Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide gaming machines with innovative gameplay. [Solution] A gaming machine that combines two specific game states: a first specific game state and a second specific game state, a gameplay feature in the first specific game state in which the condition for avoiding a transition to the normal game state is to win a jackpot before the winning / losing lottery result is a predetermined number of times in a row, and a gameplay feature in the second specific game state in which the condition for avoiding a transition to the normal game state is that the next jackpot, which is effectively guaranteed to be won, is not a normal jackpot.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The gaming type of a gaming machine is roughly classified according to how a state advantageous to a player continues (ends) (as one type of this type, a (certain probability variation) loop type as described in Patent Document 1 below is known).

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 having a novel gaming property.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention, which was made to solve the above problems, comprises: a win / loss lottery means that performs a win / loss lottery based on win / loss lottery information acquired when a game ball enters a starting area; a variation performance execution means that performs a variation performance from when multiple types of decorative symbols start to vary until they stop in a manner corresponding to the win / loss lottery result; and a game state setting means that can set a normal game state and a specific game state which is a high opening / closing mode in which it is easier for game balls to enter the starting area than in the normal game state, wherein the specific game state is provided as a first specific game state and a second specific game state, and is characterized by having a combination of a count-limited type of gameplay in which, when transitioning to the first specific game state, the condition for avoiding transitioning to the normal game state is to acquire a jackpot before the win / loss lottery result is a loss for a specified number of consecutive times, and a loop type of gameplay in which, when transitioning to the second specific game state, the condition for avoiding transitioning to the normal game state is that the next jackpot, which is practically guaranteed to be acquired, is not a normal jackpot. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention has a novel gameplay that combines the gameplay of a limited number of spins type with the gameplay of a loop type. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the big prize area in a unit game (a unit game that makes up a jackpot game) when the bonus area is closed, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the big prize area in a unit game (a minor prize game) when the bonus area is open. (c) is a diagram showing an example of an image that indicates a situation in which the game ball should be fired at the bonus area displayed during a minor prize game. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the decorative and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. [Figure 4]This is a diagram illustrating the gameplay (such as transitions between game states) of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the termination conditions (number of fluctuations condition, minor win condition) for various specific game states. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the distribution of jackpots (reference table) for the first and second winning / losing draws (Special Figure 1 draw) and the second winning / losing draw (Special Figure 2 draw). (For the second winning / losing draw, this diagram illustrates how the distribution differs depending on whether or not there is a time-saving feature.) [Figure 7] This diagram explains the reserved ball storage instruction and reserved ball storage completion effects that are executed during the final spin (miss spin) of the first specific game state. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the general outline of the in-game animations performed during the remaining reserve chance. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the outline of the animation (an animation performed during a jackpot game) that notifies whether a jackpot obtained after winning the second draw (minor win) and during a time-saving state is a second specific jackpot or a regular jackpot. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the reserved ball storage instruction and reserved ball storage completion animations that are performed during winning spins in the second specific game state. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the image displayed when a special jackpot is won. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the "normal state" and "special state" in the first specific game state. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the difference between target animations performed in the normal state and target animations performed in the special state within the first specific game state. [Figure 14] This is a diagram to explain specific example 1-1. [Figure 15] This is a diagram (part one) to explain specific example 1-2. [Figure 16] This is a diagram (part two) to illustrate specific example 1-2. [Figure 17] This is a diagram (part one) to explain specific examples 1-3. [Figure 18]It is a diagram (part two) for explaining Specific Examples 1-3. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining Specific Example 1-4. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining a special image (a special image displayed during a special big win). [Figure 21] (a) is a diagram for explaining the classification of special big wins, non-special big wins (first non-special big win, second non-special big win) regarding the ascending performance, and (b) is a diagram for explaining various winning combinations. [Figure 22] It is a diagram for explaining a special ascending performance. [Figure 23] It is a diagram for explaining a normal ascending performance. [Figure 24] It is a diagram for explaining a failed ascending performance. [Figure 25] It is a diagram for explaining Specific Example 2-2. [Figure 26] It is a diagram for explaining Specific Example 2-4. [Figure 27] It is a diagram (part one) for explaining Specific Example 2-5. [Figure 28] It is a diagram (part two) for explaining Specific Example 2-5.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, unless otherwise specified, various images in the following description include not only still images but also moving images. Further, unless otherwise specified, the following description is based on the premise that a normal game (a game as expected) is being played. Also, when it is said that "a game ball enters (wins) into ○○", strictly speaking, it means that a sensor provided in the ○○ has detected the game ball that has entered.

[0009] 1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine A brief explanation of the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 (see Figure 1) is provided. The gaming machine 1 is equipped with a game board 90. The game board 90 is formed from a nearly square piece of plywood, and guide rails 903 that form a passage for guiding the game balls launched by the operation of the launching device 908 (launching handle) to the game area 902 are provided in a roughly arc shape. The game area 902 is equipped with a starting area 904, a big prize area 906, an out opening 907, and so on.

[0010] The display area 911 of the display device 91 is visible through the opening 901 formed in the game board 90. In some figures, the shape of the display area 911 that is exposed and not covered by the game board 90 is simplified (shown as a rectangle), but the size and shape of this part can be changed as appropriate.

[0011] Furthermore, the game area 902 is provided with multiple game pins, which act as obstacles that cause changes in the flow of the game balls when they collide with them. The game balls flowing down the game area 902 change into various forms depending on the conditions when they collide with the game pins.

[0012] In this type of gaming machine 1, game balls are launched toward the game area 902 by operating the launching device 908. When a game ball flowing down the game area 902 enters a prize area such as the starting area 904 or the big prize area 906, a predetermined number of prize balls are dispensed by the payout device.

[0013] 2) Gameplay (Specifications) 2-1) Winning / Losing Draw (Special Symbol Draw) When a game ball enters the starting area 904, a numerical value (sometimes referred to as win / loss lottery information) is obtained from the random number source. A win / loss lottery (generally referred to as a special symbol lottery, etc.) is performed using this numerical value. Basically, as with well-known gaming machines, the win / loss lottery result is derived by comparing this numerical value with a predetermined judgment value (win / loss lottery table). This numerical value is also used to determine what kind of in-game effects (described later) will be performed.

[0014] In this embodiment, the starting area 904 is provided as a first starting area 904a and a second starting area 904b located at a different position from the first starting area 904a (see Figure 1). When a game ball enters the first starting area 904a, first win / loss lottery information is acquired, and based on this, the first win / loss lottery (special drawing 1 lottery) is performed. When a game ball enters the second starting area 904b, second win / loss lottery information is acquired, and based on this, the second win / loss lottery (special drawing 2 lottery) is performed. The first starting area 904a is the area into which the game ball enters when the game ball is launched so as to flow down the left side of the game area 902 (left side of the display area 911) (so-called "left-handed shooting"). The second starting area 904b is the area into which the game ball enters when the game ball is launched so as to flow down the right side of the game area 902 (to the right of the display area 911) (so-called "right-handed shooting"). In this embodiment, the game ball does not enter the first starting area 904a when "right-handed shooting" is performed, and the game ball does not enter the second starting area 904b when "left-handed shooting" is performed.

[0015] In this embodiment, the result of the draw is either a "minor win" or a "loss." That is, if the draw is a "win," it is always a "minor win," and there are no "big wins." However, as will be described later, unless an anomaly occurs, all minor wins will lead to winning a big win, so in effect, minor win = big win. Therefore, in the following explanation, "big win" in terms of big win probability, big win, etc. strictly refers to a minor win. Various effects and presentations are designed to make it appear as if winning a minor win is winning a big win. Incidentally, a gaming machine that allows you to win a big win via a minor win in this way is called a "Type 2" gaming machine. As stated above, in this embodiment, the result of the draw is not a big win and you do not win a big win (so-called direct wins do not occur), so it does not have the gameplay characteristics of a "Type 1" game (it is not a "Type 1 and Type 2 mixed" gaming machine either). However, with the exception of configurations that can only be realized with a "Type 2" machine, the technical matters described below can also be applied to "Type 1" gaming machines and "Type 1 & 2 mixed" gaming machines.

[0016] In this embodiment, the probability of a minor win in the first draw (= (effective) the probability of a big win) is 1 / 319 (anything else is a loss). Also, the probability of a minor win in the second draw (= (effective) the probability of a big win) is 1 / 47 (anything else is a loss). Therefore, the second draw is more advantageous for the player than the first draw (a high-probability draw). As will be explained in more detail later, the normal game state is a state in which the goal is to win a big win through the first draw, while the specific game state is a state in which the goal is to win a big win through the second draw. Therefore, the specific game state is a more advantageous game state than the normal game state.

[0017] 2-2) Winning Game If a jackpot is won, a jackpot game is executed. In a jackpot game, a unit game (a game equivalent to one "round"; sometimes referred to as a "round" in the following explanation) is repeated one or more times in which the large prize area 906 (normally closed) is opened until a predetermined condition is met. A unit game ends (the large prize area 906 closes) when either the prize condition (C game balls entering the large prize area 906) or the time condition (a predetermined amount of time elapses) is met. In this embodiment, C=10 (this value of C is generally referred to as the "count"). In each unit game, if game balls are continuously launched toward the large prize area 906, the prize condition will almost certainly be met before the time condition is met. In other words, if the game is played as instructed, at least 10 game balls will enter in one unit game. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the big prize area, the payout (number of prize balls) is 15, so at least 150 prize balls can be obtained in one unit game (this number increases when so-called over-winning occurs). The more unit games (number of rounds) included in a big win game, the greater the player's profit (expected value of profit) obtained in that big win game. In this embodiment, the big prize area 906 is located to the right of the game area 902 (see Figure 1), and the player plays the game so that the game ball enters to the right of the game area 902 (so-called "right-handed play").

[0018] As described above, in this embodiment, a big win can be obtained via a small win. When a small win is achieved, a small win game is played. In the small win game, the big prize area 906 is opened, and the bonus area 10 (see Figure 2) located within the big prize area 906 is also opened. The letter "V" is placed near the bonus area 10 (see Figures 1 and 2), and this "V" is used as a way to indicate the bonus area 10 to the player. The bonus area 10 is normally closed, but is temporarily opened when a small win is achieved. The big prize area 906 has two exit areas, and a game ball that enters the big prize area 906 will pass through one of these two exit areas. One of these two exit areas is the bonus area 10 (see Figure 2). A sensor is provided in each of these exit areas, and a game ball that passes through either of these exit areas is treated as having entered the big prize area 906. In other words, a game ball that enters bonus area 10 also enters the grand prize area 906.

[0019] In this minor win game, the condition for winning a jackpot is for a game ball to enter the bonus area 10 (to win a jackpot, one game ball needs to enter the bonus area 10). In the following explanation, the entry of a game ball into the bonus area 10 may be referred to as a "V-win" ("V-win = jackpot win (jackpot confirmed)"). Note that the bonus area 10 may be located outside the jackpot area 906. A minor win game is considered a unit game equivalent to one round of the jackpot game won through it. For example, a 10-round jackpot (a jackpot in which the unit game is executed 10 times) that follows a minor win means that the minor win game (a game in which the big prize area 906 is opened and the bonus area 10 is opened) is the first round of the game, and the opening of the big prize area 906, which is executed as the subsequent jackpot game, is performed as the 2nd to 10th rounds of the game (if no game ball enters the bonus area 10, it is a so-called "bust" and the 2nd to 10th rounds of the game are not executed, and the game ends with only the minor win game). A minor win game ends when at least one of the time condition and the prize condition (10 prizes in this embodiment) is met, similar to the unit games that make up a jackpot game. If game balls are continuously launched, the prize condition will be met first, so in a minor win game, the same number of prize balls as in a single unit game can be obtained.

[0020] In this embodiment, during a minor win, the bonus area 10 is opened along with the major prize area 906, and the time is sufficient to allow the game ball to enter the bonus area 10. The bonus area 10 is located to the right of the game area 902, and in order to get the game ball into the bonus area 10, the player must shoot to the right. If the player continues to shoot to the right, the game ball will almost certainly enter the bonus area 10 (see Figure 2(b)). When a minor win is achieved, an instruction to shoot to the right is displayed in the display area 911 (see Figure 2(c)), so the player only needs to follow the instruction. Even if the player starts shooting to the right about 10 seconds after the instruction is given, the settings are such that the game ball will almost certainly enter the bonus area 10. Thus, when a minor win results in the execution of a minor win game, (unless an unexpected abnormality (such as a power outage or malfunction) occurs) the game ball will enter the bonus area 10 as long as the game is played according to the instructions. In effect, this means that "winning a minor win = winning a major win" (winning a minor win leads to winning a major win). In this embodiment, the bonus area 10 is closed during the unit games (from the second round onwards) that constitute the major win game other than the minor win game (see Figure 2(a)).

[0021] 2-3) Decorative patterns The result of the lottery is indicated by decorative symbols 80 (see Figure 3) displayed in the display area 911. In this embodiment, three groups of decorative symbols 80g are set, each containing multiple types of decorative symbols 80. Specifically, these are the left decorative symbol group 80gL displayed on the left side of the display area 911, the right decorative symbol group 80gR displayed on the right side, and the middle decorative symbol group 80gC displayed between the left decorative symbol group 80gL and the right decorative symbol group 80gR. The lottery result is indicated by a combination of three decorative symbols 80 selected and displayed from each of the decorative symbol groups 80g. The animation from when the three decorative symbol groups 80g start to change until the change stops and the combination indicating the lottery result is displayed is called the change animation (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "change" or "rotation"). Note that in some drawings, the illustration of the decorative symbols 80 is omitted. In this embodiment, decorative symbols 80 containing the same number are considered the same type (those containing different types of numbers are considered different types).

[0022] In this embodiment, when the draw result is a win (minor win), a winning combination consisting of three matching decorative symbols 80 of the same type is displayed. As described above, in this embodiment, the setting is such that "winning a minor win = winning a major win," so the display of three matching decorative symbols 80 of the same type can be said to indicate a major win. If the draw result is a loss, a combination that is not a winning combination (a losing combination) is displayed.

[0023] Although the explanation will be omitted, other symbols (separate symbols) besides the decorative symbol 80 may be displayed, and the result of the draw may be indicated by these separate symbols. These separate symbols may be displayed as small symbols near the outer edge of the display area 911, or they may be displayed outside the display area 911 (as lighting patterns of lamps, etc., displayed outside the display area 911). However, ordinary players can enjoy the game by watching the decorative symbol 80 and the various effects performed in the display area 911 without being aware of the form of the separate symbols.

[0024] 2-4) On hold When a game ball enters the starting area 904 and new win / loss lottery information is acquired, if a variation performance corresponding to the previously acquired win / loss lottery information is being executed (in the case of variation of the decorative symbols 80), the newly acquired win / loss lottery information is stored as reserved information (reserved) in a storage means (not shown). In this embodiment, the maximum number of first reserved information (special symbol 1 reserved) acquired as first win / loss lottery information that can be stored is four, and the maximum number of second reserved information (special symbol 2 reserved) acquired as second win / loss lottery information that can be stored is four.

[0025] Reserved information stored in the memory means may be displayed in the display area 911 as reserved symbols 70 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, reserved symbols 70 are divided into reserve symbols 71 during reel spinning and reserve symbols 72 before reel spinning. Reserve symbols 71 during reel spinning indicate the existence of win / failure lottery information for which the reel spinning animation for the corresponding win / failure lottery result has not yet started, but the notification of the win / failure lottery result has not yet been completed (the reel spinning animation has not ended). Although this win / failure lottery information does not strictly fall under the category of reserved information, it is generally referred to as "the relevant reel spinning reserved information," so the symbol indicating the existence of this win / failure lottery information is designated as reserve symbols 71 during reel spinning. Reserve symbols 72 before reel spinning indicate the existence of win / failure lottery information (reserved information) for which the reel spinning animation for the corresponding win / failure lottery result has not yet started.

[0026] In this embodiment, when the game ball should be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a (a state where the player should shoot to the left; the normal game state will be described in detail later), a reserve symbol (Special Symbol 1 Reserve) indicating the existence of the first win / fail lottery information (first reserve information) is displayed. When the game ball should be launched aiming at the second starting area 904b (a state where the player should shoot to the right; the specific game state will be described in detail later), a reserve symbol (Special Symbol 2 Reserve) indicating the existence of the second win / fail lottery information (second reserve information) is displayed. Note that in some drawings, the illustration of the reserve symbol 70 is omitted.

[0027] When both the first win / loss lottery information (first reserved information) and the second win / loss lottery information (second reserved information) are stored in the memory means, the in-game performance based on the second win / loss lottery information is executed preferentially (the result of the second win / loss lottery is announced preferentially), and the in-game performance based on the first win / loss lottery information is not started (the result of the first win / loss lottery is not announced) until the second win / loss lottery information stored in the memory means is gone. In other words, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is what is known as "special feature 2 (reserved) priority consumption".

[0028] 2-5) Game state 2-5-1) Normal game state and specific game state The game state in which a player aims to win a jackpot (by launching game balls towards the starting area 904) can be broadly divided into normal game state and specific game state (see Figure 4). Basically, both the ease of winning a jackpot and the ease of getting game balls into the starting area 904 are better in the specific game state than in the normal game state, so the specific game state is more advantageous for the player than the normal game state.

[0029] The normal game state is a state in which the player should aim to launch the game ball into the first starting area 904a (i.e., "left-handed shooting" should be performed). If the player "shoots to the right" in the normal game state, the player will not be able to enjoy the intended profit (the profit that can be enjoyed will be significantly reduced compared to when "shooting to the left" is performed), so if "right-handed shooting" is detected, the player will be warned to "shoot to the left". As mentioned above, the probability of winning the first win / loss lottery, which is performed on the condition that the game ball enters the first starting area 904a, is 1 / 319, so the normal game state can be said to be a state in which the player aims to win a jackpot with a probability of 1 / 319.

[0030] On the other hand, the specific game state is a game state in which the player should aim to launch the game ball into the second starting area 904b (i.e., "right-handed shooting" should be performed). If the player "shoots left-handed" in the specific game state, the player will not be able to enjoy the intended profit (the profit that can be enjoyed will be significantly reduced compared to when "right-handed shooting" is performed), so if "left-handed shooting" is detected, the player will be warned to "shoot right-handed". As mentioned above, the probability of winning the second win / loss lottery, which is performed on the condition that the game ball enters the second starting area 904b, is 1 / 47, so the normal game state can be said to be a game state in which the player aims to win the jackpot with a probability of 1 / 47.

[0031] 2-5-2) Opening / Closing Mode (with or without time-saving feature) There are two opening / closing modes: a low opening / closing mode and a high opening / closing mode. The low opening / closing mode and the high opening / closing mode differ in how easily the second starting area 904b (see Figure 1) is opened. The second starting area 904b is an area that is normally closed (when closed, game balls cannot enter), and it is opened by winning the opening lottery (a lottery different from the win / loss lottery (special symbol lottery) that is executed when a game ball enters the starting area 904, and is generally called a normal lottery, normal symbol lottery, etc.) (this is the so-called "electric tuner (area)").

[0032] The opening lottery is performed based on a numerical value (opening lottery information) obtained when a game ball enters the normal area 905. In this embodiment, the normal area 905 is provided to the right of the game area 902 (see Figure 1). By shooting to the right, the game ball enters the normal area 905 relatively easily. The method for notifying whether the opening lottery is successful or not can be done in the same way as in a typical gaming machine, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In this embodiment, the result is notified by the lighting pattern of a lamp provided outside the display area 911 (the lighting pattern of the lamp corresponds to a "normal symbol"). If a game ball enters the normal area 905 while the notification of the opening lottery result is not yet complete (while the normal symbol is changing), the opening lottery information is stored in a storage means not shown. In this embodiment, the maximum number of opening lottery information entries that can be stored is four (maximum value for normal symbol hold = 4).

[0033] The probability of winning the opening lottery when the high opening / closing mode is set is higher than the probability of winning the opening lottery when the low opening / closing mode is set. The probability of winning the opening lottery when the low opening / closing mode is set may be 0%. Also, the probability of winning the opening lottery when the high opening / closing mode is set may be 100%. In this embodiment, even if the opening lottery is won when the low opening / closing mode is set, the opening time of the second starting area 904b is extremely short, making it virtually impossible to get the game ball into the second starting area 904b. Therefore, when the low opening / closing mode is set, left-handed play (playing aiming at the first starting area 904a) is recommended. On the other hand, when the high opening / closing mode is set, the opening lottery is easily won, and the opening time of the second starting area 904b in that case is sufficiently long. Therefore, when the high opening / closing mode is set, right-handed play (playing aiming at the second starting area 904b) is recommended, and if right-handed play is continued, the game ball will frequently enter the second starting area 904b.

[0034] In this embodiment, the normal game state is set to the low opening / closing mode. The specific game state is set to the high opening / closing mode. Generally, the high opening / closing mode is referred to as the "time-saving (state)" state, so the normal game state can be said to be the "no time-saving (state)" state, and the specific game state can be said to be the "time-saving (state)" state. In the following explanation, the low opening / closing mode may also be referred to as the "no time-saving (state)" and the high opening / closing mode as the "time-saving (state)" state. In addition, the number of win / loss draws (second win / loss draw in this embodiment) that trigger the termination of the high opening / closing mode (time-saving) may be referred to as the number of time-saving draws. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out when a game ball enters the starting area 904 (first starting area 904a, second starting area 904b) (the starting area 904 is the prize-winning area). Therefore, the rate at which the number of balls decreases (number of prize balls per number of game balls launched) is lower in the high opening / closing mode than in the low opening / closing mode. In other words, the low-opening / closing mode is a "low-base state" with a relatively low base, while the high-opening / closing mode is a "high-base state" with a relatively high base.

[0035] 2-5-3) Types of specific game states In this embodiment, three specific game states (high opening / closing modes) are provided: a first specific game state, a second specific game state, and a special specific game state. Each specific game state has a different termination condition for ending the high opening / closing mode. The termination condition is met when either the "variable number condition," which is met when the number of second win / loss draws performed since the start reaches a predetermined value (a predetermined number of time-saving draws), or the "minor win condition," which is met when the number of minor wins achieved since the start reaches a predetermined value (whichever comes first), is met.

[0036] Furthermore, since winning a jackpot and executing a jackpot game means that the game state is no longer one in which the goal is to win a jackpot, winning a jackpot can be considered a de facto termination condition for the high-opening / closing mode. In addition, various specific game states are game states that are transitioned to after the end of the corresponding jackpot game, and the "start" point of various specific game states (high-opening / closing mode) refers to the end point of the corresponding jackpot game. That is, when transitioning to a certain specific game state after the end of a jackpot game, the above-mentioned variable number conditions and minor win conditions shall be reset. However, the variable number conditions are reset only when a "jackpot" is won (when a game ball enters the bonus area 10), and are not reset by winning a "minor win" alone.

[0037] The first specific game state is defined as a condition where the second win / loss lottery is performed 70 times after the start of the game. In other words, the number of time-saving rounds is set to 70. As mentioned above, the probability of the second win / loss lottery being a win (minor win) is 1 / 47, so the probability of winning the second win / loss lottery before 70 consecutive losses occur after the start of the first specific game state (before the high opening / closing mode ends) is approximately 78%.

[0038] The condition for a minor win in the first specific game state is that the player must win a minor win "twice" after the state has started. In other words, the high opening / closing mode does not end after winning a minor win once after the first specific game state has started. Note that the number of minor wins required to satisfy the minor win condition for the first specific game state is two or more.

[0039] The second specific game state is one in which the number of variations is conditional on the second win / loss lottery being executed 1000 times after it starts. In other words, the number of time-saving rounds is set to 1000. As mentioned above, the probability of the second win / loss lottery being a win (minor win) is 1 / 47, so the probability of losing 1000 times in a row without winning the second win / loss lottery after the second specific game state starts is extremely low. In other words, the second specific game state can be said to be a state in which the continuation of the high opening / closing mode is practically guaranteed until the next minor win (acquisition of a major win via a minor win). Thus, a specific game state with a time-saving round count in which the probability of ending without winning the win / loss lottery is astronomically low (less than 0.1%) is considered a state in which "acquisition of the next major win is practically guaranteed" before the end of the specific game state (high opening / closing mode) (the same applies to the special specific game state described later). Unlike this embodiment, the second specific game state may continue until the next major win is acquired (time-saving rounds = ∞). A specific game state that continues until the next jackpot is won is also considered a state in which "the next jackpot is effectively guaranteed" before the end of that specific game state (high opening / closing mode).

[0040] The condition for entering the second specific game state is winning a minor win "once" after it has started. In other words, the high-opening / closing mode ends when a minor win is achieved after the second specific game state has started.

[0041] The special specified game state is defined as a condition where the second win / loss lottery is executed 1000 times after it starts. In other words, the number of time-saving rounds is set to 1000. As mentioned above, the probability of the second win / loss lottery being a win (minor win) is 1 / 47, so it is highly unlikely that the special specified game state will start and result in 1000 consecutive losses without winning the second win / loss lottery. In other words, the special specified game state can be said to be a state in which the high opening / closing mode is practically guaranteed to continue until the next minor win (winning a major win via a minor win).

[0042] The special designated game state requires winning a minor win "twice" after it has started. In other words, the high opening / closing mode does not end after winning a minor win once after the special designated game state has started. Note that the number of minor wins required to satisfy the minor win condition for the special designated game state is two or more.

[0043] 2-5-4) As described above, if we express the normal game state and the specific game state in terms of the level of the probability of winning the draw (effective jackpot probability) and the presence or absence of a time-saving feature, (a) Normal game state... "Low probability, no time-saving feature" (b) Specific game state: "High probability, with time reduction" That's how it works.

[0044] Furthermore, if we represent various specific game states in terms of the probability of winning the draw (effective jackpot probability), the presence or absence of time-saving features (number of time-saving features), and the number of small wins that end the high opening / closing mode, (b-1) First specific game state: "High probability, time-saving mode available (70 spins), 2 minor wins" (b-2) Second specific game state: "High probability, time reduction available (1000 spins), 1 minor win" (b-3) Special designated game state: "High probability, time-saving feature (1000 spins), 2 small wins" That's how it works.

[0045] 2-6) Types of jackpots In this embodiment, two types of jackpots are set: a normal jackpot and a special jackpot. A normal jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to the normal game state after the jackpot game ends (meaning after the end of the last unit game that makes up the jackpot game). A special jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to a special game state after the jackpot game ends. Since the special game state (high probability, with time reduction) is a more advantageous game state for the player than the normal game state (low probability, no time reduction), it can be said that, in terms of the game state after the jackpot game ends (excluding the difference in the number of rounds), a special jackpot is more advantageous for the player than a normal jackpot.

[0046] There are three types of special jackpots: the first special jackpot, the second special jackpot, and the special special jackpot. The first special jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to the first special game state after the jackpot game ends. The second special jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to the second special game state after the jackpot game ends. The special special jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to the special special game state after the jackpot game ends. Of the special game states, the special special game state is the most advantageous game state (the special special game state is the most advantageous game state of all game states), so in terms of the game state after the jackpot game ends (excluding the number of rounds), the most valuable of the special jackpots is the special special jackpot.

[0047] In this embodiment, the regular jackpot and the first specific jackpot are 2-round (2R) or 10-round (10R) jackpots. The second specific jackpot and the special specific jackpot are all 10-round (10R) jackpots. Except for the points specifically described below, the number of rounds can be changed as appropriate.

[0048] 2-7) Gameplay Flow 2-7-1) "Number of spins type" (first specific game state) and "Loop type" (second specific game state) The following describes the gameplay flow of the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, although some of it overlaps with the above description. Note that the flow described below assumes that no abnormalities occur and the player plays the game as instructed (playing left when left-handed is required and right when right-handed is required).

[0049] In the initial state after a predetermined reset operation (which can be performed by the arcade (arcade staff) and not by the player), the system is in the normal game state (the game state most unfavorable to the player). In this embodiment, the RAM clear operation constitutes the reset operation, while turning the power OFF / ON is not. However, the system may be configured so that turning the power OFF / ON is the reset operation.

[0050] In normal gameplay, the player plays by shooting left-handed. When a game ball enters the first starting area 904a, the first lottery information is acquired. If a minor win is achieved in the first win / fail lottery (special figure 1 lottery) based on the first lottery information (first win / fail lottery information), the minor win game is executed, and a big win is obtained when the game ball enters the bonus area 10 (V-entry) during the minor win game. The type of big win obtained after the first win / fail lottery is determined by referring to the big win distribution table for the first win / fail lottery. In this embodiment, the big win obtained after the first win / fail lottery is distributed as follows: 40% is a normal big win (2R), 10% is a first specific big win (2R), and 50% is a special specific big win (10R) (see Figure 6(a)). Normally, if a jackpot is won, the game returns to normal gameplay after the jackpot game ends (see Figure 4), and the player continues playing in normal gameplay mode, aiming to win another jackpot.

[0051] If a first specific jackpot is achieved, the game transitions to the first specific game state (see Figure 4). In the first specific game state, the player plays by shooting to the right. Second lottery information is acquired when the game ball enters the second starting area 904b. If a minor win is achieved in the second win / fail lottery (special figure 2 lottery) based on the second lottery information (second win / fail lottery information), the minor win game is executed, and a jackpot is won when the game ball enters the bonus area 10 (V-entry) during the minor win game. The first specific game state is a "high probability, time-saving (70 spins)" state. Therefore, the goal of the game is to win the jackpot by getting a win (minor win) in the second win / fail lottery result before the second win / fail lottery result is a loss for 70 consecutive spins. In other words, if the second win / loss lottery result is a loss for 70 consecutive times, the game will transition to the normal game state (however, it will first transition to the remaining reserve chance state (details below)). Therefore, in order to avoid transitioning to the normal game state, the goal of this game state is to win a jackpot before the second win / loss lottery result is a loss for 70 consecutive times. This type of gameplay, in which it is easy to win a jackpot until a predetermined number of losses (70 in this embodiment) occur, is generally referred to as "count limit" or "ST" (hereinafter referred to as "count limit type").

[0052] The type of jackpot won through the second win / loss lottery (special figure 2 lottery) is determined based on the jackpot distribution table for the second win / loss lottery. Here, for the second win / loss lottery, the table referenced differs depending on whether the high opening / closing mode is active ("time-saving mode available") or not active ("time-saving mode unavailable") when the jackpot is won. In other words, the "jackpot distribution" differs depending on whether the state is "time-saving mode available" or "time-saving mode unavailable" when the jackpot is won. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the moment when the game ball enters the bonus area 10 during a minor win game, that is, the moment when a V-win is achieved, is considered the "time of jackpot acquisition" (the moment when the jackpot is determined). Therefore, the "jackpot distribution" differs depending on whether the state is "time-saving mode available" or "time-saving mode unavailable" at the time of the V-win (see Figure 6(b)).

[0053] In the first specific game state, the conditions for a minor win are set to occur twice (see Figure 5). Therefore, the high opening / closing mode (time reduction) does not end (the conditions for a minor win are not met) after the first minor win (one minor win) following the start of the first specific game state. Thus, at the point when a V-entry is achieved in the minor win game executed after the first minor win (when the big win is determined), the state is "time reduction enabled". If no abnormalities occur and the player continuously fires game balls aiming for the bonus area 10 as instructed, a V-entry will almost certainly occur in the first minor win game (no malfunction will occur). Therefore, the type of big win obtained in the first specific game state is determined by referring to the "time reduction enabled" table. Thus, the distribution of big wins obtained in the first specific game state is basically (if no malfunction occurs) 95% for the first specific big win (10R) and 5% for the special specific big win (10R) (see Figure 6(b-1)).

[0054] If the second win / loss lottery result is a loss for 70 consecutive time-saving rounds after the first specific game state has started (resulting in a "time-saving round exit"), the condition for the number of variations is met, and the first specific game state ends, transitioning to the normal game state. However, immediately after the first specific game state ends, the second reserve information (special symbol 2 reserve) remains in the memory (hereinafter, the second reserve information remaining at the time the first specific game state ends may be referred to as the remaining reserve), so the second win / loss lottery with a "high probability" (1 / 47) is executed for the remaining reserve (hereinafter, this high probability lottery for the remaining reserve will be referred to as the "remaining reserve chance") (see Figure 4).

[0055] In this embodiment, at the 70th losing spin (final spin of the time-saving mode) after the start of the first specific game state, before the end of the spin, an animation prompting the player to have four second-reserve information (hereinafter, the state in which four second-reserve information is stored may be referred to as "reserve full") is performed (reserve storage instruction animation) (see Figure 7(a)). When the reserve is full, an animation indicating this (reserve storage completion animation) (see Figure 7(b)) is performed. Note that if the reserve is already full at a predetermined point in the final spin of the time-saving mode, the reserve storage instruction animation may not occur.

[0056] During the final spin of the time-saving mode, the above-mentioned hold-storage instruction animation is performed, so normally, when the first specific game state ends, there are four second-stage hold-storage information remaining. In other words, you have the right to receive four second-stage win / loss draws (high-probability draws) with a winning probability of 1 / 47. This is the remaining hold-storage chance. In other words, the state in which the remaining hold-storage chance is performed is, strictly speaking, already the normal game state, but because there are four opportunities for high-probability draws remaining, the animation corresponding to the "remaining hold-storage chance" is performed to make it appear as if you are still in an advantageous state (not the normal game state) until those opportunities are finished.

[0057] The in-spin animations (four in-spin animations) performed during the remaining reserve chance are special and will not be performed when the remaining reserve chance is not active. In this embodiment, an animation for the remaining reserve chance called "○○ Chance" (see Figure 8(a)) is performed. During the remaining reserve chance, the results of the win / loss lottery corresponding to the second reserve information (second win / loss lottery information), which was acquired earlier, are announced first. In this embodiment, if the win / loss lottery result is a win (minor win), an animation is performed that leads to a success result (see Figure 8(b) → (c-1)) indicating that the situation is favorable to the player, and if it is a loss, an animation is performed that leads to a failure result (see Figure 8(b) → (c-2)) indicating that the situation is unfavorable to the player (Note that the success result includes a so-called reversal pattern where it appears to be a failure but is overturned). If the result is a success, a minor win game is performed. If the result is a failure, the next in-spin animation begins. If all four of these second-round draws (high-probability draws) result in losses, the remaining chance ends and the player is prompted to play with left-hand shots. In other words, the goal becomes to win a jackpot after the first-round draw.

[0058] As will be explained in more detail later, if you win the second win / loss lottery during the remaining reserve chance, the jackpot you will receive will be either a regular jackpot or a second specific jackpot. In this embodiment, the type of jackpot won is announced during the battle sequence in the jackpot game (see Figure 9), and the name of the jackpot (prize) encompassing both the regular jackpot and the second specific jackpot is called "Battle Bonus." Therefore, during the remaining reserve chance, a sequence using an image representing the Battle Bonus prize (hereinafter referred to as the prize image) is executed. Specifically, in each sequence, the prize image is displayed at a stage where it is not yet known whether the result will be a success or a failure (see Figure 8(b)). In this way, the player can know in advance that if the sequence is successful, they will receive the prize represented by the prize image (making the sequence easier to understand). If a successful outcome is achieved, an image indicating a favorable situation (in this embodiment, the word "Success") is displayed along with the reward image that was displayed in the previous stage (stage 8(b)) (see Figure 8(c-1)), making it easy to understand that the reward has been obtained. On the other hand, if a failure occurs, an image indicating an unfortunate situation (in this embodiment, the word "Failure") is displayed, and the reward image that was displayed in the previous stage (stage 8(b)) is no longer displayed (see Figure 8(c-2)), making it easy to understand that the reward was not obtained.

[0059] If a minor win is achieved in the second draw of the remaining reserve chance, the minor win game is executed (see Figure 9(a)). A major win is achieved by hitting the V during this minor win game. Here, the state in which the remaining reserve chance is executed is a state with no time reduction, which means that the state with no time reduction is also at the time of winning the major win, which is when the V is hit. Therefore, the type of major win obtained after the second draw of the remaining reserve chance is determined by referring to the "no time reduction" table. In other words, the distribution of major wins obtained in the remaining reserve chance is 79% for the second specific major win (10R) and 21% for the regular major win (10R) (see Figure 6(b-2)). If a second specific major win is obtained, the game transitions to the second specific game state after the major win game ends (see Figure 4). If a regular major win is obtained, the game transitions to the regular game state after the major win game ends (see Figure 4).

[0060] In this embodiment, whether a second specific jackpot or a regular jackpot has been won is announced during the jackpot game after a V-win. In this embodiment, the winner is announced through a battle sequence (see Figure 9(b)). This battle sequence leads to either a victory ending (an outcome favorable to the player) where the player's character wins (see Figure 9(c-1)) or a defeat ending (an outcome unfavorable to the player) where the character loses (see Figure 9(c-2)) (Note that the victory ending includes a so-called reversal pattern where the defeat is initially apparent but then reversed). If the jackpot won is a second specific jackpot, the outcome is a victory; if it is a regular jackpot, the outcome is a defeat. If the outcome is a victory, the second specific game state will begin after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, if the outcome is a defeat, the game will transition to the regular game state after the jackpot game ends.

[0061] Furthermore, if you win a small prize in the first to third of the four second-win / loss draws performed as part of the remaining reserve chance, and acquire a regular jackpot, then after that regular jackpot, the remaining second-win / loss draws (one of the 1 to 3) will be performed (see (i) below in Figure 9(c-2)). For example, suppose you win a regular jackpot in the third second-win / loss draw from the start of the remaining reserve chance. In that case, after the regular jackpot game ends, the second-win / loss draw for the remaining one second-win / loss information will be performed. If you win the second-win / loss draw again there and acquire a second-specific jackpot, you will transition to the second-specific game state after the jackpot game ends. In other words, the remaining reserve chance ends either when you acquire a second-specific jackpot or when the fourth second-win / loss draw from the start of the remaining reserve chance ends. Therefore, even if you acquire a regular jackpot in the first to third second-win / loss draws, if you acquire a second-specific jackpot in the remaining second-win / loss draws, you may transition to the second-specific game state after the remaining reserve chance.

[0062] If the second draw (second chance) is unsuccessful on the fourth attempt from the start of the remaining reserve chance, or if the jackpot obtained through that draw is a regular jackpot even if it is won, the game will transition to a state where the player is prompted to play with the left side facing up. In other words, the goal is to win a jackpot after the first draw.

[0063] If a second specific jackpot is won during the remaining reserve chance, the game transitions to the second specific game state (see Figure 4). The second specific game state has 1000 time-saving spins, and it is virtually guaranteed that the next jackpot will be won before the high opening / closing mode ends. Therefore, in the second specific game state, losing spins are rapidly processed until a minor win is achieved. Then, after winning a minor win in the second win / loss lottery, a jackpot is achieved.

[0064] Here, in the second specific game state (unlike the first specific game state described above), the condition for a minor win is set to one (see Figure 5). Therefore, the high opening / closing mode (time reduction) ends with the first minor win after the start of the second specific game state. Thus, at the point when a V-entry is achieved in the minor win game executed after the first minor win (when the big win is determined), the state is "no time reduction". If no abnormalities occur and the player continuously shoots game balls aiming for the bonus area 10 as instructed, a V-entry will almost certainly occur in the first minor win game (no malfunction will occur). Therefore, the type of big win obtained in the second specific game state is determined by referring to the "no time reduction" table. Thus, the distribution of big wins obtained in the first specific game state is basically 79% for the second specific big win (10R) and 21% for the regular big win (10R) (see Figure 6(b-2)). Note that this distribution is the same as the distribution of jackpots obtained during the remaining reserve chance.

[0065] Thus, the second specific game state is effectively a state where the next big win is guaranteed, and that big win has a 79% probability of becoming a second specific big win, leading back to the second specific game state. In other words, once you enter the second specific game state, it becomes a "loop type" game where an advantageous game state (high probability and high opening / closing mode) that is guaranteed to continue until the next big win loops at a predetermined probability.

[0066] If a regular jackpot is won in the second specific game state, the game returns to the regular game state after the jackpot game ends. In this embodiment, even after the regular jackpot game won in the second specific game state ends, the game returns to the "remaining reserve chance" state. In order to return to this remaining reserve chance state, the game must return to a state where four second reserve information entries are stored (a state where the reserves are full) at the end of the second specific game state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following control is performed in the second specific game state.

[0067] As described above, the second specific game state is a state in which the next big win is practically guaranteed, so losing spins where the second win / loss lottery result is a loss are processed at high speed. Then, in winning spins where the win / loss lottery result is a win (minor win), an animation to accumulate reserves (reserve accumulation instruction animation) is performed (the reserve accumulation instruction animation is not performed in losing spins) (see Figure 10(a)). In other words, winning spins are set to have a somewhat longer spin time than losing spins, ensuring sufficient time to fill the second reserve information. After the reserve accumulation instruction animation, an animation indicating that the reserves are full (reserve accumulation completion animation) is performed when the reserves reach a full state (see Figure 10(b)). Note that these reserve accumulation instruction animations and reserve accumulation completion animations may be the same as or different from those performed in the final spin of the time-saving mode in the first specific game state described above. After that, it is announced that the win / loss lottery result is a win (minor win) (see Figure 10(c)). At this point, the player is not explicitly informed whether the jackpot to be won is a second-special jackpot or a regular jackpot. In other words, the aforementioned reserve storage instruction animation will be executed during the win animation regardless of whether the jackpot to be won in the future will be a second-special jackpot or a regular jackpot. Furthermore, during the jackpot game after a V-entry, the player will be informed whether the jackpot won is a second-special jackpot or a regular jackpot through the battle animation, so in this embodiment, the name "Battle Bonus" will be displayed (see Figure 10(c)). That is to say, the name "Battle Bonus" indicates that the jackpot won after a V-entry is either a regular jackpot or a second-special jackpot.

[0068] The subsequent progression is the same as when a minor win is achieved during the remaining chance. That is, during the minor win game, instructions are given to aim for the bonus area 10 when launching the game ball (see Figure 9(a)), and upon hitting the V, a jackpot is won and the jackpot game begins. During the jackpot game, a battle sequence is held to announce whether the jackpot won is a second specific jackpot or a regular jackpot (see Figures 9(b), (c-1), (c-2)).

[0069] As mentioned above, the reserve storage instruction animation is executed during the winning spin in the second specific game state, so the reserve should already be full when the winning spin ends. Therefore, even if the acquired jackpot is a regular jackpot (the battle animation during the jackpot game ends in defeat) and the game returns to the regular game state, the player still has the right to receive four more chances in the second win / loss lottery (a chance for remaining reserves occurs) (see (b) below in Figure 9(c-2)).

[0070] Furthermore, it is possible to include cases in the winning spin where it is confirmed that the winning jackpot will be a second specific jackpot. In such cases, since the game returns to the second specific game state after the second specific jackpot game ends (it does not return to the remaining reserve chance), the reserve storage instruction animation may not be executed during the winning spin.

[0071] The remaining reserved chance is the same as the one performed after the first specific game state (after the time-saving mode ends) as described above, so no explanation is needed. The presentation (the manner of the presentation that notifies the result of the winning or losing lottery, the name of the presentation, etc.) of the remaining reserved chance performed after the first specific game state and the remaining reserved chance performed after the second specific game state may be different.

[0072] As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment has a "count-limit type" (ST type) gameplay in the first specific game state, which aims to win a jackpot before a predetermined number of consecutive losses (70 times in this embodiment) occur. In the second specific game state, it has a "loop type" gameplay which aims for the next jackpot, which is virtually guaranteed to be won, to be a second specific jackpot (not a regular jackpot). In other words, it is an innovative invention that allows players to experience both the "count-limit type" (ST type) gameplay and the "loop type" gameplay in the same gaming machine (one model).

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is no possibility of transitioning from the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserve chance) to the second specific game state (it is not possible to win the second specific jackpot in the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserve chance)), and the condition for transitioning to the second specific game state is winning the second specific jackpot in the remaining reserve chance after the first specific game state has ended. Therefore, players who start playing from the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserve chance) will first aim to transition to the first specific game state, and if the first specific game state has ended, they will aim to acquire the right to transition to the second specific game state in the remaining reserve chance.

[0074] In particular, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a minor win and obtaining the first specific jackpot before the first specific game state ends due to the number of fluctuations condition (end of time-saving mode) is approximately 78%, while the probability of obtaining the second specific jackpot in the second specific game state is approximately 79%. In other words, the so-called continuation rate is higher in the second specific game state than in the first specific game state. Therefore, it can be said that the second specific game state, which is relatively difficult to transition to, is a more valuable state than the first specific game state, which is relatively easy to transition to. Another way of looking at it is that obtaining a jackpot in the remaining reserve chance after the end of the first specific game state is a condition for transitioning to the more advantageous second specific game state, which makes for an interesting gameplay experience.

[0075] 2-7-2) Special Specific Jackpot (Special Specific Game State) Special jackpots are jackpots that can be obtained by winning the first win / loss lottery in normal gameplay (excluding remaining reserve chances) and by winning the second win / loss lottery in the first specific gameplay state, and all of them are 10 rounds (see Figures 4 and 6). Therefore, in a single special jackpot game, if you continuously play to the right to a certain extent so that the winning conditions are met before the time conditions are met in each unit of gameplay, you will receive a minimum of 15 × 10 × 10 (prize balls × count × number of rounds) = 1500 prize balls.

[0076] The special special game state, which is entered after the end of a special special jackpot game, has 1000 rounds of time-saving features, and is a state in which it is virtually guaranteed that the next jackpot will be won before the high-opening mode ends. In other words, it is the same as the second special game state in that the next jackpot is virtually guaranteed. Because the next jackpot is virtually guaranteed in this way, in the special special game state, losing spins end very quickly until a minor win is achieved. And, as with other game states, a jackpot is won by winning a minor win.

[0077] Here, in the special specific game state (unlike the second specific game state described above), the conditions for a minor win are set to occur twice (see Figure 5). Therefore, the high opening / closing mode (time reduction) does not end (the minor win condition is not met) when the first minor win occurs after the start of the first specific game state. Thus, at the point when a V-entry is achieved in the minor win game executed after the first minor win (when the big win is determined), the state is "time reduction enabled". If no abnormalities occur and the player continues to shoot game balls aiming for the bonus area 10 as instructed, a V-entry will almost certainly occur in the first minor win game (no malfunction will occur). Therefore, the type of big win obtained in the special specific game state will be determined by referring to the "time reduction enabled" table. Therefore, the distribution of jackpots obtained in the special designated game state is basically (unless a malfunction occurs) 95% for the first designated jackpot (10R) and 5% for the special designated jackpot (10R) (see Figure 6(b-1)).

[0078] In short, the second specific game state and the special specific game state are similar in that they are states in which it is virtually guaranteed that the next jackpot will be won before the high opening / closing mode ends. However, the condition for a minor win in the second specific game state is one minor win, while the condition for a minor win in the special specific game state is two minor wins. Therefore, the reference table (jackpot distribution) when a jackpot is won differs, with the former having "no time reduction" (see Figure 6(b-2)) and the latter having "time reduction" (see Figure 6(b-1)). One of the major differences is that the former has the possibility of becoming a normal jackpot, while the latter does not. From the player's perspective, the second specific game state carries the risk of transitioning to the normal game state after the jackpot game ends, but the special specific game state does not transition to the normal game state after the jackpot game ends (it transitions to either the first specific game state or the special specific game state).

[0079] Furthermore, both the First Specific Jackpot and the Special Specific Jackpot, which can be obtained in the Special Specific Game State, are 10 rounds long. In other words, even with a jackpot obtained in the Special Specific Game State, the minimum prize money will be 15 x 10 x 10 (prize balls x count x number of rounds) = 1500.

[0080] To summarize, the following can be said: When a special jackpot is won, a minimum of 3,000 balls are effectively guaranteed, which is the sum of the minimum 1,500 balls awarded for that special jackpot (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "the first jackpot") and the minimum 1,500 balls awarded for the jackpot won in the subsequent special game state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "the second jackpot"). Furthermore, the special game state (high probability and high opening / closing mode) continues even after the second jackpot game ends. Therefore, winning a special jackpot guarantees "3,000 balls" and "the special game state (after the second jackpot game ends)."

[0081] In this embodiment, the name (title) of the special jackpot includes "3000," which indicates the minimum number of prize balls that can be obtained (see Figure 11). When a special jackpot is won, the name is displayed at the beginning of the winning spin or the special jackpot game that triggered the win. In this embodiment, the special jackpot is named "Special Bonus 3000."

[0082] As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a special specific jackpot as a premium jackpot that promises a prize of 3,000 balls. Since this special specific jackpot can be obtained even in normal gameplay (excluding remaining reserve chances) (it can be obtained as a so-called first win), it contributes to promoting gameplay. In particular, in this embodiment, 50% of the jackpots obtained after the first win / fail lottery are special specific jackpots, and the probability of obtaining this jackpot immediately is quite high, so it has a high effect in promoting gameplay. In addition, since there is a possibility of obtaining a special specific jackpot even in the first specific gameplay state, which is a so-called "number of spins limit type" gameplay, it can be expected that the number of balls that can be obtained during consecutive wins will be large.

[0083] Furthermore, after winning a special specific jackpot (the previous jackpot), the game will not revert to the normal game state after the subsequent jackpot game, which is won in the special specific game state. In other words, the special specific game state is a game state where consecutive wins are guaranteed. If the game were to revert to the normal game state after the premium jackpot (the subsequent jackpot) which awards 3000 balls, players would lose interest, so the game is designed to revert to a specific game state (high probability and high opening / closing mode) after the subsequent jackpot game ends.

[0084] Furthermore, the reason why it is possible to have both the second specific game state as a "loop type" game state and the special specific game state as a "guaranteed winning streak" game state is that the conditions for small wins (termination conditions) are different for the second specific game state and the special specific game state, which are similar in that the next big win is virtually guaranteed during the high opening / closing mode (a so-called long time-saving mode). In order to make it a "loop type," there must be a possibility of winning a regular big win (a possibility of falling back to the regular game state). On the other hand, in order to make it a "guaranteed winning streak," the possibility of winning a regular big win (a possibility of falling back to the regular game state) must be eliminated. In other words, the big win distribution must be different for the second specific game state and the special specific game state. Therefore, while both the second specific game state and the special specific game state are set to long time reduction (1000 time reductions in this embodiment), effectively guaranteeing the next big win, the conditions for small wins are different. In the former, when a V-win occurs, the time reduction state is eliminated (the "no time reduction" table is referenced), so that a regular big win is included in the big win distribution (see Figure 6(b-2)). In the latter, when a V-win occurs, the time reduction state is enabled (the "time reduction enabled" table is referenced), so that a regular big win is not included in the big win distribution (see Figure 6(b-1)).

[0085] 2-8) Control when a "puncture" occurs The first specific game state, which is a high-opening / closing mode, is one in which the conditions for a minor win are set to two. Therefore, when a minor win occurs for the first time after the first specific game state has started, the high-opening / closing mode (time reduction) does not end, and under normal circumstances (if no abnormalities occur and the game is played as instructed), a V-entry will occur during that first minor win game, and the type of jackpot will be determined by the "with time reduction" distribution (see Figure 6(b-1)).

[0086] However, if, during the first minor win game after the start of the first specific game state, the ball does not enter the V-zone due to an abnormality or the player not playing as instructed (not continuously shooting to the right), it will result in a "puncture" and the player will not be able to win a jackpot (hereinafter, the event in which the game ball does not enter the bonus area 10 (does not enter the V-zone) during a minor win game may be referred to as a "non-entry event." The occurrence of a "non-entry event" is equivalent to the occurrence of a "puncture").

[0087] However, the termination condition for the first specific game state is met when either the number of fluctuations condition (number of time-saving rounds) = 70 or the minor win condition 2 is met. Therefore, even if such a "bust" occurs, if there are still time-saving rounds remaining, the fluctuations of the first specific game state will start again after the minor win game ends (fluctuations for the remaining time-saving rounds will begin). For example, if a minor win is achieved in the 50th second win / loss draw after the first specific game state has started, but the minor win game "busts", then after the end of the minor win game, fluctuations will begin to announce the result of the 51st second win / loss draw (the 51st spin of the time-saving round). In this embodiment, a distinction is made between the state before a bust (non-entry event) occurs in the first specific game state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the normal state) and the state after a bust (non-entry event) occurs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the special state). In the example above, the normal state is from the start of the first specific game state until the 50th spin, and the special state is from the 51st spin until the end of the first specific game state (see Figure 12).

[0088] When a "puncture" occurs in the first specific game state, information indicating that a special state is in place (hereinafter referred to as "special information") is stored in the memory means (see Figure 12). In other words, if special information is stored in the memory means, the game is currently in a special state; if special information is not stored, the game is currently in a normal state. It is preferable that the memory means that stores the special information is a non-volatile memory means that does not lose its memory even when the power is turned off. In other words, it is preferable that the information indicating that a special state is in place remains even if a power outage occurs. In this embodiment, the special information is stored in the memory means of the main control board (main control circuit). The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, like a typical gaming machine, has a main control board (main control circuit) that performs a win / loss lottery and a sub-control board (sub-control circuit) that determines the content of the performance to be executed based on the win / loss lottery result (the main control board and sub-control board themselves are well known so a detailed explanation will be omitted). However, special information is stored in the storage means of the main control board (main control circuit), which does not lose its memory even when the power is turned off, rather than in the storage means of the sub-control board (sub-control circuit), which loses its memory when the power is turned off.

[0089] The performance elements that constitute the fluctuation animations and are executed when predetermined conditions are met will differ depending on whether the game is in a normal state or a special state. In this embodiment, the target performance elements are "display of winning combinations" and "display of bonus names (jackpot names)".

[0090] Regarding the "display of winning combinations," in the normal state, if the result of the win / loss lottery is a win, that is, in a winning variation, three matching "7" decorative symbols 80 are displayed at the end to notify the win (see Figure 13(a)). Since a minor win in the normal state is the first minor win after the start of the first specific game state, the high opening / closing mode (time reduction) does not end. Therefore, when a V is hit, the type of jackpot is determined by the "time reduction available" jackpot distribution (see Figure 6(b-1)). In this "time reduction available" jackpot distribution, there is usually no jackpot (after the jackpot game ends, it transitions to a specific game state (first specific game state or special specific game state), and does not transition to the normal game state), so the win is notified by three matching "7" decorative symbols 80. In the technical field of this invention, the "7" symbol is usually set as a valuable symbol, and many players think so. Since the "Time-Saving" jackpot distribution does not normally result in a jackpot, the win is announced by the decorative "7" symbol 80, which is the valuable symbol in question.

[0091] In contrast, in the special state, when the draw result is a win, i.e., a win variation, the display of three "7" decorative symbols 80 is prevented. In this embodiment, three of any of the decorative symbols 80 other than "7" are displayed (see Figure 13(b)). It is also possible to have a configuration in which it is predetermined which of the decorative symbols 80 other than "7" will be displayed (for example, a configuration in which it is predetermined that three of the "6" decorative symbols 80 will be displayed). Since a minor win in the special state is the second minor win since the start of the first specific game state, the high opening / closing mode (time reduction) ends. Therefore, when a V is hit, the type of jackpot is determined by the "no time reduction" jackpot distribution (see Figure 6(b-2)). This "no time reduction" jackpot distribution has the potential to result in a regular jackpot. Therefore, as mentioned above, if a win is announced by a triple match of the "7" decorative symbol 80, which is generally recognized as a valuable symbol, there is a possibility that the game may revert to normal gameplay even if the "7" decorative symbol 80 is matched (which could lead to complaints from players). Therefore, in this embodiment, in the special state, the game is controlled to display a different symbol combination (a triple match of decorative symbols 80 other than the "7" decorative symbol 80) than the "triple match of the "7" decorative symbol 80" that is displayed in the normal state as described above.

[0092] Regarding the display of bonus names (jackpot names), the names of jackpots that can be obtained after a V-win in the normal state are different from the names of jackpots that can be obtained after a V-win in the special state. Jackpots that can be obtained in the normal state (jackpots that can be obtained with the "time-saving" jackpot distribution (see Figure 6(b-1))) are the first specific jackpot or the special specific jackpot. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the special specific jackpot is named "Special Bonus 3000" (see Figure 13(a-2)). On the other hand, the first specific jackpot is named "Big Bonus" (see Figure 13(a-1)). Therefore, when indicating jackpots that will be obtained in the future (after a V-win) during the win variation in the normal state, the names "Special Bonus 3000" or "Big Bonus" are used.

[0093] On the other hand, the jackpots that can be obtained in a special state (jackpots that can be obtained in the "no time reduction" jackpot distribution (see Figure 6(b-2))) are either the second specific jackpot or the regular jackpot. As mentioned above, which jackpot has been obtained is announced during the jackpot game's effects (battle effects) (see Figure 9), and before this is determined, the name "Battle Bonus" is used (the name "Battle Bonus" can be said to be a name that comprehensively refers to both the second specific jackpot and the regular jackpot) (see Figure 13(b)). Therefore, when referring to the jackpot that will be obtained in the future (after V-entry) in the jackpot fluctuations in a special state, the name "Battle Bonus" is used.

[0094] Furthermore, in special states, the aforementioned reserve storage instruction animation may be executed during winning spins. Since a jackpot won in a special state may become a regular jackpot, in that case, the reserve storage instruction animation will occur to instruct the player to store reserves so that the second reserve information is full when the game transitions to the remaining reserve chance.

[0095] Thus, in this embodiment, the first specific game state is normally (if no malfunction occurs) in which the type of jackpot is determined by the "with time reduction" jackpot distribution (see Figure 6(b-1)). However, after one malfunction occurs, if a minor win is achieved again, the type of jackpot obtained from that minor win will be determined by the "without time reduction" jackpot distribution (see Figure 6(b-2)). Since the jackpot distribution differs (the type of jackpot awarded differs) between the normal state where no malfunction has occurred and the special state where a malfunction has already occurred, the mode of the target performance is determined after determining whether the state is normal or special. In this embodiment, the "display of winning combinations" and the "display of bonus names" are the target performances, but it is also possible to have a configuration where only one of them is the target performance. Furthermore, it is also possible to have a configuration where other performances are the target performances.

[0096] Whether the system is in a normal or special state is determined by whether or not special information exists in the non-volatile memory. Therefore, if a power outage occurs while the system is in a special state and is then restored, the game will resume in the special state after the restoration. In other words, a situation will not occur where the distribution of jackpots changes before and after an abnormality such as a power outage occurs (an abnormality such as a power outage will not affect the player's profits).

[0097] In this embodiment, the minor win condition for the first specific game state is set to two minor wins (see Figure 5), but the minor win condition may be set to three or more. The first specific game state is basically set up so that the big win distribution of the "time-saving" state (see Figure 6(b-1)) is applied, so it is sufficient that the high opening / closing mode does not end with the first minor win after the start of the first specific game state. Even if the minor win condition for the first specific game state is set to three or more, the high opening / closing mode will not end with one minor win, so the big win distribution of the "time-saving" state will be applied. In other words, the first specific game state only needs to be such that the high opening / closing mode ends after N minor wins (N is 2 or more).

[0098] The special state is the state in which the high opening / closing mode ends upon the next minor win (if a V-win occurs in the next minor win game, the "no time reduction" big win distribution (see Figure 6(b-2)) is applied). Based on this, the normal state is from the start of the first specific game state until N-1 minor wins (until N-1 failures occur), and the special state is after N-1 minor wins (after N-1 failures occur). For example, if the minor win condition is 3 minor wins (N=3), then the normal state is from the start of the first specific game state until 2 minor wins (until 2 failures occur), and the special state is after 2 minor wins (after 2 failures occur).

[0099] Furthermore, a similar control mechanism (which determines the target animation based on whether the game is in a normal or special state) is also implemented in the special game state where the minor win condition is set to two times, just as in the first specific game state.

[0100] The following describes specific examples of improvements, modifications, and implementations of the above-mentioned aspects of gameplay. Furthermore, whenever possible, configurations may be created that apply multiple aspects described using the following specific examples.

[0101] ○Specific Example 1-1 In the above embodiment, a special specific jackpot is provided as the jackpot, and a special specific game state is provided as the game state to which the player transitions after the special specific jackpot game ends. However, even without these features, it is possible to realize a gameplay experience that combines both the "number of spins type" (ST type) and the "loop type".

[0102] For example, the game flow could be as shown in Figure 14 (the termination conditions for the first and second specific game states (variation count conditions and minor win conditions) are the same as in the above embodiment (see Figure 5)). In the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserve chance), a normal jackpot or the first specific jackpot can be obtained after the first win / fail lottery (it may also be 100% the first specific jackpot). After the first specific jackpot game ends, the game transitions to the first specific game state and a "count-limited type" (ST type) game is executed. If the "time-saving" period ends, the remaining reserve chance is executed, and if a second specific jackpot is obtained there, the game transitions to the second specific game state and a "loop type" game is executed.

[0103] ○Specific Examples 1-2 In the above embodiment, it was explained that the first specific game state is two (or more) small win conditions and the second specific game state is one small win condition. However, by reversing these settings, it is possible to realize gameplay in which the "number of spins type" (ST type) and the "loop type" alternate. Such gameplay can be realized, for example, by using the configuration shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0104] The first specific game state is defined as having one minor win condition, and the second specific game state is defined as having two (or more) minor win conditions (see Figure 16(a)). In this case, if a minor win is achieved in the first specific game state, the high opening / closing mode has already ended by the time the V-entry is achieved, so the "no time reduction" jackpot distribution (see Figure 16(b-2)) is applied. The jackpot obtained in this jackpot distribution is designated as the second specific jackpot (to prevent the first specific jackpot from being obtained), and after the second specific jackpot game ends, the game transitions to the second specific game state (see Figure 15).

[0105] The second specific game state requires two (or more) minor wins. Therefore, when the first minor win is achieved after the second specific game state begins, the high opening / closing mode has not yet ended. Consequently, if a V-win is achieved during this first minor win, the "time-saving" jackpot distribution (see Figure 16(b-1)) is applied. By ensuring that the first specific jackpot is included in the jackpots obtained through this distribution (and that the second specific jackpot is not obtained), the game will transition to the first specific game state after the first specific jackpot game ends (see Figure 15).

[0106] In this way, by making it possible to win the second specific jackpot in the first specific game state (but not the first specific jackpot), and to win the first specific jackpot in the second specific game state (but not the second specific jackpot), a gameplay style can be achieved in which the first specific game state, which is a "count-limited type" (ST type), and the second specific game state, which is a "loop type," alternate during so-called consecutive wins (when the specific game state continues).

[0107] ○Specific Examples 1-3 In the above-described embodiment, first, aiming to shift to the first specific gaming state which is the "number-cut type" (ST type), it was explained that the gaming property is such that winning a jackpot in the remaining hold chance after the end of the first specific gaming state is set as the transition condition to the second specific gaming state which is the "loop type". However, the reverse configuration, that is, the gaming property can also be such that winning a jackpot in the remaining hold chance after the end of the second specific gaming state which is the "loop type" is set as the transition condition to the first specific gaming state which is the "number-cut type" (ST type). For example, such a gaming property can be realized by adopting a configuration as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0108] It is assumed that the jackpots that can be won in the normal gaming state (excluding the remaining hold chance) do not include the first specific jackpot but include the second specific jackpot (see FIG. 17). Therefore, the player first plays the game aiming to win the second specific jackpot.

[0109] The second specific gaming state is set to have small wins occur 2 times (or more) (see FIG. 18(a)). As a result, when winning the first small win after the start of the second specific gaming state, the high opening / closing mode has not ended. Therefore, if winning a V prize in the first small win game, the jackpot allocation of "time-saving available" (see FIG. 18(b-1)) is applied. It is assumed that the jackpot obtained by this jackpot allocation is the second specific jackpot or the normal jackpot. When winning the second specific jackpot, after the end of the jackpot game, the player shifts to the second specific gaming state again. That is, winning the second specific jackpot results in a consecutive win.

[0110] When winning the normal jackpot in the second specific gaming state, the player shifts to the normal gaming state, but a remaining hold chance in which a second win / loss lottery (high probability) for the four remaining holds (second hold information) stored in the win variation of the second specific gaming state is received is executed. Note that in the win variation of the second specific gaming state, the hold storage instruction effect described in the above embodiment is executed.

[0111] Since the remaining hold chance is already in the normal game state, the type of jackpot obtained with the remaining hold chance is determined based on the jackpot distribution of "no time shortening" (see Fig. 18(b-2)). The jackpot distribution of "no time shortening" is 100% the first specific jackpot, and after the end of the first specific jackpot game, it transitions to the first specific game state. If all four second win / loss lotteries result in losses, the remaining hold chance ends and transitions to a state where the left-handed game is promoted. That is, it becomes a state aiming to obtain a jackpot through the first win / loss lottery.

[0112] The first specific game state has one small win condition (see Fig. 18(a)). Thus, when winning the first small win after the start of the first specific game state, the high opening / closing mode ends. Therefore, if winning a V prize in the first small win game, the jackpot distribution of "no time shortening" (see Fig. 18(b-2)) is applied. Since the jackpot distribution of "no time shortening" is 100% the first specific jackpot, after the end of the first specific jackpot game, it transitions back to the first specific game state.

[0113] If the first specific game state has consecutive losses for the number of time shortening times (for example, 70 times) since its start, the first specific game state ends due to the fulfillment of the variable number condition and transitions back to the remaining hold chance. In the final time shortening variation, the hold storage instruction effect described in the above embodiment is executed.

[0114] In this way, although it does not transition from the normal game state (excluding the remaining hold chance) to the first specific game state, it is possible to transition from the normal game state (excluding the remaining hold chance) to the second specific game state, and when obtaining a jackpot in the remaining hold chance after the end of the second specific game state, it is possible to transition to the first specific game state. First, aim to transition to the second specific game state of the "loop type", and obtaining a jackpot in the remaining hold chance after the end of the second specific game state becomes the game property that is the transition condition for the first specific game state of the "number cut type" (ST type).

[0115] ○ Specific Examples 1-4 The system is designed to allow players to determine if a special state is entered during the first specific game state and if a jackpot is won during that special state. The special state is entered when a "puncture" occurs, and therefore it is a state that would not normally occur. A jackpot won during this special state may be a regular jackpot, which could lead to complaints from players. Therefore, if a jackpot is won after winning a minor prize during the special state, this fact should be made clear from an image displayed in the display area 911 (see Figure 19; hereinafter referred to as the discrimination image 20).

[0116] The discrimination image 20 is preferably displayed small near the outer edge of the display area 911 so as not to be noticed by the player (so as not to interfere with the performance). Alternatively, such a discrimination image 20 may be provided outside the display area 911 (for example, by lighting up a lamp). For example, the normal state (default state) of the discrimination image 20 is "blue". If a jackpot is won in a special state, the discrimination image 20 becomes "red". A reset operation (as described above) is required to return the discrimination image 20 to "blue". In other words, the player cannot return it to "blue". In this way, even if a complaint arises because a jackpot won in a special state is actually a normal jackpot, the cause (occurrence of a "puncture") can be explained to the player.

[0117] 3) Promotion animation 3-1) Special Images Among the jackpots installed in the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, the special specific jackpot (10R) is the jackpot with the highest expected value of profit obtained by the player (the highest value jackpot). During the game of this special specific jackpot, a special image 30 representing a predetermined performance element is displayed. In this embodiment, a special image 30 representing a predetermined character (special character; indicated by the letter "X" in the drawings) is displayed (see Figure 20(c)). The appearance of the special image 30 may change within a range that the player can recognize as representing the same object. In other words, anything within the range that the player can recognize as representing the same object is considered a special image 30.

[0118] The special image 30 is not displayed during other types of jackpot games. Therefore, the special image 30 is an image that symbolizes a special jackpot and emphasizes (congratulates) the acquisition of the highest value jackpot. It is preferable that the special image 30 be displayed as early as possible. In this embodiment, the special image 30 is displayed when a V-entry is achieved (see Figure 20(b)→(c)). This further emphasizes that the V-entry has led to the acquisition of a special jackpot.

[0119] Furthermore, the special image 30 does not directly indicate a special jackpot. For example, it does not include part or all of the name (title) of the special jackpot. Also, the special image 30 is not displayed in one special jackpot game but not in another. In this embodiment, the special image 30 is displayed in both special jackpot games obtained in normal gameplay and special jackpot games obtained in specific gameplay states. In addition, the special image 30 does not indicate the profit (payout) or number of rounds obtained during the special jackpot.

[0120] 3-2) Special Promotion Performance The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment may perform an upgrade animation as part of the animation that constitutes the animation during the spin (winning spin) when the result of the win / loss lottery is a win (minor win). In this embodiment, the upgrade animation may occur during a winning spin in the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserve chance). However, this does not preclude the possibility of an animation that is substantially the same as the upgrade animation described below occurring in a specific game state.

[0121] As described above, in this embodiment, there are three types of jackpots that can be obtained through the first win / loss lottery in the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserve chance): a normal jackpot (2 rounds), a first specific jackpot (2 rounds), and a special specific jackpot (10 rounds). Considering the number of rounds in the jackpot game and the game state to which the player transitions after the jackpot game ends, the expected value of the profit (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as profit) that the player can obtain by winning each jackpot is in the order of special specific jackpot > first specific jackpot > normal jackpot. In other words, the special specific jackpot is the most valuable jackpot for the player, and the normal jackpot is the least valuable jackpot for the player.

[0122] The promotion sequence involves the three types of jackpots mentioned above, but not the second specific jackpot. Therefore, with regard to the promotion sequence, the three types of jackpots are categorized (defined) as shown in Figure 21(a). Specifically, the special specific jackpot (10R) is defined as a "special jackpot," and jackpots not included in this "special jackpot" are defined as "non-special jackpots." Consequently, the regular jackpot (2R) and the first specific jackpot (2R) are included in the "non-special jackpot." Furthermore, the regular jackpot (2R) and the first specific jackpot (2R), which are "non-special jackpots," are defined as the first non-special jackpot and the second non-special jackpot, respectively. Arranged in order of smallest profit, the order is first non-special jackpot < second non-special jackpot < special jackpot.

[0123] As shown in Figure 21(b), in this embodiment, in the normal game state, if a winning combination of the "7" decorative symbol 80 (hereinafter referred to as a special combination) is displayed as confirmed, it is confirmed that a special jackpot will be won. In other words, there is no possibility that the jackpot won will be a non-special jackpot. Combinations other than the special combination are called non-special combinations. In this embodiment, the second non-special combination and the first non-special combination may be displayed as non-special combinations. The second non-special combination is a winning combination of odd-numbered decorative symbols 80 other than "7" ("1", "3", "5", "9"). If the second non-special combination is displayed as confirmed, there is no possibility that the jackpot won will be a first non-special jackpot. In other words, it is determined that the jackpot won will be a special jackpot or a second non-special jackpot (a second non-special jackpot or better). The first non-special combination is a winning combination of even-numbered decorative symbols 80 ("2", "4", "6", "8"). If the first non-special combination is displayed as confirmed, there is a possibility of any of the three jackpots (a first non-special jackpot or better). Therefore, from the player's perspective, the special combination is the most valuable, and the first non-special combination is the least valuable. Note that "confirmed display" refers to the display at the end of the reel spinning animation (the display at the point when the reel spinning of the decorative symbol 80 has completely stopped). In contrast, "provisional display" as used in the following explanation refers to the display during the reel spinning animation when the reel spinning of the decorative symbol 80 has not completely stopped (meaning it is not completely stopped, such as slightly shaking). If a winning combination is provisionally displayed, it is assumed that the result of the win / loss lottery is a win. Furthermore, after a certain type of winning combination (special combination or second non-special combination) is provisionally displayed, it will not change to a lower-value winning combination and be confirmed (there is no rank down of winning combinations).

[0124] As mentioned above, if a winning combination is tentatively displayed during the reel spinning animation, the result of the win / loss lottery is confirmed to be a win. In this embodiment, if a non-special combination (second non-special combination or first non-special combination) that is a combination of decorative symbols 80 other than "7" is tentatively displayed (see Figure 22(a)), the result of the win / loss lottery is confirmed to be a win, but it is uncertain whether a special jackpot can be obtained. In such a situation, a special upgrade animation, which is a type of upgrade animation, may occur.

[0125] The special promotion sequence includes a first half and a second half. The first half is a state where it is uncertain whether a special jackpot can be won. Specifically, the first half is performed as follows: after a non-special combination (second non-special combination or first non-special combination) is temporarily displayed (pseudo-stopped) (see Figure 22(a)), the decorative symbols 80 are displayed in a changing manner (re-changing) (see Figure 22(b)). The second half is a state where it is possible to win a special jackpot. In this embodiment, the second half is performed as follows: after the special image 30 (image representing a special character) is displayed (see Figure 22(c)), the re-changing of the decorative symbols 80 stops and the special combination is confirmed and displayed (see Figure 22(d)).

[0126] Thus, during the special promotion sequence, the special image 30 is displayed, just as during a special jackpot (special specific jackpot). The special image 30 (special character) is an image that symbolizes a special jackpot (it is a character associated with a special jackpot), and by displaying this special image 30 during the special promotion sequence, it is possible to create a presentation format where the content of the promotion sequence (special promotion sequence) and the jackpot (special jackpot) obtained through it are linked.

[0127] Furthermore, there are cases where a special combination is confirmed and a special jackpot is announced without a special promotion animation occurring. In other words, even if special image 30 is not displayed during the reel spin animation, there is still a possibility of winning a special jackpot.

[0128] 3-3) Normal promotion animation As described above, if a winning combination is tentatively displayed during the variation animation, it is confirmed that the result of the win / fail lottery is a win. In this embodiment, if the first non-special combination is tentatively displayed, it is confirmed that the result of the win / fail lottery is a win, but it is uncertain whether a second non-special jackpot or a special jackpot can be obtained (the jackpot obtained may be the first non-special jackpot). In such a situation, not only the special upgrade animation described above, but also an upgrade animation different from the special upgrade animation (referred to as a normal upgrade animation to distinguish it from the special upgrade animation in which the special image 30 is displayed) may occur.

[0129] The normal upgrade animation consists of a first half and a second half. In the first half, it is uncertain whether it is possible to win the second non-special jackpot (it is also uncertain whether it is possible to win a special jackpot). Specifically, the first half is performed as follows: after the first non-special combination is temporarily displayed (pseudo-stopped) (see Figure 23(a)), the decorative symbols 80 are displayed in a changing manner (changed again) (see Figure 23(b)). In the second half, it is indicated that it is possible to win the second non-special jackpot. In this embodiment, the second half is performed as follows: the change of the decorative symbols 80 stops and the second non-special combination is confirmed to be displayed (see Figures 23(c) and (d)).

[0130] In the normal upgrade animation, the special image 30 is not displayed (see Figures 23(c) and 23(d)). The special image 30 is an image that symbolizes a special jackpot, while the normal upgrade animation is not an animation that indicates that it has become possible to win a special jackpot (it is not an animation that guarantees a special jackpot), so the special image 30 is not displayed. This makes the difference between the special upgrade animation and the normal upgrade animation (the difference in the jackpots that can be won in the future) clear.

[0131] 3-4) Promotion Failure Scenario The above-mentioned promotion animations (special promotion animation, normal promotion animation) are animations in which the symbol combination displayed in the second half is a higher value symbol combination than the symbol combination displayed provisionally in the first half. In contrast, in the promotion failure animation, the symbol combination displayed provisionally in the first half (see Figure 24(a)) remains the same and is displayed in the second half after a re-spin (see Figure 24(b)) (no "promotion" of the symbol combination occurs) (see Figure 24(d)). In this embodiment, as a promotion failure animation, patterns may occur in which the first non-special combination is provisionally displayed in the first half and the first non-special combination is displayed in the second half, or in which the second non-special combination is provisionally displayed in the first half and the second non-special combination is displayed in the second half. Naturally, the special image 30 is not displayed in the promotion failure animation either.

[0132] 3-5) In this embodiment, during a jackpot game (round), there is a possibility that a "jackpot upgrade" will be announced. Hereinafter, this announcement of an upgrade will be referred to as a jackpot upgrade. However, the above upgrade animation is performed during the reel spin and is separate from the jackpot upgrade. If the second non-special combination is confirmed, a jackpot upgrade may occur to announce that the acquired jackpot was a special jackpot. If the first non-special combination is confirmed, a jackpot upgrade may occur to announce that the acquired jackpot was a special jackpot, and a jackpot upgrade may occur to announce that it was a second non-special jackpot. The specific form of the jackpot upgrade may be anything, so an explanation will be omitted.

[0133] The occurrence of such a jackpot upgrade means that the confirmed symbol combination only indicates that winning the jackpot corresponding to that confirmed symbol combination is guaranteed at a minimum. As shown in Figure 21(b), the confirmation of the second non-special combination indicates that a jackpot of the second non-special jackpot or higher (second non-special jackpot or special jackpot) has been confirmed. The confirmation of the first non-special combination indicates that a jackpot of the first non-special jackpot or higher (first non-special jackpot, second non-special jackpot or special jackpot) has been confirmed.

[0134] However, it is also possible to prevent such upgrades during a jackpot from occurring. In this case, when a certain combination of symbols is displayed as confirmed, the acquisition of the jackpot corresponding to that combination is determined. That is, if a special combination is displayed as confirmed, a special jackpot is acquired; if a second non-special combination is displayed as confirmed, a second non-special jackpot is acquired; and if a first non-special combination is displayed as confirmed, a first non-special jackpot is acquired. From another perspective, the occurrence of an upgrade animation (special upgrade animation, normal upgrade animation) is the last chance for the type of jackpot to rank up (rank up from the provisional display).

[0135] The following describes specific examples of improvements, modifications, and concretizations of the above-mentioned promotion animations. Furthermore, whenever possible, a configuration may be created that applies multiple aspects of the specific examples described below.

[0136] ○Specific Example 2-1 In the above embodiment, it was explained that the special jackpot (special specific jackpot) is the jackpot with the highest expected value of profit obtainable by the player among multiple types of jackpots (highest jackpot). However, the configuration may be such that the special jackpot is not the highest jackpot.

[0137] ○Specific Example 2-2 The system is configured to display a special image 30 when a jackpot upgrade (round upgrade) occurs. For example, suppose a non-special combination (first non-special combination or second non-special combination) is confirmed and displayed (see Figure 25(a)), and then the jackpot game begins (see Figure 25(b)). If a jackpot upgrade occurs during that jackpot game, indicating that the acquired jackpot was a special jackpot, then the special image 30 will be displayed (see Figure 25(c)). In other words, at the start of the jackpot game, it appears as if the acquired jackpot was not a special jackpot, and then, when it is announced that the acquired jackpot was actually a special jackpot during the jackpot game, the special image 30, which symbolizes a special jackpot, is displayed to emphasize this. In this way, it is possible to clearly indicate that a special jackpot has been acquired (that it has been upgraded to a special jackpot).

[0138] ○Specific Examples 2-3 The special image 30 shown above is displayed during special jackpots obtained in normal gameplay (excluding remaining reserve chances), i.e., special jackpots obtained as a so-called "first win," but is not displayed during special jackpots obtained in specific gameplay states. In other words, it is displayed during special jackpots obtained through winning a low-probability lottery, but is not displayed during special jackpots obtained through winning a high-probability lottery.

[0139] As mentioned above, the promotion animation (special promotion animation) can occur during a winning spin when the first win / loss lottery is won in the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserve chance). Therefore, it will only be displayed for special jackpot games that are "first wins" obtained in the normal game state. In other words, the situation in which the special promotion animation that displays special image 30 can occur and the situation in which a special jackpot that displays special image 30 can be obtained will be the same (normal game state). By doing this, the connection between the content of the promotion animation (special promotion animation) and the jackpot (special jackpot) obtained through it can be made clearer.

[0140] ○Specific Example 2-4 In the above embodiment, the special upgrade animation displays the special image 30 automatically (regardless of the player's actions). In contrast, this configuration ensures that the special image 30 is not displayed in the special upgrade animation unless predetermined conditions are met by the player's actions. For example, if an operating means 60 (see Figure 1), such as a push button, is operated during a predetermined period set during the re-spin after a non-special combination has been provisionally displayed (a period set before the confirmed display is made), a lottery (display lottery) is executed as a result, and the special image 30 is displayed on the condition that the player wins the display lottery (see Figure 26(a)→(b-1)). If the player does not win the display lottery, the special image 30 is not displayed (see Figure 26(a)→(b-2)). Naturally, if the operating means 60 is not operated at all, the special image 30 will not be displayed. Regardless of whether the player wins the display lottery or not, the special combination is ultimately confirmed and displayed (see Figure 26(c)). In other words, whether or not you win the display lottery (whether or not special image 30 is displayed) is merely a visual difference and does not affect the actual profit (payout).

[0141] By doing as in this example, it is possible to create a special upgrade effect that gives the impression that the player has displayed the special image 30, which is a symbol of a special jackpot, through their own efforts.

[0142] ○Specific Examples 2-5 In the above embodiment, it was explained that the special image 30 displayed during the special jackpot game is also displayed in the special upgrade animation, meaning that a common "image" is displayed. However, other performance elements (output elements that can be perceived by the player's senses) may also be common. For example, the sound output from speaker 65 (see Figure 1) (hereinafter referred to as the special sound) may be common. That is, the special sound output during the special jackpot game (see Figure 27) will also be output in the special upgrade animation (see Figure 28). Note that the special sound is not output during other jackpot games. In this way, the sound symbolizing the special jackpot will also be output in the special upgrade animation, making it easier to understand that the special upgrade animation suggests the acquisition of a special jackpot.

[0143] Preferably, the special sound output during a special jackpot game should be triggered by a V-entry (see Figure 27(b)→(c)). In this way, the special sound becomes a "prominent sound" that notifies that a special jackpot has been won (a V-entry has occurred). If such a "prominent sound" is also output during the special upgrade animation, it becomes clearer that the special upgrade animation is suggesting the win of a special jackpot.

[0144] 4) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0145] Although the gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment is described as having a so-called "Type 2" gameplay, which allows for the acquisition of a big win via a small win, the configuration described in the above embodiment can also be applied to gaming machines having a "Type 1" gameplay (gaming machines equipped with so-called direct wins, including Type 1 and Type 2 mixed machines), except for configurations that cannot be achieved without this "Type 2" gameplay. For example, the "promotion effect" described above can also be applied to gaming machines having a "Type 1" gameplay.

[0146] The specific means (gaming machine) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

[0147] ○Means 1-1 A gaming machine comprising: a win / loss lottery means that performs a win / loss lottery based on win / loss lottery information acquired when a game ball enters a starting area; a variation performance execution means that performs variation performances from when multiple types of decorative symbols start to vary until they stop in a manner corresponding to the win / loss lottery result; and a game state setting means that can set a normal game state and a specific game state which is a high opening / closing mode in which it is easier for a game ball to enter the starting area than in the normal game state, wherein the specific game state is provided as a first specific game state and a second specific game state, and the game is characterized by having a combination of a count-limited type of gameplay in which, when transitioning to the first specific game state, the condition for avoiding transitioning to the normal game state is to win a jackpot before the win / loss lottery result is a loss for a specified number of consecutive times, and a loop type of gameplay in which, when transitioning to the second specific game state, the condition for avoiding transitioning to the normal game state is that the next jackpot, which is effectively guaranteed to be won, is not a normal jackpot. The above-mentioned gaming machine is an innovative design that combines the gameplay features of both a limited number of spins type and a loop type.

[0148] ○Means 1-2 The gaming machine according to means 1-1, further comprising a storage means for storing a predetermined number of win / fail lottery information, for which the corresponding variable performance has not yet been initiated, as reserved information, and characterized in that, when the win / fail lottery result is a predetermined number of times consecutively unsuccessful in the first specific game state and the game transitions to the normal game state, the condition for transitioning to the second specific game state is that a jackpot is won based on the reserved information stored in the storage means. This approach creates a novel gameplay experience where winning a jackpot with the remaining reserved spins is the condition for transitioning to the second specific game state. Furthermore, even if the first specific game state ends, there is a chance to transition to the second specific game state, resulting in an engaging and interesting gameplay experience.

[0149] ○Means 1-3 A jackpot can be won by entering a special area that is opened when the result of the draw is a minor win, and there are two types of jackpots: a first specific jackpot which transitions to the first specific game state after the jackpot game ends, and a second specific jackpot which transitions to the second specific game state after the jackpot game ends. The first specific game state is one in which, after it is started, the high opening / closing mode does not end upon winning one minor prize, whereas the second specific game state is one in which, after it is started, the high opening / closing mode ends upon winning one minor prize, and the game machine according to means 1-1 or means 1-2, wherein if the game ball enters the bonus area at the time the high opening / closing mode is in place, the jackpot to be won may be the first specific jackpot, and if the high opening / closing mode is not in place, the jackpot to be won may be the second specific jackpot. In this way, by ensuring that the high opening / closing mode does not end upon winning a minor prize in the first specific game state, and that the high opening / closing mode ends upon winning a minor prize in the second specific game state, the types of big wins that can be obtained can be made different in the first and second specific game states.

[0150] ○Means 1-4 The gaming machine according to means 1-3, wherein a special specific gaming state is provided in which the next big win, which is effectively guaranteed to be won, is not the regular big win, and the high opening / closing mode does not end when a small win is achieved after the special specific gaming state has started. The second specific game state and the special specific game state are similar in that the next big win is virtually guaranteed, but they differ in whether the high opening / closing mode ends when a minor win is achieved. Therefore, the types of big wins that can be obtained in the second specific game state and the special specific game state can be different.

[0151] ○Means 2-1 A win / loss lottery means that performs a win / loss lottery based on win / loss lottery information acquired when a game ball enters the starting area; a bonus area which is opened when the win / loss lottery result is a minor win, and where the entry of a game ball is a condition for awarding a jackpot; an opening / closing mode setting means that can set a low opening / closing mode and a high opening / closing mode which makes it easier for a game ball to enter the starting area than when in the low opening / closing mode; and a means that determines the type of jackpot to be awarded depending on whether or not the high opening / closing mode is in place when a game ball enters the bonus area. A gaming machine comprising a means for determining a jackpot, wherein a first specific gaming state is provided in which the high opening / closing mode ends when a minor jackpot is won N times (N is 2 or more) after the start of play, and in the first specific gaming state, the manner of the target performance executed when a predetermined condition is met differs between a normal state before the occurrence of a non-entry event (where a minor jackpot is won but the game ball does not enter the bonus area) N-1 times, and a special state after the occurrence of the non-entry event N-1 times. According to the above-mentioned gaming machine, the risk of complaints arising from the fact that a jackpot won in a special state differs from a jackpot won in a normal state can be reduced.

[0152] ○Means 2-2 The aforementioned target performance is a performance in which a winning combination consisting of the same type of decorative symbols indicating that the result of the winning or losing lottery is a win is displayed, and the type of decorative symbols that make up the winning combination displayed in the normal state is different from the type of decorative symbols that make up the winning combination displayed in the special state, as described in means 2-1 of the gaming machine. This emphasizes that the types of jackpots that can be won differ between the normal state and the special state (i.e., the method for determining the type of jackpot differs).

[0153] ○Means 2-3 The gaming machine according to means 2-1 or means 2-2, characterized in that, when the non-entry event occurs N-1 times in the first specific gaming state, special information indicating that the special state is in is stored in a non-volatile storage means. This ensures that even if a power outage occurs and is restored, gameplay will resume in a special state (preventing the system from returning to its normal state due to the power outage).

[0154] ○Means 2-4 The gaming machine according to means 2-1, characterized in that a second specific gaming state is provided, which is the high-opening / closing mode, and which ends when the high-opening / closing mode is triggered by winning a small prize once after the start of the game. In this way, the method for determining the type of jackpot won can be different in the first specific game state and the second specific game state.

[0155] ○Means 3-1 A gaming machine that has multiple types of jackpots, including a special jackpot, which can be won when the result of the win / fail lottery is a win, and which is capable of executing an upgrade sequence as part of the in-spin sequence for winning, from when multiple types of decorative symbols start to spin until they stop in a manner that indicates the result of the win / fail lottery is a win, and which is capable of executing a special upgrade sequence that transitions from a state in which it is uncertain whether the special jackpot can be won to a state in which it is possible to win the special jackpot, and which is characterized in that a special image representing a predetermined performance element is displayed during the special upgrade sequence and during the special jackpot. In the aforementioned gaming machine, the special upgrade animation and the special jackpot are linked by a common visual element: a special image. Therefore, it is easy to understand that the two are linked (the target of the special upgrade animation is the special jackpot).

[0156] ○Means 3-2 The gaming machine according to means 3-1, wherein there are two or more non-special jackpots, the expected value of the profit that the player can obtain is lower than that of the special jackpot, the two or more non-special jackpots include a first non-special jackpot and a second non-special jackpot, the expected value of the profit that the player can obtain is higher than that of the first non-special jackpot, and as the upgrade performance, a normal upgrade performance can be executed, which transitions from a state in which it is uncertain whether it is possible to obtain the second non-special jackpot to a state in which it is possible to obtain the second non-special jackpot, and the special image is not displayed during the normal upgrade performance. This makes it clear that the target of the regular promotion animation is not a special jackpot.

[0157] ○Means 3-3 The gaming machine according to means 3-1 or means 3-2, characterized in that the special jackpot is the jackpot with the highest expected value of profit obtainable by the player among multiple types of jackpots that can be obtained. In this way, the special image functions as an element that emphasizes (symbolizes) the fact that the highest-value jackpot has been won. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1. Gaming machine 10. Special Features Area 20 Discrimination Images 30 Special Images 60 Operating means 65 speakers 70 Reserved Symbols 80 Decorative patterns 904 Starting Area 906 Grand Prize Area 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims

[Claim 1] A lottery means that performs a first lottery when a game ball enters the first area, and a second lottery when a game ball enters the second area, A game state setting means that can set a normal game state in which the game ball should be launched aiming at the first region, and a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state and in which the game ball should be launched aiming at the second region, Equipped with, The aforementioned specific game states include a first specific game state where the continuation rate, which is the probability that the next game state will be the specific game state without returning to the normal game state, is probability P, and a second specific game state where the probability is Q (provided that probability P < probability Q). While the next game state after the normal game state may be the first specific game state, it is not possible for it to become the second specific game state. As a prize that can be obtained through the lottery by the aforementioned lottery means, there is a specific prize in which the game state after the winning game ends becomes the aforementioned specific game state. The aforementioned first specific game state is a state that ends when the second lottery, which results in a win with a probability of 1 / D, fails for a predetermined number of times, N times in a row (assuming D < N), and the probability P is the probability of obtaining the specific win in the first specific game state before the second lottery fails for a predetermined number of consecutive times. The aforementioned second specific game state is a state in which it is substantially guaranteed that the next win will be obtained through the aforementioned second lottery in the said second specific game state, and the probability Q is the probability of obtaining the aforementioned specific win in the said second specific game state. When the specified win is obtained in the second specified game state, the game state after the winning game ends becomes the first specified game state. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images