "main character" and "Weapon C", the third light quantity is always selected. On the other hand, when the type of display mode is "heroine character", the second light quantity may always be selected.

[0484] When the production control microcomputer 121 executes "character voice preview" in the special figure variation production, it executes "character voice preview" with the type of voice and the light quantity selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a4 and the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a5.

[0485] Figs. 57(A) to 57(G), Figs. 58(A) to 58(B), Figs. 59(A) to 59(D), and Figs. 60(A) to 60(B) are diagrams showing how the "character voice preview" is performed. In the special figure variation effect, when "reach" is established and, as shown in Fig. 57(A), "N reach" is performed, the "character voice preview" is performed.

[0486] In the "character voice preview", the operations of the normal button 40 and the lever button 42 are valid. As shown in Fig. 57(B), a normal button image G31 imitating the normal button 40 and a lever button image G300 imitating the lever button 42 are displayed at the lower center of the display unit 50a. An upward arrow image is added to the lever button image G300 to prompt the player to push the lever button 42 deeper.

[0487] When the normal button image G31 and the lever button image G300 are displayed and the player operates the normal button 40, as shown in Fig. 57(C), the lever button image G300 is erased, and a main character image G200 representing the main character is displayed on the display unit 50a. In the third embodiment, the main character image G200 is displayed by operating the normal button 40, but the main character image G200 may be displayed before the operation of the normal button 40. For example, the main character image G200 may be displayed simultaneously with the display of the normal button image G31.

[0488] After that, when the player operates the normal button 40 again, as shown in Fig. 57(D), a weapon A image G301 representing "Weapon A" is displayed on the main character image G200. The weapon A image G301 is an image representing a single gold bar, suggesting that the main character is equipped with a gold bar.

[0489] After that, when the player operates the normal button 40 again, as shown in FIG. 57(E), the weapon A image G301 representing "Weapon A" changes to the weapon B image G302 representing "Weapon B". The weapon B image G302 is an image representing two daggers, suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with daggers.

[0490] After that, when the player operates the normal button 40 again, as shown in FIG. 57(F), the weapon B image G302 representing "Weapon B" changes to the weapon C image G303 representing "Weapon C". The weapon C image G303 is an image representing three bullets, suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with bullets.

[0491] In the third embodiment, when the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, even if the player further operates the normal button 40, the display of the weapon C image G303 is maintained. However, by further operating the normal button 40, the weapon C image G303 may be returned to the weapon A image G301.

[0492] Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) elapses after the normal button image G31 is displayed, the normal button image G31 is erased, and the weapon image displayed at that time is fixedly displayed. Note that if the normal button 40 is not operated after the protagonist character image G200 is displayed, no weapon image is displayed. FIG. 57(G) shows the case where the weapon C image G303 is fixedly displayed on the protagonist character image G205.

[0493] Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed since the normal button image G31 is erased, the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52, and the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light intermittently in white (the on-board movable body 55k blinks in white). At this time, when "Chance" is selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a4, as shown in Fig. 58(A), the voice of the protagonist character saying "Chance" is output from the speaker 52, and when "Congratulations" is selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a4, as shown in Fig. 58(B), the voice of the protagonist character saying "Congratulations" is output from the speaker 52.

[0494] Also, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the light amount selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a5, and emit light with any one of the first light amount, the second light amount, and the third light amount. The second light amount is the same as the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in various effects before the "character voice preview" is performed. When neither weapon image is displayed without operating the normal button 40, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with this second light amount. Also, the first light amount is weaker than the second light amount, and the third light amount is stronger than the second light amount.

[0495] Specifically, when the fixedly displayed weapon image is the weapon A image G301, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the first light amount or the second light amount. When the fixedly displayed weapon image is the weapon B image G302, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the second light amount or the third light amount. When the fixedly displayed weapon image is the weapon C image G303, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the second light amount or the third light amount (see Fig. 56(B)).

[0496] When the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 and the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light, the protagonist character image G200 and the weapon image are erased, and the "character voice preview" ends. In the third embodiment, when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL in the "character voice preview" emit light with the first light amount or the third light amount, the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in various subsequent effects returns to the second light amount. However, when the movable bod...

Claims

1. A gaming machine that uses symbols to play games, The game device includes an operation means operable by a player, an audio output means capable of outputting audio, and a display means capable of displaying an image, and a performance execution means for performing a performance using the performance means, The performance execution means includes: When the operation means is operated during variable display of the symbols, a specific image can be displayed on the display means; After the specific image is displayed, a predetermined sound may be output from the sound output means, The operating means includes a first operating means and a second operating means, The specific images include a first image and a second image, The first image is displayed when the first operation means is operated. The second image is displayed when the second operation means is operated. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, The performance execution means includes: When the first operation means is operated while the first image is being displayed, the display mode of the first image can be changed. When the second operation means is operated while the second image is being displayed, the display mode of the second image can be changed. A gaming machine characterized by:

3. The game according to claim 2, Each of the display modes of the first image and the second image has a final display mode, The performance execution means includes: The same sound is output as the predetermined sound whether the first image is changed to a final display mode and then the predetermined sound is output or whether the second image is changed to a final display mode and then the predetermined sound is output. A gaming machine characterized by:

4. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, The audio output means includes: The predetermined sound is output at a first volume and at a second volume different from the first volume. A gaming machine characterized by:

5. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, When the first image is changed to a final display state and then the predetermined sound is output, the probability that the predetermined sound will be output at the second volume is higher than when the second image is changed to a final display state and then the predetermined sound is output. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images