Game machine

Abstract

To improve game amusement properties.SOLUTION: When a predetermined display (display of operation game images G952 and G980) is made during pattern variations (variation performance), a Pachinko game machine PZ9 can accept a first sequential operation consisting of a plurality of operations (operation for performing four operations indicated by a first operation game at good timing), and can accept a second sequential operation (operation for performing eight operations indicated by a second operation game at good timing). The probability of a specific performance (on-board movable body driving performance) being executed when the first sequential operation is performed (execution probability of an on-board movable body driving performance based on a first special lottery table) is different from the probability of the specific performance being executed when the second sequential operation is performed (execution probability of the on-board movable body driving performance based on a second special lottery table).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 130

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a pachinko machine which is an example of a gaming machine, as described in Patent Document 1 below, when executing a reach effect such as a dance reach or a volley reach, a movable body upper decorative unit is moved up two steps. There is known a gaming machine that executes various effects such as a movable body effect that operates in a predetermined movable pattern to make the player expect a jackpot win.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 above, the execution probability of an effect such as a movable body effect that operates a movable body in a predetermined movable pattern is determined to be a single execution probability according to the type of reach effect or the like and is always constant, and does not change according to the game content. There was room for improvement in this regard to enhance the interest.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The gaming machine of the present invention is capable of executing a symbol variation that variably displays a predetermined symbol, is capable of executing a specific effect during the symbol variation, when a predetermined display is made during the symbol variation, is capable of accepting a first sequential operation consisting of a plurality of operations and accepting a second sequential operation in which at least some of the operations are different from the first sequential operation. A gaming machine, characterized in that the probability of executing the specific effect when the first sequential operation is performed is different from the probability of executing the specific effect when the second sequential operation is performed.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the gaming interest can be improved through a novel operation effect that changes the execution probability of the effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments 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 to be 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 simplification of description, the name of information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. corresponding to the symbol or code may be omitted or abbreviated by writing the symbol or code referring to the information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. Further, when there is an arbitrary flowchart to be described later, 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 there is no contradiction in the processing content.

[0009] <Basic Embodiment> Subsequently, each embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described. First, the basic embodiment that is the basis of each embodiment will be described. In the basic embodiment, the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to the 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 that is attached to the island structure of the pachinko parlor, and a front door 23 that is 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 that is 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 (the player side) through the transparent plate 23t.

[0012] In addition, 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] Moreover, the front door 23 includes 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 speaker 52 is installed at the upper left and upper right parts of the front door 23 and outputs, for example, BGM (Back Ground Music), sound effects, etc. The frame lamp 53 is installed at the left and right parts of the front door 23 around the transparent plate 23t and is composed of, for example, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The frame movable body 58k is installed at the upper part 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, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. Note that the movement of the frame movable body 58k may be other than up and down movement.

[0014] In addition, the front door 23 is provided with a normal button 40 operable by the 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 pressing surface, a lever having a gripping portion, and the like. The normal button 40 is provided with 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 is provided with 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 includes a game area 6 through which a game ball launched by operating the handle 72k can flow down (fall). In the game area 6, game pins (not shown) for changing the flow direction of the game ball are installed, and a winning device through which the game ball can win (enter or pass through) is installed. The winning device includes a general winning port 10, a first start port 11, a second start port 12, a gate 13, a first big winning port 14, and a second big winning port 15. Each of the winning devices is provided with a detection sensor for detecting the entry or passage of the game ball.

[0017] The first starting port 11 is installed at the lower part of the game area 6 so that the game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the first starting port 11 of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the upper tray 34 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls as bonus balls. Also, when a game ball enters the first starting port 11, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 acquires the right to undergo a jackpot determination described later. The first starting port 11 is always configured such that the ease of entry of game balls remains unchanged. The jackpot determination, or the jackpot determination and the symbol determination described later, are collectively also referred to as a jackpot lottery or a special symbol lottery.

[0018] The second starting port 12 is installed below the first starting port 11 at the lower part of the game area 6 so that the game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the second starting port 12 of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the upper tray 34 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 1) of game balls as bonus balls. Also, when a game ball enters the second starting port 12, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 acquires the right to undergo a jackpot determination in the same manner as when a game ball enters the first starting port 11. Different from the first starting port 11, the second starting port 12 is provided with an opening / closing member 12k that can be opened and closed and an opening / closing solenoid (not shown). The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can set the second starting port 12 to either a closed state (a state where the port is closed) in which game balls do not enter or enter with difficulty, or an open state (a state where the port is open) in which game balls enter the second starting port 12 more easily than in the closed state, by opening and closing the opening / closing member 12k using the opening / closing solenoid. The winning device including the second starting port 12 and the opening / closing member 12k is referred to as an electric chute.

[0019] The gate 13 is installed at the right part of the game area 6 so that the game balls can pass through. When a game ball passes through the gate 13 of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 acquires the right to undergo a hit determination described later. Note that even when a game ball passes through the gate 13, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 does not pay out bonus balls from the upper tray 34.

[0020] The first major winning opening 14 is installed at the lower right part of the game area 6 so that game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the first major winning opening 14 of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls onto the upper tray 34. The first major winning opening 14 is provided with a first opening / closing door 14k that can be opened and closed and an opening / closing solenoid (not shown). The pachinko gaming machine PY1 makes the first major winning opening 14 be in either a closed state (closed mouth state) where game balls cannot enter or an open state (open state) where game balls can enter by opening and closing the first opening / closing door 14k using the opening / closing solenoid.

[0021] The second major winning opening 15 is installed at the lower right part of the game area 6, below the first major winning opening 14, so that game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the second major winning opening 15 of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls onto the upper tray 34. The second major winning opening 15 is provided with a second opening / closing door 15k that can be opened and closed and an opening / closing solenoid (not shown). The pachinko gaming machine PY1 makes the second major winning opening 15 be in either a closed state (closed mouth state) where game balls cannot enter or an open state (open state) where game balls can enter by opening and closing the second opening / closing door 15k using the opening / closing solenoid.

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

[0023] Also, an out opening 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 opening 10, the first starting opening 11, the second starting opening 12, the first major winning opening 14, and the second major winning opening 15 are discharged from the pachinko gaming machine PY1 through the out opening 19.

[0024] In addition, the game board 1 includes an image display device 50 capable of displaying a predetermined effect display, a board lamp 54 capable of emitting light in a predetermined emission color, a right hit 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, or the like. The board lamp 54 is installed above the display unit 50a and is composed of, for example, a plurality of LEDs. The right hit lamp 54a is installed to the right of the display unit 50a and is composed of, for example, one LED. The characters "right hit" are drawn near the right hit 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 includes 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 game 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 game machine PY1 notifies the player of the game state of the pachinko game machine PY1 (variable display (fluctuating display) and stop display of a special figure (special symbol), variable display (fluctuating display) and stop display of a normal figure (normal symbol), special figure 1 reserve number, special figure 2 reserve number, normal figure reserve number, current game state, right hit state, etc.) by a combination of lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of a plurality of LEDs.

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

[0027] 3-1. Special Figure Game When a winning occurs at the first start port 11 of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 or at the second start port 12 of the pachinko balls, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 acquires the right to receive a jackpot determination and performs a jackpot determination based on the acquired right. Then, the pachinko gaming 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") differs depending on the type of variation pattern described later.

[0028] The right to receive a jackpot determination is, for example, a random number value, and the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs 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. Note that the jackpot game and the minor jackpot game may be referred to as special games.

[0029] When the pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs a jackpot determination due to a winning at the first start port 11 of the pachinko balls, it performs variable display of the first special figure (also referred to as special figure 1). 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 gaming 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 machine PY1 makes a jackpot determination upon the winning of a game ball at the second start port 12, it performs a variable display of the second special figure (also referred to as special figure 2). 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 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, the 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 at the first start port 11 during the variable display of the special figure, the pachinko machine PY1 performs a pre-reading determination, which will be described later, and stores the acquired right to receive a jackpot determination as a reservation for special figure 1. On the other hand, when a game ball wins at the second start port 12 during the variable display of the special figure, the pachinko machine PY1 performs a pre-reading determination and stores the acquired right to receive a jackpot determination as a reservation for special figure 2. The pachinko machine PY1 can store the reservation for special figure 1 and the reservation for special figure 2 up to a predetermined number (for example, 4 for the reservation for special figure 1 and 4 for the reservation for special figure 2). After the stop display of the special figure, the pachinko machine PY1 makes a jackpot determination for the reservation for special figure 1 and the reservation for special figure 2. When the reservation for special figure 1 and the reservation for special figure 2 are stored simultaneously, the jackpot determination for the reservation for special figure 2 may be preferentially performed, or the jackpot determination for the reservation for 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 holding of Special Figure 1 or Special Figure 2, it notifies the player of the number. The number of held 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 held Special Figure 1 is "1", only one LED lights up; when the number of held Special Figure 1 is "2", only two LEDs light up; when the number of held Special Figure 1 is "3", only one LED blinks; when the number of held Special Figure 1 is "4", only two LEDs blink. On the other hand, the number of held 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 held Special Figure 2 is "1", only one LED lights up; when the number of held Special Figure 2 is "2", only two LEDs light up; when the number of held Special Figure 2 is "3", only one LED blinks; when the number of held Special Figure 2 is "4", only two LEDs blink.

[0034] Also, after the pachinko gaming machine PY1 stops and displays the First Special Figure or the Second Special Figure in a mode indicating a jackpot win, it conducts a jackpot game. The jackpot game, although details 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. The jackpot game gives the player an opportunity to win a prize ball (a chance to win a prize ball) due to the opening of the First Big Winning Opening 14 or the Second Big Winning Opening 15, so 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 and displays the First Special Figure or the Second Special Figure in a mode indicating a minor win, it conducts a minor win game. The minor win game, although details 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). The minor win game gives the player an opportunity to win a prize ball (a chance to win a prize ball) due to the opening of the First Big Winning Opening 14 or the Second Big Winning Opening 15, so it is a game advantageous to the player.

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

[0037] The winning determination determines whether to perform an auxiliary game. If an auxiliary game is performed, it is considered a winning selection, and if no auxiliary game is performed, it is considered a loss.

[0038] When the pachinko machine PY1 makes a winning determination by the winning of a game ball through gate 13, it performs variable display of the general pattern. The variable display of the general pattern is a display in which a plurality of LEDs in the upper right part of the display unit 8 blink. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the general pattern, the pachinko machine PY1 performs a stop display of the general pattern in a manner indicating the result of the winning determination. As the mode of the stop display of the general 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 general pattern, the pachinko machine PY1 stores the acquired right to receive a winning determination as a general pattern hold. The pachinko machine PY1 can store up to a predetermined number (for example, 2) of general pattern holds. The pachinko machine PY1 makes a winning determination for the general pattern hold after the stop display of the general pattern.

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

[0041] After the pachinko gaming machine PY1 stops and displays the general diagram in a manner indicating a winning selection, it conducts an auxiliary game. Although the details of the auxiliary game will be described later, it is a game in which the second start opening 12 is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 3.5 seconds). The auxiliary game is a game advantageous to the player because the opening of the second start opening 12 provides an opportunity for a game ball to win in the second start opening 12 (an opportunity for a prize ball, an opportunity to acquire the right to receive a big win determination).

[0042] 4. Game state Next, the game state 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), the pachinko gaming machine PY1, except for the big win game state in which a big win game is conducted, can take any one or more of 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 "hidden probability game state"), and "high probability high base game state" (also referred to as "probability change game state"). Note that the low probability low base game state may be abbreviated as the low probability low base state, the low probability high base game state may be abbreviated as the low probability high base state, the high probability low base game state may be abbreviated as the high probability low base state, the high probability high base game state may be abbreviated as the high probability high base state, the normal game state may be abbreviated as the normal state, the time-saving game state may be abbreviated as the time-saving state, the hidden probability game state may be abbreviated as the hidden probability state, and the probability change game state may be abbreviated as the probability change state. Also, the low base state may be referred to as the non-time-saving state, and the low probability state may be referred to as the normal probability state. Also, the big win game state, the high probability state, and the high base state can all be said to be advantageous states advantageous to the player.

[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 occur after a jackpot game state and continues until a predetermined short-time end condition is satisfied. The predetermined short-time end condition includes that a jackpot game is played and the number of variable displays of the special figure reaches a predetermined number (for example, 200 times).

[0045] In addition, the "low-probability high-base game state" may also occur when a specific loss occurs in the jackpot determination in the "low-probability low-base game state". The specific loss includes the specific loss at the specific number of times (for example, 900 times) when all jackpot determinations result in a loss and the specific ratio (for example, 1 / 200) of the losses in the jackpot determinations. The pachinko machine PY1 enters the "low-probability high-base game state" after the variable display of the special figure that results in a specific loss ends (after the stop display of the special figure). In this case, the "low-probability high-base game state" also continues until a predetermined short-time end condition is satisfied, similar to the case when the "low-probability high-base game state" occurs after a jackpot game state.

[0046] The "high-probability low-base game state" is a game state that may occur after a jackpot game state and continues until a predetermined potential-probability end condition is satisfied. The predetermined potential-probability end condition includes that a jackpot game is played and the number of variable displays of the special figure reaches a predetermined number (for example, 200 times). Note that during the jackpot game, the game 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 game state".

[0047] The "high-probability high-base game state" is a game state that may occur after a jackpot game state and continues until a predetermined probability-variable end condition is satisfied. The predetermined probability-variable end condition includes that a jackpot game is played and the number of variable displays of the special figure reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times). Note that during the jackpot game, the game 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 game state".

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

[0049] Also, the "low probability low base game state" and the "high probability low base game state" belong to the non-time-saving state where it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to win in the second start port 12 (for example, the state where it is difficult or impossible to win 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 game state" and the "high probability high base game state" belong to the time-saving state where it is easy for the game ball to win in the second start port 12 (for example, the state where it is easy to win 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 in the second start port 12), it can be said that the "low probability high base game state" and the "high probability high base game state" are game states more advantageous to the player than the "low probability low base game state" and the "high probability low base game 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 in the second start port 12, it can be said that the "low probability low base game state" and the "high probability low base game state" are game states where it is easier for the game ball to win 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 in the second start port 12, it can be said that the "low probability high base game state" and the "high probability high base game state" are game states where it is easier for the game ball to win 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 game 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 gaming machine PY1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(B) and 4(A). As shown in FIG. 3(B), the pachinko gaming 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 subsequently enters a "high-probability high-base game state" 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 gaming machine PY1 opens either the first major winning port 14 or the second major winning port 15. That is, in "Jackpot Game Wα", depending on α, the round game is played for any number of times from 2 to 10 times.

[0055] "Jackpot Game Xα" is a jackpot game that subsequently enters a "low-probability high-base game state" 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 gaming machine PY1 opens either the first major winning port 14 or the second major winning port 15. That is, in "Jackpot Game Xα", depending on α, the round game is played for any number of times from 2 to 10 times.

[0056] "Jackpot Game Yα" is a jackpot game that subsequently enters a "high-probability low-base game state" 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 gaming machine PY1 opens either the first major winning port 14 or the second major winning port 15. That is, in "Jackpot Game Yα", depending on α, the round game is played for any number of times from 2 to 10 times.

[0057] "The big win game Zα" is a big win game that will then 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. In the pachinko machine PY1, in one round of the round game, either the first big winning port 14 or the second big winning port 15 is opened. That is, in the "big win game Zα", depending on α, a round game of any number from 2 to 10 times is played.

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

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

[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 non-electrically supported 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 than "Big Win Game Yα" and "Big Win Game Zα" with respect to the subsequent second start port 12 (with respect to the ease of winning of the game balls 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 can be said to be 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 plays the game by firing the game balls toward the right part of the game area 6 in order to aim at the first big winning port 14 or the second big winning port 15 installed in the right part of the game area 6.

[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, a jackpot opening (also referred to as "jackpot OP") is first 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 at the first major winning port 14. When the first-round round game ends, an interval between rounds (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. The small jackpot game is a game in which the game state is not changed thereafter, unlike the jackpot game. 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. The pachinko gaming machine PY1 opens either the first major winning port 14 or the second major winning port 15 in the small jackpot game.

[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), when the minor winning game starts after the stop display in the special figure, 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. 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, 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 a second opening time (for example, 3.5 seconds) 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), when the auxiliary game starts after the stop display of the normal diagram, 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 shortening state or the second opening time in the time shortening 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-shortening effect mode, and a jackpot effect mode as the effect modes.

[0070] The waiting-for-player 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-player 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-player performance during the setting of the waiting-for-player performance mode. As shown in FIG. 5(A-1), the waiting-for-player performance is an effect in which a waiting-for-player 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-player demo video G100, the pachinko machine PY1 may display a setting screen G101 for setting the performance 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 performance of the pachinko machine PY1 during the display of the setting screen G101. The settings related to the performance 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 quantity setting"), the frequency setting of the executed performance (also referred to as "performance setting"), etc.

[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 symbols 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 symbols 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 round number, etc. are displayed on the display unit 50a, and then, when it becomes a high-probability state, a promotion 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, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is in the jackpot effect mode, at the end of the jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 5(C-3), an ending image G111 that suggests the effect mode set after the jackpot effect mode, a total prize ball number image G112 that suggests the total number of prize balls paid out, etc. are displayed on the display unit 50a. The display of these images is referred to as "ending effect".

[0077] In the basic embodiment, five types of effect modes, namely the waiting-for-customer effect mode, the normal effect mode, the probability-variable 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 on the pachinko gaming machine PY1, a special figure variation effect using effect symbols is executed 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-variable background image G103, time-saving background image G104). Note that "↓" in the figure indicates that the variable display of the effect symbol is in progress. The effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are composed of, for example, numerical 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. Then, 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 functions as a performance suggesting that the variable display of the special figure has started.

[0081] In the normal variation, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the pachinko gaming machine PY1 starts the variable display of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3. And 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 changed as appropriate.

[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 functions as a performance suggesting that a big win game may be played.

[0083] In the case of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 in the N reach, as shown in Fig. 7(A), the variation speed of the middle effect symbol EZ2 is gradually decelerated. And when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 results in a miss 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 mode suggesting a reach miss (so-called reach miss pattern). The mode suggesting a reach miss is a mode 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 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 of "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 also 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 hits the jackpot during the SP reach, as shown in Fig. 8(C-1), it displays the protagonist character winning the battle and being happy to suggest the jackpot, and stops and displays the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a manner suggesting the jackpot (so-called double zeros). Also, if the pachinko gaming machine PY1 misses during the SP reach, as shown in Fig. 8(C-2), it displays the enemy character winning the battle and being happy to suggest the miss, and stops and displays the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a manner suggesting the reach miss. On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine PY1 develops into an SPSP reach after this SP reach, it does not stop the middle effect symbol EZ2. Note that the content of the SP reach effect can be changed as appropriate.

[0086] 8-2-4. SPSP Reach The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an SPSP reach after the SP reach. The SPSP reach is, for example, a reach effect in which a battle between the protagonist character and a powerful enemy character is displayed, and functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of a jackpot 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 a protagonist character image G200 representing the protagonist character and a powerful enemy character image G202 representing the powerful enemy character on the display unit 50a, and displays a video of the protagonist character and the powerful enemy character battling on the display unit 50a. When approaching 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 protagonist character being happy about winning the battle so as to suggest a jackpot, and stops and displays the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a mode (so-called double-zero) suggesting a 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 a miss, and stops and displays the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in a mode suggesting a reach miss. Note that the content of the SPSP reach effect can be changed as appropriate.

[0088] Here, the possibility that the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and 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, while setting the execution probability of the SP reach 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 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 100% when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot win, the jackpot expectancy for SPSP reach can be made higher than that for SP reach. Thus, by presetting the execution probability according to the result of the jackpot determination for an executable effect, the jackpot expectancy for that effect can be determined.

[0090] 8-3. Reserved Icon and the Said Icon During the storage of the reservation of Special Figure 1 or Special Figure 2, the pachinko machine PY1 can display the reserved icon HA on the display unit 50a. The reserved icon HA is, for example, an icon image of "〇". Also, during the variable display of the special figure, the pachinko machine PY1 can display the said icon TA on the display unit 50a. 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 machine PY1 displays the reserved icon HA in each display area 50d1, 50d2, 50d3, 50d4 according to the number of reserved Special Figure 1 or the number of reserved Special Figure 2. For example, when the number of reserved Special Figure 1 is "1", the reserved icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1, and when the number of reserved Special Figure 1 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 reserved Special Figure 1 and the number of reserved Special Figure 2 may be displayed in the reserved icon display area 50d, or only one of the number of reserved Special Figure 1 and the number of reserved Special Figure 2 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 near the hold 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 hold icon HA, is displayed in the icon display area 50e. In consideration of the gaming property of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the icon TA may not be displayed.

[0093] 8-3-1. Hold Performance The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform a hold performance in response to a game ball winning the first start port 11 or the second start port 12. The hold performance is, for example, a performance in which the hold icon HA is displayed in the hold icon display area 50d, and functions as a performance 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 pachinko gaming machine PY1 is not performing the variable display of the special figure and the number of holds in special figure 1 is "0", as shown in FIG. 10(B), the icon TA is displayed in the icon display area 50e. Also, for example, when two game balls win the first start port 11 during the variable display of the special figure in the pachinko gaming machine PY1, as shown in FIG. 10(C), the hold icon HA is displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the hold icon display area 50d, notifying the player that the number of holds in special figure 1 is "2". Further, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 starts a new variable display of the special figure while the hold icon HA is being displayed in the first display area 50d1 and the second display area 50d2 of the hold icon display area 50d, as shown in FIG. 10(D), the hold icon HA in the first display area 50d1 of the hold icon display area 50d is moved to the icon display area 50e and displayed as the icon TA, and the hold icon HA in the second display area 50d2 of the hold icon display area 50d is moved to and displayed in the first display area 50d1, notifying the player 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. The movable body performance is a performance in which the on-board movable body 55k moves onto the display unit 50a as shown in Fig. 11(A). 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 during 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 an arbitrary timing (for example, during SP reach) in the special figure variation effect. Here, an operation effect using the normal button 40 is exemplified. In the operation effect, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 generates a period during which the pressing operation of the normal button 40 is valid (referred to as the "button operation valid period"), and along with the generation of this button operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 12(A), it performs an effect to prompt the operation of the normal button 40 (referred to as the "button operation promotion effect"). 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 (i.e., the pressing operation) (here, the character image of "pressable"), and an operation valid period remaining time image G33 representing the remaining time of the button operation valid period. When the normal button 40 is 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, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the pachinko gaming machine PY1 ends the button operation promotion effect and performs an operation result effect. 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. Anticipation effect The pachinko gaming machine PY1 can perform an anticipation effect based on an anticipation determination as a preview effect. The anticipation effect is, for example, an effect in which the hold icon HA changes, and functions as an effect for suggesting the result of the jackpot determination in advance.

[0101] The pachinko gaming machine PY1 performs a pre-reading effect according to storing Hold of Special Figure 1 or Hold of Special Figure 2. Here, the pre-reading effect for Hold of Special Figure 1 is illustrated. When a game ball enters the first start port 11, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 stores Hold of Special Figure 1, based on the result of the pre-reading determination for Hold of Special Figure 1, as shown in FIG. 10(C), in the hold icon display area 50d, instead of displaying an icon image of "〇" as the hold icon HA, an icon image of "☆" is displayed. The icon image of "☆" (icon image in a special mode) is an image that suggests a higher jackpot expectancy than the icon image of "〇" (icon image in a normal mode). Thus, the effect of displaying an icon image in a special mode is also called a hold change effect. 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 a 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 an effect control unit 120 that executes effects. The main control unit 100 and the effect control unit 120 are electrically connected, and the effect control unit 120 mainly executes effects 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, etc. 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, etc.

[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 the jackpot determination, the game control microcomputer 101 refers to the variation pattern determination table 103a1 and selects 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 the jackpot determination, the result of the reach determination, the number of special figure holds, and the like. The reach determination is to determine whether to perform the above-mentioned reach effects (N-reach, SP-reach, SPSP-reach) during the variable display of the special figure. If the reach effect is to be performed, it is regarded as having a reach, and if the reach effect is not to be performed, it is regarded as having 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", "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 appropriately set in consideration of the playability 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. The game control microcomputer 101 refers to the prediction judgment table 103b1 and selects the type of prediction pattern when the right to receive the jackpot determination is acquired. 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 prediction pattern based on the game state, the type of the start port, the result of the prediction determination, and the like. The game control microcomputer 101 can select any one of three types of prediction patterns, "SHP001" to "SHP003", as the prediction pattern. Note that the type of the prediction pattern can be changed as appropriate.

[0112] Since "SHP001" is selected when the result of the prediction determination is a winning prediction, "SHP001" is referred to as the "big win prediction pattern". Also, since "SHP002" is selected when the result of the prediction determination is a non-winning prediction and 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 prediction pattern". Further, since "SHP003" is selected when the result of the prediction determination is a non-winning prediction and 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 prediction 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 and selects 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 special figure and the second special figure based on the types of start ports, the results of jackpot determination, etc. 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 special figure or the 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 is entered, and it results in a loss 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 types of jackpot games, small win games, and losses. 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) 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-variable 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 just a simple loss where nothing is done later, the "Lose A Symbol" is sometimes referred to as the "normal loss symbol". Also, 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 is possible to set them appropriately in consideration of the playability of the pachinko machine PY1.

[0117] 9-3. Command The game control microcomputer 101 can output the effect commands issued according to the control of the game to the effect 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 in the first start port 11, the second start port command issued when the game ball wins in 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 in the first big winning port 14, the first big winning port command issued when the game ball wins in the second big winning port 15, the general winning port command issued when the game ball wins in the general winning port 10, etc.

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

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

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

[0122] 9-3-5. Jackpot game commands Jackpot game commands are issued in relation to the operations of jackpot games. Examples of jackpot game commands include an OP command issued when OP starts, a round command issued when each round game starts, an ED command issued when ED starts, and the like.

[0123] 9-3-6. Minor win game commands Minor win game commands are issued in relation to the operations of minor win games. Examples of minor win game commands include a pre-opening IT command issued when pre-opening IT starts, a post-opening IT command issued when post-opening IT starts, and the like.

[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 the auxiliary game start command issued when the auxiliary game starts.

[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 the normal probability command issued when the game state is the normal probability state, the high probability command issued when the game state is the high probability state, the non-time reduction command issued when the game state is the non-time reduction state, the time reduction command issued when the game state is the time reduction state, the big win command issued when the game state is the big win game state, the left hit command issued when the game state is the left hit state, the 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 mode, special figure variation presentation, held presentation, preview presentation, etc.). The presentation control microcomputer 121 also 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 processing performed by the CPU in various presentations, tables for selecting preview presentations, etc., presentation data issued according to the execution of presentations, 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 front door 23 will be specifically described. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lower part of the front door 23. As shown in FIG. 17, on the front surface portion of the front door 23, as an operation unit operable by the player, a normal button 40, a handle 72k, and a four-way button 42 composed of four buttons for up, down, left, and right are provided.

[0130] 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 holding the handle 72k. When the handle 72k rotates to the right while the touch sensor is detected, the game ball is fired.

[0131] The four-way button 42 is, like the normal button 40, a button used in the operation effect in the special figure variation effect, and includes an upper button 42a corresponding to the upward direction, a lower button 42b corresponding to the downward direction, a left button 42c corresponding to the left direction, and a right button 42d corresponding to the right direction. When the four-way button 42 is operated by the player, a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit 50a, the panel lamp 54 emits light in a predetermined light emission mode, or a predetermined sound is output from the speaker 52.

[0132] Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 to 24, the 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.

[0133] A. Normal Variation "Normal Variation" is an effect that may be performed in response to the start of the variable display in the special figure, 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 figure variation effect, it functions as an effect suggesting that the special figure variation effect has started.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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 decelerates. 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] E. SPSP-Reach "SPSP Reach" is an effect that may occur after "SP Reach", and is a reach effect where the protagonist character battles a powerful enemy character. "SPSP Reach" is more likely to occur when the jackpot determination result is a "win" than when it is a "loss", so it functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of a jackpot game being played. Also, when developing from "SP Reach" to "SPSP Reach" rather than when not developing, a jackpot game is more likely to be played, so "SPSP Reach" also functions as an effect suggesting a higher possibility of a jackpot game being played than "SP Reach".

[0138] F. Character Voice Preview "Character Voice Preview" is an effect that may occur in "N Reach", and is a preview effect where the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 according to the operations of the normal button 40 and the four-way button 42. Since "Character Voice Preview" may develop into "SP Reach" afterwards, it functions as an effect suggesting the possibility of "SP Reach" being performed.

[0139] G. Cut-in Preview "Cut-in Preview" is an effect that may occur in "SP Reach", and is a preview effect where the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a according to the operation of the normal button 40. Since "Cut-in Preview" may develop into "SPSP Reach" afterwards, it functions as an effect suggesting the possibility of "SPSP Reach" being performed.

[0140] H. Roulette Preview "Roulette Preview" is an effect that may occur in "SPSP Reach", and is a preview effect where one technique is selected from a plurality of techniques (technique images G600a, G600b, G600c) according to the operation of the four-way button 42. Since the production symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 may stop and display as a triple showing a jackpot afterwards, it functions as an effect suggesting the possibility of a jackpot game being played.

[0141] Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the production flow of the main special figure variation production executed in the non-time-saving state will be described. In each production that constitutes the production flow, the production control microcomputer 121 displays a production image on the display unit 50a, and in response to the display of the production image, it can execute a light emission production using the frame lamp 53 and the panel lamp 54, and a sound production using the speaker 52.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 18(A), in the special figure variation productions with the variation patterns of "SPSP jackpot variation" and "SPSP loss variation", a production flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach" → "SPSP reach" is executed. In these special figure variation productions, "character voice preview" may be performed at "N reach", "cut-in preview" may be performed at "SP reach", and "roulette preview" may be performed at "SPSP reach".

[0143] Also, as shown in FIG. 18(B), in the special figure variation productions with the variation patterns of "SP jackpot variation" and "SP loss variation", a production flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach" is executed. In these special figure variation productions, "character voice preview" may be performed at "N reach", and "cut-in preview" may be performed at "SP reach".

[0144] Also, as shown in FIG. 18(C), in the special figure variation production with the variation pattern of "N loss variation", a production flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" is executed. In this special figure variation production, "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" are not performed.

[0145] Also, as shown in FIG. 18(D), in the special figure variation production with the variation pattern of "normal loss variation", a production flow composed of only "normal variation" is executed. In this special figure variation production, "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" are not performed.

[0146] Next, the main effects executed in the special figure variation effect will be specifically described. 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.

[0147] First, the "character voice preview" will be specifically described. The effect control microcomputer 121 can execute the "character voice preview" in the "N reach" in the special figure variation effects where the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation", "SP jackpot variation", "SPSP loss variation", or "SP loss variation".

[0148] As shown in FIG. 19, the effect storage unit 121b of the effect control microcomputer 121 stores a character voice preview selection table 123a1 and a voice volume selection table 123a2. The effect control microcomputer 121 can select whether to execute the "character voice preview" using the character voice preview selection table 123a1 and the type of voice when executing the "character voice preview". When executing the "character voice preview", 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 voice volumes from the first to the third. Although details will be described later, the voice volume varies depending on the type of weapon displayed by the operation of the normal button 40 in the "character voice preview".

[0149] FIG. 20(A) is a diagram showing the content of the character voice preview selection table 123a1. The effect control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of variation pattern and selects whether to execute the "character voice preview" and the type of voice when executing the "character voice preview".

[0150] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Chance" is selected at a rate of 70%, the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" is selected at a rate of 20%, and the non - execution of the "character voice preview" is selected at a rate of 10%.

[0151] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP loss variation" (THP011) or "SP loss variation" (THP012), the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "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" of the voice "Congratulations" is not selected.

[0152] Also, when the variation pattern is "N loss 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.

[0153] That is, only in the case of the variation pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination being "jackpot win", the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" is set to be selected, and the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game is being played.

[0154] Also, only in the case of the variation pattern including "SP reach" in the effect flow, the execution of the "character voice preview" is set to be selected, and the "character voice preview" functions as an effect suggesting the development into "SP reach".

[0155] In the first embodiment, the execution of the "character voice preview" is set to be selected only when the variation pattern including "SP reach" is included in the production flow. However, even when the variation pattern does not include "SP reach" in the production flow, the execution of the "character voice preview" may be selected. In this case, it is preferable that it is more difficult to select the execution of the "character voice preview" in the case of the variation pattern not including "SP reach" in the production flow than in the case of the variation pattern including "SP reach" in the production flow. Note that the selection ratio indicated by the character voice preview selection table 123a1 shown in FIG. 20(A) can be changed as appropriate.

[0156] FIG. 20(B) is a diagram showing the content of the voice volume selection table 123a2. The production control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of the variation pattern and the type of the weapon changed when the player operates the normal button 40 in the "character voice preview", and selects the volume of the voice output from the speaker 52 in the "character voice preview". Although details will be described later, there are three types of weapon types: "gold bar", "dagger", and "bullet".

[0157] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big hit variation" (THP001) or "SP big hit variation" (THP002), and the type of the weapon is "gold bar", the first volume is selected at a ratio of 70% and the second volume is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the third volume is not selected.

[0158] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big hit variation" (THP001) or "SP big hit variation" (THP002), and the type of the weapon is "dagger", the second volume is selected at a ratio of 70% and the third volume is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the first volume is not selected.

[0159] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big hit variation" (THP001) or "SP big hit variation" (THP002), and the type of the weapon is "bullet", the third volume is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the first volume and the second volume are not selected.

[0160] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP miss variation" (THP011) or "SP miss variation" (THP012), regardless of the type of weapon, the second volume is selected at a rate of 100%, and the first volume and the third volume are not selected.

[0161] That is, the first volume and the third volume are set to be selected only when the variation pattern corresponding to the jackpot determination result is "jackpot win", and the "character voice preview" in which the voice of the protagonist character is output at the first volume or the third volume functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game is being played.

[0162] Also, when the variation pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination is "miss", regardless of the type of weapon, the second volume is always set to be selected. On the other hand, when the variation pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot win", when the type of weapon is "gold bar", the first volume is more likely to be selected than the second volume, and when the type of weapon is "dagger", the second volume is more likely to be selected than the third volume. The "character voice preview" when the type of weapon is "gold bar" functions as an effect that more easily suggests that a jackpot game is being played than the "character voice preview" when the type of weapon is "dagger".

[0163] Also, when the type of weapon is "gold bar", the first volume is likely to be selected, when the type of weapon is "dagger", the second volume is likely to be selected, and when the type of weapon is "bullet", the third volume is likely to be selected. It can be said that for the "character voice preview" when "gold bar" is displayed, the probability that the voice of the protagonist character is output at the first volume is high, for the "character voice preview" when "dagger" is displayed, the probability that the voice of the protagonist character is output at the second volume is high, and for the "character voice preview" when "bullet" is displayed, the probability that the voice of the protagonist character is output at the third volume is high. Note that the selection ratio shown by the voice volume selection table 123a2 shown in FIG. 20(B) can be changed as appropriate.

[0164] In the first embodiment, the selected volume varies according to the type of variation pattern, but the same volume may be selected regardless of the type of variation pattern. For example, when the type of weapon is "club", the first volume is always selected; when the type of weapon is "dagger", the second volume is always selected; and when the type of weapon is "bullet", the third volume is always selected.

[0165] When the production control microcomputer 121 executes "character voice preview" in the special figure variation production, it executes "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.

[0166] FIGS. 21(A) to 21(F) and FIGS. 22(A) to 22(F) are diagrams showing how "character voice preview" is performed. In the special figure variation production, when "reach" is established and "N reach" is performed as shown in FIG. 21(A), "character voice preview" is performed.

[0167] In "character voice preview", the operation of the four-way button 42 becomes effective, and as shown in FIG. 21(B), a four-way button image G300 imitating the four-way button 42 is displayed at the lower center of the display unit 50a. The four-way button image G300 is composed of an upper button image G300a imitating the upper button 42a, a lower button image G300b imitating the lower button 42b, a left button image G300c imitating the left button 42c, and a right button image G300d imitating the right button 42d. Only the left button image G300c and the right button image G300d blink and are displayed to prompt the player to operate the left button 42c or the right button 42d.

[0168] When the four - way button image G300 is being displayed and the player operates the left button 42c or the right button 42d, the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a. As shown in Fig. 21(C), this protagonist character image G200 has two types of images: an image representing the protagonist character with a headband wrapped around the head, and an image representing the protagonist character without a headband wrapped around the head as shown in Fig. 21(D). Each time the player operates the left button 42c or the right button 42d, the displayed image switches. In the first embodiment, the protagonist character image G200 is displayed by operating the four - way button 42, but it may also be displayed before the operation of the four - way button 42. For example, the protagonist character image G200 may be displayed simultaneously with the display of the four - way button image G300.

[0169] And when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) elapses after the four - way button image G300 is displayed, the four - way button image G300 is erased, and the protagonist character image G200 being displayed at that time is fixedly displayed. Fig. 21(E) shows the case where the protagonist character image G200 with a headband wrapped around the head is fixedly displayed.

[0170] When the protagonist character image G200 is fixedly displayed, the operation of the normal button 40 becomes effective, and as shown in Fig. 21(F), a normal - button image G31 imitating the normal button 40 is displayed at the lower center of the display unit 50a.

[0171] When the normal - button image G31 is being displayed and the player operates the normal button 40, as shown in Fig. 22(A), a weapon A image G301 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200. The weapon A image G301 is an image representing a single 'golden club', suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with a 'golden club'.

[0172] After that, when the player further operates the normal button 40, as shown in FIG. 22(B), the weapon A image G301 changes to the weapon B image G302. The weapon B image G302 is an image representing two 'daggers', suggesting that the protagonist character has equipped the 'daggers'.

[0173] After that, when the player further operates the normal button 40, as shown in FIG. 22(C), the weapon B image G302 changes to the weapon C image G303. The weapon C image G303 is an image representing three 'bullets', suggesting that the protagonist character has equipped the 'bullets'.

[0174] In FIGS. 22(A) to 22(C), the case where the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, or the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 with a headband is illustrated. However, when the protagonist character image G200 without a headband is fixedly displayed, each time the normal button 40 is operated, the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, or the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 without a headband. Note that even when the four - way button 42 is operated while a weapon image is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, the weapon image does not change.

[0175] In the first 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 set to return to the weapon A image G301.

[0176] Then, 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. FIG. 22(D) shows the case where the weapon C image G303 is fixedly displayed. Note that if the normal button 40 is not operated even once, no weapon image is displayed.

[0177] Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 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, if "Chance" is selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a1, as shown in FIG. 22(E), the voice of the protagonist 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. 22(F), the voice of the protagonist character saying "Congratulations" is output from the speaker 52.

[0178] The voice of the protagonist 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 volume as 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.

[0179] Specifically, when the type of the fixed display weapon image is "gold bar", the voice of the protagonist character is output at either the first volume or the second volume. When the type of the fixed display weapon image is "dagger", the voice of the protagonist character is output at either the second volume or the third volume. When the type of the fixed display weapon image is "bullet", the voice of the protagonist character is output at either the second volume or the third volume (see FIG. 20(B)).

[0180] 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 first 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 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.

[0181] Also, in the first 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.

[0182] Also, in the first embodiment, no matter which of the protagonist character image G200 with a headband and the protagonist character image G200 without a headband is selected by operating the four-way button 42, the volume of the voice of the protagonist character is selected at the same ratio. However, when the protagonist character image G200 with a headband is selected and when the protagonist character image G200 without a headband is selected, the volume of the voice of the protagonist character may be selected at different ratios.

[0183] In addition, in the first embodiment, a case where no voice is output from the speaker 52 between the display of the weapon image and the output of the voice of the main character is exemplified. However, a predetermined voice may be output between the display of the weapon image and the output of the voice of the main character. 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.

[0184] Next, the "cut-in preview" will be specifically described. The production control microcomputer 121 can execute the "cut-in preview" in the "SP reach" in the special figure variation production of the variation patterns "SPSP jackpot variation", "SP jackpot variation", "SPSP loss variation", and "SP loss variation".

[0185] As shown in FIG. 19, 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'.

[0186] FIG. 20(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 and selects whether to execute the "cut-in preview" and the type of cut-in frame when the "cut-in preview" is executed.

[0187] 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%.

[0188] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP miss variation" (THP011) or "SP miss variation" (THP012), the execution of the "cut-in preview" of the 'blue frame' is selected at a rate of 50%, the execution of the "cut-in preview" of 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%.

[0189] That is, the variation pattern corresponding to "big win win" in the big win determination result is set so that the execution of the "cut-in preview" of the'red frame' is more likely to be selected than the variation pattern corresponding to "miss" in the big win determination result. The "cut-in preview" of the'red frame' functions as an effect suggesting that a big win game is likely to be played.

[0190] Also, the case where the variation pattern includes "SPSP reach" in the effect flow is set so that the execution of the "cut-in preview" of the'red frame' is selected more than the case where the variation pattern does not include "SPSP reach" in the effect flow. The "cut-in preview" of the'red frame' functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of developing into "SPSP reach".

[0191] In the first embodiment, the execution of the "cut-in preview" is set to be selected only in the case of a variation pattern including "SP reach" in the effect flow. However, even in the case of a variation pattern that does not include "SP reach" in the effect flow, the execution of the "cut-in preview" may be selected. In this case, it is preferable to make it more difficult to select the execution of the "cut-in preview" in the case of a variation pattern that does not include "SP reach" in the effect flow than in the case of a variation pattern that includes "SP reach" in the effect flow. Note that the selection ratio indicated by the cut-in preview selection table 123a3 shown in FIG. 20(C) can be changed as appropriate.

[0192] When the effect control microcomputer 121 executes the "cut-in preview" in the special figure variation effect, the "cut-in preview" is executed with the type of cut-in frame selected by the cut-in preview selection table 123a3.

[0193] Figs. 23(A) to 23(D) are diagrams showing how a "cut-in preview" is performed. In the special figure variation effect, when it develops into "SP reach" and as shown in Fig. 23(A), when the protagonist character tries to attack the enemy character, a "cut-in preview" is performed.

[0194] In the "cut-in preview", the operation of the normal button 40 becomes effective, and as shown in Fig. 23(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 player operates the normal button 40 while the normal button image G31 is being displayed, or when a predetermined operation effective time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses without the player operating the normal button 40, as shown in Fig. 23(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.

[0195] 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. 23(D), the voice "Go-" of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52. The volume of the voice of this protagonist character is output at the second volume regardless of whether the player operates the normal button 40 or not.

[0196] 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.

[0197] In the first embodiment, the volume of the voice of the protagonist character output in the "Cut-in Preview" is set to be output at the second volume regardless of the volume of the voice of the protagonist character output in the "Character Voice Preview" in the case of "N Reach". However, when the "Character Voice Preview" is performed in "N Reach", the voice of the protagonist character output in the "Cut-in Preview" may be output at the same volume as the voice of the protagonist character output in the "Character Voice Preview". For example, if the voice of the protagonist character is output at the first volume in the "Character Voice Preview", the voice of the protagonist character is also output at the first volume in the "Cut-in Preview", and if the voice of the protagonist character is output at the third volume in the "Character Voice Preview", the voice of the protagonist character may also be output at the third volume in the "Cut-in Preview".

[0198] Also, in the first embodiment, in the "Cut-in Preview", when the normal button 40 is operated, the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52. However, when the four-way button 42 is operated, the voice of the protagonist character may be output from the speaker 52.

[0199] Next, the "Roulette Preview" will be specifically described. The production control microcomputer 121 can execute the "Roulette Preview" in the "SPSP Reach" in the special figure variation production with the variation patterns of "SPSP Jackpot Variation" and "SPSP Loss Variation".

[0200] Figures 24(A) to 24(C) are diagrams showing how the "Roulette Preview" is performed. In the special figure variation production, when it develops into "SPSP Reach" and as shown in Figure 24(A), when the protagonist character tries to attack the strong enemy character, the "Roulette Preview" is performed.

[0201] In the "Roulette Preview", the operation of the four-way button 42 becomes effective. As shown in FIG. 24(B), a skill image G600 representing the skills that the protagonist character can deploy is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. At the same time, a four-way button image G300 imitating the four-way button 42 is displayed below the skill image G600. Only the up button image G300a and the down button image G300b blink and are displayed to prompt the player to operate the up button 42a or the down button 42b of the four-way button image G300. The skill image G600 consists of a skill image G600a indicating that the skill deployed by the protagonist character is "Punch", a skill image G600b indicating that the skill deployed by the protagonist character is "Chop", and a skill image G600c representing that the skill deployed by the protagonist character is "Kick". Initially, only the skill image G600a is displayed.

[0202] When the player operates the up button 42a or the down button 42b while the four-way button image G300 is displayed, the image displayed as the skill image G600 switches. Each time the up button 42a or the down button 42b is operated, the displayed image switches in the order of skill image G600a → skill image G600b → skill image G600c.

[0203] Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses after the four-way button image G300 is displayed, the four-way button image G300 is erased, and the skill image G600 displayed at that time is fixedly displayed. At this time, a sound effect of "Piko" 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 four-way button 42 or not. FIG. 24(C) shows the case where the skill image G600c is fixedly displayed.

[0204] After a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed since 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 plays 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.

[0205] In the first embodiment, 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 output in the "character voice preview" even when the "character voice preview" is performed in "N reach". However, when the "character voice preview" is 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 output in the "character voice preview". For example, when the voice of the protagonist 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 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".

[0206] Also, in the first embodiment, in the "roulette preview", the image displayed as the skill image G600 is switched by operating the four-way button 42, but the image displayed as the skill image G600 may be switched by operating the normal button 40.

[0207] <Consideration of the First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the first embodiment will be considered. First, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 displayed in the "character voice preview" will be considered.

[0208] In the "Character Voice Preview", the main character character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a by operating the four-way button 42. Then, each time the four-way button 42 is operated while the main character character image G200 is being displayed, the main character character image G200 representing the main character with a headband and the main character character image G200 representing the main character without a headband are alternately switched. Also, each time the normal button 40 is operated while the main character character image G200 is being displayed, any one of the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, and the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the main character character image G200. That is, in the "Character Voice Preview", it can be said that when the four-way button 42 or the normal button 40 is operated while the main character character image G200 is being displayed, the display mode of the main character character image G200 changes.

[0209] Next, the display mode of the skill image G600 displayed in the "Roulette Preview" will be considered.

[0210] In the "Roulette Preview", each time the four-way 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, in the "Roulette Preview", it can be said that when the four-way button 42 is operated while the skill image G600 is being displayed, the display mode of the skill image G600 changes.

[0211] Next, the volume of the voice of the main character character output in the "Character Voice Preview" will be considered.

[0212] 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 "Bullet" is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 (see Fig. 20(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 "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 "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.

[0213] <Effects of the First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the effects of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the first embodiment will be described.

[0214] (1) In the "Character Voice Preview", when the player operates the four-way button 42 or the normal button 40 while the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 displayed on the display unit 50a changes. Therefore, the player can arbitrarily change the display mode of the protagonist character image G200, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0215] (2) 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. Therefore, the image displayed on the display unit 50a and the voice output from the speaker 52 can be associated with each other, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0216] (3) In the "Character Voice Preview", no matter which of the weapon A image G301, weapon B image G302, and weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, the same voice is output as the voice output from the speaker 52 thereafter. Therefore, the production content can be made easier to understand, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

[0217] (4) In the "Character Voice Preview", no matter whether the weapon images (weapon A image G301, weapon B image G302, weapon C image G303) are displayed on the protagonist character image G200 or not, the same voice is output as the voice output from the speaker 52 thereafter. Therefore, the production content can be made easier to understand, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

[0218] (5) When the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 in the "Character Voice Preview", 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 voice of the protagonist character can be increased, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

[0219] (6) In the "Character Voice Preview", when the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 with the weapon C image G303 representing "bullet" displayed on the protagonist character image G200, and when the voice of the protagonist character is output from the speaker 52 with the weapon C image G303 representing "bullet" not displayed on the protagonist character image G200, the probability that the voice of the protagonist character is output at the largest third volume is different. Therefore, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 and the loudness of the voice of the protagonist character can be associated with each other, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

[0220] <Modification Example of the First Embodiment> Next, a modification example of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in 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 embodiment and the following modification examples can be appropriately deleted if they are not described as essential in this specification.

[0221] In the first embodiment, the "character voice notice" 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".

[0222] Also, in the first embodiment, the "cut-in notice" is performed in the "SP reach" of the special figure variation effect. However, it may be performed after the "character voice notice", or may be performed outside the "SP reach". For example, in the "N reach", the "cut-in notice" may be performed after the "character voice notice" is executed, or the "cut-in notice" may be performed in the "SPSP reach".

[0223] Also, in the first embodiment, the "roulette notice" is performed in the "SPSP reach" of the special figure variation effect. However, it may be performed after the "character voice notice", or may be performed outside the "SPSP reach". For example, in the "N reach", the "roulette notice" may be performed after the "character voice notice" is executed, or in the "SP reach", the "roulette notice" may be performed before or after the "cut-in notice" is executed.

[0224] In the first embodiment, "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" are performed based on the result of the big win determination (variation pattern), but they may also be performed based on the type of the stopped symbol in the special figure. For example, when the stopped symbol in the special figure is a "certain variable symbol", "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" may be performed. In this case, "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" can suggest that a high-probability state is about to occur, and it is possible to enhance the amusement of the game.

[0225] In the first embodiment, "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" are performed during the variable display of the first special figure in the non-time-reduced state, but they may also be performed in a game state other than the non-time-reduced state. For example, "character voice preview", "cut-in preview", and "roulette preview" may be performed during the variable display of the second special figure in the time-reduced state.

[0226] In the first embodiment, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 displayed in the "character voice preview" changes with any operation of the four-way button 42 and the normal button 40, but it may also change only with the operation of the four-way button 42 or only with the operation of the normal button 40.

[0227] In the first embodiment, an image of any one of the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, and the weapon C image G303 is added to the protagonist character image G200 displayed in the "character voice preview" by operating the normal button 40. However, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 may change 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.

[0228] In the first embodiment, the voice output in the "character voice preview" is the voice of the main character, but other voices may be output. For example, sound effects such as "cue in" may be output, or sound effects may be output in addition to the voice of the main 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.

[0229] Also, in the first embodiment, the voice output in the "character voice preview" is the same voice regardless of the display mode of the main character image G200, but different voices may be output according to the display mode of the main character image G200.

[0230] Also, in the first 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 the voice may be output at two types or four or more types of volumes.

[0231] <The invention disclosed in the first 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 above-described 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 AA4.

[0232] Also, 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 indicating the possibility of a jackpot is executed. In such a gaming machine, there is room for improvement in terms of the effect. Therefore, if gaming machines according to the following inventions AA1 to AA4 are realized, an improvement in the amusement of the game can be expected.

[0233] The gaming machine according to Invention AA1 is a gaming machine that conducts a game using symbols (special drawings), and includes an effect execution means (effect control microcomputer 121) that performs an effect using an effect means including operation means (normal button 40, four-direction 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) on the display means when the operation means is operated during variable display of the symbols, is capable of changing the display mode of the specific image when the operation means is operated during display of the specific image, and may output a predetermined voice (voice of the main character) from the voice output means after display of the specific image. This is the gist.

[0234] The gaming machine according to Invention AA2 is the gaming machine according to Invention AA1, and the display mode of the specific image includes a special display mode (weapon A image G301, weapon B image, weapon C image G303), The effect execution means outputs the same voice (such as 'Chance' and 'Congratulations') as the predetermined voice whether the predetermined voice is output after changing the specific image to the special display mode or without changing the specific image to the special display mode. This is the gist.

[0235] The gaming machine according to Invention AA3 is the gaming machine according to Invention AA2, and the voice output means has a case where the predetermined voice is output at a first volume (second volume) and a case where the predetermined voice is output at a second volume (first volume, third volume) different from the first volume. This is the gist.

[0236] The gaming machine according to Invention AA4 is a gaming machine according to Invention AA3, when the predetermined sound is output after the specific image changes to the special display mode, the probability that the predetermined sound is output at the second volume is higher than when the predetermined sound is output without the specific image changing to the special display mode. It is characterized by this.

[0237] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above-described basic embodiment is also applied to the second embodiment.

[0238] First, the front door 23 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 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. 25, as an operation unit operable by the player, a normal button 40, a handle 72k, and a four-way button 42 composed of four up, down, left, and right buttons are provided.

[0239] 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 holding the handle 72k. When the handle 72k rotates to the right while the touch sensor is detected, the game ball is fired.

[0240] The four-way button 42 is a button used in the operation effect in the special figure variation effect, similar to the normal button 40, and includes an up button 42a corresponding to the upward direction, a down button 42b corresponding to the downward direction, a left button 42c corresponding to the left direction, and a right button 42d corresponding to the right direction. When the four-way button 42 is operated by the player, a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit 50a, the panel lamp 54 emits light in a predetermined light emission mode, or a predetermined sound is output from the speaker 52.

[0241] Next, the on-board movable body 55k provided on the game board 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 26. As shown in FIG. 26(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 and 55RL that can emit light.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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. 26(B) and the lowermost position shown in FIG. 26(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.

[0244] The movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL are electrically connected to the effect control microcomputer 121, and the effect control microcomputer 121 can cause the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL to emit light to turn on or blink the left movable body 55Lk and the right movable body 55Rk.

[0245] In front of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL, movable body lenses 55LLr and 55RLr for diffusing the light emitted by the movable body LEDs 55LL and 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 and 55RLr by causing the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL to emit light.

[0246] Next, with reference to FIGS. 27 to 33, the special figure variation effects that can be executed 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 shortening state.

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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 with the same type of effect symbol. Since "Reach" may be performed when the result of the big win determination is "big win selected", it functions as an effect suggesting that a big win game may be played. In addition, 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.

[0249] 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 big win determination is "big win selected", it functions as an effect suggesting that a big win game may be played.

[0250] D. SP Reach "SP Reach" is an effect that can occur after "N Reach" and is a reach effect in which the main character and the enemy character battle. "SP Reach" is more likely to occur when the result of the jackpot judgment is "jackpot win" than when it is "miss," so it functions as an effect that suggests the possibility of a jackpot game.

[0251] 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".

[0252] F. Character Voice Preview The "Character Voice Announcement" is an effect that may occur during an "N Reach", in which the voice of the main 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 and the four-way 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] H. Roulette Preview "Roulette Preview" is an effect that may be performed in "SPSP Reach". It is a preview effect in which one technique is selected from a plurality of techniques (technique images G600a, G600b, G600c) according to the operation of the four-way button 42. Since the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 may stop and be displayed as a triple-bar indicating a big win after the "Roulette Preview", it functions as an effect suggesting that a big win game may be played.

[0255] Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the effect flow of the main special symbol variation effect executed in the non-time-short state will be described. In each effect constituting the effect flow, the effect control microcomputer 121 can display an effect image on the display unit 50a, and according to the display of the effect image, execute a light emission effect using the frame lamp 53 and the panel lamp 54, and a sound effect using the speaker 52.

[0256] As shown in FIG. 27(A), in the special symbol variation effects with variation patterns of "SPSP big win variation" and "SPSP loss variation", an effect 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 at "N reach", "gimmick preview" may be performed at "SP reach", and "roulette preview" may be performed at "SPSP reach".

[0257] Also, as shown in FIG. 27(B), in the special symbol variation effects with variation patterns of "SP big win variation" and "SP loss variation", an effect flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach" is executed. In these special symbol variation effects, "character voice preview" may be performed at "N reach", and "gimmick preview" may be performed at "SP reach".

[0258] Also, as shown in FIG. 27(C), in the special figure variation effect where the variation pattern is "N miss variation", the 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.

[0259] Also, as shown in FIG. 27(D), in the special figure variation effect where the variation pattern is "normal miss variation", the effect flow composed of only "normal variation" is executed. Note that in this special figure variation effect, "character voice preview", "gimmick preview", and "roulette preview" are not performed.

[0260] 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.

[0261] 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", "SP miss variation".

[0262] In the production memory unit 121b of the production control microcomputer 121, as shown in FIG. 28, a character voice preview selection table 123a4 and a gimmick light amount selection table 123a5 are stored. The production control microcomputer 121 can select whether to execute the "character voice preview" using the character voice preview selection table 123a4 and the type of voice when executing the "character voice preview". When executing the "character voice preview", the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL can be selected using the gimmick light amount selection table 123a5. There are two types of voice types, "Chance" and "Congratulations", and there are three light amounts, the first to the third, for the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL. Although details will be described later, the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL vary depending on the type of weapon displayed by operating the normal button 40 in the "character voice preview".

[0263] FIG. 29(A) is a diagram showing the content of the character voice preview selection table 123a4. The production control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of variation pattern and selects whether to execute the "character voice preview" and the type of voice when executing the "character voice preview".

[0264] 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%.

[0265] 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.

[0266] 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.

[0267] That is, only when the result of the jackpot determination corresponds to the variation pattern of "jackpot win", the execution of the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" is set to be selected, and the "character voice preview" of the voice "Congratulations" functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game is being played.

[0268] Also, only when the variation pattern includes "SP reach" in the effect flow, the execution of the "character voice preview" is set to be selected, and the "character voice preview" functions as an effect suggesting the development into "SP reach".

[0269] In the second embodiment, only when the variation pattern includes "SP reach" in the effect flow, the execution of the "character voice preview" is set to be selected. 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 ratio indicated by the character voice preview selection table 123a4 shown in FIG. 29(A) can be changed as appropriate.

[0270] FIG. 29(B) is a diagram showing the contents of the gimmick light amount selection table 123a5. The effect control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of variation pattern and the type of weapon that has changed when the player operates the normal button 40 in the "character voice preview", and selects the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in the "character voice preview". Details will be described later, but there are three types of weapon types: 'gold bar','short sword' and 'bullet'.

[0271] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big hit variation" (THP001) or "SP big hit variation" (THP002), and the weapon type is 'gold bar', the first light amount is selected at a ratio of 70% and the second light amount is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the third light amount is not selected.

[0272] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big hit variation" (THP001) or "SP big hit variation" (THP002), and the weapon type is'short sword', the second light amount is selected at a ratio of 70% and the third light amount is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the first light amount is not selected.

[0273] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big hit variation" (THP001) or "SP big hit variation" (THP002), and the weapon type is 'bullet', the third light amount is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the first light amount and the second light amount are not selected.

[0274] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP miss variation" (THP011) or "SP miss variation" (THP012), regardless of the weapon type, the second light amount is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the first light amount and the third light amount are not selected.

[0275] That is, only in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to the result of the big hit determination being "big hit win", the first light amount and the third light amount are set to be selected, and the "character voice preview" in which the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the first light amount or the third light amount functions as an effect suggesting that a big hit game is being played.

[0276] Also, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to a "miss" result in the jackpot determination, regardless of the type of weapon, the second light quantity is always set to be selected. On the other hand, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to a "jackpot win" result in the jackpot determination, when the type of weapon is a "gold bar", the first light quantity is more likely to be selected than the second light quantity, and when the type of weapon is a "dagger", the second light quantity is more likely to be selected than the third light quantity. The "character voice preview" when the type of weapon is a "gold bar" functions as an effect that more easily suggests that a jackpot game will be played than the "character voice preview" when the type of weapon is a "dagger".

[0277] Also, it is set such that when the type of weapon is a "gold bar", the first light quantity is more likely to be selected, when the type of weapon is a "dagger", the second light quantity is more likely to be selected, and when the type of weapon is a "bullet", the third light quantity is more likely to be selected. The "character voice preview" when the "gold bar" is displayed has a high probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the first light quantity. The "character voice preview" when the "dagger" is displayed has a high probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the second light quantity. The "character voice preview" when the "bullet" is displayed has a high probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the third light quantity. It should be noted that the selection ratio shown by the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a5 shown in Fig. 29(B) can be changed as appropriate.

[0278] In the second embodiment, the selected light quantity is made different according to the type of variation pattern, but regardless of the type of variation pattern, the same light quantity may be selected. For example, when the type of weapon is a "gold bar", the first light quantity may always be selected, when the type of weapon is a "dagger", the second light quantity may always be selected, and when the type of weapon is a "bullet", the third light quantity may always be selected.

[0279] When the dedicated microcomputer 121 for performance control executes the "character voice preview" in the special figure variable performance, it executes the "character voice preview" with the voice type and light quantity selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a4 and the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a5.

[0280] Figures 30(A) to 30(F) and Figures 31(A) to 31(F) are diagrams showing how the "character voice preview" is performed. In the special figure variable performance, when "reach" is established and "N reach" is performed as shown in Figure 30(A), the "character voice preview" is performed.

[0281] In the "character voice preview", the operation of the cross button 42 becomes effective, and as shown in Figure 30(B), a cross button image G300 imitating the cross button 42 is displayed at the lower center of the display unit 50a. The cross button image G300 is composed of an upper button image G300a imitating the upper button 42a, a lower button image G300b imitating the lower button 42b, a left button image G300c imitating the left button 42c, and a right button image G300d imitating the right button 42d. Only the left button image G300c and the right button image G300d blink and are displayed to prompt the player to operate the left button 42c or the right button 42d.

[0282] When the player operates the left button 42c or the right button 42d while the cross button image G300 is displayed, the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a. This protagonist character image G200 has two types of images: an image representing the protagonist character with a headband as shown in Figure 30(C) and an image representing the protagonist character without a headband as shown in Figure 30(D). Each time the player operates the left button 42c or the right button 42d, the displayed image switches. In the second embodiment, the protagonist character image G200 is displayed by operating the cross button 42, but it may also be displayed before the operation of the cross button 42. For example, the protagonist character image G200 may be displayed simultaneously with the display of the cross button image G300.

[0283] When a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) elapses after the four-way button image G300 is displayed, the four-way button image G300 is erased, and the protagonist character image G200 that is being displayed at that time is fixedly displayed. FIG. 30(E) shows the case where the protagonist character image G200 with a headband is fixedly displayed.

[0284] When the protagonist character image G200 is fixedly displayed, the operation of the normal button 40 becomes effective, and as shown in FIG. 30(F), a normal button image G31 imitating the normal button 40 is displayed at the lower center of the display unit 50a.

[0285] When the player operates the normal button 40 while the normal button image G31 is being displayed, as shown in FIG. 31(A), a weapon A image G301 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200. The weapon A image G301 is an image representing a single 'gold bar', suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with a 'gold bar'.

[0286] After that, when the player further operates the normal button 40, as shown in FIG. 31(B), the weapon A image G301 changes to a weapon B image G302. The weapon B image G302 is an image representing two'short swords', suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with'short swords'.

[0287] After that, when the player further operates the normal button 40, as shown in FIG. 31(C), the weapon B image G302 changes to a weapon C image G303. The weapon C image G303 is an image representing three 'bullets', suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with 'bullets'.

[0288] In FIGS. 31(A) to 31(C), the case where the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, or the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 with a headband wrapped around the head is illustrated. However, when the protagonist character image G200 without a headband wrapped around the head is fixedly displayed, each time the normal button 40 is operated, the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, or the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 without a headband wrapped around the head. Note that even when the four-way button 42 is operated while a weapon image is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, the weapon image does not change.

[0289] In the second embodiment, when the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, the display of the weapon C image G303 is maintained even if the player further operates the normal button 40. However, the weapon C image G303 may be returned to the weapon A image G301 by further operating the normal button 40.

[0290] Then, 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. FIG. 31(D) shows the case where the weapon C image G303 is fixedly displayed. Note that if the normal button 40 is not operated even once, none of the weapon images are displayed.

[0291] Then, 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, 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. 31(E), 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 123a4, as shown in FIG. 31(F), the voice of the protagonist character saying "Congratulations" is output from the speaker 52.

[0292] 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 the normal button 40 is operated nor any weapon image is displayed, 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.

[0293] Specifically, when the type of the weapon image fixedly displayed is "golden club", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the first light amount or the second light amount. When the type of the weapon image fixedly displayed is "dagger", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the second light amount or the third light amount. When the type of the weapon image fixedly displayed is "bullet", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the second light amount or the third light amount (see Fig. 29(B)).

[0294] Then, 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 second 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 body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the first light amount, the first light amount may continue thereafter, and when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the third light amount, the third light amount may continue thereafter.

[0295] 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 and the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light. 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, or the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may not emit light.

[0296] Also, in the second embodiment, regardless of whether the protagonist character image G200 with a headband or the protagonist character image G200 without a headband is selected by operating the four-way button 42, the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL are selected at the same ratio. However, the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may be selected at different ratios when the protagonist character image G200 with a headband is selected and when the protagonist character image G200 without a headband is selected.

[0297] Also, in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL do not emit light between when the weapon image is displayed and when the voice of the protagonist character is output. However, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may emit light between when the weapon image is displayed and when the voice of the protagonist character is output. In this case, the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may emit light with the same light amount as the light amount selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a5, or may emit light with a predetermined light amount (for example, the second light amount) regardless of the light amount selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a5.

[0298] Next, the "gimmick preview" will be specifically described. The effect control microcomputer 121 can execute the "gimmick preview" in the "SP reach" in the special pattern variation effect of the variation patterns "SPSP jackpot variation", "SP jackpot variation", "SPSP loss variation", and "SP loss variation".

[0299] As shown in FIG. 28, a gimmick preview selection table 123a6 is stored in the performance memory unit 121b of the performance control microcomputer 121. The performance control microcomputer 121 can use the gimmick preview selection table 123a6 to select whether to execute a "gimmick preview", and the type of lighting pattern of the on-board movable body 55k when the "gimmick preview" is executed. There are two types of lighting patterns for the on-board movable body 55k, namely 'blue blinking' and'red blinking'.

[0300] FIG. 29(C) is a diagram showing the content of the gimmick preview selection table 123a6. The performance control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of variation pattern to select whether to execute a "gimmick preview" and the type of lighting pattern of the on-board movable body 55k when the "gimmick preview" is executed.

[0301] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP jackpot variation" (THP001) or "SP jackpot variation" (THP002), the execution of the 'blue blinking' "gimmick preview" is selected at a rate of 20%, the execution of the'red blinking' "gimmick preview" is selected at a rate of 40%, and the non-execution of the "gimmick preview" is selected at a rate of 40%.

[0302] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP loss variation" (THP011) or "SP loss variation" (THP012), the execution of the 'blue blinking' "gimmick preview" is selected at a rate of 50%, the execution of the'red blinking' "gimmick preview" is selected at a rate of 10%, and the non-execution of the "gimmick preview" is selected at a rate of 40%.

[0303] That is, the variation pattern corresponding to the "jackpot win" result of the jackpot determination is set to be more likely to select the execution of the'red blinking' "gimmick preview" than the variation pattern corresponding to the "loss" result of the jackpot determination. The'red blinking' "gimmick preview" functions as an effect suggesting that a jackpot game is likely to be played.

[0304] Also, in the case of a variation pattern in which "SPSP reach" is included in the production flow, the execution of the "Gimmick preview" of "Red blinking" is set to be selected rather than in the case of a variation pattern in which "SPSP reach" is not included in the production flow. The "Gimmick preview" of "Red blinking" functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of developing into "SPSP reach".

[0305] In the second embodiment, the execution of the "Gimmick preview" is set to be selected only in the case of a variation pattern in which "SP reach" is included in the production flow. However, even in the case of a variation pattern in which "SP reach" is not included in the production flow, the execution of the "Gimmick preview" may be selected. In this case, it is preferable to make it more difficult to select the execution of the "Gimmick preview" in the case of a variation pattern in which "SP reach" is not included in the production flow than in the case of a variation pattern in which "SP reach" is included in the production flow. Note that the selection ratio shown by the gimmick preview selection table 123a6 shown in FIG. 29(C) can be changed as appropriate.

[0306] When the production control microcomputer 121 executes the "Gimmick preview" in the special figure variation production, it executes the "Gimmick preview" with the lighting pattern of the on-board movable body 55k selected by the gimmick preview selection table 123a6.

[0307] FIGS. 32(A) to 32(C) are diagrams showing how the "Gimmick preview" is performed. When developing into "SP reach" in the special figure variation production, as shown in FIG. 32(A), when the main character is about to attack the enemy character, the "Gimmick preview" is performed.

[0308] In the "Gimmick Preview", the operation of the normal button 40 becomes effective, and as shown in FIG. 32(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. 32(C), the normal button image G31 is erased and the on-board movable body 55k moves onto the display unit 50a. At this time, when "Blue Blinking" is selected by the gimmick preview selection table 123a6, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL intermittently emit light in blue (the on-board movable body 55k blinks in blue), and when "Red Blinking" is selected by the gimmick preview selection table 123a6, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL intermittently emit light in red (the on-board movable body 55k blinks in red). The light amount of these movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emits light with the second light amount regardless of whether the player operates the normal button 40 or not.

[0309] Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses, the emission of light from the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL ends and the on-board movable body 55k returns to its original position, and the "Gimmick Preview" ends.

[0310] In the second embodiment, in the "Gimmick Preview", the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light is set to emit light with a second light amount regardless of the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emitted light in the "Character Voice Preview" even when the "Character Voice Preview" is being performed in "N Reach". However, when the "Character Voice Preview" is being performed in "N Reach", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may also emit light with the same light amount as the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emitted light in that "Character Voice Preview". For example, if the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with a first light amount in the "Character Voice Preview", then the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the first light amount in the "Gimmick Preview" as well. If the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with a third light amount in the "Character Voice Preview", then the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may emit light with the third light amount in the "Gimmick Preview" as well.

[0311] Also, in the second embodiment, in the "Gimmick Preview", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL are made to emit light by operating the normal button 40, but the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may also be made to emit light by operating the four-way button 42.

[0312] Next, the "Roulette Preview" will be specifically described. The effect control microcomputer 121 can execute the "Roulette Preview" in the "SPSP Reach" in the special figure variation effect where the variation pattern is "SPSP Jackpot Variation" or "SPSP Loss Variation".

[0313] Figs. 33(A) to 33(C) are diagrams showing how the "Roulette Preview" is performed. When the special figure variation effect develops into "SPSP Reach" and as shown in Fig. 33(A), when the protagonist character tries to attack the powerful enemy character, the "Roulette Preview" is performed.

[0314] In the "Roulette Preview", the operation of the four-way button 42 becomes effective. As shown in FIG. 33(B), a technique image G600 representing the techniques that the protagonist character can deploy is displayed at the center of the display unit 50a. At the same time, a four-way button image G300 imitating the four-way button 42 is displayed below the technique image G600, and only the up button image G300a and the down button image G300b blink and are displayed to prompt the player to operate the up button 42a or the down button 42b of the four-way button image G300. The technique image G600 consists of a technique image G600a indicating that the technique deployed by the protagonist character is "Punch", a technique image G600b indicating that the technique deployed by the protagonist character is "Chop", and a technique image G600c representing that the technique deployed by the protagonist character is "Kick". Initially, only the technique image G600a is displayed.

[0315] When the four-way button image G300 is being displayed and the player operates the up button 42a or the down button 42b, the image displayed as the technique image G600 switches. Each time the up button 42a or the down button 42b is operated, the displayed image switches in the order of technique image G600a → technique image G600b → technique image G600c.

[0316] Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the four-way button image G300 was displayed, the four-way button image G300 is erased, and the technique image G600 being displayed at that time is fixedly displayed. At this time, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light intermittently in red (the on-board movable body 55k blinks in red) to indicate that the technique image G600 is fixedly displayed. The light amount of these movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emits light with a second light amount regardless of whether the player has operated the four-way button 42. FIG. 33(C) shows the case where the technique image G600c is fixedly displayed.

[0317] After a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed since the skill image G600 is fixedly displayed, the skill image G600 is erased and the "roulette preview" ends. Thereafter, in the final stage of "SPSP reach", the protagonist character plays out 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.

[0318] In the second embodiment, the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in the "roulette preview" is made to emit light with a second light quantity regardless of the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emitted light in the "character voice preview" in "N reach". However, when the "character voice preview" is performed in "N reach", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may also emit light with the same light quantity as the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emitted light in the "character voice preview" in the "roulette preview". For example, when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with a first light quantity in the "character voice preview", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may emit light with the first light quantity in the "roulette preview", and when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with a third light quantity in the "character voice preview", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may emit light with the third light quantity in the "roulette preview".

[0319] Also, in the second embodiment, in the "roulette preview", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL are made to emit light by operating the four-way button 42, but the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may be made to emit light by operating the normal button 40.

[0320] <Consideration of the Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, the pachinko game machine PY1 described in the second embodiment will be considered. First, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 displayed in the "character voice preview" will be considered.

[0321] In the "Character Voice Preview", the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a by operating the four-way button 42. Then, each time the four-way button 42 is operated while the protagonist character image G200 is being displayed, the protagonist character image G200 representing the protagonist character with a headband and the protagonist character image G200 representing the protagonist character without a headband alternate. Also, each time the normal button 40 is operated while the protagonist character image G200 is being displayed, any 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 when the four-way button 42 or the normal button 40 is operated while the protagonist character image G200 is being displayed, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 changes.

[0322] Next, consider the display mode of the skill image G600 displayed in the "Roulette Preview".

[0323] In the "Roulette Preview", each time the four-way 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, in the "Roulette Preview", it can be said that when the four-way button 42 is operated while the skill image G600 is being displayed, the display mode of the skill image G600 changes.

[0324] Next, consider the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL of the board movable body 55k that emits light in the "Character Voice Preview".

[0325] In the "Character Voice Preview", after the display of the protagonist character image G200, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light. The light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL is selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a5, and the types of light amount include the weakest first light amount, the second light amount stronger than the first light amount, and the third light amount stronger than the second light amount. The third light amount is selected with the highest probability when the "Bullet" is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 (see Fig. 29(B)). That is, when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light in a state where the weapon C image G303 representing the "Bullet" is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, the probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the strongest third light amount is higher than when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light in a state where the weapon C image G303 representing the "Bullet" is not displayed on the protagonist character image G200.

[0326] <Effect of the Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, the effects of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the second embodiment will be described.

[0327] (1) In the "Character Voice Preview", when the player operates the four-way button 42 or the normal button 40 while the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 displayed on the display unit 50a changes. Therefore, the player can arbitrarily change the display mode of the protagonist character image G200, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0328] (2) In the "Character Voice Preview", after the protagonist character image G200 is displayed on the display unit 50a, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light. Therefore, the image displayed on the display unit 50a and the light emission of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL can be associated with each other, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0329] (3) In the "Character Voice Preview", even if any of the weapon A image G301, weapon B image G302, or weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light thereafter emit light in the same light emission pattern. Therefore, the production content can be made easier to understand, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

[0330] (4) In the "Character Voice Preview", whether or not the weapon images (weapon A image G301, weapon B image G302, weapon C image G303) are displayed on the protagonist character image G200, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light thereafter emit light in the same light emission pattern. Therefore, the production content can be made easier to understand, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

[0331] (5) When the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light in the "Character Voice Preview", they emit light with any of the first light quantity, second light quantity, and third light quantity. Therefore, the variation in the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL can be increased, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

[0332] (6) In the "Character Voice Preview", when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the weapon C image G303 representing "bullet" displayed on the protagonist character image G200, and when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the weapon C image G303 representing "bullet" not displayed on the protagonist character image G200, the probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the strongest third light quantity is different. Therefore, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 and the intensity of the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL can be associated with each other, and the interest of the game can be enhanced.

[0333] <Modification Example of the Second Embodiment> Next, a modification example of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the second 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.

[0334] In the second embodiment, the "character voice notice" 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".

[0335] Also, in the second embodiment, the "gimmick notice" is performed in the "SP reach" of the special figure variation effect. However, it may be performed after the "character voice notice", or may be performed outside the "SP reach". For example, in the "N reach", the "gimmick notice" may be performed after the "character voice notice" is executed, or the "gimmick notice" may be performed in the "SPSP reach".

[0336] Also, in the second embodiment, the "roulette notice" is performed in the "SPSP reach" of the special figure variation effect. However, it may be performed after the "character voice notice", or may be performed outside the "SPSP reach". For example, in the "N reach", the "roulette notice" may be performed after the "character voice notice" is executed, or in the "SP reach", the "roulette notice" may be performed before or after the "cut-in notice" is executed.

[0337] In the second embodiment, "character voice preview", "gimmick preview", and "roulette preview" are performed based on the result (variation pattern) of the big win determination. However, they may also be performed based on the type of the stopped symbols in the special figure. For example, when the stopped symbols in the special figure are "certain variable symbols", "character voice preview", "gimmick preview", and "roulette preview" may be performed. In this case, "character voice preview", "gimmick preview", and "roulette preview" can suggest that a high-probability state is about to occur, and it is possible to enhance the amusement of the game.

[0338] In the second embodiment, "character voice preview", "gimmick preview", and "roulette preview" are performed during the variable display of the first special figure in the non-time-shortened state. However, they may also be performed in game states other than the non-time-shortened state. For example, "character voice preview", "gimmick preview", and "roulette preview" may be performed during the variable display of the second special figure in the time-shortened state.

[0339] In the second embodiment, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 displayed in the "character voice preview" changes with any operation of the four-way button 42 and the normal button 40. However, it may change only with the operation of the four-way button 42, or it may change only with the operation of the normal button 40.

[0340] In the second embodiment, with respect to the protagonist character image G200 displayed in the "character voice preview", an image of any one of the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, and the weapon C image G303 is added by the operation of the normal button 40. However, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 may change by the operation of 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.

[0341] Also, in the second embodiment, the LEDs that emit light in the "character voice preview" are the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL of the on-board movable body 55k, but other LEDs may be made to emit light. For example, the LEDs provided on the frame lamp 53 may be made to emit light, or both the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL of the on-board movable body 55k and the LEDs provided on the frame lamp 53 may be made to emit light. In this case, it is preferable that the LEDs provided on the frame lamp 53 emit light with the same light amount as the light amount selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a5.

[0342] Also, in the second embodiment, the lighting pattern of the on-board movable body 55k that emits light in the "character voice preview" is the same lighting pattern regardless of the display mode of the main character image G200, but it may be made to light up or blink with different lighting patterns according to the display mode of the main character image G200.

[0343] Also, in the second embodiment, the types of light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in the "character voice preview" are three types, namely the first light amount, the second light amount, and the third light amount, but the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may be made to emit light with two types or four or more types of light amounts.

[0344] <The invention disclosed in the second embodiment> Up to the previous paragraph in this [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention], the following invention BB is disclosed. In the description of the invention BB, the names, expressions, and reference numerals used in the drawings of the corresponding configurations in the embodiments for carrying out the above-described 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 the invention BB is a general term for the following inventions BB1 to BB4.

[0345] In addition, for example, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-195889, there is an operation button that can be operated by the player, and an effect may be performed according to the operation of the operation button. For example, in the gaming machine of the following Patent Document 1, when the operation button is operated, as a result, a jackpot preview that suggests 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 BB1 to BB4 are realized, an improvement in the amusement of the game can be expected.

[0346] The gaming machine according to Invention BB1 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, four-way button 42) that can be operated by the player, light-emitting means (movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL) that can emit light, and display means (image display device 50) that can display an image. The effect execution means when the operation means is operated during the variable display of the symbols, can display a specific image (main character image G200) on the display means, when the operation means is operated during the display of the specific image, can change the display mode of the specific image, and after the display of the specific image, the light-emitting means may emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern (emit light intermittently in white). It is characterized by this.

[0347] The gaming machine according to Invention BB2 is the gaming machine according to Invention BB1, wherein the display mode of the specific image includes special display modes (weapon A image G301, weapon B image G302, weapon C image G303), and the effect execution means Even when the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern after changing the specific image to the special display mode, or even when the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern without changing the specific image to the special display mode, the light emitting means emits light in the same light emission pattern. It is characterized by this.

[0348] The gaming machine according to Invention BB3 is A gaming machine according to Invention BB2, The light emitting means is There are cases where the light emitting means emits light with a first light quantity (second light quantity), and cases where the light emitting means emits light with a second light quantity (first light quantity, third light quantity) different from the first light quantity. It is characterized by this.

[0349] The gaming machine according to Invention BB4 is A gaming machine according to Invention BB3, When the specific image changes to the special display mode and then the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern, or when the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern without the specific image changing to the special display mode, the probability that the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern with the second light quantity is higher. It is characterized by this.

[0350] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above-described basic embodiment is also applicable to the third embodiment.

[0351] First, the front door 23 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 34. FIG. 34 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. 34, as an operation unit operable by the player, a normal button 40, a handle 72k, and a four-way button 42 composed of four buttons for up, down, left, and right are provided.

[0352] 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 gripping the handle 72k. When the handle 72k rotates to the right while the touch sensor is detecting, the game ball is launched.

[0353] The four-way button 42 is a button used in the operation effect in the special figure variation effect, similar to the normal button 40, and includes an upper button 42a corresponding to the upward direction, a lower button 42b corresponding to the downward direction, a left button 42c corresponding to the left direction, and a right button 42d corresponding to the right direction. When the four-way button 42 is operated by the player, a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit 50a, the panel lamp 54 emits light in a predetermined light emission mode, or a predetermined sound is output from the speaker 52.

[0354] Next, with reference to FIG. 35, the on-board movable body 55k provided on the game board 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 35(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.

[0355] 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.

[0356] 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. 35(B) and the lowermost position shown in FIG. 35(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.

[0357] The movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL are electrically connected to the effect control microcomputer 121, and the effect control microcomputer 121 can cause the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL to emit light, thereby lighting or flashing the left movable body 55Lk and the right movable body 55Rk.

[0358] In front of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL, movable body lenses 55LLr and 55RLr for diffusing the light emission of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL are provided. The effect control microcomputer 121 can light or flash the left movable body 55Lk and the right movable body 55Rk in any color through the movable body lenses 55LLr and 55RLr by causing the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL to emit light.

[0359] Next, with reference to FIGS. 36 to 41, a special figure variation effect that can be executed 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 shortening state.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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 big hit determination is "big hit win", it functions as an effect suggesting that a big hit game may be performed. 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.

[0362] C.N Reach "N Reach" is an effect that may occur after "Reach" is triggered, and it is a reach effect where the variation speed of the medium effect symbol EZ2 gradually decelerates. Since "N Reach" may occur when the jackpot determination result is "jackpot win", it functions as an effect suggesting the possibility of a jackpot game being played.

[0363] D.SP Reach "SP Reach" is an effect that may occur after "N Reach", and it is a reach effect where the protagonist character battles the enemy character. Since "SP Reach" is more likely to occur when the jackpot determination result is "jackpot win" than when it is "loss", it functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of a jackpot game being played.

[0364] E.SPSP Reach "SPSP Reach" is an effect that may occur after "SP Reach", and it is a reach effect where the protagonist character battles a powerful enemy character. Since "SPSP Reach" is more likely to occur when the jackpot determination result is "jackpot win" than when it is "loss", it functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of a jackpot game being played. Also, since a jackpot game is more likely to be played when "SPSP Reach" develops from "SP Reach" than when it does not, "SPSP Reach" also functions as an effect suggesting a higher possibility of a jackpot game being played than "SP Reach".

[0365] F.Character Voice Announcement "Character Voice Preview" is an effect that may be performed in "N Reach". In response to the operation of the normal button 40, the voice of the protagonist character or the heroine character is output from the speaker 52, and at the same time, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL of the on-board movable body 55k emit light. Since "Character Voice Preview" may develop into "SP Reach" afterwards, it functions as an effect suggesting the possibility of "SP Reach" being performed.

[0366] G. Gimmick Preview "Gimmick Preview" is an effect that may be performed in "SP Reach". In response to the operation of the normal button 40, it is a preview effect in which the on-board movable body 55k operates. Since "Gimmick Preview" may develop into "SPSP Reach" afterwards, it functions as an effect suggesting the possibility of "SPSP Reach" being performed.

[0367] Next, using FIG. 36, the effect flow of the main special figure variation effects executed in the non-time-short state will be described. The microcomputer 121 for effect control can display an effect image on the display unit 50a in each effect constituting the effect flow, and in response to the display of the effect image, execute a light emission effect using the frame lamp 53 and the board lamp 54, and a sound effect using the speaker 52.

[0368] As shown in FIG. 36(A), in the special figure variation effects where the variation pattern is "SPSP Jackpot Variation" or "SPSP Loss Variation", an effect flow composed of "Normal Variation" → "Reach" → "N Reach" → "SP Reach" → "SPSP Reach" is executed. In these special figure variation effects, "Character Voice Preview" may be performed in "N Reach", and "Gimmick Preview" may be performed in "SP Reach".

[0369] Also, as shown in FIG. 36(B), in the special pattern variation presentations where the variation pattern is "SP big win variation" or "SP loss variation", the presentation flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" → "SP reach" is executed. Note that in these special pattern variation presentations, "character voice preview" may be performed at "N reach", and "gimmick preview" may be performed at "SP reach".

[0370] Also, as shown in FIG. 36(C), in the special pattern variation presentation where the variation pattern is "N loss variation", the presentation flow composed of "normal variation" → "reach" → "N reach" is executed. Note that in this special pattern variation presentation, neither "character voice preview" nor "gimmick preview" is performed.

[0371] Also, as shown in FIG. 36(D), in the special pattern variation presentation where the variation pattern is "normal loss variation", the presentation flow composed of only "normal variation" is executed. Note that in this special pattern variation presentation, neither "character voice preview" nor "gimmick preview" is performed.

[0372] Next, the main presentations executed in the special pattern variation presentation will be specifically described. Note that in the special pattern variation presentations 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.

[0373] First, "character voice preview" will be specifically described. The presentation control microcomputer 121 can execute "character voice preview" at "N reach" in the special pattern variation presentations where the variation pattern is "SPSP big win variation", "SP big win variation", "SPSP loss variation", or "SP loss variation".

[0374] In the performance memory unit 121b of the dedicated microcomputer 121 for performance control, as shown in Fig. 37, a character voice preview selection table 123a7 and a gimmick light amount selection table 123a8 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 123a7 and the type of voice when the "character voice preview" is executed. When the "character voice preview" is executed, the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL can be selected using the gimmick light amount selection table 123a8. There are two types of voice types, "Chance" and "Congratulations", and there are three light amounts from the first to the third for the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL. Although details will be described later, the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL vary depending on the type of weapon displayed by operating the four-way button 42 in the "character voice preview".

[0375] Fig. 38(A) is a diagram showing the content of the character voice preview selection table 123a7. 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.

[0376] 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%.

[0377] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP miss variation" (THP011) or "SP miss 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.

[0378] 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.

[0379] 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.

[0380] 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".

[0381] In the third 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, 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 123a7 shown in FIG. 38(A) can be changed as appropriate.

[0382] FIG. 38(B) is a diagram showing the contents of the gimmick light amount selection table 123a8. The effect control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of variation pattern and the type of character selected by the player operating the normal button 40 in the "character voice preview" and the type of weapon that has changed, and selects the light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in the "character voice preview". Although details will be described later, there are two types of character types, the "main character" and the "heroine character", and there are three types of weapon types, the "gold bar", the "dagger", and the "bullet".

[0383] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big win variation" (THP001) or "SP big win variation" (THP002), and the character type is the "main character", and the weapon type is the "gold bar", the first light amount is selected at a ratio of 70% and the second light amount is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the third light amount is not selected.

[0384] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big win variation" (THP001) or "SP big win variation" (THP002), and the character type is the "main character", and the weapon type is the "dagger", the second light amount is selected at a ratio of 70% and the third light amount is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the first light amount is not selected.

[0385] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big win variation" (THP001) or "SP big win variation" (THP002), and the character type is the "main character", and the weapon type is the "bullet", the third light amount is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the first light amount and the second light amount are not selected.

[0386] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big win variation" (THP001) or "SP big win variation" (THP002), and the character type is the "heroine character", and the weapon type is the "gold bar", the first light amount is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the second light amount and the third light amount are not selected.

[0387] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big win variation" (THP001) or "SP big win variation" (THP002), and the character type is 'heroine character', and the weapon type is'short sword', the second light amount is selected at a ratio of 70%, the third light amount is selected at a ratio of 30%, and the first light amount is not selected.

[0388] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP big win variation" (THP001) or "SP big win variation" (THP002), and the character type is 'heroine character', and the weapon type is 'bullet', the second light amount is selected at a ratio of 30%, the third light amount is selected at a ratio of 70%, and the first light amount is not selected.

[0389] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP loss variation" (THP011) or "SP loss variation" (THP012), regardless of the character type and weapon type, the second light amount is selected at a ratio of 100%, and the first light amount and the third light amount are not selected.

[0390] That is, only in the case of the variation pattern corresponding to the result of the big win determination being "big win win", the first light amount and the third light amount are set to be selected, and the "character voice preview" in which the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the first light amount or the third light amount functions as an effect suggesting that a big win game is being played.

[0391] Also, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to a "miss" result in the jackpot determination, when the character type is the "protagonist character", regardless of the type of weapon, the second light quantity is always set to be selected. On the other hand, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to a "jackpot win" result in the jackpot determination, when the character type is the "protagonist character", when the type of weapon is a "club", the first light quantity is more likely to be selected than the second light quantity, and when the type of weapon is a "dagger", the second light quantity is more likely to be selected than the third light quantity. The "character voice preview" where the character type is the "protagonist character" and the type of weapon is a "club" functions as an effect that more easily suggests that a jackpot game will be played than the "character voice preview" where the character type is the "protagonist character" and the type of weapon is a "dagger".

[0392] Also, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to a "miss" result in the jackpot determination, when the character type is the "heroine character", regardless of the type of weapon, the second light quantity is always set to be selected. On the other hand, in the case of a variation pattern corresponding to a "jackpot win" result in the jackpot determination, when the character type is the "heroine character", when the type of weapon is a "club", the third light quantity is always set to be selected, when the type of weapon is a "dagger", the second light quantity is more likely to be selected than the third light quantity, and when the type of weapon is a "bullet", the third light quantity is more likely to be selected than the second light quantity. The "character voice preview" where the character type is the "heroine character" and the type of weapon is a "bullet" functions as an effect that more easily suggests that a jackpot game will be played than the "character voice preview" where the character type is the "heroine character" and the type of weapon is a "dagger".

[0393] Also, when the type of weapon is a "metal club", the first light quantity is likely to be selected; when the type of weapon is a "dagger", the second light quantity is likely to be selected; and when the type of weapon is a "bullet", the third light quantity is likely to be selected. The "character voice preview" when a "metal club" is displayed has a high probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light at the first light quantity. The "character voice preview" when a "dagger" is displayed has a high probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light at the second light quantity. The "character voice preview" when a "bullet" is displayed has a high probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light at the third light quantity. It should be noted that the selection ratio shown by the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a8 in FIG. 38(B) can be changed as appropriate.

[0394] In the third embodiment, the selected light quantity varies according to the type of variation pattern, but the same light quantity may be selected regardless of the type of variation pattern. For example, when the character type is the "main character" and the weapon type is a "metal club", the first light quantity is always selected; when the character type is the "main character" and the weapon type is a "dagger", the second light quantity is always selected; when the character type is the "main character" and the weapon type is a "bullet", the third light quantity is always selected. On the other hand, when the character type is the "heroine character", the second light quantity may always be selected regardless of the weapon type.

[0395] 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 voice type and light quantity selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a7 and the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a8.

[0396] FIGS. 39(A) to 39(H) and FIGS. 40(A) to 40(E) are diagrams showing how the "character voice preview" is performed. In the special figure variation production, when "reach" is established and "N reach" is performed as shown in FIG. 39(A), the "character voice preview" is performed.

[0397] In the "Character Voice Preview", the operation of the normal button 40 becomes effective. As shown in FIG. 39(B), a normal button image G31 imitating the normal button 40 is displayed at the lower center of the display unit 50a, and a rapid-fire image G305 prompting the rapid-fire operation of the normal button 40 and a long-press image G306 prompting the long-press operation of the normal button 40 are displayed on the normal button image G31.

[0398] When the player presses the normal button 40 while the normal button image G31 is being displayed, as shown in FIG. 39(C), a protagonist character image G200 representing the protagonist character and a heroine character image G205 representing the heroine character are displayed on the display unit 50a. In the third embodiment, the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 are displayed by the operation of the normal button 40, but they may also be displayed before the operation of the normal button 40. For example, the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 may be displayed simultaneously with the display of the normal button image G31.

[0399] After that, if the player continues to press the normal button 40 without releasing it, it is determined that a long-press operation is being performed. As shown in FIG. 39(D), a weapon A image G301 is displayed on the heroine character image G205. The weapon A image G301 is an image representing a single "golden club", suggesting that the heroine character is equipped with a "golden club".

[0400] After that, if the player continues to press the normal button 40 further, as shown in FIG. 39(E), the weapon A image G301 changes to a weapon B image G302. The weapon B image G302 is an image representing two "daggers", suggesting that the heroine character is equipped with "daggers".

[0401] After that, if the player continues to press the normal button 40, as shown in FIG. 39(F), the weapon B image G302 changes to the weapon C image G303. The weapon C image G303 is an image representing three 'bullets', suggesting that the heroine character is equipped with 'bullets'.

[0402] In the third embodiment, when the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the heroine character image G205, even if the player continues to press the normal button 40 further, the display of the weapon C image G303 is maintained. However, by further pressing the normal button 40, the weapon C image G303 may be returned to the weapon A image G301.

[0403] When a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) elapses after the normal button image G31 is displayed, the normal button image G31, the rapid-fire image G305, and the long-press image G306 are erased, and the weapon image displayed at that time is fixedly displayed. Note that if there is no operation of the normal button 40 (neither rapid-fire operation nor long-press operation) after the display of the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205, no weapon image is displayed. FIG. 39(G) shows the case where the weapon C image G303 is fixedly displayed on the heroine character image G205.

[0404] When a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) elapses after the normal button image G31, the rapid-fire image G305, and the long-press image G306 are erased, the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52, and the movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL emit light intermittently in white (the on-board movable body 55k blinks in white). At this time, if 'Chance' is selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a7, as shown in FIG. 39(G), the voice of the protagonist character 'Chance' is output from the speaker 52, and if 'Congratulations' is selected by the character voice preview selection table 123a7, as shown in FIG. 39(H), the voice of the heroine character 'Congratulations' is output from the speaker 52.

[0405] Also, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the light amount selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a8, 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 announcement" is made. When no weapon image is displayed without performing a long press operation on 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.

[0406] Specifically, when the type of the fixedly displayed weapon image is "gold bar", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the first light amount or the second light amount. When the type of the fixedly displayed weapon image is "dagger", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the second light amount or the third light amount. When the type of the fixedly displayed weapon image is "bullet", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the second light amount or the third light amount (see FIG. 38(B)).

[0407] Then, when the voice of the heroine character is output from the speaker 52 and the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light, the protagonist character image G200, the heroine character image G205, and the weapon image are erased, and the "character voice announcement" ends.

[0408] On the other hand, after the player presses the normal button 40 for the first time, if the player immediately presses the normal button 40 again after once releasing it, it is determined that a rapid-fire operation is being performed. As shown in FIG. 40(A), the weapon A image G301 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200. The weapon A image G301 is an image representing one "gold bar", suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with a "gold bar".

[0409] After that, if the player continues to rapidly press the normal button 40, as shown in FIG. 40(B), the weapon A image G301 changes to the weapon B image G302. The weapon B image G302 is an image representing two "daggers", suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with "daggers".

[0410] After that, if the player continues to rapidly press the normal button 40, as shown in FIG. 40(C), the weapon B image G302 changes to the weapon C image G303. The weapon C image G303 is an image representing three "bullets", suggesting that the protagonist character is equipped with "bullets".

[0411] In the third embodiment, when the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, even if the player continues to rapidly press the normal button 40, the display of the weapon C image G303 is maintained. However, by further rapidly pressing the normal button 40, the weapon C image G303 may be returned to the weapon A image G301.

[0412] Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the normal button image G31 was displayed, the normal button image G31, the rapid press image G305, and the long press image G306 are erased, and the weapon image being displayed at that time is fixedly displayed. FIG. 40(D) shows the case where the weapon C image G303 is fixedly displayed on the protagonist character image G200.

[0413] Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed after the normal button image G31, the rapid-fire image G305, and the long-press image G306 are 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 123a7, as shown in FIG. 40(D), 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 123a7, as shown in FIG. 40(E), the voice of the protagonist character saying "Congratulations" is output from the speaker 52.

[0414] Also, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL of the on-board movable body 55k emit light with the light amount selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a8, 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 light amount 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 no weapon image is displayed without performing the rapid-fire operation of the normal button 40, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with this second light amount.

[0415] Specifically, when the type of the fixedly displayed weapon image is "gold bar", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the first light amount or the second light amount. When the type of the fixedly displayed weapon image is "dagger", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the second light amount or the third light amount. When the type of the fixedly displayed weapon image is "bullet", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with either the second light amount or the third light amount (see FIG. 38(B)).

[0416] Then, 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.

[0417] In the third embodiment, when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL in the "character voice notice" emit light at the first light quantity or the third light quantity, the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in various subsequent effects returns to the second light quantity. However, when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light at the first light quantity, the first light quantity may continue thereafter, and when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light at the third light quantity, the third light quantity may continue thereafter.

[0418] Also, in the third embodiment, when no weapon image is displayed, in other words, when the player does not perform either a long-press operation or a rapid-fire operation on the normal button 40, the voice of the heroine character or the hero character is output from the speaker 52 and the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light. However, when the player does not perform either a long-press operation or a rapid-fire operation on the normal button 40, neither the voice of the heroine character nor the voice of the hero character may be output from the speaker 52, or the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may not emit light.

[0419] Also, in the third embodiment, different ratios of the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL are selected when a weapon image is displayed on the heroine character image G205 and when a weapon image is displayed on the hero character image G200. However, the same ratio of the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may be selected when a weapon image is displayed on the heroine character image G205 and when a weapon image is displayed on the hero character image G200.

[0420] In addition, in the third embodiment, a case is exemplified in which the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL do not emit light between the display of the weapon image and the output of the voice of the protagonist character or the heroine character. However, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may be made to emit light between the display of the weapon image and the output of the voice of the protagonist character or the heroine character. In this case, the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may be made to emit light with the same light amount as the light amount selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a8, or may be made to emit light with a predetermined light amount (for example, the second light amount) regardless of the light amount selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a8.

[0421] Next, the "gimmick preview" will be specifically described. The production control microcomputer 121 can execute the "gimmick preview" in the "SP reach" in the special drawing variation production of the variation patterns "SPSP jackpot variation", "SP jackpot variation", "SPSP loss variation", and "SP loss variation".

[0422] As shown in FIG. 37, a gimmick preview selection table 123a9 is stored in the production memory unit 121b of the production control microcomputer 121. The production control microcomputer 121 can select whether to execute the "gimmick preview" using the gimmick preview selection table 123a9 and the type of the lighting pattern of the on-board movable body 55k when the "gimmick preview" is executed. There are two types of lighting patterns for the on-board movable body 55k: 'blue blinking' and'red blinking'.

[0423] FIG. 38(C) is a diagram showing the content of the gimmick preview selection table 123a9. The production control microcomputer 121 refers to the type of the variation pattern and selects whether to execute the "gimmick preview" and the type of the lighting pattern of the on-board movable body 55k when the "gimmick preview" is executed.

[0424] Specifically, when the variation pattern is "SPSP Jackpot Variation" (THP001) or "SP Jackpot Variation" (THP002), the execution of the "Gimmick Preview" with 'blue blinking' is selected at a rate of 20%, the execution of the "Gimmick Preview" with'red blinking' is selected at a rate of 40%, and the non - execution of the "Gimmick Preview" is selected at a rate of 40%.

[0425] Also, when the variation pattern is "SPSP Loss Variation" (THP011) or "SP Loss Variation" (THP012), the execution of the "Gimmick Preview" with 'blue blinking' is selected at a rate of 50%, the execution of the "Gimmick Preview" with'red blinking' is selected at a rate of 10%, and the non - execution of the "Gimmick Preview" is selected at a rate of 40%.

[0426] That is, compared with the variation patterns corresponding to the result of "loss" in the jackpot determination, the variation patterns corresponding to the result of "jackpot win" in the jackpot determination are set so that the execution of the "Gimmick Preview" with'red blinking' is more likely to be selected. The "Gimmick Preview" with'red blinking' functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of a jackpot game being played.

[0427] Also, compared with the case of a variation pattern not including "SPSP Reach" in the effect flow, in the case of a variation pattern including "SPSP Reach" in the effect flow, the execution of the "Gimmick Preview" with'red blinking' is set to be selected. The "Gimmick Preview" with'red blinking' functions as an effect suggesting a high possibility of developing into "SPSP Reach".

[0428] In the third embodiment, the execution of the "Gimmick Preview" is set to be selected only in the case of a variable pattern in which "SP Reach" is included in the production flow. However, even in a variable pattern in which "SP Reach" is not included in the production flow, the execution of the "Gimmick Preview" may be selected. In this case, it is preferable to make it more difficult to select the execution of the "Gimmick Preview" in the case of a variable pattern in which "SP Reach" is not included in the production flow than in the case of a variable pattern in which "SP Reach" is included in the production flow. Note that the selection ratio indicated by the gimmick preview selection table 123a9 shown in FIG. 38(C) can be changed as appropriate.

[0429] When the production control microcomputer 121 executes the "Gimmick Preview" in the special figure variable production, the "Gimmick Preview" is executed with the lighting pattern of the movable body 55k on the board selected by the gimmick preview selection table 123a9.

[0430] FIGS. 41(A) to 41(C) are diagrams showing how the "Gimmick Preview" is performed. When "N Reach" ends in the special figure variable production, it develops into "SP Reach". In "SP Reach", in the "Character Voice Preview" in "N Reach", when a weapon image is displayed on the heroine character image G205 (when the normal button 40 is long-pressed), the heroine character and the enemy character battle, while when a weapon image is displayed on the hero character image G200 (when the normal button 40 is repeatedly pressed), the hero character and the enemy character battle. Here, the case where the hero character and the enemy character battle is exemplified. In "SP Reach", as shown in FIG. 41(A), when the hero character tries to attack the enemy character, the "Gimmick Preview" is performed.

[0431] In the "Gimmick Preview", the operation of the normal button 40 becomes effective, and as shown in FIG. 41(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. 41(C), the normal button image G31 is erased and the on-board movable body 55k moves onto the display unit 50a. At this time, when "Blue Blinking" is selected by the gimmick preview selection table 123a9, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL intermittently emit light in blue (the on-board movable body 55k blinks in blue), and when "Red Blinking" is selected by the gimmick preview selection table 123a9, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL intermittently emit light in red (the on-board movable body 55k blinks in red). The light amount of these movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emits light with the second light amount regardless of whether the player operates the normal button 40 or not.

[0432] Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses, the emission of light from the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL ends and the on-board movable body 55k returns to its original position, and the "Gimmick Preview" ends.

[0433] In the third embodiment, in the "Gimmick Preview", the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light is set to emit light with the second light amount regardless of the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emitted light in the "Character Voice Preview" when the "Character Voice Preview" was being performed in "N Reach". However, when the "Character Voice Preview" is being performed in "N Reach", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may also emit light with the same light amount as the light amount of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emitted light in that "Character Voice Preview". For example, when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the first light amount in the "Character Voice Preview", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may also emit light with the first light amount in the "Gimmick Preview", and when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the third light amount in the "Character Voice Preview", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may also emit light with the third light amount in the "Gimmick Preview".

[0434] Also, in the third embodiment, in the "Gimmick Preview", the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL are made to emit light by operating the normal button 40, but the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may also be made to emit light by operating the four-way button 42.

[0435] <Consideration of the Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, the pachinko game machine PY1 described in the third embodiment will be considered. First, the display modes of the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 displayed in the "Character Voice Preview" will be considered.

[0436] In the "Character Voice Preview", the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 are displayed on the display unit 50a by operating the normal button 40. Then, when the normal button 40 is rapidly tapped while the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 are being displayed, any 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. On the other hand, when the normal button 40 is long-pressed while the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 are being displayed, any one of the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, and the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the heroine character image G205. That is to say, in the "Character Voice Preview", it can be said that when the normal button 40 is rapidly tapped during the display of the protagonist character image G200, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 changes, and when the normal button 40 is long-pressed, the display mode of the heroine character image G205 changes.

[0437] Next, consider the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL of the on-board movable body 55k that emits light in the "Character Voice Preview".

[0438] In the "Character Voice Preview", after the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 are displayed, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light. The light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL is selected by the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a8, and the types of light quantity include the weakest first light quantity, the second light quantity stronger than the first light quantity, and the third light quantity stronger than the second light quantity. The third light quantity is selected with the highest probability when the "bullet" is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 (see Fig. 38(B)). That is to say, when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light in a state where the weapon C image G303 representing the "bullet" is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, it can be said that the probability that the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the strongest third light quantity is higher than when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light in a state where the weapon C image G303 representing the "bullet" is not displayed on the protagonist character image G200.

[0439] Next, in the "Character Voice Preview", consider the relationship between the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL when the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200, and the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL when the weapon C image G3033 is displayed on the heroine character image G205.

[0440] In the "Character Voice Preview", after the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 are displayed, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light. The light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL is selected by the gimmick light quantity selection table 123a8, and the types of light quantity include the weakest first light quantity, the second light quantity stronger than the first light quantity, and the third light quantity stronger than the second light quantity. The third light quantity is selected with a higher probability when the weapon C image G303 representing "bullet" is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 than when it is displayed on the heroine character image G205 (see Fig. 38(B)). That is, when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the weapon C image G303 representing "bullet" displayed on the protagonist character image G200, it can be said that the probability of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emitting light with the strongest third light quantity is higher than when they emit light with the weapon C image G303 representing "bullet" displayed on the heroine character image G205.

[0441] <Effect of the Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, the effects of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the third embodiment will be described.

[0442] (1) In the "Character Voice Preview", when the player repeatedly presses the normal button 40 while the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 are being displayed on the display unit 50a, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 being displayed on the display unit 50a changes. On the other hand, when the player long-presses the normal button 40 while the protagonist character image G200 and the heroine character image G205 are being displayed on the display unit 50a, the display mode of the heroine character image G205 being displayed on the display unit 50a changes. Therefore, the player can arbitrarily change the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205, and it becomes possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0443] (2) In the "Character Voice Preview", after the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 is displayed on the display unit 50a, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light. Therefore, the image displayed on the display unit 50a and the light emission of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL can be associated with each other, and it becomes possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0444] (3) In the "Character Voice Preview", regardless of whether the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, or the weapon C image G303 is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light thereafter emit light in the same light emission pattern. Therefore, the production content can be made easier to understand, and it becomes possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0445] (4) In the "Character Voice Preview", regardless of whether the weapon image (weapon A image G301, weapon B image G302, weapon C image G303) is displayed on the protagonist character image G200 or on the heroine character image G205, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light thereafter emit light in the same light emission pattern. Therefore, the production content can be made easier to understand, and it becomes possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0446] (5) When the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light in the "Character Voice Notice", they emit light with any one of the first light quantity, the second light quantity, and the third light quantity. Therefore, the variations in the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL can be increased, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0447] (6) In the "Character Voice Notice", when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the weapon C image G303 representing "bullet" displayed on the protagonist character image G200, and when the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL emit light with the weapon C image G303 representing "bullet" displayed on the heroine character image G205, the probability that the on-board movable body 55k emits light with the strongest third light quantity is different. Therefore, the type of character and the intensity of the light quantity of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL can be associated with each other, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0448] <Modification Example of the Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, a modification example of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 described in the third embodiment will be described. Of course, the configurations related to the modification examples may be appropriately combined. Also, the technical features in the above embodiment and the following modification examples can be appropriately deleted if they are not described as essential in this specification.

[0449] In the third embodiment, the "Character Voice Notice" 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".

[0450] Also, in the third embodiment, the "Gimmick Preview" is performed during the "SP Reach" of the special figure variation effect. However, it may be performed after the "Character Voice Preview", or it may be performed outside of "SP Reach". For example, in the "N Reach", the "Gimmick Preview" may be performed after the "Character Voice Preview" is executed, or the "Gimmick Preview" may be performed in the "SPSP Reach".

[0451] Also, in the third embodiment, the "Character Voice Preview" and the "Gimmick Preview" are performed based on the result of the jackpot determination (variation pattern). 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" and the "Gimmick Preview" may be performed. In this case, it is possible to suggest that a high-probability state is reached by the "Character Voice Preview" and the "Gimmick Preview", and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0452] Also, in the third embodiment, the "Character Voice Preview" and the "Gimmick Preview" are performed during the variable display of the first special figure in the non-time-short state. However, they may be performed in a game state other than the non-time-short state. For example, the "Character Voice Preview" and the "Gimmick Preview" may be performed during the variable display of the second special figure in the time-short state.

[0453] Also, in the third embodiment, the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 displayed in the "Character Voice Preview" changes with the operation of the normal button 40. However, it may change with the operation of the four-way button 42.

[0454] Also, in the third embodiment, the display mode of the heroine character image G205 displayed in the "Character Voice Preview" changes with the operation of the normal button 40. However, it may change with the operation of the four-way button 42.

[0455] Also, in the third embodiment, in the "character voice preview", regardless of whether the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 is displayed, the display mode changes with the same operation of the normal button 40, but it may also change with different operations. For example, when the protagonist character image G200 is displayed, the display mode does not change with the continuous pressing operation of the four-way button 42, but changes with the continuous pressing operation of the normal button 40. On the other hand, when the heroine character image G205 is displayed, the display mode does not change with the continuous pressing operation of the normal button 40, but may change with the continuous pressing operation of the up button 42a of the four-way button 42.

[0456] Also, in the third embodiment, for the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 displayed in the "character voice preview", any one of the weapon A image G301, the weapon B image G302, and the weapon C image G303 is added. However, as long as the display mode of the protagonist character image G200 or the heroine character image G205 changes, it is not limited to adding other images. For example, the expression of the protagonist character or the heroine character may change.

[0457] Also, in the third embodiment, the LEDs that emit light in the "character voice preview" are the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL of the on-board movable body 55k, but other LEDs may emit light. For example, the LEDs provided on the frame lamp 53 may emit light, or both the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL of the on-board movable body 55k and the LEDs provided on the frame lamp 53 may emit light. In this case, it is preferable that the LEDs provided on the frame lamp 53 emit light with the same light amount as the light amount selected by the gimmick light amount selection table 123a8.

[0458] Also, in the third embodiment, the light emission patterns of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in the "character voice preview" are the same regardless of the display mode of the main character image G200 or the heroine character image G205. However, they may emit light in different light emission patterns according to the display mode of the main character image G200, or they may emit light in different light emission patterns according to the display mode of the heroine character image G205.

[0459] Also, in the third embodiment, the light emission patterns of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in the "character voice preview" are the same whether the main character image G200 is displayed or the heroine character image G205 is displayed. However, they may emit light in different light emission patterns according to the type of character.

[0460] Also, in the third embodiment, the types of light amounts of the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL that emit light in the "character voice preview" are three types: the first light amount, the second light amount, and the third light amount. However, the movable body LEDs 55LL and 55RL may emit light with two types or four or more types of light amounts.

[0461] <The invention disclosed in the third embodiment> Up to the previous paragraph in this [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention], the following invention CC is disclosed. In the description of the invention CC, the names, expressions, and reference numerals used in the drawings of the corresponding configurations in the embodiments for carrying out the above-described 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 the invention CC is a general term for the following inventions CC1 to CC4.

[0462] Also, for example, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-195889, there is an operation button that can be operated by the player, and an effect may be performed according to the operation of the operation button. For example, in the gaming machine of the following Patent Document 1, when the operation button is operated, as a result, a jackpot preview that suggests 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 CC1 to CC4 are realized, an improvement in the amusement of the game can be expected.

[0463] The gaming machine according to Invention CC1 is a gaming machine that performs a game using symbols (special figures), comprising an effect execution means (effect control microcomputer 121) that performs an effect using an effect means including an operation means (normal button 40) that can be operated by a player and a display means (image display device 50) that can display 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 during the variable display of the symbols, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation means during the display of the specific image, it is possible to change the display mode of the specific image, the predetermined operation includes a first operation (continuous pressing operation) and a second operation (long pressing operation), the specific image includes a first image (main character image G200) and a second image (heroine character image G205), the first image changes when the first operation is performed, while the second image changes when the second operation is performed, characterized by this.

[0464] The gaming machine according to Invention CC2 is the gaming machine according to Invention CC1, the effect means includes a light-emitting means (movable body LEDs 55LL, 55RL) that can emit light, the effect execution means After displaying the specific image, the light emitting means may emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern. Even when the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern after changing the first image, or even when the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern after changing the second image, the light emitting means emits light in the same light emission pattern. It is characterized by this.

[0465] The gaming machine according to Invention CC3 is A gaming machine according to Invention CC2, The light emitting means is There are cases where the light emitting means emits light with a first light amount (second light amount) and cases where the light emitting means emits light with a second light amount (third light amount) different from the first light amount. It is characterized by this.

[0466] The gaming machine according to Invention CC4 is A gaming machine according to Invention CC3, In any display mode of the first image and the second image, there is a special display mode (weapon C image G303). When the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern after the first image changes to the special display mode, or when the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern after the second image changes to the special display mode, the probability that the light emitting means emits light in the predetermined light emission pattern with the second light amount is higher than the case where the second image changes to the special display mode. It is characterized by this.

[0467] <Fourth Embodiment> Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine PZ4 of the fourth embodiment will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the configurations described in the section of the above basic embodiment are applied to the pachinko gaming machine PZ4 of the fourth embodiment. That is, in the description of the fourth embodiment, configurations different from the basic embodiment will be described, and the same configurations as the basic embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted.

[0468] First, with reference to FIG. 42, the stop symbols selectable by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. In the game storage unit 101c of the game control microcomputer 101, a special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 42 is stored. The game control microcomputer 101 can select the stop symbol of the special symbol 1 related to the first start port 11 and the stop symbol of the special symbol 2 related to the second start port 12 using the special symbol determination table.

[0469] As shown in FIG. 42, the game control microcomputer 101 selects the type of stop symbol according to the result of the jackpot determination. The types of stop symbols selected when the result of the jackpot determination related to the special symbol 1 is a jackpot win are two types: "jackpot symbol A" and "jackpot symbol B". The game control microcomputer 101 selects "jackpot symbol A" at a rate of 60% and "jackpot symbol B" at a rate of 40%.

[0470] Also, the type of stop symbol selected when the result of the jackpot determination related to the special symbol 1 is a loss is "losing symbol A", and the game control microcomputer 101 selects "losing symbol A" at a rate of 100%.

[0471] Also, the types of stop symbols selected when the result of the jackpot determination related to the special symbol 2 is a jackpot win are two types: "jackpot symbol C" and "jackpot symbol D". The game control microcomputer 101 selects "jackpot symbol C" at a rate of 60% and "jackpot symbol D" at a rate of 40%.

[0472] Also, the type of stop symbol selected when the result of the jackpot determination related to the special symbol 2 is a loss is "losing symbol B", and the game control microcomputer 101 selects "losing symbol B" at a rate of 100%.

[0473] In the fourth embodiment, the probability that the jackpot determination result is "jackpot win" is set to approximately 1 / 300 in the low probability state and approximately 1 / 30 in the high probability state, whether in the lottery according to Special Figure 1 or the lottery according to Special Figure 2. The probability of "jackpot win" can be changed as appropriate. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the upper limit number of hold numbers in Special Figure 1 is set to "4", and the upper limit number of hold numbers in Special Figure 2 is set to "4". The upper limit number of each hold number can be changed as appropriate within a range that does not interfere with the game.

[0474] Next, the jackpot game that can be executed by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The game control microcomputer 101 can execute different types of jackpot games according to the type of stop symbol selected based on the special figure determination table.

[0475] Specifically, when any of the jackpot symbols A to B is selected, in any case, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a 4-round jackpot game. This jackpot game is a jackpot game in which the first big winning opening 14 is opened for 4 rounds of game play, and each round of game play continues until the elapse of a specified opening time of 30 seconds or until 10 specified numbers of game balls win in the first big winning opening 14.

[0476] Also, when any of the jackpot symbols C to D is selected, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a 10-round jackpot game. This jackpot game is a jackpot game in which the first big winning opening 14 is opened for 10 rounds of game play, and each round of game play continues until the elapse of a specified opening time of 30 seconds or until 10 specified numbers of game balls win in the first big winning opening 14.

[0477] Therefore, it can be said that the 10-round jackpot game with a relatively large number of rounds of game play is a more advantageous jackpot game for the player than the 4-round jackpot game with a relatively small number of rounds of game play. Note that the type of big winning opening used in the jackpot game, the number of rounds of game play, the specified opening time of the big winning opening, and the specified number of the big winning opening can be changed as appropriate.

[0478] Next, the game states controllable by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described. The types of game states controllable by the game control microcomputer 101 include a low-probability low-base state, a low-probability high-base state, and a high-probability high-base state. The game control microcomputer 101 can control to any of these multiple game states according to the type of stop symbol selected by the special symbol determination table (see FIG. 42). Note that in the initial state (when the power is turned on), it is controlled to the low-probability low-base state (normal game state).

[0479] As shown in FIG. 42, when "big hit symbol A" is selected by the special symbol determination table, it is controlled to the high-probability high-base state after 4 rounds of big hit games. Also, when "big hit symbol B" is selected, it is controlled to the low-probability high-base state after 4 rounds of big hit games.

[0480] Also, when "big hit symbol C" is selected by the special symbol determination table, it is controlled to the high-probability high-base state after 10 rounds of big hit games. Also, when "big hit symbol D" is selected, it is controlled to the low-probability high-base state after 10 rounds of big hit games.

[0481] In this embodiment, the high-probability high-base state continues until the execution count of the variable display of the special symbol (special symbol variation) reaches the upper limit count of 10,000 times (probability variation count and time-saving count), and the low-probability high-base state continues until the execution count of the special symbol variation reaches the upper limit count of 100 times (time-saving count). Note that if the next big hit game is executed before the execution count of the special symbol variation reaches the upper limit count, the high-probability high-base state and the low-probability high-base state end even before the execution count of the special symbol variation reaches the upper limit count. It can be said that the high-probability state and the high-base state with an upper limit count of 10,000 times for the special symbol variation continue substantially until the next big hit game is executed.

[0482] Next, with reference to FIG. 43, the variation pattern (special drawing variation pattern) of the special symbol (an example of the identification symbol) will be described. In the low-probability low-base state, mainly the lottery of special drawing 1 is performed, and in the high-base state (high-probability high-base state, low-probability high-base state), mainly the lottery of special drawing 2 is performed. In the low-base state, the game control microcomputer 101 selects the special drawing variation pattern related to special drawing 1 according to the special drawing variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 43(A). On the other hand, in the high-base state, the special drawing variation pattern related to special drawing 2 is selected according to the special drawing pattern determination table shown in FIG. 43(B).

[0483] When the game control microcomputer 101 uses the special drawing variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 43(A), based on the result of the jackpot determination, the result of the symbol type determination (symbol determination), the result of the reach determination, and the number of special drawing reserved balls, the type of the variation pattern related to special drawing 1 (special drawing 1 variation pattern) is selected.

[0484] Specifically, when the result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot win", regardless of whether the result of the symbol type determination is any of the jackpot symbols A to B, the special drawing variation pattern of "P1" is selected at a rate of 90%, and the special drawing variation pattern of "P2" is selected at a rate of 10%. Also, when the result of the jackpot determination is "loss" and the result of the reach determination is "reach", the special drawing variation pattern of "P4" is selected at a rate of 10%, and the special drawing variation pattern of "P5" is selected at a rate of 90%. Further, when the result of the jackpot determination is "loss" and the result of the reach determination is "no reach", if the number of reserved balls of special drawing 1 is 2 or less, the special drawing variation pattern of "P6" with a variation time of 13 seconds is selected, and if the number of reserved balls of special drawing 1 is 3 or 4, the special drawing variation pattern of "P7" with a variation time of 8 seconds is selected.

[0485] Note that "P1" is an SP jackpot variation that develops into an SP reach and finally results in a jackpot win notification, and "P2" is an N jackpot variation that does not develop into an SP reach and results in a jackpot win notification through a normal reach. Also, "P4" is an SP loss variation that develops into an SP reach and finally results in a loss notification, and "P5" is an N loss variation that does not develop into an SP reach and results in a loss notification through a normal reach.

[0486] Also, when the game control microcomputer 101 uses the special figure variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 43(B), based on the result of jackpot determination, the result of symbol type determination, the result of reach determination, and the number of special figure reserved balls, it selects the type of variation pattern (special figure 2 variation pattern) related to special figure 2.

[0487] Specifically, when the result of jackpot determination is "jackpot win", the special figure variation pattern of "P11" is selected at a rate of 100%. Also, when the result of jackpot determination is "loss" and the result of reach determination is "with reach", the special figure variation pattern of "P14" is selected at a rate of 100%. Also, when the result of jackpot determination is "loss" and the result of reach determination is "without reach", if the number of reserved balls of special figure 2 is 1 or less, the special figure variation pattern of "P16" with a variation time of 13 seconds is selected, and if the number of reserved balls of special figure 2 is 2, 3, or 4, the special figure variation pattern of "P17" with a variation time of 4 seconds is selected.

[0488] Note that "P11" is an SP jackpot variation in which an SP reach is performed and finally a jackpot win is notified, and "P14" is an SP loss variation in which an SP reach is performed and finally a loss is notified. Also, in the high base state, the probability of selecting "with reach" when losing is set lower than in the low base state, and the variation time of "without reach and loss" when the number of reserved balls is any one of 2 to 4 is as short as 4 seconds. Therefore, in the high base state, the special figure variation is consumed more quickly than in the low base state.

[0489] Next, the effect configuration in the pachinko gaming machine PZ4 of this embodiment will be described. First, the effect modes will be described with reference to FIG. 44. The effect mode is a mode of effect using the image display device 50 (an example of a predetermined display means), the speaker 52, the panel lamp 54, the frame lamp 53, etc. When the effect mode is different, for example, the characters, items, background images, etc. displayed on the image display device 50 are different, and the variable effect using the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 is also executed in a manner corresponding to the effect mode.

[0490] In the pachinko gaming machine PZ4 of this embodiment, as the normal effect mode set in the low-probability and low-base state (normal gaming state), a day effect mode in which the daytime background image G700 (day background image G700) shown in FIG. 44(A) is displayed and a festival effect mode in which the festival background image G710 (festival background image G710) shown in FIG. 44(B) is displayed can be set.

[0491] The day effect mode (FIG. 44(A)) is a general effect mode in the normal gaming state. In contrast, the festival effect mode (FIG. 44(B)) is a special effect mode in the normal gaming state. The pachinko gaming machine PZ4 conducts a lottery for changing the effect mode at the start of the variable effect in the normal gaming state, and when winning this lottery, it shifts from one of the day effect mode and the festival effect mode to the other. It should be noted that the transition probability from the day effect mode to the festival effect mode is lower than the transition probability from the festival effect mode to the day effect mode. As a result, in the normal gaming state, it is relatively easy to stay in the day effect mode and difficult to stay in the festival effect mode. Therefore, a special feeling is created in the festival effect mode. It may also be configured to return to the day effect mode based on the fact that the special symbol variation is executed a predetermined number of times in the festival effect mode.

[0492] In the night festival performance mode, the pachinko machine PZ4 uses dedicated patterns for the night festival performance mode as the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3. Also, a skewer image KG representing three oden ingredients skewered on a skewer (a triangular konnyaku, a round daikon radish, and a slightly rectangular chikuwa in a front view) is displayed at a position slightly to the right of the center at the lower part of the display unit 50a. The skewer image KG is always displayed on the display unit 50a during the night festival performance mode. The pachinko machine PZ4 performs a dedicated festival performance of rotating and stopping the skewer image KG with the skewer as the rotation axis in accordance with the variable display and stop display of the performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3. The dedicated festival performance will be described later. The performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 in the night festival performance mode are an example of the first performance image, and the skewer image KG is an example of the second performance image. Also, the skewer image KG is also an example of a specific image.

[0493] The performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 used in the night festival performance mode will be described with reference to FIG. 45. Each of the performance patterns EZ (left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, right performance pattern EZ3) in the night festival performance mode includes number patterns from 1 to 9. Each number pattern (each performance pattern EZ) includes a main body part SD representing a number and an additional part FD added to the lower right of the main body part SD. As shown in FIG. 45, the main body part SD of each performance pattern EZ is a part representing any number from 1 to 9.

[0494] In addition, the additional part FD is different for each effect symbol EZ1, EZ2, EZ3. As shown in FIG. 45, each additional part FD includes two characters separated by a " / ". The left side of " / " is called the upper part, and the right side of " / " is called the lower part. The additional part FD for the left effect symbol EZ1 is "あ / は" which includes the two characters "あ" in the upper part and "は" in the lower part. The additional part FD for the middle effect symbol EZ2 is "た / ず" which includes the two characters "た" in the upper part and "ず" in the lower part. The additional part FD for the right effect symbol EZ3 is "り / れ" which includes the two characters "り" in the upper part and "れ" in the lower part. Looking only at the upper parts of the additional parts FD of each effect symbol EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 in the order of "left effect symbol EZ1 → middle effect symbol EZ2 → right effect symbol EZ3", it forms the character string "あ·た·り" which means a big win. Looking at the lower parts of the additional parts FD of each effect symbol EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 in the order of "left effect symbol EZ1 → middle effect symbol EZ2 → right effect symbol EZ3", it forms the character string "は·ず·れ" which means a loss.

[0495] In this way, in the night festival effect mode, each effect symbol EZ1, EZ2, EZ3 is composed of a main body part SD and an additional part FD. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 45, the left effect symbol EZ1 which is a three-digit symbol (3 symbols) has an additional part FD representing "あ / は" added to the lower right of the main body part SD representing "3". Also, for example, the middle effect symbol EZ2 which is a two-digit symbol (2 symbols) has an additional part FD representing "た / ず" added to the lower right of the main body part SD representing "2". Also, for example, the right effect symbol EZ3 which is a one-digit symbol (1 symbol) has an additional part FD representing "り / れ" added to the lower right of the main body part SD representing "1".

[0496] Next, the variable display in the night festival performance mode will be described with reference to FIG. 46. As described above, in the night festival performance mode, the variable display is executed using the performance symbol EZ including the main body part SD and the additional part FD. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 46(A), the pachinko gaming machine PZ4 starts the variable display of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, each including the main body part SD and the additional part FD, while displaying the night festival background image G710 as the background image on the display unit 50a. Note that the variable display of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is started in accordance with the variable display of the special symbol.

[0497] In the variable display in the night festival performance mode, when the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop displaying, the additional parts FD of the respective performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed with their operations corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination. Specifically, in the variable display in the night festival performance mode, when the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop displaying, among the two characters included in the additional part FD of each of the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, the character corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination is enlarged and displayed. Then, only the enlarged character is added to the main body part SD of the performance symbol EZ, and the non-enlarged character is made non-displayed.

[0498] More specifically, in the case of a variation effect based on a losing jackpot determination result, the variation effect of the flow shown in FIGS. 46(A), (B), (C), and (D) is performed. That is, in the variation effect based on the losing jackpot determination result, after the variable display of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is started, when the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a stop mode indicating a loss (for example, "3 symbols · 2 symbols · 1 symbol") (FIG. 46(B)), immediately following this, as shown in FIG. 46(C), in the left effect symbol EZ1, the character "は" of the additional part FD is enlarged and displayed, in the middle effect symbol EZ2, the character "ず" of the additional part FD is enlarged and displayed, and in the right effect symbol EZ3, the character "れ" of the additional part FD is enlarged and displayed. When each character of the additional part FD is enlarged and displayed, the main body part SD is reduced and displayed, and is added to the lower right of the additional part FD being enlarged. That is, the left effect symbol EZ1 is in a state where "3" is attached to the lower right of "は", the middle effect symbol EZ2 is in a state where "2" is attached to the lower right of "ず", and the right effect symbol EZ3 is in a state where "1" is attached to the lower right of "れ". In this way, in this embodiment, when the stop display of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 based on the losing jackpot determination result is performed, the additional part FD is enlarged to form the character string "は·ず·れ". As a result, it is clearly shown to the player that the jackpot determination result is a loss. In other words, in this embodiment, when the stop display of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 based on the losing jackpot determination result is performed, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed so as to stand out in a manner corresponding to the loss.

[0499] After the display shown in FIG. 46(C), as shown in FIG. 46(D), the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in the final state where the main body part SD is restored to its original size and the additional part FD is attached to the lower right of the main body part SD in a reduced size. In the final state in the losing variation, only the character "は" is attached as the additional part FD to the left effect symbol EZ1, only the character "ず" is attached as the additional part FD to the middle effect symbol EZ2, and only the character "れ" is attached as the additional part FD to the right effect symbol EZ3. In the final state, only the characters "は·ず·れ" are displayed as the additional part FD of each effect symbol EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, and the characters "あ·た·り" are not displayed, in order to match the scene indicating that the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are losing in their stopped state (the so-called scattered state). Note that at the start of a new variation effect, the additional part FD of each effect symbol EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is returned to the default state (a state where characters are displayed in two upper and lower stages, such as "あ / は").

[0500] On the other hand, in the case of a variation effect based on the jackpot winning determination result of a big win, the variation effect (an example of the first display effect) shown in FIGS. 46(A), (E), (F), and (G) is performed. That is, in the variation effect based on the jackpot winning determination result of a big win, after the variable display of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is started, when the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped in a stop mode indicating a jackpot win (for example, "3 symbols · 3 symbols · 3 symbols") (FIG. 46(E)), immediately following this, as shown in FIG. 46(F), in the left effect symbol EZ1, the character "a" in the additional part FD is enlarged and displayed, in the middle effect symbol EZ2, the character "ta" in the additional part FD is enlarged and displayed, and in the right effect symbol EZ3, the character "ri" in the additional part FD is enlarged and displayed. When each character in the additional part FD is enlarged and displayed, the main body part SD is reduced and displayed and added to the lower right of the additional part FD being enlarged. That is, the left effect symbol EZ1 has a form where "3" is attached to the lower right of "a", the middle effect symbol EZ2 has a form where "3" is attached to the lower right of "ta", and the right effect symbol EZ3 has a form where "3" is attached to the lower right of "ri". In this way, in this embodiment, when the stop display of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 based on the jackpot winning determination result of a big win is performed, the additional part FD is enlarged to form the character string "a · ta · ri". As a result, it is clearly shown to the player that the result of the big win determination is a jackpot win. In other words, in this embodiment, when the stop display of the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 based on the jackpot winning determination result of a big win is performed, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed so as to stand out in a manner corresponding to the jackpot win (FIG. 46(F)).

[0501] After the display shown in FIG. 46(F), as shown in FIG. 46(G), the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are displayed in the final state where the main body SD is restored to its original size and the additional part FD is attached small and to the lower right of the main body SD. In the final state of the jackpot variation, only the character "あ" is attached as the additional part FD to the left effect symbol EZ1, only the character "た" is attached as the additional part FD to the middle effect symbol EZ2, and only the character "り" is attached as the additional part FD to the right effect symbol EZ3. In the final state, only the characters "あ·た·り" are displayed as the additional part FD of each effect symbol EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3, and the characters "は·ず·れ" are not displayed, in order to match the scene indicating that the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are jackpot winning in their stopped state (so-called same-symbol state). Note that at the start of a new variation effect, the additional part FD of each effect symbol EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is returned to the default state (a state where characters are displayed in two upper and lower stages, such as "あ / は").

[0502] Thus, in this embodiment, in the variation effect of the losing variation in the festival performance mode, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped as "3 あ / は ·2 た / ず ·1 り / れ " → "は3·ず2·れ1" and then, as the final stop, "3 は ·2 ず ·1 れ " is displayed (FIGS. 46(B)(C)(D)). Also, in the variation effect of the jackpot variation in the festival performance mode, the effect symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 are temporarily stopped as "3 あ / は ·3 た / ず ·3 り / れ " → "あ3·た3·り3" and then, as the final stop, "3 あ ·3 た ·3 りIt is displayed as "」" (Figs. 46(E)(F)(G)). When the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stop being displayed, an effect that enlarges the additional part FD included in the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 and reduces the main body part SD to emphasize the result of the jackpot determination and display it (the effects shown in Figs. 46(B)(C) and the effects shown in Figs. 46(E)(F)) is called a specific effect that makes the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 stand out. To distinguish between the specific effect shown in Figs....

Claims

1. A pattern variation that causes a predetermined pattern to be displayed in a variable manner can be performed; A specific performance can be executed during the pattern change, When a predetermined display is made during the pattern variation, it is possible to accept a first sequential operation consisting of a plurality of operations, and to accept a second sequential operation having at least a part of operations different from the first sequential operation, A gaming machine characterized in that the probability of the specific performance being executed when the first sequential operation is performed is different from the probability of the specific performance being executed when the second sequential operation is performed.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, When the execution probability of the specific performance is changed during the pattern change, a third operation can be accepted; A gaming machine characterized in that, when the third operation is performed, the probability of executing the specific effect can be restored to the probability before the change.

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