Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of executing an easy-to-understand read-ahead performance.SOLUTION: An object variation performance that is a variation performance corresponding to a certain winning / losing lottery result (hereinafter, an object winning / losing lottery result) and multiple image performances utilizing an immediately preceding variation performance that is a variation performance immediately before the object variation performance can be executed, a first object image and a second object image are displayed in the midst of execution of an immediately preceding variation performance in the multiple image performances, and a first image change in which the first object image is changed but the second object image is not changed with start of an object variation performance as an opportunity or a second image change in which the second object image is changed but the first object change is not changed occurs, and a probability of impartation of a privilege to a player after an object winning / losing lottery result becomes winning is higher when the first image change occurs than when the second image change occurs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 86

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A gaming machine capable of executing a so-called preview effect is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing an easy-to-understand preview effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The gaming machine according to the present invention made to solve the above problems includes display means having a display area, yes / no lottery means for executing a yes / no lottery, production execution means for executing a variation effect from when the decorative symbol displayed in the display area starts to vary until it stops in a mode indicating the yes / no lottery result by the yes / no lottery means, and it is possible to execute a plurality of image effects using a target variation effect that is the variation effect corresponding to a certain yes / no lottery result (hereinafter referred to as a target yes / no lottery result) and a immediately preceding variation effect that is the variation effect immediately before the target variation effect, the plurality of image effects are a first target image and a second target image are displayed during the execution of the immediately preceding variation effect (see, for example, FIG. 86(b)), A first image change (see, for example, FIG. 86(c-1)) in which the first target image changes but the second target image does not change, or a second image change (see, for example, FIG. 86(c-2)) in which the second target image changes but the first target image does not change occurs starting from the start of the target variation effect. The probability that the target win / loss lottery result is a winning result and a privilege is given to the player is higher when the second image change occurs (see, for example, FIG. 86(c-2)) than when the first image change occurs (see, for example, FIG. 86(c-1)). A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention can execute an easy-to-understand foreshadowing effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, in the following description, the term "image" includes not only still images but also moving images. Also, unless otherwise specified, the following description is based on the premise that the player plays the game as instructed (the player plays a normal game without performing a special game). Also, when it is said that "a game ball enters (wins) ○○", strictly speaking, it means that a sensor provided in the ○○ has detected the game ball that has entered. Also, when it is said that "when an operation of ○〇 is performed", strictly speaking, it means that it has been detected that ○〇 has moved to a predetermined position by the operation. Also, unless it is something that changes to a value that eliminates the features, the various values (probabilities, number of times, etc.) described below can be increased or decreased as appropriate. Also, in the following description, the state in which various regions are "closed" means a state in which it is normal that no game ball enters the region on the premise that a normal game is being played, and the state in which the region is "open" means a state in which a game ball can enter the region on the premise that a normal game is being played (a state in which the game ball does not pass through the entrance even when the entrance of the game ball is open and a normal game is being played is regarded as "closed"). Also, in each figure, the illustration of elements that are not related to the features described using that figure may be omitted. Also, the supplementary elements (numbers ("first", "second", etc.) and various alphabets, etc.) in the following description are attached for the purpose of distinguishing the types and do not have any meaning by themselves.

[0009] <Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine> With reference to FIG. 1 and the like, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described. Note that detailed descriptions of well-known configurations will be omitted (a configuration similar to that of a general gaming machine can be adopted). The gaming machine 1 includes a game board 90. The game board 90 is a structure having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. In front of the game board 90, a game area 902 through which game balls flow down is formed. Below the game board 90, a well-known launching device 908 (launching handle) is provided. The player can launch a game ball (a game ball stored in the upper tray) toward the game area 902 by operating the launching device 908. The game ball launched from the launching device 908 reaches the game area 902 through a passage formed by the guide rail 903.

[0010] In the game area 902, various winning areas into which game balls can enter (such as a start area 904, a big winning area 906, etc.), an out port 907 (a port through which game balls that have not entered any winning area (so-called out balls) are discharged), etc. are provided. Also, in the game area 902, a plurality of game pins as obstacles that change the flowing state of the game balls when the flowing game balls collide with them are provided. The game balls flowing down in the game area 902 change in various ways according to the conditions when they collide with the game pins. When the game balls flowing down in the game area 902 win in a winning area such as the start area 904 or the big winning area 906, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by the payout device.

[0011] The gaming machine 1 includes a display device 91. As will be described later, the display device 91 is a main display device having a display area 911 on which decorative patterns 80 and the like are displayed. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is a portion visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. The display area 911 is positioned slightly above so as to align with the player's line of sight.

[0012] The gaming machine 1 includes a speaker 67 (sound output means). Basically, various effects generated as components of a variable effect (described later) are accompanied by unique effect sounds associated with each of the various effects (the unique effect sounds are output from the speaker 67).

[0013] Note that descriptions of general components such as the frame of the gaming machine 1, the structure (upper tray) that forms a space for storing the game balls to be launched, and the structure (lower tray) that forms a space for storing the game balls that overflow from the upper tray are omitted. For these, those similar to known gaming machines can be used.

[0014] The jackpot lottery is executed based on the win / loss lottery information obtained when the win / loss lottery means constructed on a control board (main control board) (not shown) is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the start area 904. In the present embodiment, as the start area 904, a first start area 904a (the start area of the so-called "special figure 1") and a second start area 904b (the start area of the so-called "special figure 2") are provided. The first start area 904a is provided at a position where there is a possibility that a game ball will enter by launching the game ball so that it flows down the left side of the display area 911 (the left side of the game area 902) (performing "left shooting"). The second start area 904b is provided at a position where there is a possibility that a game ball will enter by launching the game ball so that it flows down the right side of the display area 911 (the right side of the game area 902) (performing "right shooting").

[0015] When a game ball enters the start area 904, a numerical value as win / loss lottery information (the win / loss lottery information obtained when a game ball enters the first start area 904a is defined as first win / loss lottery information, and the win / loss lottery information obtained when a game ball enters the second start area 904b is defined as second win / loss lottery information) is obtained from a random number source. When the numerical value is the same as a preset jackpot numerical value, it is a jackpot; when they are different, it is a loss.

[0016] When the win / loss lottery by the win / loss lottery means is executed, the win / loss lottery result is notified by a variation effect (an effect from the start of the variation of the decoration symbol 80 (decoration symbol group 80g) until the decoration symbol 80 completely stops in the combination indicating the win / loss lottery result, that is, the effect during one variation. In the following description, it may also be referred to as "variation" or "rotation"). Note that a known pseudo-stop state (a state where the symbol slightly sways. It may also be referred to as a temporary stop (state), etc.) that makes it appear to the player that the decoration symbol 80 has stopped may be set. Since the decoration symbol 80 in the pseudo-stop state has not completely stopped (because the selection has not been finalized), its type may change (in the drawing, the pseudo-stop state of the target decoration symbol 80 may be represented by showing that the decoration symbol 80 is swaying).

[0017] In the present embodiment, a variation effect for the win / loss lottery result corresponding to the order in which the win / loss lottery information is acquired is executed. However, when new win / loss lottery information is acquired in a state where the variation effect for a certain win / loss lottery result has not ended (a state where there is win / loss lottery information for which the notification of the win / loss lottery result has not been completed), the newly acquired win / loss lottery information is stored in a storage means (RAM) not shown up to a predetermined number as pre-variation win / loss lottery information (described later).

[0018] The obtained win / loss lottery information (for which the notification of the corresponding win / loss lottery result has not been completed) is divided into "pre-variation win / loss lottery information" for which the variation effect for the corresponding win / loss lottery result has not started (the one corresponding to the first win / loss lottery information is the first pre-variation win / loss lottery information, and the one corresponding to the second win / loss lottery information is the second pre-variation win / loss lottery information), and "in-variation win / loss lottery information" for which the variation effect for the corresponding win / loss lottery result has started but has not ended (the one corresponding to the first win / loss lottery information is the first in-variation win / loss lottery information, and the one corresponding to the second win / loss lottery information is the second in-variation win / loss lottery information). In this embodiment, the maximum number of first pre-variation win / loss lottery information that can be stored by the storage means is four, and the maximum number of second pre-variation win / loss lottery information is also four. Further, in this embodiment, the maximum number of in-variation win / loss lottery information existing at a certain point in time is one (both the first in-variation win / loss lottery information and the second in-variation win / loss lottery information do not exist (i.e., the variation of so-called special figure 1 and the variation of special figure 2 do not proceed together)).

[0019] During the variable display, a pre-variation display 72, which is an image (icon) indicating the existence of pre-variation win / loss lottery information, and a mid-variation display 71, which is an image (icon) indicating the existence of mid-variation win / loss lottery information, are displayed in real time (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the mid-variation display 71 and the pre-variation display 72 are displayed on the same display device 91 (display area 911) as the decorative pattern 80, but they may be displayed on different display devices. In the present embodiment, in the gaming state where a game ball should be launched aiming at the first start area 904a (the gaming state where "left hitting" should be performed), since the first win / loss lottery information is acquired, the pre-variation display 72 and the mid-variation display 71 indicating the existence of the first pre-variation win / loss lottery information and the first mid-variation win / loss lottery information are displayed (the pre-variation display 72 and the mid-variation display 71 indicating the existence of the second win / loss lottery information are not displayed or are displayed smaller than the pre-variation display 72 and the mid-variation display 71 indicating the existence of the first win / loss lottery information). On the other hand, in the gaming state where a game ball should be launched aiming at the second start area 904b (the gaming state where "right hitting" should be performed), since the second win / loss lottery information is acquired, the pre-variation display 72 and the mid-variation display 71 indicating the existence of the second pre-variation win / loss lottery information and the second mid-variation win / loss lottery information are displayed (the pre-variation display 72 and the mid-variation display 71 indicating the existence of the first win / loss lottery information are not displayed or are displayed smaller than the pre-variation display 72 and the mid-variation display 71 indicating the existence of the second win / loss lottery information). As described above, since the maximum number of stored first pre-variation win / loss lottery information in the present embodiment is four, the maximum number of pre-variation displays 72 displayed in the gaming state where a game ball should be launched aiming at the first start area 904a is four (naturally, the maximum number of mid-variation displays 71 displayed is one). Also, since the maximum number of stored second pre-variation win / loss lottery information is four, the maximum number of pre-variation displays 72 displayed in the gaming state where a game ball should be launched aiming at the second start area 904b is also four (naturally, the maximum number of mid-variation displays 71 displayed is one).

[0020] The order in which the notification of the winning / losing lottery results corresponding to each pre-change display 72 is completed (the so-called "consumption order") is earlier the closer it is to the changing display 71. In other words, the pre-change displays 72 are displayed in an order such that the earlier the consumption order, the closer it is to the changing display 71. Each time the notification of the winning / losing lottery is completed (the change ends), the position in which the pre-change display 72 is displayed changes (each pre-change display 72 moves to a position according to the "consumption order"). Furthermore, the pre-change display 72 with the earliest consumption order becomes the changing display 71 (moves to a position where the changing display 71 is displayed) upon completion of the notification of the winning / losing lottery (the change ends). Strictly speaking, the winning / losing lottery by the winning / losing lottery means is executed simultaneously with the start of the corresponding change presentation (the execution timing of such winning / losing lottery is not clearly indicated to the player). Therefore, the pre-change display 72 is sometimes referred to as a "pending (display)" because it indicates the existence of winning / losing lottery information for which the corresponding winning / losing lottery has not been executed (pre-change winning / losing lottery information). The number of pre-change win / loss lottery information items can be considered to represent the number of win / loss lotteries that are promised to be held in the future (the number of win / loss lottery rights already acquired). Therefore, the greater the number of pre-change win / loss lottery information items (reserved display), the higher the probability that the future win / loss lottery result at that time will be a jackpot. Furthermore, the during-change display 71 indicates the presence of win / loss lottery information for which the corresponding win / loss lottery has been held, but for which a variation effect to notify the result of the win / loss lottery is currently in progress (in an "active" state), and is therefore sometimes referred to as an "active display." Furthermore, because a variation effect to notify the result of the corresponding win / loss lottery is currently in progress (the so-called "pertinent variation" is currently being executed), it is sometimes referred to as a "pertinent variation reserved." In other words, the pre-change display 71 may also be treated as being included in the category of "reserved." In this embodiment, the during-change display 71 is larger than the pre-change display 72, but the basic form of both (at least the form of the normal display mode 70n (default mode) described below) is the same (similar). Instead of having such a similar relationship, the basic shapes (external shapes, etc.) of the changing display 71 and the pre-changing display 72 may be completely different.

[0021] In this embodiment, similar to known gaming machines, the winning or losing lottery result is notified to the player by the combination of the decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, a group of decorative symbols 80g (left decorative symbol group 80gL, middle decorative symbol group 80gC, right decorative symbol group 80gR) including a plurality of types of decorative symbols 80 starts to vary, and finally one decorative symbol 80 is selected from each group of decorative symbols 80g and stops. Whether the types of the decorative symbols 80 are the same or not shall be determined by whether the characters included in each decorative symbol 80 are the same or not. In this embodiment, various decorative symbols 80 are assumed to include any number from "1" to "7", and if the numbers are the same, they are of the same type, and if the numbers are different, they are of different types. In the following description, various decorative symbols 80 may also be expressed by the numbers included in the decorative symbols 80, such as the decorative symbol 80 of "1". It may also be configured such that even decorative symbols 80 of the same type have different aspects (for example, different designs of numbers). Each of the groups of decorative symbols 80g includes all types of decorative symbols 80 (all of the decorative symbols 80 from "1" to "7"). Various decorative symbols 80 may include elements other than numbers. For example, they may include characters associated with each number (type).

[0022] The combination of the decorative symbols 80 (left decorative symbol 80L, middle decorative symbol 80C, right decorative symbol 80R arranged from left) selected and stopped from each group of decorative symbols 80g is roughly classified into a winning combination indicating winning the winning or losing lottery and a losing combination indicating non-winning. In this embodiment, the case where all three decorative symbols 80 are of the same type is defined as the winning combination, and the combination where all three decorative symbols 80 are not of the same type is defined as the losing combination.

[0023] In this embodiment, the variation of each group of decorative symbols 80g may be temporarily stopped (simulated stop). Note that the temporary stop (simulated stop) refers to a state where although the variation has not completely stopped, it appears to the player as if it has stopped (for example, a state where it is slightly swaying). By temporarily stopping (simulating the stop) the variation in this way, it is also possible to construct a so-called chance point during the variation effect.

[0024] In addition, an image showing various information may be displayed near the outer edge of the display area 911 so as not to be conspicuous (the illustration of the image is omitted in each figure). For example, a symbol (so-called small symbol) that starts to change along with the start of the variable effect and stops in a manner corresponding to the winning or losing lottery result along with the end of the variable effect may be displayed small. However, the player can enjoy the game without being conscious of this type of image. That is, basically, it is possible to grasp the winning or losing lottery result by looking at the decorative symbol 80 and various effects.

[0025] Also, similar to known gaming machines, lamps indicating various information are provided outside the display area 911. The lighting pattern of the lamp is supposed to indicate the results of various lotteries. The lighting pattern of the lamp corresponding to the first winning or losing lottery result and the second winning or losing lottery result is generally referred to as a "special symbol". Also, the lighting pattern of the lamp corresponding to the normal lottery result (the normal lottery will be described later) is generally referred to as a "normal symbol".

[0026] By winning the first winning or losing lottery or the second winning or losing lottery, a privilege (big win) is given to the player. The player plays the game aiming to obtain the privilege (big win). That is, in order to receive the first winning or losing lottery or the second winning or losing lottery, the game ball is launched toward the first start area 904a or the second start area 904b. The game state of playing the game aiming to obtain the privilege (big win) is roughly divided into a normal game state and a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state (see Fig. 3(a)). Also, in the present embodiment, as the specific game state, a first specific game state and a second specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the first specific game state are provided. It can be said that the normal game state is the most disadvantageous state and the second specific game state is the most advantageous state.

[0027] Normally, the gaming state is a low-base state where it is difficult for a game ball to win in the start area 904, and the specific gaming state is a high-base state where it is easier for a game ball to win in the start area 904 (easier to win than the low-base state). The normal gaming state is a state where a game ball should be launched aiming at the first start area 904a (a state where "left hitting" should be performed). The specific gaming state is a state where a game ball should be launched aiming at the second start area 904b (a state where "right hitting" should be performed). The high-base state is a state where it is easier to win the normal lottery compared to the low-base state. The normal lottery is a lottery executed triggered by a game ball entering the normal area 905. The second start area 904b is an area that is normally closed and is opened by winning the normal lottery. That is, if the normal lottery is not won, a game ball will not enter the second start area 904b. When winning the normal lottery, an opening and closing member (so-called electric chute) provided at the entrance of the second start area 904b is positioned at the open position, and the second start area 904b is opened. The opening and closing member positioned at the open position receives the game ball flowing down from above and plays a role of guiding the game ball toward the second start area 904b. That is, if the opening and closing member continues to be positioned at the open position to a certain extent continuously, the game ball can enter the second start area 904b relatively easily.

[0028] The normal area 905 is provided at a position where a "right-hit" game ball can enter (see Fig. 1). Therefore, if continuously hitting right in a specific game state, a normal lottery is executed, and if winning the normal lottery, game balls frequently enter the second starting area 904b. On the other hand, in the normal game state, since it is difficult to win the normal lottery, even if hitting right, the second starting area 904b is hardly opened, and hitting right is set to be disadvantageous for the player. In this embodiment, in the normal game state, even if winning the normal lottery, the opening time of the second starting area 904b is extremely short, and it is practically impossible for game balls to enter the second starting area 904b. It is also possible to set the winning probability of the normal lottery in the normal game state to 0% and configure it so that game balls cannot enter the second starting area 904b. Because of such a configuration, the normal game state becomes a state where game balls enter the first starting area 904a by hitting left and aim to obtain a privilege (big win) through the first win / loss lottery. Also, the specific game state becomes a state where game balls enter the second starting area 904b by hitting right and aim to obtain a privilege (big win) through the second win / loss lottery.

[0029] When a game ball enters the first start area 904a or the second start area 904b, a predetermined number (e.g., 1) of prize balls are paid out (the number of prize balls when entering the first start area 904a and the number of prize balls when entering the second start area 904b may be different). Therefore, in the specific game state, compared with the normal game state, the game can be played with little reduction in the number of balls held. In this technical field, there is a situation where the number of prize balls per launched ball is referred to as the "base" in a state where it is not a big win. The specific game state is a "high base state" where the base is (relatively) high, and the normal game state is a "low base state" where the base is (relatively) low. Since the high base state is a state where game balls are more likely to enter the start area 904 compared to the low base state, it can easily undergo a win-lose lottery. Therefore, the average time required for one variation effect (variation time) is shorter in the specific game state than in the normal game state (so-called "time shortening"). Based on this, it can be said that the high base state is a "time shortening" (with time shortening) state, and the low base state is a "non-time shortening" (without time shortening) state. In addition, because of such a configuration, the average stay time when playing continuously is longer in the normal game state than in the specific game state (the sum of the stay times of the first specific game state and the second specific game state).

[0030] The normal game state and the first specific game state are states with a relatively low probability of winning the win-lose lottery (low probability states), and the second specific game state is a state with a relatively high probability of winning the win-lose lottery (high probability state). The probability can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the winning probability (big win probability) of the low probability state is about 1 / 319, and the winning probability (big win probability) of the high probability state is about 1 / 99. The normal game state aims to perform a left hit and obtain a privilege (big win) through a first win-lose lottery with a low probability (about 1 / 319). The first specific game state aims to perform a right hit and obtain a privilege (big win) through a second win-lose lottery with a low probability (about 1 / 319). The second specific game state aims to perform a right hit and obtain a privilege (big win) through a second win-lose lottery with a high probability (about 1 / 99).

[0031] A jackpot (prize) can be obtained by winning the first win / loss lottery or the second win / loss lottery. In this embodiment, as jackpots, a normal jackpot (normal prize), a first special jackpot (first special prize), and a second special jackpot (second special prize) are provided (see Fig. 3(a)). A normal jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to the normal game state after the jackpot game (all unit games) ends. The first special jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to the first special game state after the jackpot game (all unit games) ends. That is, the acquisition of the first special jackpot (first special prize) is a transition condition (start condition) for the first special game state. The second special jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to the second special game state after the jackpot game (all unit games) ends. That is, the acquisition of the second special jackpot (second special prize) is a transition condition (start condition) for the second special game state. Since the second special game state is more advantageous than the first special game state, in that regard, it can be said that the second special jackpot is more advantageous for the player than the first special jackpot. Note that providing such three types of jackpots is merely an example. For example, a configuration without a normal jackpot may be adopted. Also, a configuration without the first special jackpot (first special game state) may be adopted.

[0032] In this embodiment, the allocation of the jackpot (prize) obtained through the first win / loss lottery (Special Figure 1 lottery) is different from the allocation of the jackpot (prize) obtained through the second win / loss lottery (Special Figure 1 lottery) (see Fig. 3(b)). The jackpot obtained through the first win / loss lottery may be any of a normal jackpot (25%), a first special jackpot (25%), and a second special jackpot (50%). On the other hand, all (100%) of the jackpots obtained through the second win / loss lottery are made to be the second special jackpot. From this, it can be said that after transitioning to the special game state, as long as a jackpot is obtained (continuous winning) through the second win / loss lottery, the second special game state, which is the most advantageous game state for the player, continues.

[0033] The first specific gaming state and the second specific gaming state end when a predetermined end condition is satisfied (see Fig. 3(a)). In the present embodiment, the first specific gaming state ends when the win / loss lottery fails 100 times in a row. Since the first specific gaming state is a low-probability state, it can be said that the first specific gaming state is a state in which the game is played aiming to win a low-probability lottery (about 1 / 319) before 100 lotteries are executed. Also, in the present embodiment, the second specific gaming state ends when the win / loss lottery fails 150 times in a row. Since the second specific gaming state is a high-probability state, it can be said that the second specific gaming state is a state in which the game is played aiming to win a high-probability lottery (about 1 / 99) before 150 lotteries are executed. That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a so-called ST-type gaming property (there is a situation where a state in which the aim is to win a high-probability lottery before failing a predetermined number of times in a row is called an "ST (state)"). Since the probability that the high-probability lottery (about 1 / 99) fails 150 times in a row (the probability that when a certain second specific gaming state starts, the high-probability lottery is not won and the second specific gaming state ends) is about 22%, the so-called continuation rate is about 78%. Note that, unless otherwise specifically specified in the following description, the above specifications are merely an example. For example, in the high-probability state, it may be configured to win either a big win (high-probability big win) in which the high-probability state continues or a big win (low-probability big win) in which the high-probability state ends (shifts to the low-probability state), and it may have a so-called loop-type gaming property in which the high-probability state continues until a low-probability big win is won.

[0034] In this embodiment, even if the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is once turned off (even if an operation of turning off the power supply and then turning it on is performed), the gaming state is maintained. However, when a predetermined reset operation that can only be performed by a game store employee (a person who can access the inside of the gaming machine) is performed, the normal gaming state is entered (the game store employee is able to forcibly shift to the normal gaming state which is the "default" gaming state). It is not normal for a player to stop playing in a specific gaming state which is advantageous to the player, and even if the store closes in a specific gaming state, the game store side will perform a reset operation. Therefore, it is normal for the gaming machine to be in the normal gaming state when the game store opens (so-called early morning state). Thus, basically, the player starts playing from the normal gaming state.

[0035] When a jackpot (prize) is won through a win / loss lottery, a jackpot game (prize game) is executed. The jackpot game repeats a plurality of unit games in which the big winning area 906 (see FIG. 1; the big winning area 906 is normally closed by the opening / closing member 906a) is opened until a predetermined closing condition is satisfied. The closing condition is satisfied when either one of the following is achieved: C game balls (C = 10 in this embodiment) win after the big winning area 906 is opened (winning condition), or a predetermined time has elapsed after the big winning area 906 is opened (time condition). If game balls are continuously launched towards the big winning area 906 during the jackpot game (in this embodiment, if hitting to the right), it is assumed that the winning condition is satisfied before the time condition. That is, in one unit game, at least 10 game balls win in the big winning area 906 (it is also possible for a so-called over-win where more than 10 game balls win in the big winning area 906 to occur). A unit game is also referred to as a round (game), etc. The number of unit games (rounds) included in the jackpot game can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, all jackpots are 10-round jackpots. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when one game ball wins in the big winning area 906 is 15. Therefore, for a 10-round jackpot, at least 1500 prize balls are paid out.

[0036] In some cases, the pre-variation display 72 (hold display) and the in-variation display 71 (active display) are collectively referred to as "hold". However, the "hold" mode suggests a reliability (the probability that the corresponding win / loss lottery result is a big win (the probability of privilege grant)). The pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 can be any of a plurality of modes (see Fig. 4) according to the reliability (hereinafter, the modes that the pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 can take may also be referred to as display modes). Note that the reliability of the pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 refers to the reliability at the time when each display mode is displayed, and the reliability may increase due to subsequent changes in the display mode (hereinafter, such a change may also be referred to as a "hold change (production)"). Also, the relationship of the high and low reliability of each display mode refers to the relationship in the same gaming state. In the present embodiment, reliability is suggested by the hold display mode (hold change) in any of the normal gaming state, the first specific gaming state, and the second specific gaming state. However, that the reliability of one display mode is higher than that of another display mode means that the reliability is higher when it becomes another display mode than when it becomes a certain display mode in the same gaming state.

[0037] The display mode is roughly divided into a normal display mode 70n and a special display mode 70s. The normal display mode 70n is the reference display mode (default mode). The pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 have the highest probability of being in the normal display mode 70n (the probability of the pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 being in the normal display mode 70n is higher than the probability of being in any special display mode 70s (it is preferably 90% or more that the pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 are in the normal display mode 70n)). The special display mode 70s is a display mode that suggests a higher reliability than the normal display mode 70n. In this embodiment, as the special display mode 70s that can be displayed in the normal gaming state, four types are provided: the first special display mode 701s, the second special display mode 702s, the third special display mode 703s, and the fourth special display mode 704s (the description of the special display mode in the specific gaming state is omitted). The reliability of the target hit / miss lottery result increases in this order (the fourth special display mode 704s has the highest). The fourth special display mode 704s is only displayed when the target hit / miss lottery result is a big win (the reliability = 100%). Each display mode only needs to be such that the player can clearly distinguish the differences between the modes. In this embodiment, the normal display mode 70n is white, the first special display mode 701s is blue, the second special display mode 702s is green, the third special display mode 703s is red, and the fourth special display mode 704s exhibits a rainbow color (in the drawings, the colors of the special display modes 70s are represented by characters. Those without characters representing colors are the normal display mode 70n). The different display modes may also differ in points other than color (for example, the outer shape may be different).

[0038] The display modes of the pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 can change in a direction where the reliability increases (the hold change effect only occurs in the direction where the reliability increases). Even in the state of the pre-variation display 72 (i.e., before the target variation is started), or in the state of the in-variation display 71 (i.e., during the target variation), the mode may change. Note that the specific mode of the so-called hold change effect may be anything. In this embodiment, the display modes of the pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 may suddenly change (a sudden hold change effect occurs), or as a result of an image acting on the pre-variation display 72 or the in-variation display 71 being displayed, the display modes of these may change (a hold change effect occurs where an action image that brings about a change in the display mode is displayed). The final display mode of the in-variation display 71 in the target variation becomes the final reliability suggested by the in-variation display 71. When the target variation effect is started, the pre-variation display 72 (the one with the first digestion order) becomes the in-variation display 71, and at that time, the display mode is inherited. For example, when the pre-variation display 72 (the one with the first digestion order) immediately before the start of the target variation is in the second special display mode 702s, the target variation starts with the in-variation display 71 in the state of the second special display mode 702s. However, the display mode (color) may change at the timing when the pre-variation display 72 (the one with the first digestion order) becomes the in-variation display 71. Note that in this embodiment, in a state where a plurality of the pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 are displayed together, a state where two or more special display modes 70s are displayed may occur.

[0039] The gaming machine 1 is provided with a plurality of types of operation means that can be operated by the player. In this embodiment, a push button (effect button) 61, a cross key 62, and a special operation unit 65 are provided. The push button 61 can be pushed downward. The cross key 62 can be operated in any of the up, down, left, and right directions. The special operation unit 65 can be pushed backward.

[0040] Hereinafter, the effects that the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can execute, the functions, characteristics, etc. of the gaming machine 1 will be described. Note that it may be configured to be able to execute only a part of the effects and the like described below (only to include a part).

[0041] <Special background image and intermediate image> During the variable effect, a background image is displayed as the background of the decorative symbol. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the reliability may be suggested by the background image. A special background image may be displayed as the background image, and an intermediate image may be displayed when the special background image is displayed. In the following description of the special background image and the intermediate image, the win / loss lottery result that is the target of the reliability suggestion by the background image (special background image) is referred to as the target win / loss lottery result, and the variable effect corresponding to the target win / loss lottery result is also referred to as the target variable effect (target variation). The special background image and the intermediate image are displayed only when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the special background image and the intermediate image can be displayed in the normal gaming state. However, it may be configured to be able to be displayed in a specific gaming state. In the drawings used to explain the special background image and the intermediate image, basically the background image is illustrated, but in other drawings, the illustration of the background image is basically omitted.

[0042] The background image can be roughly distinguished into a normal background image (see FIG. 5(a)) and a special background image (see FIG. 5(b)). It can be said that the type of the background image represents the difference in what is so-called a stage (also referred to as a mode, zone, etc.). The difference in the aspect between the normal background image and the special background image may be anything as long as the player can distinguish them. The normal background image is the default background image. Note that, unless otherwise specified, in the drawings used to explain the special background image and the intermediate image, the normal background image is shown in a plain aspect (an aspect in which nothing is drawn) as shown in FIG. 5(a). The probability that the variable effect is executed in a state where the normal background image is displayed is the highest (it is preferable that 80% or more of the variable effects are in a state where the normal background image is displayed).

[0043] The special background image is an image that suggests a higher reliability of the target winning / losing lottery result than when the normal background image is displayed (so-called background image for increasing the chance). That is, the probability that the variation with the special background image displayed will lead to the notification that a big win has occurred in the variation (the probability of being given a privilege (big win game)) is higher than the variation with the normal background image displayed. In the present embodiment, as the special background image, special background image A (see Fig. 5(b-1)) and special background image B (see Fig. 5(b-2)) may be displayed. The probability that the target variation with special background image B displayed will lead to the notification that the target winning / losing lottery result is a big win in the target variation is higher than the target variation with special background image A displayed. That is, special background image B is a background image that suggests a higher degree of chance increase than special background image A. Note that in the present embodiment, even if special background image B is displayed, it is not certain that the target winning / losing lottery result is a big win (the reliability of special background image B ≠ 100%). Also, there is a possibility that the winning / losing lottery result is a big win even when the normal background image is displayed (even when it is not in the state where the special background image is displayed). The difference in the forms of special background image A and special background image B may be anything as long as the player can distinguish them.

[0044] Note that images displayed for so-called customization (production customization, adjustment of light amount and volume), the in-variation display 71, the pre-variation display 72, images representing the rotation speed, etc. are not considered to constitute the background image (these images are displayed overlaid in front of the background image, similar to the decorative pattern). Also, when a specific production such as a so-called super reach production is executed, each background image shown in Fig. 5 becomes non-displayed.

[0045] In this embodiment, a change from a state where a certain background image is displayed to a state where a different type of background image is displayed (hereinafter referred to as background change) suggests that the situation has changed to a situation where it can be expected that the winning or losing lottery result will be a big win. If the type of background image indicates the type of so-called stage, then the said background change is what is called a "stage change". Hereinafter, the background image before the change when the background change occurs may also be referred to as the "previous background image", and the background image after the change may be referred to as the "subsequent background image". In this embodiment, as the background change, there are a "special background change A" (see FIG. 6) in which the normal background image changes to the special background image A (the previous background image is the normal background image and the subsequent background image is the special background image A), and a "special background change B" (see FIG. 7) in which the normal background image changes to the special background image B (the previous background image is the normal background image and the subsequent background image is the special background image B). As described above, since the reliability of the target winning or losing lottery result is higher for the special background image B than for the special background image A, it can be said that the special background change B is a more advantageous background change for the player than the special background change A.

[0046] In this embodiment, when a background change occurs, an intermediate image is displayed between the state where the previous background image is displayed and the state where the subsequent background image is displayed. It can be said that the intermediate image is an image that connects (relays) the previous background image and the subsequent background image. If the background change is regarded as a so-called stage change, it can be said that the intermediate image is an image indicating the occurrence of the stage change. In this embodiment, the intermediate image corresponds to the type of background image to be displayed as the subsequent background image. That is, the intermediate image indicates the type of the destination background image. When the subsequent background image is the special background image A (when the special background change A occurs), the intermediate image A is displayed (see (2) in FIG. 6(b)). On the other hand, when the subsequent background image is the special background image B (when the special background change B occurs), the intermediate image B (an image in a different form from the intermediate image A) is displayed (see (2) in FIG. 7(b)). That is, the intermediate image A (see (2) in FIG. 6(b)) is an image that suggests in advance the display of the special background image A (see (3) in FIG. 6(b)) (the occurrence of the special background change A), and the intermediate image B (see (2) in FIG. 7(b)) is an image that suggests in advance the display of the special background image B (see (3) in FIG. 7(b)) (the occurrence of the special background change B).

[0047] The specific forms of the intermediate image A and the intermediate image B may be anything. Preferably, they may include elements suggesting the subsequent background image (corresponding special background image). That is, the intermediate image A (refer to (2) in Fig. 6(b)) includes elements suggesting the special background image A, and the intermediate image B (refer to (2) in Fig. 7(b)) includes elements suggesting the special background image B. Thereby, it becomes possible to anticipate in advance that when the intermediate image A is displayed, it will transition to the state where the special background image A is displayed, and when the intermediate image B is displayed, it will transition to the state where the special background image B is displayed. For example, it is conceivable that the intermediate image A includes at least a part of the name of the state (stage) where the special background image A is displayed, and the intermediate image B includes at least a part of the name of the state (stage) where the special background image B is displayed. In this embodiment, since the special background image A is named "○○○ (stage)", the intermediate image A is assumed to include the characters "○○○". Since the special background image B is named "××× (stage)", the intermediate image B is assumed to include the characters "×××".

[0048] Special background change A and special background change B do not occur during fluctuations. That is, in a single fluctuation, both the previous background image and the subsequent background image are not displayed. A certain fluctuation (hereinafter, may also be referred to as the previous fluctuation) in which the previous background image is displayed ends, and the process shifts to the next fluctuation (hereinafter, may also be referred to as the subsequent fluctuation), and the subsequent background image is displayed in the subsequent fluctuation (see Fig. 6(a), Fig. 7(a)). When the subsequent background image is a special background image, the object to be suggested (the object for chance up) by the special background image is the pass / fail lottery result corresponding to the subsequent fluctuation (that is, the subsequent fluctuation is the target fluctuation, and the pass / fail lottery result corresponding to the subsequent fluctuation is the target pass / fail lottery result (the pass / fail lottery result of the object to be suggested)). In this embodiment, the intermediate image is displayed in the subsequent fluctuation. Specifically, when the subsequent fluctuation starts, the intermediate image is displayed, and the intermediate image continues to be displayed until a predetermined display time elapses. When the display time elapses, the intermediate image is erased and the subsequent background image is displayed (see Fig. 6(a), Fig. 7(a)). Note that while the intermediate image is being displayed, a decorative pattern (a decorative pattern for notifying the target pass / fail lottery result) fluctuates and is displayed in front of the intermediate image (see (2) in Fig. 6(b), (2) in Fig. 7(b)).

[0049] Here, the display time of the intermediate image varies depending on the type of the intermediate image. Specifically, the display time Tb of the intermediate image B is set to be longer than the display time Ta of the intermediate image A. In this embodiment, Ta = 2 seconds and Tb = 4 seconds (see Fig. 6(a), Fig. 7(a)). That is, the special background image A starts to be displayed after 2 seconds have elapsed since the start of the display of the intermediate image A, while the special background image B starts to be displayed after 4 seconds have elapsed since the start of the display of the intermediate image B. As described above, in this embodiment, the intermediate image is displayed from the start of the subsequent fluctuation. Therefore, the intermediate image A continues to be displayed until 2 seconds have elapsed since the start of the subsequent fluctuation, while the intermediate image B continues to be displayed until 4 seconds have elapsed since the start of the subsequent fluctuation.

[0050] After the time is up, a special background image is displayed, and subsequent changes (target changes) proceed. Then, the target pass / fail lottery result is notified by the subsequent changes (target changes). Note that when a super reach effect or the like (a specific effect that triggers the erasure of the background image) is executed during the subsequent changes, the special background image is erased (an image of the super reach effect or the like is displayed instead of the special background image). There is also a possibility that the subsequent changes end without such an effect being executed (the subsequent changes end with the special background image still being displayed).

[0051] When the player perceives that the background image changes (shifts to a state where a special background image is displayed) by the display of the intermediate image, the display time of the intermediate image will differ depending on the type of the special background image to be displayed thereafter. In this embodiment, since the display time of the intermediate image becomes relatively long and thus shifts to a state where the special background image B with relatively high reliability is displayed, the fact that the display time of the intermediate image becomes long is configured to be an advantageous event for the player. For a player who has already been exposed to the effect of displaying the intermediate image A and the special background image A, (normally, it would be considered that the display time of the intermediate image B is also the same as that of the intermediate image A), when the intermediate image B is displayed, there may be a form of effect in which the player feels a "sense of incongruity" that the display time is long (longer than the display time already experienced). That is, when the player feels a sense of incongruity that the display time of the intermediate image is long, an interesting gameplay can be realized in which the player can expect a jackpot more (compared to the state where the special background image A is displayed) and shifts to a state where the special background image B is displayed.

[0052] Hereinafter, specific examples in which the matters related to the special background image and the intermediate image are improved, embodied, deformed, etc. will be described. Note that, as much as possible, a configuration in which the techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied may also be used.

[0053] 〇Specific Example 1-1 Assume that a plurality of types of normal background images are provided. Regardless of their types, the reliability (the probability that the win / loss lottery result corresponding to the variation in which the normal background image is displayed is a big win) of the normal background images is the same (the type of the normal background image does not affect the reliability), and it is assumed that the reliability is lower than that of the special background images (special background image A and special background image B).

[0054] When configured as in this example, it is possible to set that the normal background images that may transition to the special background image (special background image A or special background image B) are limited (only a part of the plurality of types of normal background images is the target normal background image that may transition to the special background image). For example, assume that three types of normal background images, i.e., the first normal background image to the third normal background image, are provided as the normal background images, and there is no possibility of transitioning to the special background image from the state where the first normal background image and the second normal background image are displayed, but there is a possibility of transitioning to the special background image from the state where the third normal background image is displayed (set the third normal background image as the target normal background image) (see Fig. 8). By doing so, the state in which the target normal background image is displayed will function as a suggestion that there is a possibility of transitioning to the special background image.

[0055] 〇Specific Example 1-2 Assume that a plurality of types of normal background images are provided. And assume that a background change (normal background change) (see Fig. 9(a)) in which, from the state where a certain type of normal background image is displayed, the state changes to the state where a different type of normal background image is displayed can occur. That is, assume that a background change can occur in which both the previous background image and the subsequent background image are normal background images. Also assume that an intermediate image N (different from intermediate image A and intermediate image B) is displayed between the state where the previous background image is displayed and the state where the subsequent background image is displayed even during the normal background change, and set the length of the display time (Tb) (see Fig. 9(b)) of the intermediate image B when the special background change B occurs to be longer than the length of the display time (Tn) (see Fig. 9(a)) of the intermediate image N (Tn < Tb). By doing so, the fact that the display time of the intermediate image becomes longer than when the normal background change occurs can realize a game property that is regarded as an advantageous event for the player.

[0056] When doing as in this example, it is conceivable that the display time (Tn) of the intermediate image at the time of normal background change is the same as the length (Ta) of the display time of intermediate image A at the time of special background change A (Tn = Ta) (see Fig. 10(a)), or it is conceivable that it is shorter than the length (Ta) of the display time of intermediate image A (Tn < Ta) (see Fig. 10(b)) (note that Ta < Tb). If the setting is as the former, when the display time of the intermediate image exceeds Tn (= Ta), the playability that there is no possibility of normal background change and special background change A (special background change B occurs) can be realized. On the other hand, if the setting is as the latter, when the display time of the intermediate image exceeds Tn, the possibility of normal background change disappears, and when the display time of the intermediate image exceeds Ta, the possibility of special background change A disappears (special background change B occurs), and the playability can be realized.

[0057] 〇Specific Examples 1 - 3 It is assumed that a background change can occur from the state where special background image A is displayed to the state where special background image B is displayed. That is, it is assumed that a background change can occur where special background image A is the previous background image and special background image B is the subsequent background image (see Fig. 11). Even when such a background change occurs, since the subsequent background image is special background image B, an intermediate image B is displayed (the display time is Tb) between the state where special background image A is displayed and the state where special background image B is displayed (see Fig. 11(a)). By doing so, after the state where special background image A is displayed, a playability can be obtained where it is expected to further shift to the state where special background image B is displayed.

[0058] Note that a background change from the state where special background image B is displayed to the state where special background image A is displayed (a background change where special background image B is the previous background image and special background image A is the subsequent background image) is a change in the direction of decreasing reliability, so it is preferably made not to occur.

[0059] 〇Specific Examples 1 - 4 When a special background change occurs, the subsequent display of the background image shall start from the start point of the subsequent change (see Fig. 12). In this case, the intermediate image shall be displayed during the previous change. That is, the previous change shall include the state where the previous background image was displayed and the state where the subsequent intermediate image was displayed. Since the display time Tb of the intermediate image B (see Fig. 12(b)) is longer than the display time Ta of the intermediate image A (see Fig. 12(a)), based on the end point of the previous change, the display of the intermediate image B shall start at a "faster timing" than the intermediate image A. For example, if, as in the above embodiment, the display time Ta of the intermediate image A is 2 seconds and the display time Tb of the intermediate image B is 4 seconds, the display of the intermediate image A shall start 2 seconds before the end of the previous change, and the display of the intermediate image B shall start 4 seconds before the end of the previous change.

[0060] In this way, if the state where the subsequent background image is displayed is set from the start point of the subsequent change (if the subsequent change is started and the background change is completed), the chance-up effect by the special background image becomes an easy-to-understand production form (it becomes easy to understand that there is an expectation for the subsequent change (target change)).

[0061] 〇Specific Examples 1-5 The intermediate image shall be displayed across the previous change and the subsequent change. That is, the intermediate image shall be displayed during the combined period (composite period) of the period from the middle point to the end point of the subsequent change (previous period P1) and the period from the start point to the middle point of the previous change (subsequent period P2) (see Fig. 13). Since the display time of the intermediate image B is longer than the display time of the intermediate image A, the composite period set when the intermediate image B is displayed is longer than the composite period set when the intermediate image A is displayed.

[0062] When doing so as in this example, regardless of the type of intermediate image to be displayed (even when either special background change A or special background change B occurs), the length of one of the previous period and the subsequent period can be made the same. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, although the length of the previous period P1 is different, by making the length of the subsequent period P2 the same, the timing at which the subsequent background image (special background image A or special background image B) starts to be displayed can be made the same (for example, if, as in the above embodiment, the display time of intermediate image A is 2 seconds and the display time of intermediate image B is 4 seconds, when intermediate image A is displayed, "previous period (P1)=1 second, subsequent period (P2)=1 second", and when intermediate image B is displayed, "previous period (P1)=3 seconds, subsequent period (P2)=1 second" can be considered).

[0063] Although not shown, the length of the subsequent period P2 is different, but the length of the previous period P1 can also be made the same (for example, if, as in the above embodiment, the display time of intermediate image A is 2 seconds and the display time of intermediate image B is 4 seconds, when intermediate image A is displayed, "previous period (P1)=1 second, subsequent period (P2)=1 second", and when intermediate image B is displayed, "previous period (P1)=1 second, subsequent period (P2)=3 seconds" can be considered).

[0064] 〇Specific Examples 1-6 Let it be configured such that a plurality of types of images are provided as intermediate image B. For example, as intermediate image B, intermediate image B1 and intermediate image B2 having a different form from the intermediate image B1 are provided. When special background change B occurs (when special background image B is displayed as the subsequent background image (see FIG. 14(c))), it is set such that intermediate image B1 may be displayed (see FIG. 14(b-1)) or intermediate image B2 may be displayed (see FIG. 14(b-2)).

[0065] It is assumed that it is more advantageous for the player when the intermediate image B2 is displayed than when the intermediate image B1 is displayed. That is, it is set such that the probability of an event advantageous to the player occurring is higher when the intermediate image B2 is displayed than when the intermediate image B1 is displayed. Various events can be considered as the event to be suggested (an event advantageous to the player) depending on the type of the intermediate image B (any event that is advantageous to the player is acceptable). For example, if the event to be suggested is that the target win / loss lottery result is a big win, even when the same special background change B occurs, a game property can be realized in which there is more expectation of a big win in the target win / loss lottery result when the intermediate image B2 is displayed than when the intermediate image B1 is displayed. In addition to this, it is also conceivable to set the event to be suggested as "an advantageous event" of shifting to the second specific game state. That is, it is set such that when the intermediate image B2 is displayed, the probability that the big win is a second specific big win is higher when the target win / loss lottery result is a big win than when the intermediate image B1 is displayed.

[0066] By doing so as in this example, when the display time of the intermediate image becomes long (exceeds Ta) (when the player feels a sense of discomfort that the display time of the intermediate image becomes long), an interesting game property can be realized in which the player should also pay attention to the mode of the intermediate image (the type of the intermediate image B).

[0067] 〇Specific Examples 1-7 When shifting to the state where the special background image A is displayed (when the special background change A occurs), the intermediate image may not be displayed. That is, there may be a case where the intermediate image A is displayed and then shifted to the state where the special background image A is displayed, or there may be a case where the special background image A is displayed without the intermediate image being displayed.

[0068] Similarly, when transitioning to a state where the special background image B is displayed (when the special background change B occurs), the intermediate image may not be displayed. That is, it may transition to a state where the special background image B is displayed after the intermediate image B is displayed, or it may also transition to a state where the special background image B is displayed without the intermediate image being displayed.

[0069] 〇Specific Example 1-8 When transitioning to a state where the special background image A is displayed (when the special background change A occurs), the intermediate image may not be displayed (it may transition after the intermediate image A is displayed, or it may also transition without the intermediate image A being displayed). However, when transitioning to a state where the special background image B is displayed (when the special background change B occurs), the intermediate image will always be displayed, and it is set that the intermediate image B will definitely be displayed. When the relatively high-reliability special background image B is displayed, (different from the relatively low-reliability special background image A), it is emphasized that the intermediate image B will be displayed for a relatively long time (Tb) and then the special background image B will be displayed.

[0070] 〇Specific Example 1-9 The probability that the special background image B is displayed (when the special background change B occurs) per change is set to be lower than the probability that the special background image A is displayed (when the special background change A occurs). By doing so, the player will have more contacts with the special background change A. That is, after the intermediate image A is displayed for Ta time, the player will have more contacts with the change of transitioning to a state where the special background image A is displayed. Therefore, when the special background change B occurs, the probability that the player feels discomfort when the display time of the intermediate image B becomes Tb is increased.

[0071] 〇Specific Example 1-10 Contrary to the above embodiment, the display time Ta of the intermediate image A is set to be longer than the display time Tb of the intermediate image B. By doing so, it is possible to realize a gameplay in which when the display time of the intermediate image is short, the player can shift to a state where a relatively advantageous special background image (special background image B) is displayed. That is, different from the above embodiment, it is possible to realize a gameplay in which it is more advantageous for the player when they feel that the display time of the intermediate image is short.

[0072] 〇Specific Example 1-11 A configuration is adopted in which three or more types of special background images are provided, and corresponding intermediate images are provided for each of them (each special background image and each intermediate image have different modes from each other). For example, three types of special background images, namely special background image A, special background image B, and special background image C, are provided, and the reliability increases in this order (special background image C has the highest reliability). When a background change to special background image A (special background change A) occurs, the intermediate image A is displayed before special background image A is displayed (see Fig. 15(a)). When a background change to special background image B (special background change B) occurs, the intermediate image B is displayed before special background image B is displayed (see Fig. 15(b)). When a background change to special background image C (special background change C) occurs, the intermediate image C is displayed before special background image C is displayed (see Fig. 15(c)) (the intermediate images A, B, and C have different modes from each other). The display time of each intermediate image is such that the display time Tb of the intermediate image B is longer than the display time Ta of the intermediate image A (see Figs. 15(a) and (b)), and the display time Tc of the intermediate image C is longer than the display time Tb of the intermediate image B (see Figs. 15(b) and (c)).

[0073] By doing so, it is possible to realize a gameplay in which the longer the display time of the intermediate image, the higher the reliability of the type of the special background image (the special background image to be displayed as the subsequent background image) to which the transition occurs.

[0074] 〇Specific Example 1-12 While the intermediate image is being displayed, the hold (display 72 before change, display 71 during change) is made non-displayed (invisible) (see Fig. 16(b)). The hold may be overlaid on the intermediate image. That is, the hold is displayed in the state where the previous background image is displayed and the state where the subsequent background image is displayed when a special background change occurs, but the hold is not displayed between the two states. Even if a new start winning (a game ball enters the start area 904) occurs while the intermediate image is being displayed and new win / loss lottery information is acquired, the hold corresponding to the win / loss lottery information is not displayed (while the intermediate image is being displayed). Since the special background change is characterized by the length of the display time of the intermediate image, the increase or decrease of the hold (display 72 before change, display 71 during change) is not displayed while the intermediate image is being displayed, so that the player can easily notice the length of the display time.

[0075] <Specific symbol> As described above, a plurality of types of decorative symbols for notifying the win / loss lottery result are displayed in the display area 911. In the present embodiment, a part of the plurality of types of decorative symbols is a specific symbol. In the following description, a decorative symbol that is not a specific symbol is referred to as a non-specific symbol ("a decorative symbol that is not a specific symbol = a non-specific symbol"). Also, the plurality of types of decorative symbols here refer to symbols that are normally displayed and can form a symbol combination (losing combination, winning combination) for notifying the win / loss lottery result, excluding special symbols that are displayed only in special cases.

[0076] In this embodiment, a "specific symbol determination lottery" is executed when a specified condition is met. The fact that the specific symbol determination lottery has been executed and the lottery results are not clearly communicated to the player. Therefore, whether a specific symbol is present or not cannot be determined by the appearance (appearance) of each decorative symbol. In other words, various decorative symbols do not have elements (elements that constitute their appearance) that determine whether they are specific symbols or not. The trigger for executing the specific symbol determination lottery (satisfaction of a specified condition) may be anything. In this embodiment, the start of a new normal game state is considered to be the fulfillment of a specified condition. When a predetermined reset operation (an operation that can only be performed by gaming store staff who have access to the inside of the gaming machine) is performed, when the normal jackpot game ends, when there are 100 consecutive losses in the first specific gaming state, or when there are 150 consecutive losses in the second specific gaming state, the game will transition to the normal gaming state (the normal gaming state will start).A lottery to determine a specific symbol is held at the start of the normal gaming state, and a type of decorative symbol determined by the lottery is set as the specific symbol (it is stored in a memory means (RAM) not shown that the gaming machine 1 has) (see the box at the top of Figure 17).

[0077] At the beginning of the variable display, a group of decorative patterns (three groups of decorative patterns in this embodiment) including a plurality of types of decorative patterns is variably displayed. Then, it is shown that one type of decorative pattern has been selected from each group of decorative patterns (hereinafter, the selected and shown pattern may also be referred to as the "selected pattern"). The modes of indicating that a certain type of decorative pattern has been selected can be roughly divided into a "stop display mode" and a "pseudo-stop display mode". Since such "stop display" and "pseudo-stop display" themselves are well-known in the technical field of this case (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-240609), they will be briefly described. The stop display mode is a state in which the selected pattern is completely stopped. The pseudo-stop display mode is a state in which the selected pattern is in a pseudo-stop (temporary stop) state (as described above). When a certain type of decorative pattern is shown as the selected pattern in a "stop display" from a certain group of decorative patterns (the target group of decorative patterns) in the variable display, the decorative pattern shown as the selected pattern in the variable display does not change to another type (the selection from the target group of decorative patterns is determined). On the other hand, when a certain type of decorative pattern is shown as the selected pattern in a "pseudo-stop display" from a certain group of decorative patterns (the target group of decorative patterns) in the variable display, the decorative pattern shown as the selected pattern in the variable display may change to another type (the selection from the target group of decorative patterns is not determined). That is, the pseudo-stop display (mode) is a selection mode that gives the player the impression that a certain type of decorative pattern has been selected, but leaves room for the selected decorative pattern to change to another type of decorative pattern. It should be noted that the selection may be determined when a certain selected pattern changes from the "pseudo-stop display" state to the "stop display" state. In some drawings, the decorative pattern shown in the pseudo-stop display mode is represented as if the pattern is swaying (see Fig. 17(b)).

[0078] The specific symbol is a symbol that is not "pseudo-stopped". That is, when indicating that a decorative symbol selected as the specific symbol from a certain group of decorative symbols is selected, the decorative symbol may be in a stopped display mode, but not in a pseudo-stopped display mode. In other words, when it is shown that a specific symbol is selected from a certain group of decorative symbols, it means that the selection is surely determined. On the other hand, the non-specific symbol may be "stopped" or "pseudo-stopped". That is, when indicating that a decorative symbol selected as the non-specific symbol from a certain group of decorative symbols is selected, the decorative symbol may be in a stopped display mode or in a pseudo-stopped display mode.

[0079] The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can execute a pseudo-continuous effect (so-called pseudo-continuous) as a kind of effect using pseudo-stopped display (an effect constructed on the premise of being pseudo-stopped). Since the pseudo-continuous effect itself is well-known, a detailed description thereof is omitted. However, three selected symbols respectively selected from three groups of decorative symbols (see Fig. 17(a)) are shown in a pseudo-stopped display mode (a combination satisfying a specific law (hereinafter referred to as a lucky combination)) (see Fig. 17(B)), and it is an effect of repeating the re-variation one or more times (see Fig. 17(c)). Generally, the reliability is increased as the number of times of the re-variation increases. Note that the law of the lucky combination may be any kind. In the present embodiment, it is set as a lucky combination that the numbers are arranged in order from the left (so-called sequential order) (in the present embodiment, the maximum number of the decorative symbol is "7", and a combination arranged as "6·7·1", "7·1·2" from the left is also set as a lucky combination). A special symbol that is not displayed in the normal state (a symbol that is not a decorative symbol of "1" to "7" (a symbol that does not constitute a combination for notifying the result of a win / loss lottery)) may be displayed as constituting a lucky combination. For example, a symbol including the character "NEXT" suggesting the occurrence of a pseudo-continuous is displayed as a middle symbol constituting a lucky combination (the left symbol and the right symbol may be any of the decorative symbols of "1" to "7").

[0080] As described above, the specific symbol is not in the pseudo-stop display mode. Then, when a specific symbol is shown as the selected symbol from a certain group of decorative symbols, there is no possibility of a pseudo-continuous effect occurring at that time. That is, when a specific symbol is shown as the selected symbol, it means that the selection of that symbol is determined (it does not change to other symbols), so the occurrence of a pseudo-continuous effect is denied at that time. In other words, when a pseudo-continuous effect occurs, all the decorative symbols constituting the above-mentioned lucky combination are controlled to be non-specific symbols. For example, when the decorative symbol of "5" is the specific symbol, there is no possibility of a pseudo-continuous effect occurring when the decorative symbol of "5" is selected from any of the left decorative symbol group 80gL, the middle decorative symbol group 80gC, and the right decorative symbol group 80gR. Also, when a pseudo-continuous effect occurs, the above-mentioned lucky combination is constructed without including the decorative symbol of "5". As described above, the lucky combination in the present embodiment is the so-called sequential order. When the decorative symbol of "3" is the specific symbol, the lucky combinations of "3·4·5", "4·5·6", and "5·6·7" will not be displayed when a pseudo-continuous effect occurs (see Fig. 17(b)).

[0081] The decorative symbol that is the specific symbol can be selected as a symbol constituting a symbol combination for notifying the winning or losing lottery result (a winning combination for notifying a win (see Fig. 18(a)), a losing combination for notifying a loss (see Fig. 18(b))) (see Fig. 18). Naturally, a decorative symbol that is a non-specific symbol can also be selected as a symbol constituting a losing combination or a winning combination. That is, the setting of the specific symbol does not affect the symbol combination for notifying the winning or losing lottery result.

[0082] Thus, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since a specific symbol that is not in the pseudo-stop display mode is set, an interesting gameplay can be realized in which the occurrence of a pseudo-continuous effect, which is an "effect using pseudo-stop display", is denied when the specific symbol is shown as the selected symbol.

[0083] Also, if, as in this embodiment, the specific symbol is determined by a specific symbol determination lottery and the player is not explicitly informed of which type of decorative symbol has been set as the specific symbol, a game playability can be realized in which the player enjoys predicting which decorative symbol has been set as the specific symbol.

[0084] Hereinafter, specific examples in which the matters related to the above specific symbol are improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described. Note that, as much as possible, a configuration in which the techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied may also be adopted.

[0085] 〇Specific Example 2-1 As an "effect using pseudo stop display", instead of or in addition to the pseudo continuous effect, it is also conceivable to adopt a configuration in which an effect other than the pseudo continuous effect can occur. For example, from a state (pre-state) in which a three-of-a-kind (winning combination) of a certain decorative symbol is pseudo stopped (see Fig. 19(a)), it may vary again (see Fig. 19(b)) and change to a state (post-state) in which it stops and is displayed as a three-of-a-kind (winning combination) of another type of decorative symbol (see Fig. 19(c)). A "re-variation effect" that can occur as an effect using pseudo stop display may be adopted (note that the re-variation effect may also result in a situation where the type of symbol does not change). In this case, since the specific symbol is not pseudo stopped, it is not displayed as constituting the winning combination in the pre-state (the combination at the time of Fig. 19(a)). However, since the specific symbol can be stopped and displayed, it may be displayed as constituting the winning combination in the post-state (the combination at the time of Fig. 19(c)).

[0086] A configuration in which two or more "effects using pseudo stop display" can occur may also be adopted. If a configuration is adopted in which two or more "effects using pseudo stop display" can occur, it becomes impossible for any of the two or more "effects using pseudo stop display" to occur when the specific symbol is shown as the selected symbol.

[0087] 〇Specific Example 2-2 The decorative symbol that is the specific symbol may have a configuration where it is invariant (predetermined). That is, instead of executing a specific symbol determination lottery as in the above embodiment to determine the decorative symbol that becomes the specific symbol, a configuration is adopted in which a certain type of decorative symbol continues to be maintained as the specific symbol. The fact that the decorative symbol that is the specific symbol is invariant means that the decorative symbol that is the non-specific symbol is also invariant. By doing so, it is possible to achieve an easy-to-understand game play in which predetermined types of decorative symbols are not pseudo-stopped and displayed.

[0088] 〇Specific Example 2-3 A configuration is adopted in which two or more types of decorative symbols can be the specific symbol. That is, it is assumed that there are two or more decorative symbols that are not in the pseudo-stop display mode. If a configuration is adopted in which the specific symbol is determined by a specific symbol determination lottery as in the above embodiment, two or more decorative symbols are selected by the lottery. If a configuration is adopted in which the decorative symbol that is the specific symbol is invariant as in the above Specific Example 2-2, it is assumed that two or more decorative symbols are predetermined to be the specific symbol in advance.

[0089] 〇Specific Example 2-4 A part of a plurality of types of decorative symbols (non-target symbols) is configured such that it cannot be the specific symbol. For example, assume that the decorative symbols of "3" and "7" are non-target symbols, and the specific symbol is set to be any one of "1", "2", "4", "5", and "6". If a configuration is adopted in which the specific symbol is determined by a specific symbol determination lottery as in the above embodiment, the non-target symbol is not selected by the lottery. If a configuration is adopted in which the decorative symbol that is the specific symbol is invariant as in the above Specific Example 2-2, it is assumed that the decorative symbols other than the non-target symbols are predetermined to be the specific symbol. By doing so, since the types of decorative symbols that can be the specific symbol are limited in part, it becomes a game play in which it is relatively easy to specify which type of decorative symbol is the specific symbol.

[0090] 〇Specific Example 2-5 Rather than adopting a configuration where a specific symbol is constantly set as in the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the setting of the specific symbol is limited to a period during which a predetermined condition is satisfied (hereinafter referred to as a specific period). That is, during the specific period, any one of a plurality of types of decorative symbols is set as the specific symbol, and the specific symbol is not pseudo-stopped (see Fig. 20(a)). However, during a period that is not the specific period (non-specific period), no specific symbol is set, and any of the plurality of types of decorative symbols can be pseudo-stopped (see Fig. 20(b)). When configured as in this example, it is preferable that no notification or suggestion indicating that it is during the specific period is made (so that it is impossible to externally distinguish whether it is during the specific period). By doing so, it is possible to enjoy the game while predicting whether it is currently during the specific period.

[0091] However, if configured as in this example, it can be said that the game play becomes such that it is quite difficult to find out which type of decorative symbol is set as the specific symbol. That is, as in the above-described embodiment, it can be said that a configuration in which there is always a decorative symbol that is not pseudo-stopped makes it easier to find out which type of decorative symbol is set as the specific symbol in terms of game play.

[0092] 〇Specific Example 2-6 The decorative symbol set as the specific symbol is made such that its symbol color does not change. The colors of the decorative symbols are known as those indicating various information (for example, the value of a big win when forming a winning combination is based on the colors of the decorative symbols forming the winning combination), and there are also known effects in which color changes occur during the variation effect. However, the decorative symbol set as the specific symbol is made such that no color change occurs (note that at least a part of the decorative symbols set as non-specific symbols may be made to allow color changes). Since the selection of the decorative symbol set as the specific symbol is determined when it is shown that it has been selected, the symbol color of the decorative symbol is also made not to occur (if the symbol color changes, there is a risk that it may seem as if the type of symbol has changed (there is a risk that it may seem as if a change in the symbol type that should not change originally has occurred), so the symbol color is made not to change).

[0093] <Specific image effect> The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing a specific image effect (see FIGS. 21 to 23). The specific image effect is an effect that suggests the probability of an event advantageous to the player occurring (hereinafter, the event to be suggested by the specific image effect may also be referred to as a "specific event"). The specific image effect in this embodiment is executed by winning a win / loss lottery in the normal gaming state. It can occur during a jackpot game (a so-called "first jackpot" jackpot game). Specifically, the event to be suggested (specific event) is that the gaming state after the jackpot game ends transitions to a second specific gaming state (referred to as "○○ Rush" in this embodiment). In other words, it can be said that it suggests the probability that the jackpot obtained in the normal gaming state is a second specific jackpot. In this embodiment, when winning the second specific jackpot in the normal gaming state, there are cases where it is notified before the start of the jackpot game (notified during the change of winning combinations), and there are also cases where it is notified during the jackpot game. If the winning combination for notifying the jackpot (the winning combination finally shown during the change of winning combinations) is three aligned decorative symbols of "7", it is determined that it is a second specific jackpot at that time. On the other hand, if the winning combination for notifying the jackpot is three aligned decorative symbols other than the decorative symbol of "7", it is not determined that it is a second specific jackpot at that time, and it may be notified during the jackpot game (it may be notified that it transitions to the second specific gaming state). The specific image effect in this embodiment can occur in the jackpot game when the winning combination for notifying the jackpot is three aligned decorative symbols other than the decorative symbol of "7" (when it is not determined that it is a second specific jackpot at the end of the change of winning combinations).

[0094] The specific image effect is an effect that utilizes a winning area into which a game ball can enter (hereinafter, the winning area utilized for the specific image effect is referred to as the target winning area). The target winning area is an area into which a game ball can enter during the specific image effect. In this embodiment, the specific image effect is executed during the jackpot game (during a round), and the large winning area 906 opened in the jackpot game is the target winning area.

[0095] The specific image presentation is a presentation in which a specific image is displayed in the display area 911. As the specific images, a first specific image 11 and a second specific image 12 are displayed (see Fig. 21(a)). Both the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 include numerical values. Hereinafter, the numerical value of the first specific image 11 is referred to as the "first numerical value", and the numerical value of the second specific image 12 is referred to as the "second numerical value". It is preferable that the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 have image components (not the numerical values themselves) that can be distinguished from each other. In the present embodiment, the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 have different colors (the first specific image 11 (first numerical value) is "blue", and the second specific image 12 (second numerical value) is "red"). Alternatively, the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 may have configurations such as different sizes or different fonts.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the first specific image 11 is displayed in association with a first character (indicated by attaching the character "A" in the drawing), and the second specific image 12 is displayed in association with a second character (indicated by attaching the character "B" in the drawing) (see Fig. 21(a)). By associating different characters with the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 in this way, the first specific image 11 appears to represent the status of the first character, and the second specific image 12 appears to represent the status of the second character.

[0097] At the start point of the specific image presentation, both the first specific image 11 (first numerical value) and the second specific image 12 (second numerical value) are in the initial state. In the present embodiment, both the first numerical value and the second numerical value are in the state of "0" (see Fig. 21(a)). The period during which the specific image presentation is executed may be any period during which the large winning area 906, which is the target winning area, is opened. In the present embodiment, the unit games in rounds 3 to 6 are set as the execution period.

[0098] After the execution period starts, one of the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 changes (the other does not change) (see FIG. 21(b)) when a game ball wins in the first big winning area 906 (target winning area) (hereinafter, may also be referred to as "the first win") (see FIG. 21(b)). That is, one of the first numerical value and the second numerical value increases (the other remains "0"). Hereinafter, the change of the first specific image 11 (first numerical value) is referred to as "the first specific change", and the change of the second specific image 12 (second numerical value) is referred to as "the second specific change". As described above, in this embodiment, the first numerical value is "blue" and the second numerical value is "red", and either "the change of the blue numerical value" (the first specific change) (see FIG. 21(c-1)) or "the change of the red numerical value" (the second specific change) (see FIG. 21(c-2)) occurs. In this embodiment, in both the first specific change and the second specific change, the corresponding numerical value becomes "+1" (changes from "0" to "1").

[0099] When a specific image presentation occurs, thereafter, a presentation advantageous to the player (hereinafter referred to as a specific advantageous presentation) or a presentation disadvantageous to the player (hereinafter referred to as a specific disadvantageous presentation) occurs. Hereinafter, the specific advantageous presentation and the specific disadvantageous presentation when the first specific change occurs are also referred to as the first specific advantageous presentation (see Fig. 22(e-1)) and the first specific disadvantageous presentation (see Fig. 22(e-2)), and the specific advantageous presentation and the specific disadvantageous presentation when the second specific change occurs are also referred to as the second specific advantageous presentation (see Fig. 23(e-1)) and the second specific disadvantageous presentation (see Fig. 23(e-2)). The specific advantageous presentation is a presentation in which the corresponding specific image (the changed specific image) reaches a predetermined mode (target mode) during the execution period. When the first specific change occurs, a first specific advantageous presentation in which the first specific image 11 (first numerical value) reaches the target mode may occur. When the second specific change occurs, a second specific advantageous presentation in which the second specific image 12 (second numerical value) reaches the target mode may occur. On the other hand, the specific disadvantageous presentation is a presentation in which the corresponding specific image (the changed specific image) does not reach the target mode during the execution period. When the first specific change occurs, it is considered a first specific disadvantageous presentation that the first specific image 11 (first numerical value) does not reach the target mode. When the second specific change occurs, it is considered a second specific disadvantageous presentation that the second specific image 12 (second numerical value) does not reach the target mode.

[0100] In this embodiment, the target mode is set to "100". That is, it is considered a specific advantageous presentation that one of the first numerical value and the second numerical value reaches "100" (see Fig. 22(e-1), Fig. 23(e-1)), and it is considered a specific disadvantageous presentation that it does not reach "100" (see Fig. 22(e-2), Fig. 23(e-2)). As described above, in this embodiment, each numerical value is displayed associated with the corresponding character (the first character or the second character), and it is considered a presentation of achieving the target that the numerical value (power) of one of the characters becomes "100".

[0101] In this embodiment, each time a winning occurs in the target winning area (the large winning area 906), the target numerical value may change. Specifically, when a first specific change occurs in the first winning (see FIG. 21(b)) (see FIG. 21(c-1)), each time a subsequent winning occurs in the target winning area (the large winning area 906) during the execution period (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a post-winning), an effect is produced in which the first numerical value (the first specific image 11) may change (see FIGS. 22(a) to (d)). On the other hand, when a second specific change occurs in the first winning (see FIG. 21(b)) (see FIG. 21(c-2)), an effect is produced in which the second numerical value (the second specific image 12) may change each time a post-winning occurs (see FIGS. 23(a) to (d)). That is, the specific image effect in this embodiment is an effect in which the numerical value (specific image) that changed in the first winning (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target numerical value (target specific image)) can change toward the target each time a post-winning occurs. Note that in this embodiment, the amount of change in the numerical value due to a single post-winning is not constant.

[0102] If a specific event occurs (in this embodiment, a transition to a second specific gaming state occurs after the jackpot game ends), a specific advantageous effect (see FIGS. 22(e-1) and 23(e-1)) occurs. If the specific event does not occur (in this embodiment, a transition to the second specific gaming state does not occur after the jackpot game ends), a specific disadvantageous effect (see FIGS. 22(e-2) and 23(e-2)) occurs. That is, if the winning is a second specific jackpot, a specific advantageous effect occurs, but if it is not a second specific jackpot, a specific disadvantageous effect occurs. It can be said that the specific advantageous effect is an effect that makes it certain that a specific event advantageous to the player occurs. The specific advantageous effect in this embodiment is an effect of notifying the transition to the second specific gaming state using the characters of "○○ Rush", which is the name of the second specific gaming state that is the specific event. As described above, in the specific image effect, a first specific change and a second specific change occur triggered by the first winning. When the first specific change occurs (see FIG. 21(c-1)), it is a specific advantageous effect (first specific advantageous effect) (see FIG. 22(e-1)) that the first specific image 11 (first numerical value), which is the target specific image (target numerical value), reaches the target state (100), and it becomes a specific disadvantageous effect (first specific disadvantageous effect) (see FIG. 22(e-2)) that the first specific image 11 (first numerical value) does not reach the target state (100). On the other hand, when the second specific change occurs (see FIG. 21(c-2)), it is a specific advantageous effect (second specific advantageous effect) (see FIG. 23(e-1)) that the second specific image 12 (second numerical value), which is the target specific image (target numerical value), reaches the target state (100), and it becomes a specific disadvantageous effect (second specific disadvantageous effect) (see FIG. 23(e-2)) that the second specific image 12 (second numerical value) does not reach the target state (100). Thus, whether or not the specific image (numerical value) that has changed triggered by the first winning reaches the target state is the branch of whether or not the specific event occurs. Whether the winning is a second specific jackpot or not (whether the specific event occurs) is internally determined. In the case of a second specific jackpot (in the case where the specific event occurs), the target specific image (target numerical value) approaches the target state triggered by the post-winning, and is finally controlled to reach the target state.On the other hand, when it is not the second specific big win (when the specific event does not occur), although the target specific image (target value) approaches the target state triggered by the post-award, it is finally controlled not to reach the target state. That is, at a stage before the target state, even if a post-award occurs, no further change occurs (in this embodiment, after the target value becomes "99", no change in the target value occurs triggered by the post-award).

[0103] Here, in this embodiment, when the second specific change occurs (see FIG. 21(c-2)) rather than when the first specific change occurs triggered by the first award (see FIG. 21(c-1)), the probability of the occurrence of the specific advantageous effect (that is, the occurrence of the specific event) is set to be higher. That is, either the first specific image 11 (first value) or the second specific image 12 (second value) only needs to reach the target state, but the probability of realizing the second specific image 12 (second value) is set to be higher than that of the first specific image 11 (first value). If the probability of the occurrence of the specific advantageous effect (first specific advantageous effect) when the first specific change occurs is P1 and the probability of the occurrence of the specific advantageous effect (second specific advantageous effect) when the second specific change occurs is P2, it is controlled so that "P1 < P2" (see above FIG. 22(e-1), above FIG. 23(e-1)).

[0104] Thus, the specific image effect in this embodiment is such that when a game ball wins in the target winning area, either the first specific change in which the first specific image 11 (first value) changes or the second specific change in which the second specific image 12 (second value) changes occurs. Since the probability of the occurrence of the specific event is set to be higher when the second specific change occurs than when the first specific change occurs, it is an interesting effect that the player will pay attention to which one changes when the game ball wins in the target winning area.

[0105] Below, we will explain specific examples in which the matters related to the specific designs have been improved, embodied, modified, etc. In addition, to the extent possible, a configuration in which multiple technologies described using the following specific examples are combined and applied may be used.

[0106] 〇Specific example 3-1 The first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 displayed in the specific image effect do not have to represent numerical values (first numerical value, second numerical value). The effect is such that either the first specific image 11 or the second specific image 12 changes upon the first winning in the target winning area during the execution period, and it is sufficient that the setting is such that the probability of a specific event occurring is higher when the second specific image 12 changes (when the second specific change occurs) than when the first specific image 11 changes (when the first specific change occurs).

[0107] For example, the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 represent different types of characters (character C, character D) (see FIG. 24(a)). The first winning entry into the target winning area during the execution period (see FIG. 24(b)) triggers one of the characters to change (transform). The change in the first specific image 11 (character C) is the first specific change (see FIG. 24(c-1)), and the change in the second specific image 12 (character D) is the second specific change (see FIG. 24(c-2)). Although not shown, after the first and second specific changes occur, the transformed character reaching a target state (which may be any state) is considered to be a specific advantageous effect, and in this case, a specific event is confirmed to occur. The probability of the specific event occurring is set to be higher when the second specific change occurs than when the first specific change occurs following the first winning entry (see FIGS. 24(c-1) and 24(c-2)).

[0108] 〇Specific example 3-2 In the above-described embodiment, it has been explained that one of the first numerical value and the second numerical value “increases” triggered by the first winning in the target winning area during the execution period. Conversely, it can also be configured to “decrease”. For example, assume that the initial values of the first numerical value (first specific image 11) and the second numerical value (second specific image 12) are “100” (see Fig. 25(a)). Triggered by the first winning (see Fig. 25(b)), a first specific change in which the first numerical value (first specific image 11) decreases (see Fig. 25(c-1)), or a second specific change in which the second numerical value (second specific image 12) decreases (see Fig. 25(c-2)) occurs. When the first specific change occurs, the first numerical value (first specific image 11) is made to decrease triggered by subsequent winnings (see Figs. 26(a) to (d)). When the second specific change occurs, the second numerical value (second specific image 12) is made to decrease triggered by subsequent winnings (see Figs. 27(a) to (d)). And finally, a configuration is adopted in which achieving the target state (for example, “0”) is defined as a specific advantageous effect (see Figs. 26(e-1) and 27(e-1)), and not achieving the target state is defined as a specific disadvantageous effect (see Figs. 26(e-2) and 27(e-2)). The probability of the specific advantageous effect occurring (the specific event occurring) is higher when the second specific change occurs (probability P2) than when the first specific change occurs (probability P1).

[0109] Note that a configuration like this example can be used as an effect that gives an impression, for example, that an enemy character is displayed associated with each numerical value, and defeating the enemy character (setting the power to “0”) is an advantageous effect (specific advantageous effect) for the player (see Figs. 26(e-1) and 27(e-1)).

[0110] 〇Specific Example 3-3 The target winning area may be an area into which a game ball can enter when a specific image effect occurs (an area into which a game ball can enter when fired in a correct firing mode). For example, if it is desired that a specific image effect can occur during a jackpot game as in the above embodiment, a general winning area 909R (an area where winning of a game ball becomes an opportunity for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls but not an opportunity for a winning / losing lottery) (see FIG. 1) into which a game ball can enter when the game ball is fired in a firing mode conforming to the jackpot game (right-handed if the large winning area 906 is provided on the right side of 2904 as in the above embodiment) may be used as a specific image effect with the target winning area.

[0111] 〇Specific Example 3-4 A plurality of target winning areas may be provided. However, it is necessary that any of the plurality of target winning areas be an area into which a game ball can enter when a specific image effect occurs (an area into which a game ball can enter when fired in a correct firing mode). If a configuration is adopted such that a specific image effect can occur during a jackpot game as in the above embodiment, it is sufficient that a plurality of areas into which a game ball can enter when the game ball is fired in a firing mode conforming to the jackpot game are set as the target winning areas. For example, in a configuration in which a plurality of large winning areas 906 are provided (for example, a so-called twin attacker configuration), a configuration in which any of them is set as the target winning area may be adopted. Also, a configuration in which the large winning area 906 and the general winning area 909R are set as the target winning areas may be adopted.

[0112] 〇Specific Example 3-5 A specific event that is the object of suggestion for a specific image effect (an event that is certain to occur when a specific advantageous effect is executed) is an event that is more advantageous to the player than not occurring, and whether or not the event will occur in the future is determined at the start time of the specific image effect (the presence or absence of the occurrence of the event can be determined inside the gaming machine), and it can be anything. For example, when a specific image effect is executed during a jackpot game as in the above embodiment, it can be configured such that a so-called "retained consecutive wins" in which a jackpot is obtained again after the jackpot game ends is the object of suggestion. That is, the configuration is such that the probability of the occurrence of the retained consecutive wins is higher when the second specific change occurs than when the first specific change occurs.

[0113] 〇Specific Example 3-6 The specific image effect may occur during the variable effect. In this case, the target winning area needs to be an area where the game ball may enter during the variable effect. For example, if the configuration is such that the specific image effect can occur during the variable effect in the left-shot state (normal gaming state), it is conceivable to set the first starting area 904a as the target winning area. Also, it is conceivable to set the general winning area 909L (an area where the entry of a game ball that has been left-shot is a trigger for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls but not a trigger for a winning / losing lottery) (see FIG. 1) as the target winning area.

[0114] If the configuration is such that the specific image effect can occur during the variable effect in the right-shot state (specific gaming state), it is conceivable to set the second starting area 904b as the target winning area. Also, it is conceivable to set the general winning area 909R where a game ball that has been right-shot can enter as the target winning area.

[0115] 〇Specific Example 3-7 Unlike the above-described embodiment, the specific image that did not change upon the first winning in the target winning area during the execution period is configured to be erased (see Fig. 28). That is, when the first specific change occurs upon the first winning (see Fig. 28(b)), the second specific image 12 (second numerical value) is erased (see Fig. 28(d-1)), and when the second specific change occurs (see Fig. 28(c-2)), the first specific image 11 (first numerical value) is erased (see Fig. 28(d-2)). By doing so, after one of the first specific change and the second specific change occurs, it becomes an easy-to-understand production form in that only the specific image that changes toward the target is displayed.

[0116] However, if it is configured as in this example, after one of the first specific change and the second specific change occurs, only one specific image remains (the specific image that did not change does not remain) (see Figs. 28(d-1) and (d-2)), so it can be said that it is difficult to understand which one has changed. By making the specific image that did not change remain even after one of the first specific change and the second specific change occurs, as in the above-described embodiment, there is an advantage that it is easy to understand which of the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 has changed.

[0117] 〇Specific Example 3-8 The production mode after one of the first specific change and the second specific change occurs upon the first winning during the execution period may be different from that of the above-described embodiment. For example, the following may be considered.

[0118] After one of the first specific change (refer to Fig. 29(c-1)) and the second specific change (refer to Fig. 29(c-2)) occurs following the first winning (refer to Fig. 29(b)), the player is required to operate the operation means (e.g., push button 61) (refer to Fig. 29(d-1)(d-2)), and an effect mode is set such that the target specific image (target numerical value) changes toward the target mode by operating the operation means. That is, after the first specific change occurs, the first specific image 11 (first numerical value) changes toward the target mode by operating the operation means (refer to Fig. 29(d-1)), and reaching the target mode is defined as a specific advantageous effect, and not reaching the target mode is defined as a specific disadvantageous effect. After the second specific change occurs, the second specific image 12 (second numerical value) changes toward the target mode by operating the operation means (refer to Fig. 29(d-2)), and if the target mode is reached, a specific event occurs (a specific advantageous effect occurs), and if the target mode is not reached, no specific event occurs (a specific disadvantageous effect occurs). Various operation modes of the required operation means can be considered. It is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the target specific image (target numerical value) gradually approaches the target mode by continuous operation or maintenance operation (which corresponds to so-called rapid-fire or long press if the operation means is a button) (refer to Fig. 29(d-1)(d-2)), and whether the target mode is finally reached or not is used as a branch for determining whether a specific event occurs or not. Also, although not shown, a configuration may be adopted in which it is shown whether the target specific image (target numerical value) becomes the target mode by a single operation (single-shot operation).

[0119] 〇Specific Example 3-9 After the first specific change and the second specific change occur, a "target" (target mode) in which a specific event will occur is shown. When the first specific change occurs, if the first specific image 11 reaches the target mode, it becomes a first specific advantageous effect and a specific event occurs, and the target mode is shown in this way (refer to Fig. 30(c-1)). Similarly, when the second specific change occurs, if the second specific image 12 reaches the target mode, it becomes a second specific advantageous effect and a specific event occurs, and the target mode is shown in this way (refer to Fig. 30(c-2)). By doing so, an easy-to-understand effect form can be achieved.

[0120] 〇Specific Example 3-10 Set it so that a specific event does not necessarily occur even if a specific advantageous effect occurs (the specific advantageous effect is an effect that does not notify the occurrence of a specific event). And set it so that the probability of a specific event occurring is higher when the second specific advantageous effect occurs through the second specific change than when the first specific advantageous effect occurs through the first specific change (see Fig. 31).

[0121] For example, assume that a specific image effect can occur on the first hit as in the above embodiment, and the transition to the second specific gaming state is a specific event. When a specific advantageous effect occurs, set it to transition to a specific gaming state (the first specific gaming state or the second specific gaming state) after the jackpot game ends. And set it so that the probability that the gaming state after the jackpot game ends is the second specific gaming state is higher when the second specific advantageous effect occurs than when the first specific advantageous effect occurs. Since the second specific gaming state has a higher expected value of winning balls than the first specific gaming state, it can be said that the expected value of winning balls is higher when the second specific advantageous effect occurs than when the first specific advantageous effect occurs.

[0122] 〇Specific Example 3-11 It is assumed that a predetermined effect (hereinafter referred to as a specific special effect) can occur together with at least one of a first specific change and a second specific change, and when the specific special effect occurs, the probability of a specific event occurring (a specific advantageous effect occurring) is higher than when it does not occur (the case of FIG. 32(c-2-2) is more likely than the case of FIG. 32(c-2-1), and the case of FIG. 32(c-1-2) is more likely than the case of FIG. 32(c-1-1)). (Note that the timing of the occurrence of the specific change and the specific special effect may have a slight deviation as long as the player feels that they occur together.) FIG. 32 shows an example in which a first specific special effect occurs when the first specific change occurs (see FIG. 32(c-1-2)), and a second specific special effect occurs when the second specific change occurs (see FIG. 32(c-2-2)), but it may be configured such that no specific special effect occurs in one of the first specific change and the second specific change (one of the first specific special effect and the second specific special effect does not occur). By doing so, not only does it mean that either the first specific change or the second specific change occurs, but it also becomes an interesting effect form that the player will pay attention to whether a specific special effect occurs together with the specific change.

[0123] When setting that a specific special effect may occur together with the first specific change or may occur together with the second specific change, it is preferable that the specific special effect takes a different form according to the type of the specific change. For example, it is assumed that the first specific special effect that occurs together with the first specific change is that the first special image 13 is displayed (see FIG. 32(c-1-2)), while the second specific special effect that occurs together with the second specific change is that the second special image 14 (which has a different form from the first special image 13) is displayed (see FIG. 32(c-2-2)).

[0124] Even when setting that a specific special effect may occur with the first specific change or may occur with the second specific change, it is preferable to maintain the law that the probability of a specific event occurring is higher with the second specific change than with the first specific change. That is, it is preferable that the probability of a specific event occurring be such that "first specific change (no specific special effect) < first specific change (with specific special effect) < second specific change (no specific special effect) < second specific change (with specific special effect)" (see Fig. 33). By doing so, the type of specific change that occurs (which of the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 changes) becomes an important suggestion (a suggestion with a high weight), and the presence or absence of a specific special effect becomes an incidental suggestion (a suggestion with a low weight), resulting in a production form.

[0125] 〇Specific Example 3-12 The production after the first specific change does not have to be the production using the first specific image 11. After the first specific change occurs, it may be configured such that an image other than the first specific image 11 reaching a predetermined mode (target mode) is regarded as the first specific advantageous production (the occurrence of a specific event is confirmed), and not reaching is regarded as the first specific disadvantageous production. Similarly, after the second specific change occurs, it may be configured such that an image other than the second specific image 12 reaching a predetermined mode (target mode) is regarded as the second specific advantageous production (the occurrence of a specific event is confirmed), and not reaching is regarded as the second specific disadvantageous production.

[0126] 〇Specific Example 3-13 Before either the first specific change or the second specific change occurs, it is set that a suggestion image (specific change suggestion image 15) that suggests which specific change will occur may be displayed. For example, when the specific change suggestion image 15 (any specific form may be used) is displayed (see FIG. 34(b)), the probability of the second specific change occurring is set to be higher than that of the first specific change compared to the case where the specific change suggestion image 15 is not displayed (see FIG. 34(a)). It may be set that when the specific change suggestion image 15 is displayed, the second specific change will definitely occur. Since the probability of a specific event occurring after the second specific change is higher than that of the first specific change, it can be said that the display of the specific change suggestion image 15 is advantageous to the player.

[0127] 〇Specific Example 3-14 The initial states (the states before the first winning occurs during the execution period) of the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 are set to be changeable each time. For example, if the first specific image 11 and the second specific image 12 are numerical values (first numerical value, second numerical value) as in the above embodiment, the numerical values (initial values) in the initial state may be different each time. The case where the initial value of the first numerical value is different from the initial value of the second numerical value may occur.

[0128] When doing so as in this example, the probability of a specific event occurring (a specific advantageous effect occurring) may differ depending on the initial value of the numerical value corresponding to the specific change that has occurred. For example, as shown in FIG. 35(a), when the initial value of the first numerical value is "0" (see FIG. 35(a-1)) and when it is "10" (see FIG. 35(a-2)), the probability of a specific event occurring when the first specific change occurs is made different. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 35(b), when the initial value of the second numerical value is "0" (see FIG. 35(b-1)) and when it is "10" (see FIG. 35(b-2)), the probability of a specific event occurring when the second specific change occurs is made different. Note that FIG. 35 shows an example where the probability of a specific event occurring when the corresponding specific change occurs is set to be higher as the initial value is larger, but the reverse may also be possible. In this case, not only which of the first specific change and the second specific change occurs, but also the initial values of the first numerical value and the second numerical value will be an effect form that the player will pay attention to.

[0129] <Specific selection> During the variable effect, in the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, a specific selection (specific selection effect) may occur in which the player can select an arbitrary option from among a plurality of types of options (arbitrary selection is possible). Note that, as will be described in detail later, the specific selection is executed across two variations (the previous variable effect and the next target variable effect), and the arbitrary selection in which the selection is completed from the presentation of the options in one variation is not considered to be the above specific selection. Also, in this embodiment, the specific selection can occur in the normal gaming state.

[0130] The specific selection includes a pre-selection stage in which a plurality of options are presented and a post-selection stage indicating that the selection has been completed (see Fig. 36(a)). The specific selection is characterized in that the variable effect executed in the pre-selection stage and the variable effect executed in the post-selection stage are different. Hereinafter, the variable (effect) executed in the pre-selection stage is referred to as the "previous variable (effect)", and the variable (effect) executed in the post-selection stage is referred to as the "target variable (effect)". The target variable effect is executed after the previous variable effect has ended. The specific selection may occur when the previous variable effect and the target variable effect are continuously executed without a gap (when the win / loss lottery information corresponding to the target variable effect is acquired at the time when the previous variable effect is started). In a case where, after a certain variable ends, it enters a non-variable state (a state where no variable effect is being executed), and a game ball enters the start area 904 in the non-variable state and the next variable is started, the specific selection does not occur.

[0131] In this embodiment, a pre-selection stage (specific selection) is started in the middle of the previous variation effect (see Fig. 36(a)). In the pre-selection stage, each of a plurality of options is displayed as an option image (see (1) in Fig. 36(b)). In this embodiment, one of the plurality of option images is made to stand out compared to the other option images (hereinafter referred to as the "emphasis mode"). In this embodiment, a state is set in which a cursor is on a certain option image (the option image with the cursor on it is in the emphasis mode). In addition, a state in which one option image is emphasized can be created by methods such as making one option image larger than the other option images, displaying one option image in color and the other option images in monochrome. In the pre-selection stage, an operation effective period during which the operation of a predetermined operation means (the cross keys 62 in this embodiment) is effective is set (in this embodiment, the pre-selection stage = the operation effective period). By operating the cross keys 62 during the operation effective period, the option image in the emphasis mode is changed (the cursor moves in this embodiment). During the operation effective period (pre-selection stage), an image representing the operation means to be operated (the cross keys 62 in this embodiment) is displayed. The operation effective period can be said to be a selection period provided for the player to select a preferred option. In this embodiment, the length of the operation effective period is constant (for example, 5 seconds). That is, after the option images are displayed, the operation effective period ends after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0132] In the specific selection in this embodiment, the option image in the emphasis mode at the end point of the operation effective period (see (2) in Fig. 36(b)) is selected. In this embodiment, since an image (time image 16) indicating the elapse of the operation effective period is displayed (see (1) in Fig. 36(b)), the approximate end timing of the operation effective period can be grasped in advance. The time image 16 may be anything as long as it indicates the elapse of the operation effective period. In this embodiment, it is a meter that changes with the passage of time. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which numbers that change toward the end of the operation effective period (for example, numbers that are counted down) are displayed as the time image 16.

[0133] In this embodiment, the end point of the operation valid period is made to coincide with the end point of the previous variation effect (the point in time when the notification of the failure of the pass / fail lottery result corresponding to the previous variation effect is completed) (see (2) in FIGS. 36(a) and (b)). If the operation valid period is 5 seconds, the operation valid period starts 5 seconds before the end of the previous variation effect. Because of this configuration, the option image that is in an emphasized state at the end point of the previous variation is selected. Then, in the target variation effect, a post-selection stage that indicates that the selection of the option image has been completed is executed (see FIG. 36(a)). In the post-selection stage, a selection completion image 17 that indicates that the selection of the specific selection has been completed is displayed. The selection completion image 17 in this embodiment includes the characters "selection completed" together with the production elements (elements representing the type of option image) included in the selected option image (see (3) in FIG. 36(b)). Because it includes such production elements, the form of the displayed option image will differ depending on which option image is selected. As will be described later, since the various option images in this embodiment show characters, the selection completion image 17 includes the character of the selected option image. By displaying such a selection completion image 17, the player grasps that the selection (specific selection) has been completed. The target variation effect progresses with content that reflects the specific selection. That is, the content of the target variation effect may differ depending on which option the player selects.

[0134] In this embodiment, a plurality of characters (Character E, Character F, Character G (shown with the letters "E", "F", and "G" in the drawing)) are presented as options (option images) (see (1) to (2) in FIG. 36(b)). In the post-selection stage, by displaying the completion of selection together with any one of the characters, it is shown to the player that the character has been selected (selection result) (see (3) in FIG. 36(b)). The selected character appears as the player's character (ally character) in the battle effect executed after the specific selection (see (4) in FIG. 36(b)). That is, depending on which option is selected in the specific selection, the mode of the battle effect (target variation) will be different. Since the battle effect is executed in a state where a reach is established, it can be said that it is a type of reach effect (super reach effect). Therefore, it can also be said that the selection in the specific selection is reflected as the mode of the reach effect to be executed later. However, the effect in which the specific selection is reflected does not have to be a reach effect as long as it is executed during the target variation.

[0135] In the battle effect, the ally character and the enemy character (shown with the letter "enemy" in the drawing) fight, and when the win / loss lottery result (target win / loss lottery result) corresponding to the target variation is a big win, it leads to a victory ending where the ally character wins against the enemy character (see (5-1) in FIG. 36(b)), and when it is a loss, it leads to a defeat ending where the ally character loses to the enemy character (see (5-2) in FIG. 36(b)) (note that as a victory ending, a so-called reversal pattern where it seems to reach a defeat ending once and then is overturned may also occur). The specific selection in this embodiment is executed before the battle effect occurs and is to select the ally character who appears in the battle effect. Therefore, the target variation including the battle effect progresses with content reflecting the selection of the ally character in the specific selection. However, since the specific selection is an arbitrary selection by the player, which option is selected in the specific selection does not affect the target win / loss lottery result (the mode of the battle effect (the ally character who appears) has nothing to do with the target win / loss lottery result).

[0136] In this embodiment, the combination of options (option images) presented by specific selection does not change. That is, in specific selection, characters E, F, and G are presented as options every time. Therefore, it can be said that the presentation of option images with such a combination corresponds to specific selection. Also, the specific content of each option shown in specific selection may be anything (the presentation of characters as options is merely an example). Any option may be used as long as the selection in specific selection is reflected in the target variation.

[0137] In this way, in the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, the target variation proceeds with the content reflecting the specific selection, and it is novel in that the specific selection (selection of the player's preferred option) is executed during the previous variation. Since it is not necessary to secure time for selection during the target variation, it is possible to suppress the target variation from becoming too long. Also, although the time for the player's selection is provided during the previous variation, since the target variation indicates the completion of the selection (the result of the selection) (the post-selection stage is executed), it is easy to understand that the player's selection is reflected in the target variation.

[0138] Hereinafter, specific examples in which the matters related to the above specific selection are improved, specified, deformed, etc. will be described. Note that, as much as possible, a configuration in which the techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied may also be used.

[0139] 〇Specific Example 4-1 It may be the case that the operation valid period has already started when the previous change starts (i.e., the selection pre-stage has already been executed when the previous change starts) (see Fig. 37). That is, along with the start of the previous change, the selection operation may be made possible. If the end point of the operation valid period coincides with the end point of the previous change as in the above embodiment, it means that "the length of the operation valid period = the length of the previous change (change time)". The specific selection is for making the content of the target change according to the player's selection (to be the player's preference), and sufficient time may be ensured for the player to select a preferred option using the entire previous change.

[0140] 〇Specific Example 4-2 Before the end of the previous change, it may be possible to determine the selection according to the player's intention (to make it a state where the selected option image in the emphasized state cannot be changed). That is, even in the state before the end of the operation valid period (in the middle of the operation valid period) (see Fig. 38(a)), by performing a predetermined determination operation (for example, operating the push button 61) (see Fig. 38(b)), the selection of the option image in the emphasized mode at that time is determined (see Fig. 38(c)) (if the determination operation is not performed, the selection is determined at the end point of the operation valid period). However, even if the determination operation is performed before the end of the operation valid period, to clearly show that the selection in the specific selection is reflected in the target change, the selection completion image 17 is not displayed in the previous change (see Fig. 38(d)) and is displayed in the target change (see Fig. 38(e)) (the selection post-stage is provided in the target change).

[0141] 〇Specific Example 4-3 It is assumed that the time image 16 indicating the passage of the operation valid period is not displayed. If the operation valid period as a selection period during which the player can select a preferred option is ensured, the time image 16 until the end of the period may not be displayed. However, as in the above embodiment, it is preferable for the player because the player can know in advance how much consideration can be given when the time image 16 is displayed.

[0142] 〇Specific Example 4-4 The selection-completed image 17 may not include the production elements (production elements representing the selected option image) included in the selected option image, and may only indicate that the selection has been completed. Not including such production elements means that regardless of the type of option image selected in the pre-selection stage, the form of the selection-completed image 17 displayed in the post-selection stage does not change. For example, assume that the characters "Selection Completed" are displayed in the post-selection stage (target variation) regardless of which type of option image is selected.

[0143] 〇Specific Example 4-5 Set the length of the operation valid period for specific selection to be not constant (it can be different each time). Since the variation time of the previous variation (the time from the start to the end of the previous variation) is different, the length of the operation valid period can be set to change accordingly (even if the variation time is short, a specific selection with a correspondingly short operation valid period can occur). If, as in the above embodiment, the operation valid period ends at the end of the previous variation, the timing at which the operation valid period starts will be different according to the length of the operation valid period. However, it can be said that a configuration in which the length of the operation valid period for specific selection is constant as in the above embodiment results in a form of production that is easy for the player to understand because there is no variation in the time required for selection.

[0144] 〇Specific Example 4-6 Assume that specific selection can occur in a specific gaming state. Since specific selection is executed across two variations (the previous variation and the subsequent target variation) in the pre-selection stage and the post-selection stage, there is an advantage that sufficient selection time can be ensured even if the variation time of one variation is short. Therefore, it can be said that the significance of generating specific selection in a specific gaming state (high base state) where the average variation time is shorter than in the normal gaming state (low base state) is greater than in the normal gaming state.

[0145] 〇Specific Example 4-7 In the above-described embodiment, it has been explained that the selection in the specific selection is reflected as an aspect of the effect (reach effect) executed with the target variation after the specific selection. However, as long as it is reflected in the effect executed with the target variation, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the following configuration is also conceivable.

[0146] The specific selection shall be reflected in the likelihood (occurrence probability) of the occurrence of a predetermined effect (hereinafter referred to as the specific target effect) that can occur at the specified timing of the target variation (see Fig. 39(a)). The specific aspect of the specific target effect may be anything. When a different option is selected than when a certain option is selected in the specific selection ((1) to (3) in Fig. 39(b)), the probability that the specific target effect occurs (an effect such as (4-1) in Fig. 39(b)) is set to be higher at the specified timing in the target variation (before the combination of decorative symbols for notifying the pass / fail lottery result) than when a certain option is selected. The specific target effect may be a so-called chance-up effect (however, the reliability ≠ 100%) in which the probability of the target pass / fail lottery result being a big win is higher when it occurs than when it does not occur. In this case, the selection in the specific selection will be reflected as the probability that the specific target effect, which is a chance-up effect, occurs at the specified timing. Also, the specific target effect may be a big win determination effect. In this case, the selection in the specific selection will be reflected as the probability that the specific target effect, which is a big win determination effect, occurs at the specified timing in the target variation when the target pass / fail lottery result is a big win.

[0147] Although not shown, it is also conceivable that the specific selection is reflected as an aspect of the effect output with the target variation. For example, it is reflected in the background music (BGM) output with the target variation. When a certain option is selected in the specific selection and when a different option is selected, the background music output with the target variation shall be different.

[0148] 〇Specific Example 4-8 Set it so that the combinations of a plurality of options (option images) presented at the pre-selection stage of a specific selection can change. That is, assume a setting where there are multiple types of options that can be presented in a specific selection, and a specific selection may occur in which at least some of the multiple types of options are not presented.

[0149] When it is like this example, it can also be set so that the probability (reliability) of the target pass / fail lottery result being a big hit differs depending on the combination of multiple types of options presented at the pre-selection stage. For example, there is an option X as one of the multiple types of options that can be presented in a specific selection, and when a specific selection occurs in which the option X is not included (see Fig. 40(a)), compared to when a specific selection occurs in which the option X is included (see Fig. 40(b)), set it so that the probability (reliability) of the target pass / fail lottery result being a big hit is higher (note that since the specific selection is an arbitrary selection, which option is selected has nothing to do with the reliability). Since the pre-selection stage is executed with the previous variation, the suggestion of the target pass / fail lottery result based on the combination of options selected at the pre-selection stage is the so-called foreshadowing effect (suggestion of the pass / fail lottery result corresponding to the next variation (target variation)).

[0150] 〇Specific Example 4-9 Assume that the specific selection is not such that the player can select any option. That is, assume it is an "automatic selection" in which one of the multiple types of options is automatically selected (what is selected is determined in advance internally). Even in the case of such an automatic selection, by making the pre-selection stage executed with the previous variation and the post-selection stage executed with the target variation, it is possible to suppress the target variation from becoming too long.

[0151] For example, it is conceivable to make a specific selection such as the following "automatic selection". In the pre-selection stage, a plurality of types of option images are displayed, and one option image that is emphasized changes over time (for example, the cursor moves between each option image) (see Fig. 41(a)). Then, before the target variation starts, the change stops in a state where one option image is emphasized (see Fig. 41(b)). The change may stop along with the end of the target variation. Note that the configuration may be such that the change automatically stops, or the configuration may be such that the change stops when the player operates an operation means (for example, push button 61). Then, in the target variation, a selection completion image 17 indicating that the selection of the option image finally emphasized is completed (the post-selection stage is executed) is displayed (see Fig. 41(c)).

[0152] 〇Specific Example 4-10 The end point of the operation valid period may be before the end point of the previous variation. That is, in the previous variation, the operation valid period is set (see Fig. 42(a)), and the operation valid period ends before the previous variation ends, and the selection of one option that is before the end of the previous variation is determined (a state where another option cannot be selected) (see Fig. 42(b)). Then, after the previous variation ends (see Fig. 42(c)), the target variation starts, and a selection completion image 17 indicating that the selection of the option is completed is displayed (the post-selection stage is executed) (see Fig. 42(d)).

[0153] 〇Specific Example 4-11 In the above-described embodiment, in the target variation, after the post-selection stage is executed (the selection completion image 17 is displayed), the production of the content reflecting the specific selection (the battle production in the above-described embodiment) is executed. However, the production of the content reflecting the specific selection may be executed while the post-selection stage is executed. That is, after the post-selection stage (operation valid period) ends in the previous variation (see FIGS. 43(a) and (b)), the production of the content reflecting the specific selection may be executed together with the selection completion image 17 being displayed during the target variation (see FIG. 43(c)). When a specific selection occurs, instead of the selection completion image 17 being displayed and the production of the content reflecting the specific selection being executed together every time (instead of the mode as shown in FIG. 43(c) every time), the selection completion image 17 may be displayed and the production of the content reflecting the specific selection may be executed together only in some cases when a specific selection occurs (for example, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which whether the selection completion image 17 is displayed and the production of the content reflecting the specific selection is executed together is determined according to the variation time of the target variation and the selection content of the specific selection). Even in this case, since the selection completion image 17 is displayed and the production reflecting it is executed, the player can easily grasp that the specific selection is reflected and the target variation is progressing.

[0154] 〇Specific Example 4-12 A configuration is adopted in which the selection completion image 17 is not displayed. That is, a plurality of types of options in the previous variation are shown, and the specific selection is determined to be finalized before the target variation starts. However, in the target variation, the selection completion image 17 is not shown, and the target variation progresses with the content reflecting the specific selection. However, when the present example is adopted, since the target variation indicates the completion of the selection, the effect that it is easy for the player to understand that the selection by the player is reflected in the target variation is not achieved.

[0155] <Target Operation Production·Non-Target Operation Production> The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can execute a target operation effect (see FIG. 44) and a non-target operation effect (see FIG. 45) as effects that can occur during a variable effect. Note that the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect in the present embodiment can occur in the normal gaming state, but may also occur in a specific gaming state. Both the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect occur when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied. Since the execution condition is not satisfied every time a variation occurs, the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect do not occur every time a variation occurs. Also, in the present embodiment, the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect do not occur in the same variation.

[0156] One of a plurality of types of operation means that can be operated by the player is defined as the target operation means. The target operation effect is an effect using the target operation means. In the present embodiment, the special operation unit 65 (see FIG. 1) is defined as the target operation means. In the target operation effect, an image (target operation image 18) representing the special operation unit 65, which is the target operation means, is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 44(b)). Naturally, the target operation image 18 is not displayed in a state where the target operation effect is not executed (before it is started) (see FIG. 44(a)). The target operation image 18 may be in a form that allows the player to recognize that it represents the special operation unit 65 (the target operation means). It may be a form that realistically represents the special operation unit 65, or a form that represents the special operation unit 65 in a deformed manner. When such a target operation image 18 is displayed, the player feels that they are in a situation where they should operate the special operation unit 65, which is the target operation means. In the present embodiment, in addition to the target operation image 18, an operation mode image 19 representing the operation mode of the target operation means is displayed. Since the target operation effect in the present embodiment is such that a result image 20 described later is displayed by a single operation (single-shot operation) of the target operation means, an operation mode image 19 including the character "Press" is displayed (see FIG. 44(b)).

[0157] In the target operation effect, an operation valid period is set during which the operation of the target operation means is reflected as an effect. When the target operation means is operated during the operation valid period (see Fig. 44(c)), a result image 20 representing the result of the operation is displayed (see Fig. 44(d)). If the target operation means is not operated during the operation valid period, the result image 20 is not displayed. When the result image 20 is displayed, the target operation image 18 is set to be erased. That is, the target operation image 18 is erased upon the operation of the target operation means during the operation valid period. Similarly, when the result image 20 is displayed, the operation mode image 19 is set to be erased. That is, the operation mode image 19 is erased upon the operation of the target operation means during the operation valid period.

[0158] The specific form of the result image 20 may be any. The result image 20 in this embodiment is intended to suggest the probability (reliability) that the winning or losing lottery result corresponding to the variable effect including the target operation effect is a big win. The reliability is made higher when a result image (second result image 202) in a form different from the certain form is displayed (see Fig. 44(d-2)) than when a result image 20 (first result image 201) in a certain form is displayed (see Fig. 44(d-1)).

[0159] The non-target operation presentation is a presentation "imitating" the target operation presentation (it can be said to be a "fake" target operation presentation). In the non-target operation presentation, similar to the target operation presentation, the target operation image 18 is displayed (see Fig. 45(b)). The position, size, and range of the target operation image 18 displayed in the display area 911 are the same for both the target operation presentation and the non-target operation presentation. At this stage (when the target operation image 18 is displayed), there is no difference between the target operation presentation (see Fig. 44(b)) and the non-target operation presentation (see Fig. 45(b)) (it is impossible to identify which presentation is occurring from the appearance of the presentation). Note that it is also impossible to identify which presentation is occurring based on the decorative pattern and its background image. Therefore, it is highly probable that the player feels as if the target operation presentation has occurred (recognizes that the target operation means should be operated). As described above, since the operation mode image 19 is displayed in the target operation presentation in this embodiment, the operation mode image 19 is also displayed in the non-target operation presentation accordingly (the presence or absence of the operation mode image 19 is not a difference between the target operation presentation and the non-target operation presentation). The position, size, and range of the operation mode image 19 displayed in the display area 911 are the same for both the target operation presentation and the non-target operation presentation. Note that as will be described later, the non-target operation presentation does not reflect the operation of the target operation means. Therefore, strictly speaking, the operation mode image 19 displayed in the non-target operation presentation does not represent the operation mode of the target operation means. However, since the image is in the same form as the one displayed in the target operation presentation, the one displayed in the non-target operation presentation is also referred to as an "operation mode image".

[0160] In the non-target operation presentation, even if the target operation means is not operated, the target operation image 18 and the operation mode image 19 are erased and the good opportunity image 21 is displayed (see Fig. 45(c)). The good opportunity image 21 is an image different from the result image (not an image displayed as a result of the target operation presentation). If a plurality of types of result images 20 (first result image 201, second result image 202 (see Fig. 44(d))) are to be displayed as in this embodiment, the good opportunity image 21 (see Fig. 45(c)) is an image different from any of them. That is, the non-target operation presentation does not set an operation effective period that triggers the display of the result image 20. In the non-target operation presentation in this embodiment, after a specified time has elapsed since the display of the target operation image 18 started, the target operation image 18 is erased and the good opportunity image 21 is displayed. Note that even if the target operation means is operated before the specified time elapses, the good opportunity image 21 is not displayed. The specified time is preferably shorter than the operation effective period set in the target operation presentation. In this embodiment, the operation effective period of the target operation presentation is set to 3 seconds, and the specified time of the non-target operation presentation is set to 1 second.

[0161] There is a possibility that the target operation presentation may occur at any one or more timings (specified timings) at which the non-target operation presentation may occur. Therefore, based on the timing (scene) when the target operation image 18 is displayed, it is not possible to determine that the presentation is a non-target operation presentation. For example, in this embodiment, there is a possibility that the non-target operation presentation may occur at a point in time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of variation (see Fig. 45(a)) (see Fig. 45(b)), but there is also a possibility that the target operation presentation may occur at the timing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of variation (see Fig. 44(a)) (see Fig. 44(b)) (not only is there a possibility that the non-target operation presentation may occur at the point in time when the same time has elapsed since the start of variation, but there is also a possibility that the target operation presentation may occur).

[0162] In this embodiment, the probability (reliability) that the winning lottery result corresponding to the variable effect including the non-target operation effect will be a big win is set to be higher than that of the target operation effect. As described above, the target operation effect in this embodiment is one in which any one of a plurality of types of result images 20 is displayed (see FIG. 44(d)). However, the non-target operation effect (see FIG. 45) has a higher reliability than any target operation effect (the target operation effect corresponding to FIG. 44(d-1) and the target operation effect corresponding to FIG. 44(d-2)) for which any type of result image 20 is displayed. Thus, it can be said that the non-target operation effect (display of the lucky image 21) is a so-called chance-up with respect to the target operation effect (display of the result image 20). The specific form of the lucky image 21 may be anything as long as it is different from the result image 20. It is preferably in a form that suggests to the player that it is a situation where a big win can be expected.

[0163] Note that the probability of occurrence of the non-target operation effect (probability of occurrence per variation) is lower than the probability of occurrence of the target operation effect (probability of occurrence per variation). That is, the probability of contacting the non-target operation effect is set lower than the probability of contacting the target operation effect (the non-target operation effect is a "rarer effect").

[0164] In the non-target operation presentation, since the target operation image 18 is displayed (see Fig. 45(b)), the player feels that it is a situation where the target operation means should be operated. For a player who has already been exposed to the target operation presentation (see Fig. 44) (has been exposed to the presentation where the result image 20 is displayed by operating the target operation means), the probability of thinking that the target operation presentation has occurred is high. After creating such a situation (a situation where the player feels that the target operation means should be operated) (see Fig. 45(b)), since the target operation image 18 is suddenly erased and the jackpot image 21 is displayed while the target operation means is not being operated (see Fig. 45(c)), it can be said that the non-target operation presentation is a presentation that gives the player a surprise (unexpectedness). In addition, in the present embodiment, since the non-target operation presentation is a presentation with a higher reliability (suggesting that it is a situation where a big win (bonus provision) can be expected with the jackpot image 21) than the target operation presentation, it can be said that it is an interesting presentation that generates an expectation of a big win along with the surprise.

[0165] Hereinafter, specific examples in which the matters related to the above-mentioned target operation presentation and non-target operation presentation are improved, concretized, deformed, etc. will be described. Note that, as much as possible, a configuration in which the techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied may also be used.

[0166] 〇Specific Example 5-1 In the target operation presentation, the operation mode image 19 is not displayed (although the target operation image 18 is displayed) (see FIG. 46(a-1)). It is assumed that the player can understand that the target operation means needs to be operated as long as the target operation image 18 representing the target operation means is displayed, and the operation mode image 19 may not be displayed. In this case, the operation mode image 19 is not displayed even in the non-target operation presentation (although the target operation image 18 is displayed) (see FIG. 46(b-1)). The non-target operation presentation is intended to be mistaken for a target operation presentation by the player, so if the operation mode image 19 is not displayed in the target operation presentation, the operation mode image 19 is not displayed in the non-target operation presentation either. If the position, size, and range in which the target operation image 18 is displayed in the display area 911 are the same for the target operation presentation and the non-target operation presentation, it will be impossible to tell whether the target operation presentation or the non-target operation presentation is occurring when the target operation image 18 is displayed.

[0167] Although not shown, in the target operation presentation, the target operation image 18 may be made to blink (repeatedly change from brighter to darker). By doing so, it becomes easier to understand that the situation requires the target operation means to be operated. In this case, the target operation image 18 displayed in the non-target operation presentation is also made to blink in the same way.

[0168] Specific example 5-2 In the target operation presentation, if the target operation means is not operated by the end of the valid operation period, the result image 20 may be displayed upon the end of the valid operation period (a result image 20 in the same form as the result image 20 that would be displayed if the target operation means were operated during the valid operation period is displayed).

[0169] However, if it is done as in this example, the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect will coincide in that some reaction (performance) will occur even without the operation of the target operation means. That is, since the non-target operation effect is characterized by surprising the player by displaying the bonus image 21 even without the operation of the target operation effect, if it is for the purpose of clarifying the difference from that, the target operation effect preferably has a configuration in which the result image 20 is not displayed unless the target operation means is operated during the operation valid period as in the above embodiment.

[0170] 〇Specific Example 5-3 The mode of the result image 20 displayed in the target operation effect shall not suggest the probability (reliability) that the win / loss lottery result is a big hit. If, as in the above embodiment, the mode of the displayed result image 20 can be different, a setting shall be made such that there is no difference in reliability even if a result image 20 of one mode (first result image 201) and a result image 20 of another mode (second result image 202) are displayed. Different from the above embodiment, the result image 20 displayed in the target operation effect may have a fixed configuration (not changing with each performance) (since the result image 20 is fixed, the result image 20 cannot be what is suggested by the reliability). However, it shall be ensured that the probability (reliability) that the win / loss lottery result corresponding to the fluctuation is a big hit is higher when the non-target operation effect occurs than when the target operation effect occurs due to a certain fluctuation.

[0171] By doing so as in this example, it becomes an easy-to-understand game property that the reliability is higher (chance is increased) when the non-target operation effect occurs and the bonus image 21 is suddenly displayed than when the target operation effect occurs and the result image 20 is displayed triggered by the operation of the target operation means.

[0172] 〇Specific Example 5-4 As the favorable opportunity image 21 to be displayed when a non-target operation effect occurs, a plurality of types of favorable opportunity images 21 are prepared (when a non-target operation effect occurs, any one of the plurality of types of favorable opportunity images 21 is displayed). For example, it may be set that the first favorable opportunity image 211 is displayed (see Fig. 47(b-1)) when a specified time has elapsed since the target operation image 18 was displayed (see Fig. 47(a)), or the second favorable opportunity image 212 (having a different mode from the first favorable opportunity image 211) may be displayed (see Fig. 47(b-2)). For example, it is assumed that the character included in the first favorable opportunity image 211 is different from the character included in the second favorable opportunity image 212. And when a non-target operation effect occurs due to a certain variation, it is set that the probability (reliability) that the pass / fail lottery result corresponding to the variation is a big hit is higher when the second favorable opportunity image 212 is displayed than when the first favorable opportunity image 211 is displayed.

[0173] By doing so as in this example, the non-target operation effect remains a surprising effect in which the favorable opportunity image 21 is suddenly displayed even without an operation of the target operation means, and at the same time, it becomes an interesting effect in that the level of reliability can be grasped by paying attention to the type of the favorable opportunity image 21 at that time.

[0174] 〇Specific Example 5-5 As an operation effect, it is assumed that the probability of occurrence per change is higher for operating an operation means different from the target operation means (special operation unit 65) than for operating the target operation means. That is, the probability of occurrence of an operation effect (button operation effect) in which an image (button image) representing the push button 61, which is a type of operation means, is displayed and an image (image indicating the result) is displayed by operating the push button 61 is higher than the probability of occurrence of the operation effect (target operation effect) of the special operation unit 65. In such a configuration, an effect such that the button image is displayed but the button image is erased and an image different from the image indicating the above result is displayed without operating the push button 61 does not occur (that is, with respect to the push button 61, an effect corresponding to a non-target operation effect does not occur). By using the target operation effect described in the above embodiment for the operation means (special operation unit 65) with a lower probability of occurrence as an operation effect, the occurrence of a non-target operation effect imitating the target operation effect can be made more surprising.

[0175] 〇Specific Example 5-6 It is assumed that the lucky machine image 21 is not displayed unless a non-target operation effect occurs. That is, it is set not to be displayed in a variation in which the non-target operation effect does not occur. By doing so, since it becomes impossible to come into contact with the lucky machine image 21 unless the non-target operation effect occurs, the value of the non-target operation effect (lucky machine image 21) can be enhanced.

[0176] 〇Specific Example 5-7 As shown in FIG. 48, in one variation, after a target operation effect occurs (see FIGS. 48(a) to (c)), a non-target operation effect may occur (see FIGS. 48(d) to (e)) (hereinafter, such a variation is referred to as a variation in which both effects occur). When the variation in which both effects occur occurs, the player will come into contact with the non-target operation effect with the same variation after coming into contact with the target operation effect. That is, since the player is in contact with the target operation effect immediately before coming into contact with the non-target operation effect, the probability that the non-target operation effect is also an effect in which a reaction occurs (the result image 20 is displayed) triggered by the operation of the target operation means increases. Therefore, it can be expected that the surprise received by the player due to the occurrence of the non-target operation effect will be greater.

[0177] 〇Specific Example 5-8 The effect sound output from the speaker 67 when the result image 20 is displayed by the target operation effect and the effect sound output from the speaker 67 when the lucky machine image 21 is displayed by the non-target operation effect shall be different. Since the non-target operation effect surprises the player who would feel that the target operation effect has occurred (surprises by displaying the lucky machine image 21 without operating the target operation means), it is preferable to make the effect sound output when the lucky machine image 21 is displayed different from that output when the result image 20 is displayed so that the display of the lucky machine image 21 is more emphasized.

[0178] 〇Specific Example 5-9 In the above embodiment, it was explained that the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect cannot be externally distinguished when the target operation image 18 is being displayed. However, assume that the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect are externally different when the target operation image 18 is being displayed. For example, assume that the size of the target operation image 18 displayed by the target operation effect (see FIG. 49(a-1)) is different from the size of the target operation image 18 displayed by the non-target operation effect (see FIG. 49(a-2)). Also, although not shown, it is also conceivable to make the color of the target operation image 18 displayed by the target operation effect different from the color of the target operation image 18 displayed by the target operation effect.

[0179] The target operation image 18 is the same, but it may be configured such that there are differences in the images displayed together with the target operation image 18. For example, when a non-target operation effect occurs, a predetermined image (non-target suggestion image 22) is displayed together with the target operation image 18 (see Fig. 49(b-2)), but when a target operation effect occurs, the non-target suggestion image 22 is not displayed together with the target operation image 18 (see Fig. 49(b-1)). Although not shown, it is also conceivable that when a target operation effect occurs, a predetermined image (target suggestion image) is displayed together with the target operation image 18, but when a non-target operation effect occurs, the target suggestion image is not displayed together with the target operation image 18.

[0180] By doing so as in this example, a game property can be realized in which it is possible for some players (players who know the difference between the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect) to know in advance which of the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect has occurred. However, there is a demerit that if one knows the difference between the target operation effect and the non-target operation effect, there will be no surprise when the non-target operation effect occurs (if one wants to avoid such a demerit, the configuration may be as in the above embodiment).

[0181] <Non-corresponding pre-operation> Hereinafter, the non-corresponding pre-operation will be described. In this embodiment, the effect of the non-corresponding pre-operation to be described in detail below is manifested in the normal game state. However, it may be configured to be manifested in a specific game state.

[0182] The non-corresponding pre-operation utilizes the fact that two different types of operation means for effects that can be operated by the player are provided. Hereinafter, one of the two types of operation means is referred to as operation means A, and the other is referred to as operation means B (it is assumed that operation means A and operation means B are provided separately). In this embodiment, the push button 61 corresponds to operation means A, and the special operation unit 65 corresponds to operation means B.

[0183] In this embodiment, an operation effect B requesting the operation of the operation means B may occur during the variable effect. At least a part of the operation effect B is designated as a specific operation effect B. In the specific operation effect B (see FIG. 50), an operation valid period (hereinafter referred to as the "specific operation valid period B") is provided in which the operation of the operation means B is reflected as an effect. A reaction (effect) that occurs when the operation of the operation means B (single operation) is performed during the specific operation valid period B is designated as an "operation reaction B." Note that in this embodiment, when the operation means B is operated during the specific operation valid period B, the specific operation valid period B ends as a result of this operation. As shown in FIG. 50(a), in this embodiment, when the specific operation valid period B begins, an operation B image 24 (which the player can recognize as representing the special operation unit 65) representing the operation means B (special operation unit 65) is displayed. In addition, a meter image indicating the remaining time of the specific operation valid period B is also displayed. Although not shown, an image indicating the operation mode of the operation means B (for example, an image including the word "press") may be displayed. By displaying such an image during the specific operation valid period B, the player senses that he is in a situation where he should operate the operation means B.

[0184] The mode of operation response B (see FIG. 50(c)) differs depending on whether or not a non-compatible prior operation (see FIG. 50(b-2)), the details of which will be described later, has been performed. Hereinafter, the mode of operation response B when a non-compatible prior operation has not been performed will be referred to as the non-preliminary operation mode, and the mode of operation response B when a non-compatible prior operation has been performed will be referred to as the preliminary operation mode. Since the specific operation valid period B is the period during which the operation B image 24 is displayed (operation of operation means B is requested) (see FIG. 50(a)), it is normal to operate operation means B accordingly (without performing a non-compatible prior operation) (see FIG. 50(b-1)). Therefore, it can be said that the operation response B in the preliminary operation mode (see FIG. 50(c-1)) is a normal action, and the operation response B in the preliminary operation mode (see FIG. 50(c-2)) is a special action.

[0185] The non-corresponding pre-operation is defined such that after the specific operation validity period B starts and before the operation means B is operated, the operation means A is operated. That is, in the state where the specific operation validity period B is in effect and the operation B image 24 is displayed and the operation of the operation means B is required, without immediately operating the operation means B, the operation of the operation means A (one operation in this embodiment) is performed first, and then the operation of the operation means B is performed (during the operation validity period, after the operation of the operation means A is performed, the operation of the operation means B is performed) (see Fig. 50(b-2)). By doing so, the operation reaction B becomes the pre-operation valid mode (see Fig. 50(c-2)). That is, the specific operation effect B in this embodiment is such that the operation of the operation means A (the operation of the non-corresponding operation means), which is an operation means without an operation request, is performed in advance, resulting in a different reaction (action) when the operation means B is operated.

[0186] There are various considerations regarding what the difference between the non-pre-operation mode and the pre-operation valid mode of the operation reaction B should be. It is preferable that the operation reaction B in the non-pre-operation mode suggests the target pass / fail lottery result (the pass / fail lottery result corresponding to the variable effect including the specific operation effect). In this embodiment, the jackpot reliability of the target pass / fail lottery result is indicated numerically (see Fig. 50(c-1)). For example, several (three or more) candidate numerical values that can be displayed are provided, and one of them is actually displayed (the larger the displayed numerical value, the higher the reliability).

[0187] It is preferable that the operation reaction B in the pre-operation state also implies the result of the target acceptance / rejection lottery, but the method is different from that in the non-pre-operation state. In this embodiment, there is a possibility that the result of the target acceptance / rejection lottery is a big win (even before the combination of decorative symbols indicating the acceptance / rejection lottery result is displayed), which is so-called immediate notification (see Fig. 50(c-2)). Specifically, it becomes an advantageous aspect indicating that a situation favorable to the player has occurred (see the upper part of Fig. 50(c-2)) or a disadvantageous aspect indicating that a disadvantageous situation has occurred (see the lower part of Fig. 50(c-2)). When it becomes an advantageous aspect, it is ensured that the result of the target acceptance / rejection lottery is a big win (note that the illustrated advantageous and disadvantageous aspects are merely examples). In this embodiment, when it becomes a disadvantageous aspect, it is certain that the player loses. However, even when it becomes a disadvantageous aspect, there may still be a small possibility (about several%) of a big win. In any case, basically, an extreme effect indicating whether or not a big win confirmation effect appears is the pre-operation state of the operation reaction B.

[0188] Of course, the presence or absence of non-corresponding pre-operation (whether the operation reaction B is in the non-pre-operation state or the pre-operation state) does not affect the result of the target acceptance / rejection lottery (does not affect the expected value of "winning a prize"). That is, the presence or absence of non-corresponding pre-operation only causes a difference in the mode of the effect executed as the operation reaction B (in this embodiment, a difference will occur in the method of suggesting the result of the target acceptance / rejection lottery).

[0189] Also, in this embodiment, if the operation of the operation means B is not performed during the specific operation valid period B, the operation reaction B will not occur (neither in the non-pre-operation state nor in the pre-operation state). Even when a non-corresponding pre-operation is performed (the operation of the operation means A is performed), if the operation of the operation means B is not performed, the operation reaction B (pre-operation state) will not occur. Therefore, the effect (production effect) due to the performance of the non-corresponding pre-operation will not be manifested.

[0190] In this way, the specific operation presentation B (specific operation valid period B) in this embodiment results in a no-preliminary-operation mode (normal reaction) if operation means B is operated according to the instructions, but if operation means A is operated and then operation means B (if an incompatible prior operation is performed and then operation means B is operated), a preliminary-operation mode different from the no-preliminary-operation mode is produced, which is a novel and interesting presentation. Players who know the existence of incompatible prior operations (preliminary-operation mode) can enjoy the experience of choosing whether or not to perform an incompatible prior operation when specific operation presentation B occurs (choosing whether operation response B is the no-preliminary-operation mode or the preliminary-operation mode).

[0191] Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific modifications, and variations on the above-mentioned non-compliant prior operation (specific operation presentation B). Note that, to the extent possible, multiple techniques described using the following specific examples may be combined and applied to the configuration.

[0192] 〇Specific example 6-1 It is assumed that an operation reaction B occurs even if no operation is made on the operation means B during the specific operation valid period B (even if the time expires without any operation on the operation means B). In other words, the setting is made so that the end (time expires) of the specific operation valid period B is treated as an operation on the operation means B. In this case, if a non-compatible prior operation (operation of the operation means A) is performed (see FIG. 51(b)) during the specific operation valid period B (see FIG. 51(a)) and then the specific operation valid period B expires without any operation on the operation means B, this will trigger an operation reaction B in the prior operation mode (see FIG. 51(c-2)). Also, if the specific operation valid period B expires without any non-compatible prior operation being performed, this will trigger an operation reaction B in the non-prior operation mode (see FIG. 51(c-1)).

[0193] However, if it is done as in this example, the mode of operation reaction B will differ only depending on the presence or absence of the operation of operation means A (non-corresponding pre-operation). (Although it is an effect where an operation request for operation means B is made, the reaction differs only depending on the presence or absence of the operation of operation means A.) If you want to create an effect where the reaction that occurs as a result of the operation of operation means B differs depending on the presence or absence of the pre-operation of operation means A, which is another operation means, it is advisable to do so as in the above embodiment.

[0194] 〇Specific Example 6-2 When the specific operation effect B occurs, the operation effective period B to be set is not always set to be the specific operation effective period B every time. That is, it is set such that it may be the specific operation effective period B or may be an operation effective period B that is not the specific operation effective period B (non-specific operation effective period B). The method for determining whether to set it as the specific operation effective period B or the non-specific operation effective period B may be any method. It is conceivable to execute a predetermined lottery and determine before the start of the specific operation effect B.

[0195] If it is the specific operation effective period B, as described in the above embodiment, the mode of operation reaction B will differ depending on the presence or absence of the non-corresponding pre-operation (operation of operation means A). On the other hand, if it is the non-specific operation effective period B, regardless of whether the non-corresponding pre-operation (operation of operation means A) is performed or not, the mode of operation reaction B will not differ (the pre-operation of operation means A does not affect operation reaction B). By doing so as in this example, even if the specific operation effect B occurs and the non-corresponding pre-operation is performed, it becomes an effect form where the operation reaction B in the pre-operation mode does not necessarily occur.

[0196] 〇Specific Example 6-3 Even if a non-corresponding pre-operation (operation of operation means A) is performed during the specific operation effective period B, it is set such that the operation reaction B triggered by the operation of operation means B does not necessarily become the pre-operation mode. That is, in some cases where the non-corresponding pre-operation is performed, the operation reaction B in the pre-operation mode occurs, but in other cases, the operation reaction B in the pre-operation mode does not occur.

[0197] For example, when a non-corresponding pre-operation (operation of operation means A) is performed during a specific operation validity period B (see Fig. 52(a)), a predetermined lottery (hereinafter referred to as a specific lottery) with a winning probability ≠ 100% is conducted (see Fig. 52(b)). When winning the specific lottery, the operation reaction B becomes a pre-operation valid mode (see Fig. 52(c-2)), but when not winning the specific lottery, the operation reaction B becomes the same mode as the non-pre-operation mode (a mode indistinguishable from the normal operation reaction B) (see Fig. 52(c-1)). Although not shown, the operation reaction B when the non-corresponding pre-operation is not performed becomes the non-pre-operation mode. By doing so as in this example, even if a non-corresponding pre-operation is performed during the specific operation validity period B, it becomes a production form in which the operation reaction B in the pre-operation valid mode does not necessarily occur.

[0198] 〇Specific Example 6-4 During the specific operation validity period B, an image (non-corresponding pre-operation suggestion image 25) suggesting a non-corresponding pre-operation shall be displayed. For example, during the specific operation validity period B, a configuration is adopted in which the non-corresponding pre-operation suggestion image 25 including an image representing the operation means A (push button 61 according to the above embodiment) is displayed (see Fig. 53). By doing so, even a player who has no knowledge of the existence of the non-corresponding pre-operation can be given an opportunity to perform the non-corresponding pre-operation (operation of operation means A), and it is expected that the opportunity to encounter the operation reaction B in the pre-operation valid mode will increase. When doing so as in this example, the image of the operation means A included in the non-corresponding pre-operation image is preferably made smaller than the image of the operation means B (operation B image 24) displayed during the specific operation validity period B (the range occupied in the display area 911 is made smaller). This is because if the image of the operation means A is enlarged, there is a risk that the player may misunderstand that they are in a situation where they should operate the operation means A (it should be clear that what should be operated during the specific operation validity period B is the operation means B, not the operation means A).

[0199] However, if the operation reaction B in the pre-operation present state is to be a so-called "hidden effect" (an effect that can only be accessed by limited players (players who have found or obtained information about the existence of non-corresponding pre-operations)), then, as in the above-described embodiment, it is preferable that an image (an image representing the operation means A) that suggests the existence of a non-corresponding pre-operation is not displayed during the specific operation valid period B.

[0200] 〇Specific Example 6-5 The specific modes of the pre-operation absent state and the pre-operation present state of the operation reaction B are not limited to the modes described in the above embodiment. Basically, any mode that can occur in the pre-operation absent state and any mode that can occur in the pre-operation present state may be different. For example, in the above embodiment, the suggestive effect (the effect of the presentation) of the target success / failure lottery result was described as being different, but it may also be the case that there is no difference in the suggestive effect of the target success / failure lottery result (only the presentation is different). For example, the configuration may be such that there is a difference in the presence or absence of a predetermined presentation element (for example, an image of a specific character) between the pre-operation absent state and the pre-operation present state (see FIG. 54). Also, although not shown in the drawings, for example, the image displayed as the operation reaction B in the pre-operation present state is made more prominent than the image displayed as the operation reaction B in the pre-operation absent state (the image displayed as the operation reaction B in the pre-operation present state is larger than the image displayed as the operation reaction B in the pre-operation absent state, the image displayed as the operation reaction B in the pre-operation present state is brighter than the image displayed as the operation reaction B in the pre-operation absent state, etc., and various methods for creating a "prominent" state can be considered).

[0201] 〇Specific Example 6-6 Assume a configuration in which a plurality of types of operating means A (operating means different from operating means B) are provided as operating means for which an operation during a specific operation validity period B is a non-corresponding pre-operation. For example, assume that operating means A1 and operating means A2 are provided. Then, when a non-corresponding pre-operation (referred to as non-corresponding pre-operation A1) of operating operating means A1 during a specific operation validity period B1 is performed, and when a non-corresponding pre-operation (referred to as non-corresponding pre-operation A2) of operating operating means A2 during a specific operation validity period B1 is performed, the pre-operation active modes of operation reaction B are different (when non-corresponding pre-operation A1 is performed, operation reaction B of pre-operation active mode A1 occurs, and when non-corresponding pre-operation A2 is performed, operation reaction B of pre-operation active mode A2 (different from pre-operation active mode A1) occurs). The difference between pre-operation active mode A1 and pre-operation active mode A2 may be anything (both pre-operation active mode A1 and pre-operation active mode A2 are different from the pre-operation inactive mode). By doing so, even when a non-corresponding pre-operation is performed, an interesting production form is obtained in which the reaction differs depending on which of operating means A1 and operating means A2 is operated.

[0202] 〇Specific Example 6-7 Assume that the specific operation performance B is a so-called chance-up performance. Specifically, at a specified timing, either the operation performance A that requires an operation of the operation means occurs, or the operation performance B (specific operation performance B) that requires an operation of the operation means B may occur (assuming there is a branch point where either the operation performance A or the operation performance B (specific operation performance B) occurs). And the jackpot reliability of the target hit-or-miss lottery result at that time (specified timing) is set to be higher when the operation performance B (specific operation performance B) occurs (see Fig. 55(a-2)) than when the operation performance A occurs (see Fig. 55(a-1)) (assuming that the operation performance A is the default and the operation performance B (specific operation performance B) is the chance-up). That is, it is assumed that the performance in which the non-corresponding pre-operation becomes effective (reflected in the operation reaction) is more advantageous than the performance that is not. In this case, it is preferable that the probability of the operation performance A occurring at the specified timing is set higher than the probability of the specific operation performance B occurring. The specified timing can be anything. For example, the time point when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variation can be set as the specified timing, or the timing when a certain specific event occurs (for example, the timing when a reach is established or the timing when a predetermined performance starts) can be set as the specified timing.

[0203] By doing so, when the specific operation performance B, which is a chance-up, occurs (when the specific operation period B is provided), operating the operation means A that would have been operated if the default operation performance (operation performance A) had occurred becomes a performance form of non-corresponding pre-operation.

[0204] 〇Specific Example 6-8 It is set such that the pre-operation valid modes may differ according to the degree of non-corresponding pre-operation during the specific operation validity period B (the degree of operation of the operation means A). For example, during the specific operation validity period B (see Fig. 56(a)), if the operation of the operation means A is performed once before the operation of the operation means B is performed (see Fig. 56(b-2)), the mode of the operation reaction B becomes the first pre-operation valid mode, but if the operation of the operation means A is performed twice (see Fig. 56(b-3)), the mode of the operation reaction B becomes the second pre-operation valid mode (a mode different from the first pre-operation valid mode). In addition, if the operation of the operation means A is not performed (see Fig. 56(b-1)), the mode of the operation reaction B becomes the no-pre-operation mode. The difference between the first pre-operation valid mode and the second pre-operation valid mode may be anything. As long as both the first pre-operation valid mode and the second pre-operation valid mode are different from the no-pre-operation mode. By doing so, an interesting production form is achieved in which the pre-operation valid modes differ according to the degree of non-corresponding pre-operation during the specific operation validity period B (the degree of operation of the operation means A).

[0205] 〇Specific Example 6-9 It is assumed that an operation reaction B in the same mode as the pre-operation effective mode can occur without performing a non-corresponding pre-operation during the specific operation effective period B. For example, when an operation of the operation means B is performed without performing a non-corresponding pre-operation during the specific operation effective period B (see Fig. 57(a)), an operation reaction B in the non-pre-operation mode may occur (see Fig. 57(c-1)), or an operation reaction B in the same mode as the pre-operation effective mode may occur (see Fig. 57(c-2)). According to the above embodiment, when no non-corresponding pre-operation is performed, it is assumed that a numerical value representing the reliability may be displayed, or an effect of one-shot notification may occur. If the probability of the operation reaction B in the non-pre-operation mode when no non-corresponding pre-operation is performed is P1, and the probability of the operation reaction B in the same mode as the pre-operation effective mode is P2, it is preferable that the probability P1 > the probability P2. That is, when no non-corresponding pre-operation is performed, basically, the operation reaction B in the non-pre-operation mode occurs, but it is preferable that the operation reaction B in the same mode as the pre-operation effective mode may occur with a relatively low probability. If a non-corresponding pre-operation is performed, the operation reaction B in the pre-operation effective mode occurs (as shown in Figs. 50(a), (b-2), and (c-2)).

[0206] In this case, a game property can be realized in which there is a possibility of contacting the operation reaction B in the same mode as the pre-operation effective mode (see Fig. 57(c-2)) even without performing a non-corresponding pre-operation. However, if it is desired to enhance the value of the operation reaction B in the pre-operation effective mode, it is preferable to ensure that the operation reaction B in the pre-operation effective mode does not occur unless a non-corresponding pre-operation is performed as in the above embodiment.

[0207] 〇Specific Examples 6-10 When a non-corresponding pre-operation (operation of operation means A) is performed during the specific operation validity period B, a corresponding reaction (hereinafter referred to as pre-operation reaction A) shall occur. Since the specific operation validity period B continues even when operation means A is operated, pre-operation reaction A shall occur during the specific operation validity period B. Note that when operation means B is operated during the specific operation validity period B, the specific operation validity period B ends, so pre-operation reaction A does not occur. For example, as pre-operation reaction A, it is assumed that pre-operation reaction image 26 (the specific form may be any) is displayed. After the occurrence of the pre-operation reaction A, when the operation of operation means B is performed, an operation reaction B in a pre-operation effective mode shall occur. By the occurrence of such pre-operation reaction A, the player can grasp that the non-corresponding pre-operation has been accepted (that the preparation for the occurrence of the operation reaction B in the pre-operation effective mode has been completed).

[0208] <Specific vibration effect> The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment can execute a specific vibration effect (see Fig. 59) as an effect that can occur during a variable effect. Note that the specific vibration effect in this embodiment can occur in the normal gaming state, but may also occur in a specific gaming state. In the following description of the specific vibration effect, the variable effect in which the specific vibration effect occurs is referred to as the target variable effect (target variation), and the win / loss lottery result corresponding to the target variable effect is referred to as the target win / loss lottery result.

[0209] The specific vibration effect is an effect that suggests the probability of an event advantageous to the player (hereinafter referred to as a specific advantageous event) occurring. In this embodiment, the target win / loss lottery result being a big win (granting of a privilege) is regarded as the specific advantageous event. The probability that the win / loss lottery result is a big win is higher in the variation in which the specific vibration effect occurs than in the variation in which the specific vibration effect does not occur. That is, the specific vibration effect is a so-called chance-up effect that suggests that the probability (big win reliability) that the target win / loss lottery result is a big win (that a privilege is granted) has increased (therefore, the specific vibration effect is not an effect that occurs every variation).

[0210] The specific vibration effect is an effect that utilizes a vibration device (oscillation source) supported by the main body part (cabinet) of the gaming machine 1. The vibration generated by the vibration device (referring to the vibration generated by the operation of the physical object included in the vibration device) can be felt by the player if the player is operating the launch device 908 (if touching the launch handle). That is, the vibration generated by the vibration device is transmitted to the player playing the game through the cabinet. Note that the vibration device transmits vibration through the cabinet (the shaking of the cabinet is transmitted by the operation of the vibration device), and is not something that jets air to transmit the vibration (pressure change) (such as so-called air vibration). The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes, as the vibration device, a first vibration device and a second vibration device provided at a different location (a distant position) from the first vibration device. The specific vibration effect is an effect premised on the provision of such two vibration devices. In the present embodiment, the first vibration device is the push button 61, and the second vibration device is the special operation unit 65 (see FIG. 1). That is, each of the two types of operation means functions as a different vibration device. Since the structure of the vibration device (the structure that generates vibration transmitted to the player playing the game) itself is well-known, the description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, the magnitude (dB) of the vibration transmitted to the player operating the launch device 908 is set such that the second vibration device is greater than the first vibration device. However, the difference is not so large that it can be clearly distinguished.

[0211] A specific vibration effect may occur at a specific timing. Such a specific timing may be set at only one location, or may be set at two or more locations. Also, the time point (location) set as the specific timing may be any as long as it can be determined whether or not it is at that time point (the time point (location) can be specified). In the present embodiment, "at the start of the change" (immediately after the start of the target change), and "at the occurrence of the target specific effect" are set as the specific timings (FIG. 59 shows the specific vibration effect that occurred "at the occurrence of the target specific effect"). Note that the target specific effect is an effect in which a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as the target specific image 28) is displayed (see FIGS. 59(b-1-1) and (b-1-2)). In the present embodiment, the beginning (opening) of a predetermined super reach effect is set as the target specific effect (the image displayed at the beginning of the super reach effect is set as the target specific image 28).

[0212] The specific vibration effect does not necessarily occur at the specific timing. That is, at the specific timing, the specific vibration effect may occur (see FIG. 59(b-1)), or the specific vibration effect may not occur (see FIG. 59(b-2)). Rather, in the present embodiment, at any of all the specific timings ("at the start of the change" and "at the occurrence of the target specific effect"), the probability that the specific vibration effect occurs is lower than the probability that the specific vibration effect does not occur. Also, there is no notice provided that the specific vibration effect will definitely occur. That is, the player cannot completely predict the occurrence of the specific vibration effect. Therefore, it can be said that the specific vibration effect in the present embodiment is an effect that occurs suddenly for the player.

[0213] Note that the vibration devices (the first vibration device and the second vibration device) in this embodiment are both operating means. At specific timings, no operation effects that require operations of the operating means configured as the vibration devices occur (neither the operation effect that requires an operation of the push button 61 nor the operation effect that requires an operation of the special operation unit 65 occurs) (see FIGS. 59(b-1-1) and (b-1-2)). That is, the specific vibration effect occurs in a situation where no operation effect is being executed. Therefore, the probability that a player directly touches the vibrating vibration device when the specific vibration effect occurs is low.

[0214] Also, in this embodiment, the time from the start to the end of the first specific vibration effect (the time during which the first vibration device vibrates; hereinafter referred to as the first vibration time) and the time from the start to the end of the second specific vibration effect (the time during which the second vibration device vibrates; hereinafter referred to as the second vibration time) are the same. The first vibration time and the second vibration time are preferably less than 5 seconds.

[0215] When the specific vibration effect occurs at a specific timing, it may be the first specific vibration effect in which the first vibration device vibrates (the second vibration device does not vibrate) (see FIG. 59(b-1-1)), or it may be the second specific vibration effect in which the second vibration device vibrates (the first vibration device does not vibrate) (see FIG. 59(b-1-2)). The probability (big win reliability) that the result of the target win / loss lottery becomes a big win in the target variation is higher when the second specific vibration effect occurs than when the first specific vibration effect occurs at the specific timing of the target variation (see FIG. 59(b-1)). As described above, the occurrence of the specific vibration effect itself is a chance up, so it can be said that the first specific vibration effect is an effect with a "low chance up" (an effect with a relatively low degree of chance up), and the second specific vibration effect is an effect with a "high chance up" (an effect with a relatively high degree of chance up).

[0216] Regardless of whether the first specific vibration effect or the second specific vibration effect occurs, the player operating the launching device 908 can feel the vibration. However, since the player will not directly touch the vibration device (as described above, since the operation effect is not executed at a specific timing, the probability of touching the operating means, which is the vibration device, is low), it is not always possible to determine which of the first vibration device and the second vibration device is vibrating (where the "oscillation source" is). This is especially true because the specific vibration effect occurs suddenly. That is, in the present embodiment, the specific vibration effect can determine the level of reliability (the degree of chance increase) based on the magnitude of the vibration indirectly transmitted through the housing, etc., when it is possible to determine which of the first vibration device and the second vibration device is vibrating (which of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect is occurring). However, if it cannot be determined, it becomes an interesting effect form where the level of reliability cannot be known.

[0217] In particular, in the present embodiment, since the first vibration time and the second vibration time are the same, it is impossible to distinguish which of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect is occurring based on the length of the vibration.

[0218] Also, in the present embodiment, the distance (shortest distance) from the launching device 908 (launching handle) is longer for the second vibration device than for the first vibration device. That is, the second vibration device is relatively farther from the launching device 908 that the player is likely to touch than the first vibration device, and the vibration is made less likely to be felt accordingly. By doing so, it becomes an interesting effect form where it is more reliable when the vibration device (second vibration device) that is relatively less likely to be felt due to the longer distance vibrates.

[0219] Hereinafter, specific examples in which the matters related to the above specific vibration effect are improved, concretized, deformed, etc. will be described. Note that, as much as possible, a configuration in which the techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied may also be used.

[0220] 〇Specific Example 7-1 As a specific vibration effect, an effect in which vibrations of both the first vibration device and the second vibration device occur together (hereinafter referred to as a composite specific vibration effect) (see FIG. 60(b-1-2)) may occur. That is, at a specific timing, an effect in which only one of the first vibration device and the second vibration device vibrates (the first specific vibration effect or the second specific vibration effect described in the above embodiment. In the following description of this example, it may also be referred to as a single specific vibration effect) may occur (see FIG. 60(b-1-1)), or a composite specific vibration effect in which both the first vibration device and the second vibration device vibrate may occur (see FIG. 60(b-1-2)). When configured as in this example, as the single specific vibration effect, only one of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect may occur, or both may occur.

[0221] It is preferable that the reliability when the composite specific vibration effect occurs is different from that of the single specific vibration effect. For example, if the configuration is such that the first specific vibration effect can occur as the single specific vibration effect, then at a specific timing, the reliability of the target pass / fail lottery result is set to be higher when the composite specific vibration effect occurs than when the first specific vibration effect occurs (see FIG. 60(b-1)). Conversely, it may be set such that the reliability of the target pass / fail lottery result is higher when the first specific vibration effect occurs than when the composite specific vibration effect occurs. When configured in this way, it becomes an effect form in which the level of reliability can be known when it is possible to determine whether both the first vibration device and the second vibration device are vibrating or only the first vibration device is vibrating. If the configuration is such that the second specific vibration effect can occur as the single specific vibration effect, it is preferable that its reliability is different from that of the composite specific vibration effect.

[0222] 〇Specific Example 7-2 The specific vibration effect does not necessarily have to occur during the variable effect. For example, it can be made to occur during a jackpot game.

[0223] The suggested target (specific advantageous event) by the specific vibration effect is not limited to the result of the target success or failure lottery being a big win (big win reliability). Any event that, when it occurs, increases the expected value of the player's profit (expected value of payout balls) compared to when it does not occur is acceptable. For example, it is conceivable that the gaming state after the big win game ends being a gaming state advantageous to the player (second specific gaming state) is a specific advantageous event.

[0224] 〇Specific Example 7-3 Assume that any one of the one or more specific timings is a timing at which the specific vibration effect occurs without fail (hereinafter referred to as a special specific timing). If configured such that the first specific vibration effect or the second specific vibration effect occurs as the specific vibration effect as in the above embodiment, when the special specific timing is reached, one of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect will surely occur. In the case of this example, when the specific vibration effect occurs at the special specific timing, if the player knows that either the first vibration device or the second vibration device vibrates when reaching the special specific timing, it becomes relatively easy to determine which one vibrates.

[0225] 〇Specific Example 7-4 When one of the first specific vibration performance and the second specific vibration performance occurs, an effect element (specific effect element) that is not output when the other occurs shall be output. For example, when one of the first specific vibration performance and the second specific vibration performance occurs (see Fig. 61(b-1-2)), it is assumed that a specific vibration suggestion image 29 that is not displayed when the other occurs (see Fig. 61(b-1-1)) is displayed (in the example of Fig. 61, the specific vibration suggestion image 29 is displayed when the second specific vibration performance occurs). In this case, since a specific suggestion image is added as an element for determining which of the first specific vibration performance and the second specific vibration performance is occurring, it can be said that it becomes easier to determine which of the first specific vibration performance and the second specific vibration performance is occurring. However, if it is relatively difficult to determine which of the first specific vibration performance and the second specific vibration performance is occurring, it is better to adopt a configuration in which no specific effect element is provided.

[0226] Note that if the above specific effect element (specific vibration suggestion image 29) is set to be displayed when the second specific vibration performance with relatively high reliability occurs but not displayed when the first specific vibration performance with relatively low reliability occurs (set as in Fig. 61), the specific vibration suggestion image 29 will also function as an element suggesting that it has relatively high reliability (a high degree of chance increase).

[0227] It is also conceivable to use, as the specific effect element, an image other than the image displayed in the display area 911. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the light emission mode of a light emitting unit (hereinafter referred to as the specific light emitting unit 30) (see FIG. 1) fixed at a predetermined position on the housing (outside the display area 911) functions as the specific effect element. That is, the specific light emitting unit 30 emits light in a predetermined light emission mode (specific vibration suggestion mode) when either the first specific vibration effect or the second specific vibration effect occurs (see FIG. 62(b-1-2). The specific vibration suggestion mode is defined as emitting light in "purple"). However, when the other effect occurs, it does not emit light in the specific vibration suggestion mode (either does not emit light at all or emits light in a mode different from the specific vibration suggestion mode) (see FIG. 62(b-1-1)). When configured in this way, the specific light emitting unit 30 (whether it emits light in the specific vibration suggestion mode) is added as an element for determining which of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect is occurring. However, since the degree of attention paid to the light emitting unit provided outside the display area 911 is lower than that of the image displayed in the display area 911, it can be said that it is weaker as an element for determining which of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect is occurring than the specific vibration suggestion image 29.

[0228] 〇Specific Example 7-5 A configuration is adopted that includes an effect customization function for changing the occurrence probability of an effect (since this type of effect customization function itself is well-known, the description of the customization method and the like is omitted). Then, a configuration is adopted in which a specific vibration effect is provided as the target of the effect customization function. Specifically, a setting is made such that at least one of the probability of occurrence of the first specific vibration effect and the probability of occurrence of the second specific vibration effect (the probability per specific timing) at a specific timing can be changed.

[0229] For example, as shown in FIG. 63, assume that the probability of the second specific vibration effect occurring can be selected from "Normal" (default setting) and "Probability Up". The probability of the second specific vibration effect occurring at a specific timing is set to be higher in the state (mode) where "Probability Up" is selected than in the state (mode) where "Normal" is selected. Note that regardless of how the occurrence probability of the specific vibration effect is changed, it is preferable to ensure that the winning reliability of the target win / loss lottery result is higher when the second specific vibration effect occurs than when the first specific vibration effect occurs at a specific timing (in the example shown in FIG. 63, for the second specific vibration effect, regardless of whether "Normal" or "Probability Up" is selected, the second specific vibration effect has a higher reliability than the first specific vibration effect).

[0230] By doing so, a gaming property can be realized in which the player can arbitrarily change the ease of occurrence of the specific vibration effect at a specific timing (the ease of occurrence of the reliability suggestion effect by the specific vibration effect).

[0231] 〇Specific Example 7-6 Assume that the first vibration time in the first specific vibration effect is different from the second vibration time in the second specific vibration effect (it is preferable that both the first vibration time and the second vibration time are less than 5 seconds). For example, set the first vibration time to be longer than the second vibration time. In this case, since the vibration time is added as an element for distinguishing between the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect, it can be said that the discrimination of which of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect is occurring becomes easier accordingly.

[0232] However, if it is intended to make it relatively difficult to discriminate which of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect is occurring, it is advisable to set the first vibration time and the second vibration time to be the same as in the above-described embodiment.

[0233] 〇Specific Example 7-7 Assume that at least one of the first vibration device and the second vibration device is provided at a position where the player cannot touch it. For example, assume that the vibrating object is provided inside the gaming machine (a position where the store clerk can access but the player cannot). As in the above embodiment, if both the first vibration device and the second vibration device can be touched by the player, as soon as the player feels the vibration and touches either one, it can be determined which of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect is occurring (which of the first vibration device and the second vibration device is vibrating). By doing so as in this example, even if the vibration device provided at a position where the player cannot touch it vibrates, it becomes impossible to confirm by touching the vibration device that the vibration device is vibrating. Therefore, (compared with the configuration as in the above embodiment), it becomes difficult to specify which of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect is occurring.

[0234] 〇Specific Example 7-8 Assume that the second specific vibration effect is an effect (big win determination effect) in which when it occurs, the result of the target hit or miss lottery is determined to be a big win. By doing so, when the specific vibration effect occurs, when it is known that the vibration is generated from the second vibration device, it becomes an effect form in which it is known that a big win is determined at that time.

[0235] 〇Specific Example 7-9 Except for specific timings (timings at which the first specific vibration effect or the second specific vibration effect can occur), it is assumed that there are timings at which one of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect can occur, while the other does not occur. It may be configured such that there is a timing at which the first specific vibration effect can occur but the second specific vibration effect does not occur, or it may be configured such that there is a timing at which the second specific vibration effect can occur but the first specific vibration effect does not occur. By doing so, there is a possibility of coming into contact with one of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect at timings other than the specific timings and experiencing what the vibration of the specific vibration effect is like. Therefore, when the first specific vibration effect or the second specific vibration effect occurs at the specific timings, the probability of being able to determine which one has occurred increases.

[0236] 〇Specific Examples 7 - 10 At least one of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect is assumed to be capable of generating a plurality of types of effects with different vibration modes of the vibration device. For example, as the first specific vibration effect (refer to FIG. 64(b - 1)) that can occur at a specific timing, there may be a first specific vibration effect A (refer to FIG. 64(b - 1 - 1)) in which the first vibration device vibrates in vibration mode A, and a first specific vibration effect B (refer to FIG. 64(b - 1 - 2)) in which the first vibration device vibrates in vibration mode B (a vibration mode different from vibration mode A). Note that the second vibration device does not vibrate in either the first specific vibration effect A or the first specific vibration effect B (refer to FIGS. 64(b - 1 - 1) and (b - 1 - 2)). The difference between vibration mode A and vibration mode B only needs to be such that the player may be able to perceive the difference. For example, it is conceivable that the amplitudes of the vibration devices (physical objects that operate) are different (the magnitudes of the vibrations are different). And it is set such that the big win reliability of the target hit / miss lottery result is higher when the second specific vibration effect B occurs than when the first specific vibration effect A occurs.

[0237] By doing so, when a specific vibration effect occurs, it is possible to identify which of the first vibration device and the second vibration device has vibrated, and when it is found that the first vibration device has vibrated, by further identifying its vibration mode (vibration mode A or vibration mode B), a detailed reliability suggestion effect can be enjoyed, resulting in this form of effect.

[0238] In addition, even when configured as in this example (where for at least one of the first specific vibration effect and the second specific vibration effect, a plurality of types of effects with different vibration modes of the vibration device can occur), it is preferable to ensure that the second specific vibration effect has a higher reliability than the first specific vibration effect. That is, it is preferable to set that any one of the one or more types of second specific vibration effects has a higher reliability than any one of the one or more types of first specific vibration effects.

[0239] <Specific preview effect (specific combination)> In the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, a specific preview effect (see FIG. 65(b-2)) may occur as an effect constituting the variable effect. Specifically, when the variable effect for a certain win / loss lottery result (hereinafter referred to as the target win / loss lottery result in the description of the specific preview effect) is the target variable effect (target variation), the specific preview effect may occur in the previous variable effect (previous variation) which is the variable effect immediately before the target variable effect. In the drawings for explaining the specific preview effect (specific combination), the pre-variation display 72 and the in-variation display 71 corresponding to the target win / loss lottery result may be shown with "T" attached. In addition, in this embodiment, the specific preview effect may occur in the normal gaming state, but it may also be configured to occur in a specific gaming state.

[0240] A specific preview performance is an effect shown to the player as if a specific combination, which is a kind of so-called "chance point", is strengthened (powered up). Specifically, it is as follows. In the present embodiment, a specific combination is set as a kind of chance point. The specific aspect (pattern) of the specific combination may be anything. A configuration in which one kind or a plurality of kinds of combinations satisfying a predetermined law are the specific combinations (combinations that do not satisfy the law are not the specific combinations) is sufficient. In the present embodiment, among the three decorative symbols 80 constituting the symbol combination, a combination in which two of the middle decorative symbol 80C and the right decorative symbol 80R are the decorative symbol 80 of "7" (see FIGS. 65(a-3)(b-3)) is the specific combination. Note that since the specific combination constituted by a certain variation is merely a combination for notifying the pass / fail lottery result corresponding to the variation, it is displayed in a completely stopped state (stopped display mode). When the specific combination is constituted by the previous variation (losing variation), the probability that the target pass / fail lottery result is a big win is higher than when the specific combination is not constituted (a losing combination that is not a specific combination). That is, the constitution of the specific combination is a kind of preview effect suggesting that the probability (reliability) that the target pass / fail lottery result is a big win has increased.

[0241] A specific advance performance may occur during the variation (when the combination of the decorative symbols 80 indicating the winning or losing lottery result is not shown). The specific advance performance may be in any specific form as long as the player can recognize that the performance is occurring. In this embodiment, an image (specific advance image 31) including the characters "Power-up Zone" is displayed as the specific advance performance (see Fig. 65(b-2)). Note that in this embodiment, even if a specific advance performance occurs in a certain variation, a specific combination may not be formed in that variation (a variation in which a specific advance performance occurs may end with the formation of a specific combination, or may end without the formation of a specific combination). Naturally, in a variation in which no specific advance performance occurs, a specific combination may not be formed either (a variation in which no specific advance performance occurs may end with the formation of a specific combination, or may end without the formation of a specific combination). In this embodiment, when the specific advance image 31 is displayed during the variation, the specific advance image 31 continues to be displayed until it is determined whether a specific combination is formed in that variation (see Fig. 65(b-3)). That is, the specific advance performance that occurs during the variation continues until it is determined whether a specific combination is formed in that variation.

[0242] When a specific combination is formed by a previous change (see FIGS. 65(a-3) and (b-3)), a specific pre-announcement effect may occur before the specific combination is formed by the previous change (see FIG. 65(b-2)), or the specific pre-announcement effect may not occur (see FIG. 65(a-2)) (hereinafter, the previous change in the mode where the specific combination is formed without the occurrence of the specific pre-announcement effect may be referred to as "pre-announcement-free specific combination change", and the previous change in the mode where the specific combination is formed with the occurrence of the specific pre-announcement effect may be referred to as "pre-announcement-specific specific combination change"). As described above, the specific combination is a kind of foreshadowing effect indicating that the jackpot reliability of the target eligibility lottery result has increased. However, the probability that the target eligibility lottery result is a jackpot in the target change (see FIG. 65(c)), which is the next change, is reported (the jackpot reliability of the target eligibility lottery result) is set to be higher when the previous change is a "pre-announcement-specific specific combination change" (see FIG. 65(b)) than when the previous change is a "pre-announcement-free specific combination change" (see FIG. 65(a)) (note that the jackpot reliability of the target eligibility lottery result is at the end point of the previous change (the time when the specific combination is formed)). Hereinafter, the reliability of the target eligibility lottery result when the specific combination is formed without the occurrence of the specific pre-announcement effect in the previous change (when the previous change is a "pre-announcement-free specific combination change") may be referred to as the basic reliability, and the reliability of the target eligibility lottery result when the specific combination is formed with the occurrence of the specific pre-announcement effect in the previous change (when the previous change is a "pre-announcement-specific specific combination change") may be referred to as the special reliability (the basic reliability < the special reliability). In this embodiment, the basic reliability is 20% and the special reliability is 75%.

[0243] Thus, when a chance point of a specific combination is formed due to the previous variation, if no specific preview effect occurs before the specific combination is formed, the reliability of the target pass / fail lottery result is the basic reliability. However, if a specific preview effect occurs, the reliability of the target pass / fail lottery result becomes a special reliability (higher than the basic reliability). That is, since the reliability of the target pass / fail lottery result is higher when a specific preview effect occurs, an interesting game property can be realized where the specific preview effect seems to strengthen the specific combination (chance point).

[0244] Also, in this embodiment, even if a specific preview effect occurs due to a certain variation, it is not always the case that a specific combination is formed by that variation. That is, even if a specific preview effect occurs due to a certain variation, there is a possibility that a combination other than the specific combination is formed and the variation ends. Therefore, (for a player who knows the effect of the specific preview effect), when a specific preview effect occurs, it becomes a game property where the player hopes that a specific combination is formed in that variation.

[0245] Hereinafter, specific examples of improving, concretizing, modifying, etc. matters related to the above specific preview effect (specific combination) will be described. Note that, as much as possible, a configuration in which techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied may also be used.

[0246] 〇Specific Example 8-1 It is assumed that a plurality of types of specific combinations are provided. For example, it is assumed that a specific combination A and a specific combination B are provided. The specific aspect (pattern) of the specific combination A and the specific aspect (pattern) of the specific combination B may be any as long as they can be distinguished from each other. As an example, it is assumed that the various decorative patterns 80 have unique colors, and both the specific combination A and the specific combination B are composed of decorative patterns 80 of the same color (for example, the specific combination A is a blue chance point composed of "blue" patterns (see Fig. 66(a-1)), and the specific combination B is a red chance point composed of "red" patterns (see Fig. 66(a-2))).

[0247] On the premise of such a configuration, the effect of the specific advance notice presentation shall apply to both the specific combination A and the specific combination B. That is, the reliability (special reliability A) when the specific combination A is formed with the specific advance notice presentation occurring in the previous variation (see Fig. 66(b-2)) is set to be higher than the reliability (basic reliability A) when the specific combination A is formed without the specific advance notice presentation occurring in the previous variation (see Fig. 66(b-1)). Also, the reliability (special reliability B) when the specific combination B is formed with the specific advance notice presentation occurring in the previous variation (see Fig. 66(c-2)) is set to be higher than the reliability (basic reliability B) when the specific combination B is formed without the specific advance notice presentation occurring in the previous variation (see Fig. 66(c-1)) (it should be noted that the basic reliability A ≠ the basic reliability B). By doing so, since the effect of the specific advance notice presentation (the effect of increasing the reliability) applies to any of the multiple types of specific combinations, when the specific advance notice presentation occurs, no matter which of the multiple types of specific combinations is formed, it is a pleasant gaming property for the player (some players will wish that any of the multiple types of specific combinations can be formed when the specific advance notice presentation occurs).

[0248] 〇Specific Example 8-2 When a specific advance notice presentation occurs in a certain variation (the previous variation), it is set that the specific combination is surely formed in that variation (the variation in which the specific advance notice presentation occurs is surely a variation in which the specific combination is formed). However, it is the same as in the above-described embodiment that there is a possibility that the specific combination is formed in a variation in which the specific advance notice presentation does not occur. Even in this case, it becomes a gaming property such that the specific advance notice presentation seems to strengthen the specific combination (the chance combination).

[0249] However, if it is done as in this example, since it is determined that the specific combination is formed when the specific advance notice presentation occurs, the interesting aspect (the gaming property that the player will wish for the formation of the specific combination) of not knowing whether the specific combination is formed when the specific advance notice presentation occurs, as in the above-described embodiment, will not occur.

[0250] 〇Specific Example 8-3 When a specific pre-warning effect occurs due to a certain change (the previous change) (see Fig. 67(b)), although a specific combination may not be formed by this change, the probability of forming a specific combination is set to be higher than when the specific pre-warning effect does not occur (see Fig. 67(a)) (see Fig. 67). In this case, the occurrence of a specific pre-warning effect due to a certain change (the previous change) will also function as suggesting that the probability of forming a specific pre-warning effect by this change has increased. Also, since it is not certain that a specific combination will be formed even if a specific pre-warning effect occurs due to a certain change (the previous change), the interesting aspect of not knowing whether a specific combination will be formed when a specific pre-warning effect occurs (the gaming property that players would wish for a specific combination to be formed) remains.

[0251] 〇Specific Example 8-4 The specific pre-warning effect is not an effect in which an image (specific pre-warning image 31) is displayed. That is, the occurrence of the specific pre-warning effect does not appear in the image displayed in the display area 911 (the presence or absence of the specific pre-warning effect does not appear as a difference in the image displayed in the display area 911). For example, the specific pre-warning effect is an effect in which at least one of the following is executed: a predetermined sound effect (specific pre-warning sound) is output from the speaker 67, and a light-emitting unit provided outside the display area 911 (for example, the specific light-emitting unit 30 (see Fig. 1)) emits light in a predetermined light-emitting mode (specific pre-warning mode).

[0252] During the game (during the variable display), it is normal for the player to pay attention to the display area 911 where the decorative symbol 80 is displayed. Therefore, as in this example, by adopting a configuration in which the occurrence of the specific advance notice effect is not shown in the image displayed in the display area 911, it is assumed that many players will not notice the occurrence of the specific advance notice effect even if it occurs. Therefore, even if a specific combination is formed after the specific advance notice effect occurs, the gaming performance can be realized in which fewer players notice that the reliability improvement effect by the specific advance notice effect is manifested (less than in the configuration in which the specific advance notice image 31 is displayed as in the above embodiment).

[0253] 〇Specific Example 8-5 In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the specific advance notice effect that occurs during the variation continues until it is determined whether a specific combination is formed in the variation (until the combination of the decorative symbols 80 (symbol combination) that notifies the pass / fail lottery result corresponding to the variation is shown), but it may not continue. As shown in FIG. 68, the specific advance notice effect started during the variation (during the previous variation) (see FIG. 68(b)) ends during the variation (see FIG. 68(c)), and the symbol combination corresponding to the variation (the previous variation) is shown in the state where the specific advance notice effect has ended (it is determined whether a specific combination is formed (see FIG. 68(d-2)) or not (see FIG. 68(d-1))). If the specific advance notice effect is to be the one in which the specific advance notice image 31 is displayed as in the above embodiment, the specific advance notice image 31 shall be erased before the symbol combination corresponding to the variation is shown (before it is determined whether a specific combination is formed).

[0254] In such a case, even if a specific pre-announcement effect occurs and a specific combination is formed, when the specific combination is shown, there is no remaining element indicating that the specific pre-announcement effect has occurred. Therefore, it is expected that there will be an increasing number of players who do not notice that the reliability of the specific combination (winning combination) is increased due to the occurrence of the specific pre-announcement effect. That is, if one does not want to increase the number of players who know that the reliability of the specific combination is increased (becomes a special reliability) by the specific pre-announcement effect (and wants to create an "only those who know know" effect), it is advisable to make it so that the specific pre-announcement effect has already ended when the specific combination is formed, as in this example.

[0255] 〇Specific Example 8-6 Assume that there are multiple types of specific pre-announcement effects provided. For example, as the specific pre-announcement effects, a first specific pre-announcement effect (refer to Fig. 69(a-1)) and a second specific pre-announcement effect different from the first specific pre-announcement effect (refer to Fig. 69(a-2)) can occur. For example, assume that in the first specific pre-announcement effect, the first specific pre-announcement image 311 is displayed, and in the second specific pre-announcement effect, the second specific pre-announcement image 312 (different from the first specific pre-announcement image 311) is displayed. The first specific pre-announcement effect and the second specific pre-announcement effect do not occur (start) at the same timing in the variable effect. That is, at the timing T1 (for example, after t1 hours have elapsed since the start of the variation) when the first specific pre-announcement effect can occur, the second specific pre-announcement effect does not occur, and at the timing T2 (for example, after t2 hours (t1≠t2) have elapsed since the start of the variation) when the second specific pre-announcement effect can occur, the first specific pre-announcement effect does not occur (refer to Fig. 69(b)).

[0256] In such a configuration, it is assumed that, regardless of whether the first specific notice effect or the second specific notice effect occurs, the reliability improvement effect when a specific combination is established is manifested. That is, when a specific combination is formed through the first specific notice effect in the previous variation, and in any case when a specific combination is formed through the second specific notice effect in the previous variation, the reliability of the target pass / fail lottery result becomes a special reliability higher than the basic reliability (when a specific combination is formed without the occurrence of either the first specific vibration effect or the second specific notice effect in the previous variation). Note that it is conceivable to set the special reliability to be the same regardless of whether a specific combination is formed through the first specific notice effect or through the second specific notice effect.

[0257] By doing so, if any one of a plurality of types of specific notice effects occurs, the reliability when a specific combination is formed will increase. Since the timings at which various specific notice effects occur are different, a gaming property can be realized in which it is expected that the specific notice effects will occur at various timings.

[0258] 〇Specific Example 8-7 As a so-called "chance combination" (a symbol combination suggesting that the probability of the pass / fail lottery result of the next variation being a big win has increased), in addition to the specific combination, a combination different from the specific combination (hereinafter referred to as a non-specific combination) is provided. As already explained, the specific combination is a combination (chance combination X) to which the effect (reliability improvement effect) of the specific notice effect applies. That is, the reliability of the target pass / fail lottery result corresponding to the next variation (target variation) is higher when a specific combination is formed with the occurrence of the specific notice effect (see Fig. 70(a-2)) than when a specific combination is formed without the occurrence of the specific notice effect (see Fig. 70(a-1)) (see Fig. 70(a)).

[0259] On the one hand, a non-specific combination (see Fig. 70(b)) is a combination (chance result Y) to which the effect of a specific pre-announcement performance does not apply. The pattern (rule) of the symbol combination corresponding to the non-specific combination may be any pattern as long as it is different from the pattern (rule) of the symbol combination corresponding to the specific combination (in Fig. 70(b), for example, a combination in which two of the middle decorative symbol 80C and the right decorative symbol 80R are the decorative symbol 80 of "3" is shown as a non-specific combination). Whether a specific pre-announcement performance has occurred before the non-specific combination is formed by the previous variation does not affect the reliability of the target eligibility lottery result. That is, even if a non-specific combination is formed after a specific pre-announcement performance has occurred in the previous variation (see Fig. 70(b-2)), or if a non-specific combination is formed without a specific pre-announcement performance occurring in the previous variation (see Fig. 70(b-1)), there is no difference in the reliability of the target eligibility lottery result at the end of the previous variation (the probability of a big win being announced in the next variation (target variation) (the degree of chance increase)) (see Fig. 70(b)). Note that when a non-specific combination is formed in the previous variation, the reliability of the target eligibility lottery result corresponding to the next variation (target variation) increases (that is, there is a chance increase effect), which is the same as in the case of a specific combination, compared to when a non-specific combination was not formed in the previous variation.

[0260] By doing so, when a specific pre-announcement performance occurs in a certain variation, a game property is realized in which if a specific combination (chance result X) is formed, a reliability increase effect is manifested, but if a non-specific combination (chance result Y) is formed, the reliability increase effect is not manifested (it becomes a performance form that should be noted in the content of the symbol combination).

[0261] 〇Specific Example 8-8 Set the special reliability to 100% (the normal reliability is less than 100%). That is, when the previous variation becomes a "specific combination variation with notice" (when the previous variation is as shown in Fig. 65(b)), it is assumed that the target win / loss lottery result (next variation) is a big win (when the previous variation is a "specific combination variation without notice", it is not certain that the target win / loss lottery result is a big win). In this case, the specific notice effect functions as an effect form that raises a specific combination that is not originally (normally reliable) certain to be a big win to a state where it is certain to be a big win (reliability 100%). When a specific notice effect occurs due to a certain variation (previous variation), it becomes a game property that the player strongly wishes for a specific combination to be formed by the variation.

[0262] <Non-specific selection effect> The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can execute a specific selection effect shown in Fig. 71 and a non-specific selection effect shown in Fig. 72 as effects that can occur during a variation effect (note that the specific selection effect is different from the specific selection shown in Fig. 36 etc.). In the following explanations of the specific selection effect and the non-specific selection effect, a variation effect including the specific selection effect or the non-specific selection effect is referred to as a target variation effect (target variation), and the win / loss lottery result notified by the target variation effect is referred to as the target win / loss lottery result. In the present embodiment, the specific selection effect and the non-specific selection effect can occur in the normal gaming state. However, they may also occur in a specific gaming state.

[0263] A specific selection presentation is a presentation that presents multiple types of options (displays option images representing each option) and prompts the player to select a preferred option (see Fig. 71(b)). The player can arbitrarily select a preferred option from among the multiple types of options. The options presented in the specific selection presentation can be anything. The specific selection presentation in this embodiment is a presentation in which the player selects an enemy character that battles with an ally character (indicated by attaching the character "taste" in the drawing), which is a character on the player's side. That is, it is a presentation in which multiple types of enemy characters are presented as options (option images). In this embodiment, enemy character H (indicated by attaching the character "enemy H" in the drawing), enemy character I (indicated by attaching the character "enemy I" in the drawing), and enemy character J (indicated by attaching the character "enemy J" in the drawing) are displayed as options.

[0264] A specific selection presentation is one in which a player can arbitrarily select one of a plurality of types of options (not randomly selected). As long as it is configured so that the player can make an arbitrary selection in this way, the selection method in the specific selection presentation can be any method. In the present embodiment, a selection period for the player to select a preferred option is set. During the selection period, option images indicating various options are displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 71(b)). During the selection period, any one of the plurality of option images is made to stand out compared to the other option images (hereinafter referred to as the "emphasis mode"). In the present embodiment, a state is set in which a cursor is on a certain option image (the option image with the cursor on it is in the emphasis mode). During the selection period, the operation of the cross keys 62 becomes effective. By operating the cross keys 62, the option image in the emphasis mode is changed (in the present embodiment, the cursor moves). Also, during the selection period, the operation of the push button 61 becomes effective. By operating the push button 61 during the selection period, the selection of the option image in the emphasis mode at that time is finalized (see FIG. 71(c)) (hereinafter, the operation of moving the cursor with the cross keys 62 is referred to as a selection operation, and the operation of finalizing (determining) the selection with the push button 61 is referred to as a determination operation). That is, the player can select the option image by performing a selection operation to make the preferred option image in the emphasis mode and then performing a determination operation. During the selection period, an operation method image 32 for explaining the methods of the selection operation and the determination operation is displayed. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the operation of the cross keys 62 is the selection operation and the operation of the push button 61 is the determination operation, the operation method image 32 representing that is displayed. In addition, when the determination operation is not performed during the selection period, the selection of the option image in the emphasis mode at the end of the selection period is finalized. Although not displayed in the present embodiment, an image representing the remaining time of the selection period may be displayed. The length of the selection period can be set as appropriate (in the present embodiment, it is set to 5 seconds).

[0265] After the end of the selection period, a selection result image 33 (see FIG. 71(d)) that indicates which of the plurality of option images has been selected (including elements representing the selected option) is displayed. Since the selection result image 33 includes elements representing the selected option, its form will vary depending on which option image is selected.

[0266] After the end of the specific selection effect (after the selection result image 33 is displayed), an effect of content corresponding to the selection in the specific selection effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a post-selection effect) is executed (see FIG. 71(e)). The post-selection effect may be any as long as it reflects the selection in the specific selection effect. That is, a plurality of candidate effects that can be executed as the post-selection effect are provided, and any kind of candidate effect may be actually executed as long as it is determined by the selection in the specific selection effect. In the present embodiment, a battle effect in which the ally character and the enemy character selected in the specific selection effect fight is executed as the post-selection effect. Since the types of enemy characters that appear are different if the characters selected in the specific selection effect are different, the effect video output as the post-selection effect will be different depending on the selection.

[0267] In the present embodiment, the target hit or miss lottery result is notified according to the outcome of the battle effect executed as the post-selection effect. That is, the battle effect that is the post-selection effect is a so-called super reach effect. If the target hit or miss lottery result is a big win, it reaches a victory outcome (see FIG. 71(f-1)) in which the ally character wins against the enemy character (the character selected in the specific selection effect), and if it is a miss, it reaches a defeat outcome (see FIG. 71(f-2)) in which the ally character loses to the enemy character (the character selected in the specific selection effect) (it should be noted that as a victory outcome, a so-called reversal pattern in which it appears to reach a defeat outcome once and then is overturned may also occur). Since the enemy character is arbitrarily selected by the player, the enemy character that appears does not suggest the big win reliability of the target hit or miss lottery result.

[0268] The non-specific selection performance is a performance that imitates the specific selection performance (a "fake" specific selection performance). The non-specific selection performance in this embodiment is in a mode that cannot be distinguished from the specific selection performance until halfway (see Fig. 72(b)). Specifically, during the period from the start of the non-specific selection performance until a predetermined time has elapsed (hereinafter referred to as the initial period), the same option images as those in the specific selection performance are displayed (the pattern of the option images shown in Fig. 72(b) is the same as that in Fig. 71(b)). Therefore, in this state, the player cannot determine whether a specific selection performance is occurring or a non-specific selection performance is being executed. As described above, in the specific selection performance, the option images of enemy character H, enemy character I, and enemy character J are displayed. Therefore, in the non-specific selection performance, the same option images of enemy character H, enemy character I, and enemy character J are also displayed. Also, as described above, in the specific selection performance, the operation method image 32 is displayed. Therefore, the same image (operation method image 32) is also displayed during the initial period of the non-specific selection performance. The reason for displaying such an operation method image 32 is to make it seem as if a specific selection performance has occurred. However, in the non-specific selection performance, the player cannot select a favorite option image. At least, the operation corresponding to the determination operation in the specific selection performance (corresponding to the operation of the push button 61 in the specific selection performance in this embodiment) is invalid (non-responsive). Therefore, since the option images displayed in the non-specific selection performance in this embodiment cannot actually be selected, strictly speaking, it can also be said that they are "images that appear to represent options" (however, since they are in the same mode as the option images displayed in the specific selection performance, those displayed in the non-specific selection performance are also referred to as option images). Similarly, the operation method image 32 displayed in the non-specific selection performance can also be said to be an image that strictly speaking "appears to be an image explaining the operation for selection" (however, since it is in the same mode as the operation method image 32 displayed in the specific selection performance, those displayed in the non-specific selection performance are also referred to as the operation method image 32). In this embodiment, during the initial period, the cursor moves by operating the cross key 62 (the option image in the emphasized mode changes). That is, the selection operation in the specific selection performance is valid.Since the operation corresponding to the determination operation described above is invalid, even if the cursor can be moved, the preferred option cannot be selected.

[0269] The length of the start period of the non-specific selection effect can be set as appropriate, but it is preferably a relatively short time. Also, the length of the start period is preferably shorter than the selection period set in the specific selection effect. The start period in this embodiment is 2 seconds. The end timing of the start period is not notified to the player in advance (an image (such as a meter image or a countdown image) indicating the remaining time of the start period is not displayed) (see Fig. 72(b)). Triggered by the end of the start period, the plurality of types of option images being displayed are erased without warning (no notice of erasure occurs) (see Fig. 72(c)). Since the end timing of the start period is not known in advance, for a player who may think that a selection effect (specific selection effect) has occurred, it becomes an effect form where the options are suddenly erased before the player makes a selection.

[0270] In the non-specific selection effect, triggered by the sudden erasure of the option images (see Fig. 72(c)), a predetermined lucky image (hereinafter referred to as the special lucky image 34) is displayed (see Fig. 72(d)). The specific form of the special lucky image 34 can be anything. As described later, the occurrence of the non-specific selection effect is set such that the big win reliability of the target hit or miss lottery result increases. Therefore, the special lucky image 34 is preferably in a form that suggests an increased probability that the target hit or miss lottery result has reached a big win due to target variation. In this embodiment, the special lucky image 34 is not displayed immediately after selection in the specific selection effect. Therefore, it can be said that the special lucky image 34 is an image indicating that the non-specific selection effect has occurred. Also, in the non-specific selection effect in this embodiment, none of the option images are selected, so the selection result image 33 as displayed in the specific selection effect is not displayed.

[0271] After the display of the special winning machine image 34, the progress of the target variation may be anything. In this embodiment, a special effect after non-selection is executed (see Fig. 72(e)). The special effect after non-selection is a type of super reach effect and is not executed in the variation when the specific selection effect is executed. The special effect after non-selection leads to a favorable outcome indicating that a favorable situation has occurred for the player (see Fig. 72(f-1)) or an unfavorable outcome indicating that an unfavorable situation has occurred (see Fig. 72(f-2)) (note that as a favorable outcome, a so-called reversal pattern in which an unfavorable outcome is seemingly reached first and then covered may occur). The special effect after non-selection leads to a favorable outcome when the target win / loss lottery result is a hit and an unfavorable outcome when it is a miss.

[0272] The non-specific selection effect is a so-called chance-up effect. The probability that the win / loss lottery result in a certain variation (target variation) is a big hit is higher when the non-specific selection effect occurs in a certain variation (target variation) than when it does not occur in a certain variation (target variation). As described above, since the special winning machine image 34 is displayed when the non-specific selection effect occurs, it can be said that the display of the special winning machine image 34 is also a chance-up effect. In this embodiment, even if the non-specific selection effect occurs in a certain variation (target variation), it does not mean that the win / loss lottery result notified in that certain variation (target variation) is definitely a big hit (the big hit reliability of the target win / loss lottery result is not 100%) (the non-specific selection effect is not a so-called premium effect).

[0273] In this way, in the non-specific selection effect in this embodiment, the same option images (see Fig. 72(b)) as in the specific selection effect are displayed, and it seems that the selection of the preferred option image is being promoted (to a player who has already experienced the specific selection effect, it seems that the specific selection effect has occurred). However, in that state, the option images are suddenly erased (see Fig. 72(c)), and the special winning symbol image 34 (an image from which a big win can be expected is displayed) (see Fig. 72(d)) is shown. Therefore, it is an interesting effect that shows that the situation suddenly becomes advantageous to the player, contrary to the player's expectation.

[0274] Hereinafter, specific examples in which matters related to the above non-specific selection effect are improved, embodied, deformed, etc. will be described. Note that, as much as possible, a configuration in which techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied may also be used.

[0275] 〇Specific Example 9-1 It is assumed that a plurality of types of special winning symbol images 34 are provided. For example, taking the erasure of the option images (see Figs. 73(a)(b)) in the non-specific selection effect as an opportunity, the first special winning symbol image 341 may be displayed (see Fig. 73(c-1)), or a second special winning symbol image 342 in a different form from the first special winning symbol image 341 may be displayed (see Fig. 73(c-2)). And it is set that the big win reliability of the target win / loss lottery result is higher when the second special winning symbol image 342 is displayed (see Fig. 73(c-2)) than when the first special winning symbol image 341 is displayed (see Fig. 73(c-1)). The difference in the forms of the first special winning symbol image 341 and the second special winning symbol image 342 may be any as long as the player can distinguish them.

[0276] By doing so, when the non-specific selection effect occurs, while being surprised by the occurrence, by paying attention to (distinguishing) the type of the special winning symbol image 34 displayed, it becomes an interesting gameplay where the degree of big win reliability (the degree of chance up) of the target win / loss lottery result can be understood.

[0277] 〇Specific Example 9-2 Assume that there are provided a plurality of types of special effects after non-selection. For example, assume that a first special effect after non-selection and a second special effect after non-selection different from the first one are provided. After the option image suddenly disappears (see FIGS. 74(a) and (b)) and the special winning opportunity image 34 is displayed (see FIG. 74(c)), the first special effect after non-selection may start (see FIG. 74(d-1)), or the second special effect after non-selection may start (see FIG. 74(d-2)). And assume that the winning probability of the target win / loss lottery result is higher when the second special effect after non-selection is executed (see FIG. 74(d-2)) than when the first special effect after non-selection is executed (see FIG. 74(d-1)). Both the first special effect after non-selection and the second special effect after non-selection can be those that notify the target win / loss lottery result by their endings (so-called super reach effects). That is, both the first special effect after non-selection and the second special effect after non-selection lead to a favorable ending indicating that the situation has become favorable for the player when the target win / loss lottery result is a big win, and lead to an unfavorable ending indicating that the situation has become unfavorable for the player when it is a miss. The difference between the first special effect after non-selection and the second special effect after non-selection can be anything. As long as different modes of video are output so that the player can recognize that they are different types of effects.

[0278] By doing so, after the special winning opportunity image 34 is erased, the game playability will be such that the player will pay attention to which type of special effect after non-selection will be executed.

[0279] 〇Specific Example 9-3 The post-selection performance executed when a specific selection performance occurs shall be configured to be executable even when a non-specific selection performance occurs. The post-selection performance shall reflect the selection in the specific selection performance. However, since no selection is made by the player in the non-specific selection performance, any of a plurality of types of performances that can occur as the post-selection performance shall be executed after the non-specific selection performance. For example, as in the above-described embodiment, as the post-selection performance, any of candidate performance H (a super reach performance in which enemy character H appears), candidate performance I (a super reach performance in which enemy character I appears), and candidate performance J (a super reach performance in which enemy character J appears) is executed (see FIG. 71(e)). Therefore, after the special winning image 34 is displayed in the non-specific selection performance, any of these candidate performances shall be executed.

[0280] Although not shown, it may be set such that after the special winning image 34 is displayed in the non-specific selection performance, one of a plurality of types of candidate performances is determined to be executed (for example, it is determined that candidate performance H is executed during the non-specific selection performance), or as shown in FIG. 75, it may be set that which type of candidate performance is executed is undetermined (it is not known which of candidate performances H to J is executed). If the former setting is adopted, since a certain determined candidate performance is executed during the non-specific selection performance, there is an advantage that the occurrence of the non-specific selection performance (the display of the special winning image 34) is emphasized. On the other hand, if the latter setting is adopted, the reliability of the target pass / fail lottery result can be configured to differ depending on the type of candidate performance (see FIG. 75(d)) executed after the selection option image is suddenly erased (see FIGS. 75(a) and 75(b)) and the special winning image 34 is displayed (see FIG. 75(c)) (for example, the case where candidate performance I is executed (see FIG. 75(d-2)) is more reliable than the case where candidate performance H is executed (see FIG. 75(d-1)), and the case where candidate performance J is executed (see FIG. 75(d-3)) is more reliable than the case where candidate performance I is executed (see FIG. 75(d-2))). That is, the game properties that the player will pay attention to can be set according to the type of performance executed after the display of the special winning image 34.

[0281] 〇Specific Example 9-4 In the above embodiment, a specific selection effect may occur, and it has been explained that the non-specific selection effect is an "effect imitating" the specific selection effect. However, it is also possible that the specific selection effect does not occur. Since the non-specific selection effect seems to prompt the player to select a preferred option from among a plurality of options, the sudden disappearance of the option and the display of the special winning machine image 34 alone may surprise the player, and the specific selection effect may not occur.

[0282] However, by allowing the specific selection effect to occur, after experiencing the specific selection effect, when the non-specific selection effect occurs, most players will probably feel the non-specific selection effect as the (already experienced) specific selection effect. Therefore, it can be said that the sudden display of the special winning machine image 34 without the ability to select an option will greatly surprise the player. That is, if you want to give a great surprise by the occurrence of the non-specific selection effect (sudden disappearance of the option image), it is preferable to allow the specific selection effect to occur as in the above embodiment.

[0283] 〇Specific Example 9-5 In the non-specific selection effect, it has been explained that the operation corresponding to the determination operation in the state where the option image is displayed (initial period) (the operation of the push button 61 in the above embodiment) is non-responsive. However, a predetermined reaction may occur triggered by the operation. For example, triggered by the operation being performed (see Fig. 76(b)), a reaction as if the selection of the option image in an emphasized mode (emphasized option) has been determined (a reaction in the same mode as when the determination operation is performed during the specific selection effect) occurs (see Fig. 76(c)).

[0284] The reaction is merely a "pretend" (false) one, and the state in which any of the option images is emphasized during the above operation shall not affect the content of the subsequent target variation effect. That is, regardless of the state of the option images, upon the end of the start period, the option images are erased (see Fig. 76(d)), and the special bonus image 34 is displayed (see Fig. 76(e)). Even in this way, in the non-specific selection effect, since the option images are suddenly erased and the special bonus image 34 is displayed, it becomes an interesting effect form that shows that the situation has suddenly become advantageous to the player contrary to the player's expectation.

[0285] 〇Specific Example 9-6 It is configured such that the special bonus image 34 may be displayed even after the specific selection effect. For example, after the selection period of the specific selection effect has ended (the selection of one of the option images has been determined) (see Fig. 77(b)), before the post-selection effect is started (see Fig. 77(d)), the special bonus image 34 may be displayed (see Fig. 77(c)) (it is also possible that the special bonus image 34 is not displayed after the end of the selection period). When the specific selection effect occurs in the target variation, the setting is such that the big win reliability of the target success / failure lottery result is higher when the special bonus image 34 is displayed (when it progresses as shown in Fig. 77(b)→(c)→(d)) than when the special bonus image 34 is not displayed (when it progresses as shown in Fig. 77(b)→(d)). That is, the display of the special bonus image 34 in the specific selection effect functions as something that enhances the reliability of the specific selection effect (a so-called chance-up element).

[0286] By setting it such that the special bonus image 34 may be displayed in the specific selection effect in this way, there is a possibility of coming into contact with the special bonus image 34 even when the specific selection effect occurs. A player who has already come into contact with the special bonus image 34 can easily grasp that when the non-specific selection effect occurs and the special bonus image 34 is displayed, there is a situation where an expectation can be placed on the target success / failure lottery result (the non-specific selection effect becomes easy to understand).

[0287] 〇Specific Example 9-7 Set the probability of occurrence of the non-specific selection effect to be lower than the probability of occurrence of the specific selection effect (the probability of occurrence; refers to the probability of occurrence of the effect per one fluctuation). By doing so, players will have more opportunities to encounter the specific selection effect. Therefore, when multiple types of option images are displayed, it can be expected that more players will feel that the specific selection effect is occurring.

[0288] 〇Specific Example 9-8 It is configured such that two or more specific selection effects with different combinations of option images can be executed. And it is configured such that non-specific selection effects corresponding to each of the various specific selection effects can also be executed. For example, as the specific selection effects, it is assumed that a first specific selection effect and a second specific selection effect can occur, and as the non-specific selection effects, it is assumed that a first non-specific selection effect in which the same option image as the first specific selection effect is displayed and a second non-specific selection effect in which the same option image as the second specific selection effect is displayed can occur. In the example shown in FIG. 78, in the first specific selection effect, enemy character H (candidate effect H), enemy character I (candidate effect I), and enemy character J (candidate effect J) are displayed as option images during the selection period (see FIG. 78(a-1)), and in the second specific selection effect, enemy character K (candidate effect K) and enemy character L (candidate effect L) are displayed as option images during the selection period (see FIG. 78(a-2)). On this premise, in the first non-specific selection effect, the same option images (the same combination of option images) as the first specific selection effect are displayed during the start period (see FIG. 78(b-1)), and it is assumed that these option images are suddenly erased and the special opportunity image 34 is displayed when the start period ends. Also, in the second non-specific selection effect, the same option images (the same combination of option images) as the second specific selection effect are displayed during the start period (see FIG. 78(b-2)), and it is assumed that these option images are suddenly erased and the special opportunity image 34 is displayed when the start period ends. In the state where the option images are being displayed, it is impossible to determine whether the first specific selection effect or the first non-specific selection effect is occurring (it is impossible to visually determine which effect is occurring in the state of FIG. 78(a-1) or the state of FIG. 78(b-1)), and it is impossible to determine whether the second specific selection effect or the second non-specific selection effect is occurring (it is impossible to visually determine which effect is occurring in the state of FIG. 78(a-2) or the state of FIG. 78(b-2)).

[0289] By doing so as in this example, the specific selection effect becomes an effect form in which the combination of the displayed option images can be different each time. And since a non-specific selection effect (a non-specific selection effect in which the combination of option images is the same and cannot be visually distinguished from the corresponding specific selection effect) is provided for each of the specific selection effects, there is a gaming property that no matter which combination of option images is displayed, there is a possibility that it will suddenly disappear and the special bonus image 34 will be displayed.

[0290] <Specific covering function> The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a specific covering function as a function that can be activated during a variable effect. In the following description of the specific covering function, the variable effect in which the specific covering function is activated may also be referred to as a target variable effect (target variation), and the win / loss lottery result notified by the target variable effect may also be referred to as a target win / loss lottery result. In this embodiment, the state in which the specific covering function can be activated may occur during a variable effect in the normal gaming state. However, it may also be configured to occur during a variable effect in a specific gaming state.

[0291] During the variable effect, various reliability suggestion images are displayed, including elements that suggest the probability (reliability) that the win / loss lottery result notified by the variable effect is a big win (a privilege is granted). In this embodiment, a specific reliability suggestion image 35 (see FIG. 79(a)) is provided as a type of reliability suggestion image that can be displayed in the display area 911 during the variable effect. The specific reliability suggestion image 35 is displayed when a predetermined display condition is satisfied. Since the condition is not satisfied every time a variation is established, the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is not displayed every time a variation occurs.

[0292] The specific reliability suggestion image 35 includes a reliability suggestion element (an image component that constitutes the specific reliability suggestion image 35) that suggests the reliability of the target acceptance / rejection lottery result. Specifically, the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is assumed to include any one of a plurality of types of reliability suggestion elements. The specific reliability suggestion image 35 is to be displayed in a specific target effect. In the present embodiment, a predetermined super reach effect (when the target acceptance / rejection lottery result is a big win, it leads to an ending indicating a favorable situation for the player (see FIG. 79(c-1)), and when it is a loss, it leads to an ending indicating an unfavorable situation for the player (see FIG. 79(c-2))) is regarded as the specific target effect. However, the specific target effect may be anything as long as it can occur in a variable effect, and is not limited to the reach effect. In the present embodiment, an image representing the title of the specific target effect is the specific suggestion image, and the character color of the title (the color of the portion inside the outer edge forming the character) is the reliability suggestion element (see FIG. 79(a)). That is, the color of a specific part of the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is the reliability suggestion element. In the present embodiment, the color of this portion is any one of "white", "green", and "red". Hereinafter, the specific reliability suggestion image 35 with the color of this portion being "white" may be referred to as the first specific reliability suggestion image 351, the specific reliability suggestion image 35 with the color being "green" as the second specific reliability suggestion image 352, and the specific reliability suggestion image 35 with the color being "red" as the third specific reliability suggestion image 353. When it is determined that the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is to be displayed, (regardless of whether a specific covering function (described in detail later) is activated (whether the specific covering image 36 is to be displayed)), based on the target acceptance / rejection lottery result, which type of specific reliability suggestion image 35 is to be displayed is internally determined in advance.

[0293] When the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is displayed, the reliability of the target acceptance / rejection lottery result increases in the order of "first specific reliability suggestion image 351 < second specific reliability suggestion image 352 < third specific reliability suggestion image 353" (see the upper part of Fig. 79(a)). Note that the first specific reliability suggestion image 351 is in the "default" mode. When the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is displayed, the probability that it becomes the first specific reliability suggestion image 351 is more than 50%. Therefore, the display of the second specific reliability suggestion image 352 or the third specific reliability suggestion image 353 can be said to be a so-called chance-up effect (assuming the display of the first specific reliability suggestion image 351 as a reference). Also, since the third specific reliability suggestion image 353 has a higher reliability than the second specific reliability suggestion image 352, it can be said that the degree of chance-up of the third specific reliability suggestion image 353 is greater than that of the second specific reliability suggestion image 352.

[0294] When it is assumed that the specific covering function has not been activated (when the specific covering image 36 described in detail later has not been displayed), the period before the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is displayed (a part of the period during which the target is changing) is defined as a specific period (see Fig. 80(a)). Operating the specific operation means during the specific period (hereinafter, the operation of the specific operation means may also be referred to as a specific operation) (see Fig. 80(b-2)) activates the specific covering function. In other words, if the specific operation means is not operated during the specific period (if there is no specific operation) (see Fig. 80(b-1)), the specific covering function will not be activated. The specific operation means may be any kind of operation means that can be operated by the player. In this embodiment, the push button 61 is used as the specific operation means. As described above, in this embodiment, the title of the specific target effect is the specific reliability suggestion image 35. When the specific covering function has not been activated, the title is displayed at a specific time after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the specific target effect. In this embodiment, the specific period includes the period from the start of the specific target effect to the specific time. Therefore, if the specific operation means (push button 61) is operated during the period from the start of the specific target effect to the specific time (the time when the display of the title may start), the specific covering function will be activated.

[0295] When a specific operation is performed during a specific period (see Fig. 80(b-2)) and a specific covering function is activated, after the end of the specific period, a specific covering image 36 that makes at least a part of the specific reliability suggestion image 35 unviewable by covering it is displayed in the display area 911. In the present embodiment, the specific covering image 36 is displayed so as to cover the entire specific reliability suggestion image 35 (see Fig. 80(c-2)). That is, the image layer of the specific covering image 36 is set in front of the image layer of the specific reliability suggestion image 35. Therefore, the entire reliability suggestion element included in the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is covered by the specific covering image 36. Since the position where the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is displayed is determined, the position where the specific covering image 36 is displayed is also determined. That is, the size and display position (display range in the display area 911) of the specific covering image 36 in the present embodiment are constant (the same every time). Since the specific covering image 36 is an opaque image, the specific reliability suggestion image 35 (the entire reliability suggestion image) cannot be seen. Therefore, it is not possible to tell which of the first specific reliability suggestion image 351 to the third specific reliability suggestion image 353 is being displayed. Thus, when the specific covering function is activated, the reliability suggestion effect due to the display of the specific reliability suggestion image 35 (reliability suggestion element) cannot be enjoyed. In the present embodiment, since the image layer of the specific covering image 36 is set in front of the image layer of the background image (the image displayed as the background of the specific reliability suggestion image 35. It is also the image displayed as the background of the decorative pattern 80.), the specific covering image 36 covers a part of the background image so that it cannot be seen.

[0296] In the present embodiment, during the specific period, an image representing the specific operation means (push button 61) is not displayed. That is, an image that requests a specific operation is not displayed (an image that suggests to the player that it is a situation where the push button 61 should be operated is not displayed) (see Fig. 80(a)). That is, it can be said that the specific covering function is a function mounted as a kind of "hidden technique", so-called "hidden operation effect" (if the target operation means is the push button 61 as in the present embodiment, it is a "hidden button effect").

[0297] When the specific covering function is activated, the specific covering image 36 is erased after a predetermined time has elapsed (see Fig. 80(d)). The predetermined time is set to be equal to or longer than the time during which the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is displayed (the time during which the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is displayed when the specific covering function is not activated). Therefore, when the specific covering image 36 is erased, the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is no longer being displayed.

[0298] On the other hand, when the specific operation means is not operated during the specific period (when there is no specific operation) (see Fig. 80(b-1)), the specific covering function is not activated. That is, the specific covering image 36 is not displayed. Therefore, the entire specific reliability suggestion image 35 is displayed in a visible state (see Fig. 80(c-1)). As described above, since the specific covering function in this embodiment is a so-called "hidden operation effect" that does not require the operation of the specific operation means in a situation where no operation request is made, usually, the specific operation means is not operated during the specific period. Therefore, it can be said that the display of the entire specific reliability suggestion image 35 being visible is a state where the normal effect is being executed.

[0299] In this embodiment, after the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is erased when the specific covering function is not activated, and after a certain point in time after the specific covering image 36 is erased when the specific covering function is activated, regardless of whether the specific covering function is activated (whether the specific covering image 36 is displayed), the progress pattern of the target variation is the same (see Fig. 80(d)). That is, the difference depending on whether the specific covering function is activated is whether the specific covering image 36 is displayed during the period when the specific reliability suggestion image 35 can be displayed. Therefore, after a certain point in time after this period ends, the effect pattern becomes the same (the effects "merge").

[0300] As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the reliability suggestion by the specific reliability suggestion image 35 may be made, when the specific covering function is activated, the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is covered by the specific covering image 36, and the reliability suggestion effect by the specific reliability suggestion image 35 is not manifested. That is, if a specific operation is performed during a specific period, the reliability s...

Claims

【Claim 1】 display means having a display area; right / wrong lottery means for performing a right / wrong lottery; production execution means for executing a variation production that starts with the start of variation of the decorative pattern displayed in the display area and stops in a manner indicating the right / wrong lottery result by the right / wrong lottery means until it stops; comprising: It is possible to execute a plurality of image productions using a target variation production that is the variation production corresponding to a certain right / wrong lottery result (hereinafter referred to as a target right / wrong lottery result) and a immediately preceding variation production that is the variation production immediately before the target variation production. The plurality of image productions are as follows: A first target image and a second target image are displayed while the immediately preceding variation production is being executed. A first image change occurs in which the first target image changes but the second target image does not change, or a second image change occurs in which the second target image changes but the first target image does not change, triggered by the start of the target variation production. The probability that the target right / wrong lottery result is a winning and a privilege is given to the player is higher when the second image change occurs than when the first image change occurs. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Images