Gaming Machines

Abstract

To increase the interest of a game.SOLUTION: A predetermined condition is satisfied upon completion of a mode transition performance. The display mode of a performance symbol in the middle symbol row changes from a first symbol display mode to a second symbol display mode when a specific condition is not satisfied and a predetermined condition is satisfied, but the display mode thereof does not change when a specific condition is satisfied and a predetermined condition is not satisfied. The display mode of performance symbols in the right and left symbol rows does not change when a predetermined condition is satisfied without a specific condition being satisfied or a specific condition is satisfied without a predetermined condition being satisfied. After a variation game based on a specific variation pattern starts, a specific condition is satisfied when a mode continuation performance is executed instead of a mode transition performance. The performance symbol in the middle symbol row becomes invisible or the visibility decreases compared to that before the mode transition performance starts in a specific period during the execution of the mode transition performance. For the performance symbols in the right and left symbol rows, the visibility does not decrease during the execution of the mode transition performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, among gaming machines, such as pachinko gaming machines, there are some that are configured to be able to change the display mode of an image showing predetermined information related to a variable game, such as a performance pattern, according to the progress of the game, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1. Such gaming machines are configured to execute a predetermined performance when the display mode of the image showing predetermined information related to a variable game changes according to the progress of the game. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-070526 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Nowadays, there is a demand for increasing interest in games by further improving the specified presentation that is executed when the display mode of an image showing specified information regarding a variable game changes as the game progresses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine capable of executing a symbol-changing game, and is equipped with a symbol-changing execution means for executing a symbol-changing effect, a symbol-changing control means for controlling the symbol-changing execution means, and a symbol-changing pattern determination means for determining a symbol-changing pattern capable of specifying a symbol-changing time of the symbol-changing game, and the symbol-changing execution means displays a symbol-changing effect during execution of the symbol-changing game, and the symbol-changing effect includes a specific symbol-changing effect and a non-specific symbol-changing effect, and the display mode of the specific symbol-changing effect includes a first symbol-display mode and a second symbol-display mode, and the display mode of the specific symbol-display mode changes from the first symbol-display mode to the second symbol-display mode when the special symbol-display mode is executed, and the display mode of the special symbol-display mode does not change from the first symbol-display mode to the second symbol-display mode when the special symbol-display mode is executed, and the display mode of the non-specific symbol-display mode does not change when the special symbol-display mode is executed and when the special symbol-display mode is executed, and the display pattern includes a specific symbol-display mode, and the special symbol-display mode includes a specific symbol-display mode, and the display mode of the specific ... the specific effect pattern is displayed in the first pattern display mode when a pattern change game based on a pattern change pattern is started, the specific effect can be executed in a predetermined period after the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern is started and before the pattern change game executed next to the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern is started, the special effect is executed in place of the special effect after the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern is started, the specific effect pattern becomes invisible or its visibility decreases compared to before the special effect is started during the specific period during which the special effect is executed, and the non-specific effect pattern does not become less visible during the execution of the special effect compared to before the special effect is started, a reach effect can be executed in the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern, and the predetermined period is a period after the reach effect is executed and before the pattern change game executed next to the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern is started. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, interest in games can be increased. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko game machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] 13(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the original position and operating position of the second performance display device. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine; [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing types of fluctuation patterns. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing types of rendering modes. [Figure 7] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing display modes of the image display unit in various rendering modes. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the presentation format of the reserved pre-reading presentation. [Figure 9] 13(a) to 13(c) are timing charts showing an example in which a mode transition effect and a mode continuation effect are performed. [Figure 10] 13(a) to (d) are diagrams showing the presentation manner of mode transition presentations. [Figure 11] 13(a) to (f) are diagrams showing the presentation forms of mode transition presentations and mode continuation presentations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine will be described below. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by a player. As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10, which is an example of a gaming machine, includes a frame YA. The frame YA includes an installation frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to an island facility of an amusement parlor or the like, and a mounting frame for mounting various gaming components. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a game board YB. The game board YB is mounted on the frame YA. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a launch handle HD. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, game balls as gaming media are launched with an intensity according to the amount of operation (rotation amount) of the launch handle HD. In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the launch intensity is adjusted by operating the launch handle HD, and the game balls are launched with the adjusted launch intensity.

[0012] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA executes an effect of turning on, blinking, and turning off a built-in light-emitting element (hereinafter referred to as "light-emitting effect"). As an example, the decorative lamp LA is provided in a frame body YA. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a speaker SP. The speaker SP executes an effect of outputting sounds such as human and animal voices, sound effects, and music (hereinafter referred to as "audio effect"). As an example, the speaker SP is provided in the frame body YA.

[0013] Next, the game board YB will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, a game area YBa in which game balls, which are an example of game media, flow down is formed on the front side of a game board YB provided in a pachinko game machine 10. An opening window YBb is formed in the approximate center of the game board YB when viewed from the front. A center frame W with various designs is attached to the opening window YBb.

[0014] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an information display device 13 capable of displaying predetermined information. The information display device 13 is provided on the game board YB at a position visible to the player. The information display device 13 includes a first special symbol display section 13a and a second special symbol display section 13b as display sections capable of displaying a special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as a "special game") as a symbol changing game. The special symbol changing game includes a first special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as a "first special game") as a first symbol changing game, and a second special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as a "second special game") as a second symbol changing game. In the first special game, a predetermined symbol is displayed while changing in type over time, and finally a first special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is definitively displayed. In the second special game, a predetermined symbol is displayed while changing in type over time, and finally a second special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is definitively displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of a big win lottery, which is an example of a winning lottery. The first special symbol display section 13a displays the first special game. The second special symbol display section 13b displays the second special game. Regarding symbols, "definitely displayed" and "derived" have the same meaning. In the pachinko game machine 10, the second special game is executed with priority over the first special game. The first special game and the second special game are not executed in parallel at the same time. In this embodiment, the second special game is an example of a specific symbol variation game.

[0015] The special symbols include a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, and a jackpot game is generated (given) after the end of the jackpot special game. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a jackpot is not won in the jackpot lottery, a losing symbol is derived in the special game. In this way, in this embodiment, a special game is executed based on the result of the jackpot lottery, and the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is derived in the special game. In addition, in this embodiment, there is a first jackpot lottery in which a jackpot lottery for a first special symbol is performed, and a second jackpot lottery in which a jackpot lottery for a second special symbol is performed. That is, in this embodiment, a first special game is executed based on the result of the first jackpot lottery, and a second special game is executed based on the result of the second jackpot lottery.

[0016] The information display device 13 includes a first special hold display unit 13c. The first special hold display unit 13c displays information that can identify the number of holds for the first special game (hereinafter referred to as the "first special hold number"). The information display device 13 includes a second special hold display unit 13d. The second special hold display unit 13d displays information that can identify the number of holds for the second special game (hereinafter referred to as the "second special hold number"). For example, the upper limit values ​​for the first special hold number and the second special hold number are each 4.

[0017] The information display device 13 includes a normal symbol display section 13e. The normal symbol display section 13e displays a normal game. In the normal game, a predetermined symbol is displayed while changing in type over time, and finally, a normal symbol is definitively displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of a normal lottery. The normal symbol includes a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a normal winning is won in a normal lottery, a normal winning symbol is derived in a normal game, and after the normal game of the normal winning is finished, a normal winning game is generated (given). The information display device 13 includes a normal reserve display section 13f. The normal reserve display section 13f displays information that can specify the number of reserved points for a normal game (hereinafter, referred to as "normal reserve number"). For example, the upper limit of the number of reserved points for a normal game is 4.

[0018] The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a first performance display device 11a. The first performance display device 11a has a first image display unit GH1 capable of displaying an image. The first image display unit GH1 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The first performance display device 11a is attached to the game board YB so that the first image display unit GH1 is visible through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the game board YB when viewed from the front. The first performance display device 11a executes a performance (hereinafter referred to as a "display performance") that displays an image that resembles a predetermined character or letter.

[0019] The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a second performance display device 11b. The second performance display device 11b has a second image display section GH2 capable of displaying an image. The second image display section GH2 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The second performance display device 11b is attached to the game board YB so that the second image display section GH2 is visible through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the game board YB when viewed from the front. The second performance display device 11b executes a predetermined display performance. In this embodiment, the first image display section GH1 has a larger display area than the second image display section GH2.

[0020] The second performance display device 11b is configured to be operable in a predetermined direction (up and down in this embodiment) by being driven by the performance actuator A3 (shown in Figure 4). Figure 3(a) shows the second performance display device 11b arranged in its original position. Figure 3(b) shows the second performance display device 11b arranged in its operating position. The second performance display device 11b may move upward from its original position at a predetermined timing and be arranged in its operating position. In this way, the second performance display device 11b and the performance actuator A3 execute a performance in which the second performance display device 11b moves in a predetermined direction as one of the performances.

[0021] In this embodiment, the performance display devices 11a and 11b, the decorative lamps LA, and the speakers SP are each a performance device that performs a performance, and these are examples of a performance execution means. The performance execution means is not limited to including all of the performance display devices 11a and 11b, the decorative lamps LA, and the speakers SP, and may be composed of one or more performance devices that can be arbitrarily selected from these performance devices.

[0022] For example, the display effects in the effect display devices 11a and 11b include an effect pattern change game (hereinafter referred to as an "effect game") using multiple rows of effect patterns (decorative patterns). In the effect game, multiple rows of effect patterns are displayed, and finally, a combination of effect patterns (hereinafter referred to as an "effect pattern combination") is definitively displayed. The design of the effect pattern is, for example, composed of an image imitating Arabic numerals. As an example, in the effect game, the effect patterns of the left pattern row, the middle pattern row, and the right pattern row are displayed while changing in type over time. Also, in the effect game, the effect patterns may be displayed temporarily without changing in type over time. In the effect game, the effect patterns are displayed temporarily in a stopped state that is not determined as the effect patterns derived in the effect game and may change to other effect patterns until the effect game ends. The effect game may include a reach effect that is performed by forming a reach. The effect game starts with the special game and ends with the special game. In the presentation game, a presentation pattern combination corresponding to the special pattern definitively displayed in the special game is definitively displayed. When a big win pattern is definitively displayed in the special game, a big win presentation pattern combination is definitively displayed in the presentation game. When a losing pattern is definitively displayed in the special game, a losing presentation pattern combination is definitively displayed in the presentation game. In the following description, the special game and the presentation game executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as "variable games."

[0023] In the performance game, a reach performance may be executed. In other words, the performance display device 11a, 11b can execute a reach performance as one of the performances. The reach performance is a performance that forms a reach in the performance game and ultimately derives a predetermined performance pattern combination. The reach is a state in which the same performance pattern is temporarily displayed in a predetermined number of pattern rows (two rows, the left pattern row and the right pattern row, in this embodiment), and the performance patterns are displayed while changing in type over time in the remaining pattern rows (one row, the middle pattern row, in this embodiment). In this embodiment, except during the execution of a special game based on a specific variation pattern to be described later, when the performance game is started, the performance patterns of the left pattern row, the middle pattern row, and the right pattern row are displayed while changing in type over time. After that, the performance patterns are temporarily displayed in the order of the left pattern row, the right pattern row, and the middle pattern row, and then the performance patterns of the three rows are definitively displayed at the same timing. On the other hand, during the execution of a special game based on a specific variation pattern, when a performance game is started, the performance patterns of the left pattern row, the center pattern row, and the right pattern row are temporarily displayed without changing the type with the passage of time, and then are displayed definitively at the same timing.

[0024] The reach effects of this embodiment include normal reach effects (hereinafter referred to as "NR effects") and super reach effects (hereinafter referred to as "SR effects") which are developed from the normal reach effects. In this embodiment, the SR effects are effects with a higher expectation that the winning effect symbol combination will definitely be displayed in the variable game being executed, compared to the NR effects.

[0025] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a first start hole 16 as an example of a winning hole. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a first start sensor SE1 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the first start hole 16 (shown in FIG. 4). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, a reservation condition for a first special game may be established, and a payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is also established. In other words, the first jackpot lottery is executed when a gaming ball enters the first start hole 16. The first start hole 16 is always open so that a gaming ball can be entered.

[0026] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a second start hole 18 as an example of a winning hole. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a second start sensor SE2 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the second start hole 18 (shown in FIG. 4). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, a reservation condition for the second special game may be established, and a payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is established. In other words, the second big win lottery is executed when a gaming ball enters the second start hole 18. The second start hole 18 has a normal variable member 19 that can be operated between an open state in which the gaming ball can enter the second start hole 18 and a closed state in which the gaming ball cannot enter the second start hole 18. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a normal actuator A1 as an example of a means for operating the normal variable member 19 (shown in FIG. 4). The normal variable member 19 is operated to the open state during normal winning play.

[0027] The pachinko game machine 10 has a large prize opening 23 as an example of a prize opening. The pachinko game machine 10 has a special variable member 22 that can be moved between an open state where a game ball can enter the large prize opening 23 and a closed state where a game ball cannot enter the large prize opening 23. The pachinko game machine 10 has a special actuator A2 (shown in FIG. 4) as an example of a means for operating the special variable member 22. The special variable member 22 is moved to the open state during a big win game. That is, the large prize opening 23 allows game balls to enter during a big win game.

[0028] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a special winning sensor SE3 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the special winning opening 23 (shown in FIG. 4). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the special winning sensor SE3, a payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is established.

[0029] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gate 25. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal start sensor SE4 that detects a gaming ball passing through the gate 25 (shown in FIG. 4). The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured such that, when a gaming ball is detected by the normal start sensor SE4, a reserve condition for a normal game can be established, but a payout condition for prize balls is not established.

[0030] As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 can adjust the launch strength of the game ball according to the operation amount (rotation amount) of the launch handle HD. In the pachinko game machine 10, the game ball can be shot so as to flow down either the left area R1 of the center frame W or the right area R2 of the center frame W. The first start hole 16 is arranged in the flow path of the game ball in the left area R1. In other words, the first start hole 16 is arranged in the left area R1 of the game board YB. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 10, the game ball can be shot so as to flow down the left area R1 of the game area YBa, so that the ball enters the first start hole 16. In the flow path of the game ball in the right area R2, the second start hole 18, the big prize hole 23, and the gate 25 are arranged. In other words, the second start hole 18, the big prize hole 23, and the gate 25 are disposed in the right area R2 of the game board YB. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 10, by shooting the game ball so that it flows down the right area R2 of the game area YBa, it is possible for the ball to enter the second start hole 18, the big prize hole 23, and the gate 25. In the following description, shooting the game ball with a shooting intensity that causes the game ball to flow down the right area R2 is referred to as "right hit".

[0031] Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assist function that assists the entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 18. As an example, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is determined by the presence or absence of the ball entry assist function being activated.

[0032] When the ball entry assist function is activated, the ball entry rate into the second starting hole 18 increases compared to when the ball entry assist function is not activated, and the reservation condition for the second special game is easily established. For example, the ball entry assist function can be realized by executing one control that can be arbitrarily selected from the three assist controls described below, or by executing a combination of multiple controls. The first assist control is a control that shortens the variable time of the normal game compared to when the ball entry assist function is not activated. The second assist control is a control that changes the normal winning probability in the normal lottery to a higher probability than when the ball entry assist function is not activated. The second assist control may be a control that does not perform the normal lottery itself when the ball entry assist function is not activated, but performs the normal lottery with a predetermined winning probability when the ball entry assist function is activated. The third assist control is a control that makes the total opening time of the normal variable member 19 in one normal winning game longer than when the ball entry assist function is not activated. As the third auxiliary control, it is preferable to perform at least one of the following controls: a control for increasing the number of times the normal variable member 19 is opened during one normal winning game compared to when the ball scoring assistance function is not activated; and a control for making the time for which the normal variable member 19 is opened during one normal winning game longer than when the ball scoring assistance function is not activated.

[0033] In this embodiment, the ball entry rate of game balls into the second starting hole 18 when the ball entry assistance function is activated is configured to be higher than the ball entry rate of game balls into the first starting hole 16. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the ball entry assistance function is activated, the game is played with a playability in which the game ball is mainly entered into the second starting hole 18 by hitting from the right to execute the second special game.

[0034] In addition, the goal-scoring assistance function of this embodiment operates in conjunction with a variable time-shortening function (hereinafter referred to as the "time-shortening function"), which will be described next. The time-shortening function is a function that shortens the variable time of a special game (for example, the average variable time). When the time-shortening function is activated, the variable time of a special game becomes shorter than when the time-shortening function is not activated, thereby increasing the number of special games that can actually be executed per unit time. In other words, the efficiency with which reserved special games are consumed is improved. The time-shortening function of this embodiment is deactivated when the goal-scoring assistance function is deactivated. For this reason, in this embodiment, the time-shortening function operates together with the goal-scoring assistance function, and is deactivated together with the goal-scoring assistance function.

[0035] In this embodiment, there are a low base state and a high base state in the game state. The low base state is a game state in which neither the ball entry assistance function nor the time-saving function is activated. The high base state is a game state in which both the ball entry assistance function and the time-saving function are activated. The high base state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the low base state because the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 18 is higher than in the low base state.

[0036] Next, we will explain about the jackpot. The pachinko game machine 10 has a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as the jackpot symbols of the special symbols. The types of jackpot symbols can be understood as the types of jackpots. In this embodiment, the jackpot symbols of the first special symbols are classified into two groups, the first jackpot symbol and the second jackpot symbol. The jackpot symbols of the second special symbols include one group, the first jackpot symbol. In the pachinko game machine 10, a jackpot game is awarded based on the type of jackpot symbol (type of jackpot). The types of jackpot games awarded based on the type of jackpot are expressed as a jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol and a jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol, using the type of jackpot symbol. In this embodiment, the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is an example of a specific winning game.

[0037] In the big win game, first, an opening performance is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as "opening time"). The opening performance is a performance that can specify the start of the big win game. In the big win game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the big win opening 23 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. In this embodiment, the upper limit number of round games is set to 10 times regardless of the type of big win pattern. One round game ends when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the big win opening 23 or when a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed since the big win opening 23 was opened. In the round game, the big win opening 23 is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). The round performance is performed during the period in which each round game is performed and during the period in which the big win opening 23 is closed between round games (interval period). In a jackpot game, when the final round of play ends, an ending performance is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the "ending time"). The ending performance is a performance that can specify the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends with the passage of the ending time.

[0038] In the pachinko game machine 10, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled according to the type of jackpot pattern (type of jackpot). In this embodiment, when the first jackpot pattern is derived, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the high base state after the end of the jackpot game until the end of the special game of a predetermined number of operations (100 times in this embodiment) or until the next jackpot game is awarded. In this embodiment, when the second jackpot pattern is derived, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the low base state after the end of the jackpot game.

[0039] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the pachinko game machine 10 has a main board 40 on the back side of the game board YB. The main board 40 performs various processes and outputs a control signal (control command) according to the results of the processes. The pachinko game machine 10 also has a sub-board 41 on the back side of the game board YB. The sub-board 41 and the main board 40 are connected so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main board 40 to the sub-board 41. The sub-board 41 executes a predetermined process based on the control signal input from the main board 40.

[0040] The main board 40 will now be described. The main board 40 includes a main CPU 40a, a main ROM 40b, and a main RAM 40c. The main CPU 40a executes a main control program to perform various processes. The main ROM 40b stores the main control program and a judgment value used in a predetermined lottery.

[0041] Moreover, the main ROM 40b stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start of the special game to the end of the special game. The variation pattern may be information that can specify a part or all of the presentation content of the presentation game. For example, the variation pattern is information that can specify whether or not a reach presentation is executed, and the type of reach presentation to be executed.

[0042] The variation patterns of this embodiment include a big win variation pattern and a miss variation pattern. The big win variation pattern includes a variation pattern in which NR performance is performed in a performance game, and a variation pattern in which SR performance is performed and a big win performance pattern combination is finally derived. The miss variation pattern includes a variation pattern in which NR performance is performed in a performance game, and a variation pattern in which SR performance is performed and a miss performance pattern combination is finally derived. Also, the miss variation pattern includes a variation pattern in which reach performance is not performed in a performance game, and a miss performance pattern combination is finally derived.

[0043] Here, the fluctuation pattern will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in Fig. 5, the fluctuation patterns in this embodiment include fluctuation patterns HP01 to HP07. The fluctuation patterns HP04 and HP06 are defined as big win fluctuation patterns, respectively. The fluctuation patterns HP01 to HP03, HP05, and HP07 are defined as miss fluctuation patterns, respectively.

[0044] In this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern HP01 is a deviation fluctuation pattern that can be determined in a low base state. The fluctuation pattern HP02 is a deviation fluctuation pattern that can be determined in a high base state, and is a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern HP01 is shortened.

[0045] The fluctuation pattern HP03 is a loss fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the low base state and the high base state, and is a fluctuation pattern that performs NR performance in the performance game and results in a loss. On the other hand, the fluctuation pattern HP04 is a jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the low base state and the high base state, and is a fluctuation pattern that performs NR performance in the performance game and results in a jackpot.

[0046] The fluctuation pattern HP05 is a loss fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the low base state and the high base state, and is a fluctuation pattern in which an NR performance is performed in the performance game, followed by an SR performance, resulting in a loss. On the other hand, the fluctuation pattern HP06 is a jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the low base state and the high base state, and is a fluctuation pattern in which an NR performance is performed in the performance game, followed by an SR performance, resulting in a jackpot.

[0047] The variation pattern HP07 is a dedicated variation pattern that is determined when the special game executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol does not win the jackpot lottery. That is, the variation pattern HP07 is a variation pattern that is determined when the number of times the special game controlled in the high base state is executed reaches 50 times and the special game executed for the 50th time does not win the jackpot lottery. In this embodiment, if the special game executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol does not win the jackpot lottery, a mode transition effect or a mode continuation effect, which will be described later, is executed during the execution of the special game executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol. Therefore, in this embodiment, a sufficient time (10 seconds, for example) for executing the mode transition effect and the mode continuation effect is set as the variation time of the variation pattern HP07. The variation pattern HP07 is an example of a specific variation pattern.

[0048] The main RAM 40c is configured to be able to store various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information stored in the main RAM 40c is a flag, a counter, and a timer. The main board 40 also includes a random number generation circuit 40d. The random number generation circuit 40d is configured to be able to generate hardware random numbers. For example, the hardware random numbers include jackpot random numbers used in the jackpot lottery for special symbols, and normal jackpot random numbers used in the normal lottery. The main board 40 is also configured to be able to generate software random numbers by the random number generation process by the main CPU 40a. For example, the software random numbers include jackpot pattern random numbers used to determine jackpot patterns, and variation pattern random numbers used to determine variation patterns.

[0049] The main CPU 40a is connected to the first start sensor SE1, the second start sensor SE2, the special winning sensor SE3, and the normal start sensor SE4. The main CPU 40a is configured to be able to input the detection signal output by each sensor when it detects a game ball. The main CPU 40a is connected to the information display device 13 (the first special symbol display section 13a, the second special symbol display section 13b, the first special hold display section 13c, the second special hold display section 13d, the normal symbol display section 13e, and the normal hold display section 13f). The main CPU 40a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information display device 13. The main CPU 40a is connected to the normal actuator A1 and the special actuator A2. The main CPU 40a is configured to be able to control the operation of each actuator.

[0050] Next, the sub-substrate 41 will be described. The sub-board 41 includes a sub-CPU 41a, a sub-ROM 41b, and a sub-RAM 41c. The sub-CPU 41a executes a sub-control program to perform various processes. For example, the various processes executed by the sub-CPU 41a include a process related to performance. The sub-ROM 41b stores the sub-control program and a judgment value used in a predetermined lottery. The sub-ROM 41b stores display performance data related to display performance, light emission performance data related to light emission performance, and audio performance data related to audio performance.

[0051] The sub-RAM 41c is also configured to be capable of storing various information that is appropriately rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-RAM 41c is a flag, a counter, a timer, etc. The sub-substrate 41 is also configured to be capable of generating software random numbers by a random number generation process performed by the sub-CPU 41a. For example, the software random numbers include lottery random numbers used in a predetermined lottery. The sub-substrate 41 may also be equipped with a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

[0052] The sub-CPU 41a and the performance display devices 11a and 11b are connected. The sub-CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the image display units GH1 and GH2 of the performance display devices 11a and 11b. In this embodiment, the performance display devices 11a and 11b are equipped with a control unit (not shown) that controls the display contents of the image display units GH1 and GH2 based on a control signal input from the sub-substrate 41. The control unit of the performance display devices 11a and 11b may be provided separately from the performance display devices 11a and 11b as a display control substrate for controlling the display contents of the image display units GH1 and GH2.

[0053] The secondary CPU 41a and the decorative lamp LA are connected. The secondary CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp LA. The secondary CPU 41a and the speaker SP are connected. The secondary CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP. In this embodiment, the secondary CPU 41a that controls the performance display devices 11a, 11b, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP corresponds to a performance control means.

[0054] Next, various processes performed by the main board 40 (main CPU 40a) will be described. The main CPU 40a executes various processes such as special symbol input process and special symbol start process as timer interrupt process performed at a predetermined control period (for example, 4 ms). Various control commands generated by the main CPU 40a are output to the sub-board 41 (sub-CPU 41a) at a predetermined timing by the command output process performed by the main CPU 40a.

[0055] First, the special symbol input process will be described. The main CPU 40a judges whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 16 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the first start sensor SE1. When the game ball has entered the first start hole 16, the main CPU 40a judges whether the first special reserved number stored in the main RAM 40c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 40a adds 1 to the first special reserved number and updates it. Next, the main CPU 40a controls the first special reserved display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserved number. The reservation condition of the first special game is met when the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number and the game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1. The main CPU 40a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a "first special reserved number command") that can identify the updated first special reserved number to the sub-board 41.

[0056] Next, the main CPU 40a acquires the random numbers generated by the random number generating circuit 40d, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RAM 40c. For example, the random numbers are jackpot random numbers used in the jackpot lottery for special symbols, jackpot pattern random numbers used to determine jackpot symbols, and variation pattern random numbers used to determine variation patterns. The main CPU 40a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method. By storing the random number information used for the first special game in the main RAM 40c, the pachinko game machine 10 can suspend the execution of the first special game in response to the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 16 until the start condition of the first special game is established.

[0057] When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the main RAM 40c, the main CPU 40a judges whether the game ball has entered the second start hole 18 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor SE2 when the game ball has not entered the first start hole 16 and when the first special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number. When the game ball has entered the second start hole 18, the main CPU 40a judges whether the second special reserved number stored in the main RAM 40c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 40a adds 1 to the second special reserved number and updates it. The main CPU 40a controls the second special reserved display unit 13d to display information that can identify the second special reserved number after the addition. The main CPU 40a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a "second special reserved number command") that can identify the updated second special reserved number to the sub-board 41. The reservation condition for the second special game is established when the second special reservation number is less than the upper limit number and a game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2.

[0058] Next, the main CPU 40a acquires random numbers generated within the main board 40, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RAM 40c. The main CPU 40a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is used for the second special game, and the storage order of the random number information. By storing the random number information used for the second special game in the main RAM 40c, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the second special game in response to the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 18 until the start condition of the second special game is satisfied.

[0059] Next, the main CPU 40a performs a look-ahead process based on the value of the random number obtained from the random number generation circuit 40d. In the look-ahead process, the main CPU 40a identifies the variable content of the newly reserved special game. In the look-ahead process, the main CPU 40a generates a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a "look-ahead command") indicating the identified variable content. In the look-ahead process, the main CPU 40a outputs the generated look-ahead command to the sub-board 41.

[0060] As an example, the look-ahead command is information that can identify whether the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot or a miss. In the look-ahead process, the main CPU 40a determines whether the value of the jackpot random number is a value that will win a jackpot in the jackpot lottery of the special pattern, thereby identifying whether or not the jackpot will be won. If the value of the jackpot random number is not a value that will win a jackpot, the main CPU 40a identifies that it is a miss. As an example, the look-ahead command is information that can identify a variation pattern. The main CPU 40a identifies the variation pattern of the newly reserved special game by determining which variation pattern the value of the variation pattern random number is a value that will win in each variation process. Therefore, when the sub-board 41 (sub-CPU 41a) inputs a look-ahead command, it is possible to identify the variation content of the newly reserved second special game. In this embodiment, when the reservation condition of the first special game is established, the main CPU 40a does not execute the look-ahead process, and when the reservation condition of the second special game is established, the main CPU 40a executes the look-ahead process, but the main CPU 40a may execute the look-ahead process even when the reservation condition of the first special game is established. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the main RAM 40c, if the game ball has not entered the second start hole 18 and if the number of second special reservations is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 40a ends the special symbol input process.

[0061] Next, the special symbol start process will be described. First, the main CPU 40a judges whether the start condition of the special game is established. The main CPU 40a judges it as positive when the jackpot game is not being played and the special game is not being played, while it judges it as negative when the jackpot game is being played or the special game is being played. If the start condition of the special game is not established, the main CPU 40a ends the special symbol start process. If the start condition of the special game is established, the main CPU 40a judges whether the second special reserved number is greater than zero. If the second special reserved number is zero, the main CPU 40a judges whether the first special reserved number is greater than zero. If the first special reserved number is zero, the main CPU 40a ends the special symbol start process.

[0062] If the first special reserved number is greater than zero, the main CPU 40a performs a process to execute the first special game. Specifically, the main CPU 40a updates the first special reserved number by subtracting 1. The main CPU 40a controls the first special reserved display unit 13c to display information that can identify the first special reserved number after subtraction. The main CPU 40a outputs a first special reserved number command that can identify the updated first special reserved number to the sub-board 41. The main CPU 40a acquires the random number information that was stored first from the random number information for the first special game from the main RAM 40c. The main CPU 40a uses the jackpot random number identified from the acquired random number information to perform a jackpot lottery (jackpot determination) for determining whether or not a jackpot has been won as a jackpot lottery for a special symbol.

[0063] When a jackpot is won, the main CPU 40a performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the main CPU 40a uses a jackpot pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information to draw a jackpot pattern and determine the jackpot pattern to be definitively displayed in the first special game. The main CPU 40a determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of jackpot variation patterns. The process by which the main CPU 40a determines the variation pattern will be described in detail later. After that, the main CPU 40a ends the special pattern start processing.

[0064] If the jackpot is not won, the main CPU 40a performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the main CPU 40a determines a loss symbol to be definitely displayed in the first special game. The main CPU 40a determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of loss variation patterns. After that, the main CPU 40a ends the special symbol start process.

[0065] If the second special reserved number is greater than zero, the main CPU 40a performs processing to execute the second special game. The processing to execute the second special game is the processing to execute the first special game, with the "first special game" replaced with the "second special game" and the "first special reserved number" replaced with the "second special reserved number," so detailed explanations are omitted. In other words, the main CPU 40a performs subtraction of the second special reserved number, a jackpot lottery, and any of the variable processing based on the result of the jackpot lottery, and then ends the special symbol start processing.

[0066] The main CPU 40a outputs a variation start command and a special symbol command to the sub-board 41 in the jackpot variation process and the loss variation process. The variation start command is a control command capable of identifying the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of the special game. The special symbol command is a control command capable of identifying the special symbol determined in each variation process. The variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation process of the first special game is executed and when the variation process of the second special game is executed. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to start a pending special game based on the establishment of a start condition.

[0067] When the special symbol start process is completed, the main CPU 40a executes the first special game or the second special game by a process separate from the special symbol start process. As an example, when the main CPU 40a executes the first special game, it controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to start displaying a predetermined symbol while changing the type over time. The main CPU 40a measures a change time set in a change pattern. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 40a controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to definitively display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. In addition, when the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 40a outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a "change end command") capable of identifying the end of the special game to the sub-board 41.

[0068] As an example, when the main CPU 40a executes the second special game, the main CPU 40a controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to start displaying a predetermined symbol while changing the type over time. The main CPU 40a measures the change time set in the change pattern. The main CPU 40a controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to definitively display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed. In addition, the main CPU 40a outputs a change end command to the sub-board 41 when the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to perform a jackpot lottery when a game ball enters each start hole 16, 18 by the main CPU 40a executing the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process, and to execute a special game based on the result of the jackpot lottery.

[0069] According to the special symbol start process, the second special game is not executed simultaneously with the first special game. The second special game is executed in priority to the first special game. In other words, the first special game can be started when there is no pending second special game. As described above, in the high base state, the ball entry rate into the second starting hole 18 is higher than in the low base state, so that in principle, only the second special game can be executed. However, even in the high base state, if the player stops launching the ball or the ball has difficulty entering the second starting hole 18, a situation in which the first special game is executed may occur.

[0070] Next, the big win game process will be described. The big win game process is a process for awarding a big win game. When the main CPU 40a definitely displays the jackpot symbol in the special game, it executes the jackpot game process after the end of the jackpot special game. The main CPU 40a specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. The main CPU 40a is configured to award the specified type of jackpot game.

[0071] First, the main CPU 40a outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as an "opening command") capable of identifying the start of the opening time to the sub-substrate 41. When the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 40a performs a process for executing a round game. As an example, the main CPU 40a controls the special actuator A2 using the identified opening control data for the big win game to open the big prize opening 23. When the number of game balls detected by the special prize sensor SE3 reaches a predetermined upper limit number, or a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed since the big prize opening 23 was opened, the main CPU 40a controls the special actuator A2 to close the big prize opening 23, thereby ending the round game. The main CPU 40a repeats such a process for executing a round game until the round game of the predetermined upper limit number of times is ended. The main CPU 40a outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a "round command") capable of identifying the start of the round game to the sub-substrate 41 every time a round game is started. When the final round of play ends, the main CPU 40a outputs a control command capable of identifying the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as an "ending start command") to the sub-board 41. When the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 40a ends the big win game. The main CPU 40a may output a control command capable of identifying the elapse of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as an "ending end command") to the sub-board 41.

[0072] Next, the state transition process will be described. When the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is completed, the main CPU 40a sets an operation flag in the main RAM 40c. That is, the main CPU 40a controls the main RAM 40c to a high base state. When the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol is completed, the main CPU 40a does not set an operation flag in the main RAM 40c. That is, the main CPU 40a controls the main RAM 40c to a low base state. After the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is completed, the main CPU 40a counts the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game is completed by updating the value of the main execution counter stored in the main RAM 40c. In addition, when the main CPU 40a updates the value of the main execution counter, it outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an "execution count command") capable of specifying the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game is completed to the sub-board 41. When the special game in which the number of times the special game is executed after the end of the jackpot game reaches the activation number is ended, the main CPU 40a erases the activation flag stored in the main RAM 40c. That is, the main CPU 40a controls to the low base state when the activation number of times special game is ended after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern. When the main CPU 40a starts the jackpot game and the activation flag is set, the main CPU 40a erases the activation flag. That is, the main CPU 40a controls to the low base state during the jackpot game. By executing such control by the main CPU 40a, the pachinko game machine 10 can transition the game state to the low base state or the high base state. When the main CPU 40a transitions the game state, it outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a "game state command") capable of identifying the game state after the transition to the sub-board 41.

[0073] Here, the process in which the main CPU 40a determines the fluctuation pattern will be described. The main CPU 40a that determines the fluctuation pattern is an example of a fluctuation pattern determination means. In the jackpot variation process, the main CPU 40a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of jackpot variation patterns. In the loss variation process, the main CPU 40a determines whether an operation flag is set in the main RAM 40c. If the operation flag is not set, the main CPU 40a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of loss variation patterns that can be determined in a low base state. If the operation flag is set, the main CPU 40a refers to the value of the main execution counter stored in the main RAM 40c, and determines whether it is a special game to be executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol. If the special game to be executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is not the special game to be executed for the 50th time, the main CPU 40a performs a lottery to determine the variation pattern using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the variation pattern from among the failure variation patterns that can be determined in a plurality of high base states. If the special game to be executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is the special game to be executed for the 50th time, the main CPU 40a determines the variation pattern HP07 as the failure variation pattern. That is, the main CPU 40a can determine the variation pattern HP07 when the special game is executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol.

[0074] Next, various processes performed by the sub-board 41 (sub-CPU 41a) will be described. First, the big win effect processing will be described. The jackpot performance process is a process for executing a performance during a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as "jackpot performance"). When an opening command is input, the sub-CPU41a controls the performance device to execute an opening performance. When a round command is input, the sub-CPU41a controls the performance device to execute a round performance. When an ending start command is input, the sub-CPU41a controls the performance device to execute an ending performance. When an ending end command is input, the sub-CPU41a controls the performance device to end the ending performance.

[0075] Next, the effect game process will be described. The presentation game process is a process for executing a presentation game as one of the display presentations related to a special game during the execution of the special game. When the sub-CPU 41a inputs a variation start command and a special symbol command, it controls the presentation device including the presentation display devices 11a and 11b to execute a presentation game. When the sub-CPU 41a inputs a variation start command, it selects a presentation pattern (presentation content) of the presentation game based on a variation pattern that can be specified from the command. When the sub-CPU 41a inputs a special symbol command, it determines a presentation pattern combination to be definitively displayed in the presentation game based on a special symbol that can be specified from the command. When a jackpot symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the sub-CPU 41a determines a jackpot presentation pattern combination. When a miss symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the sub-CPU 41a determines a miss presentation pattern combination. When a reach presentation is executed, the sub-CPU 41a determines a miss presentation pattern combination including a reach.

[0076] The sub-CPU 41a starts the presentation game by inputting the variation start command. Specifically, when the variation pattern identifiable from the variation start command is not the variation pattern HP07, the sub-CPU 41a controls the presentation display devices 11a and 11b to display the presentation symbols in each symbol row while changing the type over time. On the other hand, when the variation pattern identifiable from the variation start command is the variation pattern HP07, the sub-CPU 41a controls the presentation display devices 11a and 11b to display the presentation symbols in each symbol row temporarily without changing the type over time. When the sub-CPU 41a executes a reach presentation, it controls the presentation devices including the presentation display devices 11a and 11b to execute the reach presentation. When the sub-CPU 41a executes a notice presentation in relation to the presentation game, it controls the presentation devices including the presentation display devices 11a and 11b to execute the notice presentation. The notice presentation is a presentation that suggests or notifies the expectation that the special game being executed or on hold will be a jackpot. In addition, the preview performance in this embodiment includes a reserve read-ahead performance, which will be described later.

[0077] When a predetermined timing arrives after starting the presentation game, the sub-CPU 41a temporarily displays the presentation symbol combination, and definitively displays the presentation symbol combination upon input of a change end command. The sub-CPU 41a may definitively display the presentation symbol combination upon the passage of a change time set in the change pattern, regardless of the change end command. In this case, the change end command may be omitted.

[0078] Next, the types of presentation modes provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The pachinko game machine 10 has a plurality of types of presentation modes, and can be controlled to any one of the plurality of types of presentation modes in a low base state and a high base state except during a jackpot game. In addition, the presentation mode is controlled regardless of the type of the variation pattern, and can be controlled over a plurality of consecutive special games.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 6, the multiple types of presentation modes include normal mode MA, chance mode MB, chance mode MC, and chance mode MD. Normal mode MA is a presentation mode that can be controlled in a low base state except during a jackpot game. In this embodiment, chance modes MB to MD are presentation modes that can be controlled in a high base state. Chance mode MB is an example of a first presentation mode, and chance mode MC and chance mode MD are examples of a second presentation mode.

[0080] In this embodiment, the chance mode MB is the presentation mode that is first controlled in the high base state. That is, the chance mode MB is the presentation mode that is controlled when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is completed. Also, the chance modes MC and MD are presentation modes that can be changed from the chance mode MB in the high base state. The change from the chance mode MB to the chance mode MC or the chance mode MD is determined based on a mode transition lottery. The mode transition lottery is executed by the mode transition lottery process performed by the sub-CPU 41a when the special game that is a miss and is executed 50 times after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is completed. When it is determined by the mode transition lottery that the chance mode MB is changed to the chance mode MC or the chance mode MD, the mode transition presentation is executed during the execution of the special game that is executed 50 times after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is completed. Then, the presentation mode changes when the mode transition presentation is completed. On the other hand, if the mode transition lottery does not determine that the chance mode MB will be changed to the chance mode MC or chance mode MD, the chance mode MB will continue to be controlled even after the special game executed for the 50th time after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends. In this case, during the special game executed for the 50th time after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends, a mode continuation effect is executed instead of a mode transition effect. The effect mode determined based on the mode transition lottery will continue to be controlled until the high base state ends. In this embodiment, the mode transition effect is an example of a special effect, and the mode continuation effect is an example of a special effect.

[0081] In this way, the chance mode MB is a presentation mode that can be controlled during the period from the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol until the end of the mode transition presentation during the special game executed for the 50th time, or until the end of the high base state (from the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol until the end of the special game executed for the 100th time). The chance modes MC and MD are presentation modes that can be controlled during the period from the end of the mode transition presentation in the special game executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol until the end of the high base state.

[0082] Here, the display modes of the image display sections GH1 and GH2 in each of the presentation modes will be described. 7(a)-(d) show the display state of the image display units GH1, GH2 in each performance mode. FIG. 7(a) shows the display state of the image display units GH1, GH2 in normal mode MA. FIG. 7(b) shows the display state of the image display units GH1, GH2 in chance mode MB. FIG. 7(c) shows the display state of the image display units GH1, GH2 in chance mode MC. FIG. 7(d) shows the display state of the image display units GH1, GH2 in chance mode MD. In this embodiment, when controlled in normal mode MA and chance mode MB, the second performance display device 11b is located in the original position. On the other hand, when controlled in chance mode MC and chance mode MD, the second performance display device 11b is located in the operating position.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 7(a) to (d), in each performance mode, there are multiple types of background images BG1 to BG4 displayed on the performance display devices 11a and 11b, and the type of background image displayed differs depending on the performance mode being controlled. As an example, in normal mode MA, background image BG1 is displayed on the performance display devices 11a and 11b. In this way, the type of performance mode corresponds to the type of background image displayed on the performance display devices 11a and 11b. That is, in this embodiment, the type of performance mode can be specified by the type of background image displayed on the performance display devices 11a and 11b. Note that the type of performance mode is not limited to the type of background image, and may also correspond to the type of music output from the speaker SP and the type of light-emitting performance executed by the decorative lamp LA in addition to or instead of this.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7(a), in normal mode MA, the performance pattern EZ1 of the left pattern row, the performance pattern EZ2 of the middle pattern row, and the performance pattern EZ3 of the right pattern row are displayed in a horizontal line with the same size in the vertical center of the first image display section GH1. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(b)-(d), in chance modes MB-MD, the performance pattern EZ1 and the performance pattern EZ3 are displayed in the upper left and right parts of the first image display section GH1. In chance mode MB, the performance pattern EZ2 is displayed in the lower center of the first image display section GH1. At this time, the performance pattern EZ2 is displayed larger than the performance patterns EZ1 and EZ3. In chance modes MC and MD, the performance pattern EZ2 is displayed in the center of the second image display section GH2. At this time, the performance pattern EZ2 is displayed larger than the performance patterns EZ1 and EZ3.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 7(a)-(d), the designs of the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3 are different between the normal mode MA and the chance modes MB-MD. On the other hand, the designs of the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3 are the same in the chance modes MB-MD. Also, the designs of the performance symbols EZ2 are different between the normal mode MA, chance mode MB, chance mode MC, and chance mode MD.

[0086] Also, the display area of ​​the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3 is the same in normal mode MA and chance modes MB to MD, but the display positions in the first image display unit GH1 are different. On the other hand, the display area and display positions of the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3 are all the same in chance modes MB to MD. The display area of ​​the performance symbol EZ2 is the same in normal mode MA and chance mode MB, but the display position in the first image display unit GH1 is different. The display area of ​​the performance symbol EZ2 is different between normal mode MA and chance mode MB and chance modes MC and MD. The display area and display position of the performance symbol EZ2 are all the same in chance modes MC and MD.

[0087] In this embodiment, the display mode of the performance pattern means the display area in which the performance pattern is displayed, the position of the displayed performance pattern in the image display section GH1, GH2, and the design of the displayed performance pattern. That is, in this embodiment, the display mode of the performance pattern is different means at least one of the following: the display area of ​​the performance pattern is different, the display position of the performance pattern is different, and the design of the performance pattern is different. That is, the display mode of the performance pattern in all pattern rows is different between the normal mode MA and the chance modes MB to MD. The display modes of the performance pattern EZ1 and the performance pattern EZ3 are the same in the chance modes MB to MD. The display mode of the performance pattern EZ2 is different between the normal mode MA, the chance mode MB, the chance mode MC, and the chance mode MD.

[0088] As described above, in each presentation mode, the presentation symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed in a display manner corresponding to each presentation mode. When a reach presentation is performed during the execution of a variable game, the display manner of the presentation symbols EZ1 to EZ3 may be changed from the display manner corresponding to each presentation mode to a dedicated display manner for when the reach presentation is performed.

[0089] In this embodiment, when changing from normal mode MA to chance mode MB, the display mode of the performance symbols in all the symbol rows will change. Also, when changing from chance mode MB to chance mode MC or chance mode MD, the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3 will not change, but the display mode of the performance symbol EZ2 will change. Furthermore, when changing from chance mode MB to MD to normal mode MA, the display mode of the performance symbols in all the symbol rows will change. In this embodiment, the performance symbol EZ2 is an example of a specific performance symbol. Also, in this embodiment, the performance symbol EZ1 and the performance symbol EZ3 are examples of non-specific performance symbols. Also, in this embodiment, the display mode of the performance symbol EZ2 corresponding to the chance mode MB is an example of the first symbol display mode, and the display mode of the performance symbol EZ2 corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD is an example of the second symbol display mode.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7(a)-(d), in each presentation mode, the first reserved image HG1 corresponding to the reserved first special game can be displayed in the upper left area of ​​the second presentation display device 11b. Also, in each presentation mode, the second reserved image HG2 corresponding to the reserved second special game can be displayed in the upper right area of ​​the second presentation display device 11b. In this embodiment, when the sub-CPU41a inputs a first special reserved number command, it controls the second presentation display device 11b to display the first reserved image HG1 corresponding to the first special reserved number that can be specified from the command. Similarly, when the sub-CPU41a inputs a second special reserved number command, it controls the second presentation display device 11b to display the second reserved image HG2 corresponding to the second special reserved number that can be specified from the command. In addition, the sub-CPU41a controls the second image display unit GH2 to display the first reserved image HG1 and the second reserved image HG2 in a design corresponding to each presentation mode. 7(a) to (d) show an example of a situation in which the number of reserved balls for the first special game and the number of reserved balls for the second special game are both at the upper limit (4 in this embodiment).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 7(a)-(d), the design of the first reserved image HG1 is different between the normal mode MA and the chance modes MB-MD. Also, the design of the first reserved image HG1 is the same in the chance modes MB-MD. The design of the second reserved image HG2 is different between the normal mode MA, the chance mode MB, the chance mode MC, and the chance mode MD. In this embodiment, the display mode of the reserved images HG1 and HG2 means the design of the displayed reserved images HG1 and HG2. That is, the display mode of the first reserved image HG1 is different between the normal mode MA and the chance modes MB-MD. Also, the display mode of the first reserved image HG1 is the same in the chance modes MB-MD. The display mode of the second reserved image HG2 is different between the normal mode MA, the chance mode MB, the chance mode MC, and the chance mode MD. Note that the display mode of the reserved images HG1 and HG2 may include the meaning of the display area in which the reserved images HG1 and HG2 are displayed, and the position of the displayed reserved images HG1 and HG2 in the image display areas GH1 and GH2, As described above, in each performance mode, the first reserved image HG1 and the second reserved image HG2 are displayed, and in this embodiment, when the normal mode MA changes to the chance mode MB, the display mode of the first reserved image HG1 and the second reserved image HG2 both change. Also, when the chance mode MB changes to the chance mode MC or the chance mode MD, the display mode of the first reserved image HG1 does not change, and the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 changes. Furthermore, when the chance mode MB to MD changes to the normal mode MA, the display mode of the first reserved image HG1 and the second reserved image HG2 both change. In this embodiment, the first reserved image HG1 is an example of a non-specific reserved image, and the second reserved image HG2 is an example of a specific reserved image. Also, in this embodiment, the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 in the chance mode MB is an example of the first reserved display mode, and the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 in the chance modes MC and MD is an example of the second reserved display mode.

[0092] Next, a rendering mode control process for controlling the rendering mode will be described. The sub-CPU 41a that controls the rendering mode is an example of a rendering mode control means. In the presentation mode control process, the sub-CPU41a judges whether a game state command capable of identifying a low base state has been input. When a game state command capable of identifying a low base state has been input, the sub-CPU41a sets information capable of identifying that the game is controlled to the normal mode MA to the presentation mode flag stored in the sub-RAM41c. The sub-CPU41a judges whether a game state command capable of identifying a high base state has been input. When a game state command capable of identifying a high base state has been input, the sub-CPU41a sets information capable of identifying that the game is controlled to the chance mode MB to the presentation mode flag. As described above, the high base state is controlled when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends, and at this time, a game state command capable of identifying the high base state is output from the main CPU40a. Therefore, the sub-CPU41a controls to the chance mode MB when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends. Thereafter, in the presentation mode control process, the sub-CPU 41a executes the presentation mode branching process described later to control the presentation mode after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern and the start of the special game that is executed for the 50th time.

[0093] The presentation mode branching process will now be described. In the presentation mode branching process, the sub-CPU41a judges whether a change start command capable of identifying the change pattern HP07 has been input. If a change start command capable of identifying the change pattern HP07 has not been input, the sub-CPU41a ends the presentation mode branching process. If a change start command capable of identifying the change pattern HP07 has been input, the sub-CPU41a executes a mode transition lottery process. In the mode transition lottery process, the sub-CPU41a executes a mode transition lottery using a predetermined random number to determine which presentation mode to control from among chance mode MB, chance mode MC, and chance mode MD.

[0094] Next, when the sub-CPU 41a decides to control to the chance mode MC or the chance mode MD by the mode transition lottery process, the sub-CPU 41a executes a mode transition performance process for executing a mode transition performance for changing to each performance mode. In this embodiment, the sub-CPU 41a starts the mode transition performance process to start the mode transition performance, and ends the mode transition performance at the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, the sub-CPU 41a stores a mode transition performance end flag in the sub-RAM 41c. That is, the sub-CPU 41a can specify the timing at which the mode transition performance ends by referring to the mode transition performance end flag. Then, when the sub-CPU 41a specifies the timing at which the mode transition performance ends, the sub-CPU 41a sets information that can specify that the control is being performed to the performance mode to be changed to the performance mode flag. In this way, after controlling to the chance mode MB, a special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started, and the sub-CPU 41a controls to the chance mode MC or the chance mode MD when the mode transition performance ends.

[0095] When it is not determined to control to the chance mode MC or chance mode MD, the sub-CPU 41a executes a mode continuation effect process for executing the mode continuation effect. After executing the mode transition effect process, when the effect mode flag is set, and when the mode continuation effect process is executed, the sub-CPU 41a ends the effect mode branch process.

[0096] In this way, the sub-CPU 41a executes the presentation mode control process, so that the pachinko game machine 10 is controlled to the chance mode MB after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol. When the special game to be executed for the 50th time is started after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol, a mode transition lottery is executed, and it is determined whether the chance mode MB continues or changes from the chance mode MB to the chance mode MC or the chance mode MD according to the lottery result. If it is determined to change to the chance mode MC or the chance mode MD, the mode transition presentation is executed after the special game to be executed for the 50th time is started after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol. On the other hand, if it is not determined to change to the chance mode MC or the chance mode MD, the mode continuation presentation is executed instead of the mode transition presentation after the special game to be executed for the 50th time is started after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol.

[0097] Also, when controlling to each presentation mode (when the presentation mode flag is set), the sub-CPU41a controls the image display units GH1, GH2 so that among the background images BG1 to BG4, a background image of a type corresponding to each controlled presentation mode is displayed. When controlling to each presentation mode, the sub-CPU41a controls the image display units GH1, GH2 so that the presentation patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed in a display mode corresponding to each controlled presentation mode. When controlling to each presentation mode, the sub-CPU41a controls the image display units GH1, GH2 so that the first reserved image HG1 and the second reserved image HG2 are displayed in a display mode corresponding to each controlled presentation mode.

[0098] Here, the reserved ball pre-reading effect that can be executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a reserved read-ahead effect can be executed for the second special game whose execution is reserved in the high base state. The reserved read-ahead effect is an effect that suggests that a winning performance symbol combination will definitely be displayed in the performance game executed during the execution of the second special game. In other words, the reserved read-ahead effect can be said to be an effect that suggests that a lottery result that will be a winning will be derived in the target second special game. The reserved read-ahead effect is an effect that suggests that a winning performance symbol combination will definitely be displayed in the performance game, so it can be said to be an effect that is easy for players to notice. The reserved read-ahead effect is an example of a look-ahead effect.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 8, the reserved reading performance is a performance that changes the design of the part corresponding to the variable game, which suggests that the performance pattern combination of the jackpot will definitely be displayed, among the designs of the second reserved image HG2 displayed on the second performance display device 11b. In other words, the reserved reading performance is a performance that changes the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 from the display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MB to MD to a special display mode different from the display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MB to MD. The display mode of the second reserved image HG2 changed by the reserved reading performance is an example of a special reserved display mode. The reserved reading performance is executed at a predetermined execution timing during the period from when the second special game that is the target of the reserved reading performance is reserved to before the special game starts. Note that there may be multiple timings for the predetermined execution timing.

[0100] The reserved reading performance in this embodiment can be executed by lottery when the SR performance is executed during the execution of the variable game that is the target of the reserved reading performance. As described above, the SR performance is a performance that has a higher expectation that the performance pattern combination of the jackpot will be definitely displayed in the variable game being executed compared to the NR performance. Therefore, when the reserved reading performance is executed, it is suggested that the variable game that is the target of the reserved reading performance has a higher expectation that the performance pattern combination of the jackpot will be definitely displayed than the variable game in which the NR performance is executed.

[0101] In this embodiment, even during the high base state, a period during which the reserved reading performance is restricted is set. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is set that the reserved reading performance is not executed in the period from when the special game executed for the 46th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern starts to when the special game executed for the 50th time ends. That is, in this embodiment, the reserved reading performance is not executed in the period from when the special game executed four times before the special game executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern starts to before the special game executed for the 50th time starts. In this embodiment, since the upper limit number of times that the second special game can be reserved is 4, by preventing the reserved reading performance from being executed in the aforementioned period, a situation is created in which the reserved reading performance is not executed when the special game executed for the 50th time starts after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern. Note that, in this embodiment, 4 times is an example of the specific number of times, and the specific number of times is the same as the upper limit number of times that the second special game can be reserved. And the reserved reading performance will not be executed in the period from when the special game executed for the 50th time after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends to before the special game executed one special game after that starts. That is, even if the second special game is newly reserved during the execution of the special game executed for the 50th time after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends, the reserved reading performance will not be executed. In this embodiment, once is an example of the predetermined number of times.

[0102] In this embodiment, the restriction on the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance means that the reserved read-ahead performance is not executed as described above, but is not limited to this. The restriction on the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance may mean that the execution probability of the reserved read-ahead performance is greater than 0 and is lower than the execution probability when the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance is not restricted. Furthermore, the restriction on the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance may mean that the execution probability of the reserved read-ahead performance is almost 0 and is a lower occurrence rate than the execution probability when the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance is not restricted.

[0103] The reserved read-ahead performance process performed by the sub-CPU 41a to execute the reserved read-ahead performance will be described below. In the reserved read-ahead performance process, the sub-CPU 41a judges whether a read-ahead command has been input. If a read-ahead command has not been input, the sub-CPU 41a ends the reserved read-ahead performance process.

[0104] When the look-ahead command is input, the secondary CPU 41a judges whether the game is in the high base state. The secondary CPU 41a refers to the performance mode flag stored in the secondary RAM 41c, and judges that the game is in the high base state when the information stored in the performance mode flag is information that can identify that the game is controlled to the chance mode MB to MD. If it is determined that the game is not in the high base state, the secondary CPU 41a ends the reserved look-ahead performance process.

[0105] When it is determined that the high base state is in progress, the sub-CPU 41a determines whether it is a period during which the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance is restricted. Specifically, the sub-CPU 41a identifies the number of special games executed after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol by referring to the sub-execution counter stored in the sub-RAM 41c. The sub-CPU 41a updates the information of the sub-execution counter every time it inputs an execution count command output from the main CPU 40a. Therefore, the sub-CPU 41a can identify the number of special games executed after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol by referring to the sub-execution counter. When the number of special games executed after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is 46 to 50, the sub-CPU 41a determines that it is a period during which the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance is restricted. When it is determined that it is a period during which the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance is restricted, the sub-CPU 41a ends the reserved read-ahead performance process.

[0106] When it is not determined that the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance is restricted, the sub-CPU41a determines whether the variation pattern identifiable from the inputted read-ahead command is a variation pattern (variation pattern HP05, HP06) in which the SR performance is executed. When it is determined that the variation pattern in which the SR performance is executed is the variation pattern, the sub-CPU41a executes the reserved read-ahead lottery process. In the reserved read-ahead lottery process, the sub-CPU41a determines whether or not to execute the reserved read-ahead performance by lottery using a predetermined random number. When it is determined that the reserved read-ahead performance is executed, the sub-CPU41a controls the image display unit GH2 so that the reserved read-ahead performance is executed. Specifically, the sub-CPU41a controls the image display unit GH2 so that the design of the part corresponding to the variable game that suggests that the performance pattern combination of the jackpot is definitely displayed among the designs of the second reserved image HG2 displayed on the image display unit GH2 is changed. Then, the sub-CPU41a ends the reserved read-ahead performance process.

[0107] Next, referring to Figures 9 to 11, an example of the timing and the presentation form of the mode transition presentation and the mode continuation presentation in the high base state after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol will be described. First, referring to Figures 9(a) and 10, an example of the case where the chance mode MB changes to the chance mode MC during the execution of the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol in a situation where the first special game and the second special game are respectively reserved will be described.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends at time T1, the high base state is entered and control to the chance mode MB is started. At this time, the reserved read-ahead performance is not restricted and can be executed. After that, 45 special games are executed in the high base state, and then at time T2, the special game executed for the 46th time after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends is started. At this time, the reserved read-ahead performance is restricted. That is, the reserved read-ahead performance is not executed. After that, at time T3, the 50th special game is started after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends. Note that during the period shown from time T1 to T3, the chance mode MB is controlled. During this period, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the background image BG2 corresponding to the chance mode MB is displayed on the image display units GH1 and GH2, respectively. Also, the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed on the first image display unit GH1 in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB. Furthermore, the reserved images HG1 and HG2 are displayed in the second image display area GH2 in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB.

[0109] When a special game that is the 50th miss is started after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern, the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are temporarily displayed without changing the type as time passes. Also, when it is decided to change to the chance mode MC by the mode transition lottery, the mode transition effect of changing to the chance mode MC is started at time T4. When the mode transition effect of changing to the chance mode MC is started, a whiteout effect is executed during the period shown in time T4 to T5. When the whiteout effect is started at time T4, the visibility of the effect pattern EZ2 and background image BG2 displayed on the first image display unit GH1, and the second reserved image HG2 and background image BG2 displayed on the second image display unit GH2 gradually decreases as if they are filled in white. Then, finally, at time T5, as shown in FIG. 10(b), these images are completely filled in white and cannot be seen. Note that even if the whiteout effect is executed during the period shown in time T4 to T5, the visibility of the effect patterns EZ1, EZ3, and the first reserved image HG1 does not decrease. The sub-CPU41a controls the image display units GH1 and GH2 to execute a whiteout effect in the mode transition effect processing. Thus, the mode transition effect includes a whiteout effect in which the effect pattern EZ2, the second reserved image HG2, and the background image BG2 become invisible or the visibility of the effect pattern EZ2, the second reserved image HG2, and the background image BG2 decreases compared to before the mode transition effect started. The whiteout effect is an example of a predetermined effect.

[0110] When the whiteout effect ends, a mode transition suggestion effect for changing to the chance mode MC is executed during the period shown in time T5 to T6 in FIG. 9(a). The mode transition suggestion effect is an effect that suggests that the effect mode will change. When the mode transition suggestion effect for changing to the chance mode MC starts at time T5, the second effect display device 11b moves from the original position to an upper operating position as shown in FIG. 10(c). As a result, the entire area in which the effect pattern EZ2 was temporarily displayed in the first image display unit GH1 before the mode transition effect started is covered by the second effect display device 11b. Furthermore, at this time, a transition image IG imitating the character string "mode transition" and a background image BG3 corresponding to the chance mode MC are displayed on the second image display unit GH2. In this way, the mode transition suggestion effect is an effect that suggests that the effect mode will change. The sub-CPU 41a controls the effect actuator A3 to move the second effect display device 11b from the original position to the operating position in the mode transition effect processing, and controls the second image display unit GH2 to display the transition image IG and the background image BG3. During the period in which the mode transition suggestion effect is executed, the first image display unit GH1 continues to be filled in white by the whiteout effect. In this way, the mode transition effect includes a mode transition suggestion effect that is executed after the whiteout effect is executed, and covers the entire area in which the effect pattern EZ2 is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB in the first image display unit GH1. The mode transition suggestion effect is an example of a specific effect. The area in which the effect pattern EZ2 is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB in the first image display unit GH1 is an example of a predetermined display area.

[0111] When the mode transition suggestion effect ends at time T6 in FIG. 9(a), as shown in FIG. 10(d), the transition image IG is erased, and the effect pattern EZ2 is temporarily displayed in the second image display section GH2 in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MC. In addition, the second reserved image HG2 is displayed in the second image display section GH2 in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MC. Furthermore, the background image BG3 corresponding to the chance mode MC is also displayed in the first image display section GH1. Then, at time T6 when the mode transition suggestion effect ends, the mode transition effect that changes to the chance mode MC ends, and control to the chance mode MC begins. Note that even after the mode transition effect ends, the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed temporarily without changing in type with the passage of time. After that, at time T8 in FIG. 9(a), when the special game executed 50 times after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern ends, the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are definitively displayed. After that, the special game executed 51 times starts. And even after the 51st special game starts after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol, the chance mode MC continues to be controlled until the high base state ends. The reserved pre-reading performance is restricted from being executed from the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol at time T8 until the 51st special game starts, and after the 51st special game starts, it can be executed without being restricted.

[0112] Next, referring to Fig. 9(b) and Fig. 11(a)-(c), an example of a case where the chance mode MB changes to the chance mode MD during the execution of the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol in a situation where the special game is not reserved will be described. In the following explanation, the explanation of the contents common to the case where the chance mode MB changes to the chance mode MC in a situation where the special game is reserved will be omitted.

[0113] At time T3 in FIG. 9(b), after the special game that is the 50th miss after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern is started, when it is decided to change to the chance mode MD by the mode transition lottery, the mode transition effect of changing to the chance mode MD is started at time T4. When the mode transition effect of changing to the chance mode MD is started, the whiteout effect is executed during the period shown at time T4 to T5. At this time, the special game is not reserved, so the reserved images HG1 and HG2 are not displayed. Therefore, when the whiteout effect is started at time T4, the visibility of the effect pattern EZ2 and the background image BG2 displayed on the effect display devices 11a and 11b is gradually reduced as if they are filled in white, and at time T5, these images are completely filled in white and cannot be seen. Note that even if the whiteout effect is executed, the visibility of the effect patterns EZ1 and EZ3 is not reduced.

[0114] When the whiteout effect ends, a mode transition suggestion effect for changing to the chance mode MD is executed during the period shown in time T5 to T6 in Fig. 9(b). When the mode transition suggestion effect for changing to the chance mode MD starts at time T5, the second effect display device 11b moves from the original position to an upper operating position as shown in Fig. 11(a). Furthermore, at this time, a transition image IG imitating the character string "mode transition" and a background image BG4 corresponding to the chance mode MD are displayed on the second image display unit GH2. The sub-CPU 41a controls the effect actuator A3 to move the second effect display device 11b from the original position to the operating position in the mode transition effect process, and controls the second image display unit GH2 to display the transition image IG and the background image BG4.

[0115] In this way, the background image displayed on the second image display unit GH2 during execution of the mode transition suggestion effect for changing to the chance mode MC and the mode transition suggestion effect for changing to the chance mode MD is different. That is, there are multiple types of presentation contents for the mode transition suggestion effect, and the presentation contents can change depending on the result of the mode transition lottery held in advance (the progress of the game).

[0116] When the mode transition suggestion effect ends at time T6 in FIG. 9(b), as shown in FIG. 11(b), the transition image IG is erased, and the effect pattern EZ2 is temporarily displayed in the second image display section GH2 in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MD. Furthermore, the background image BG4 corresponding to the chance mode MD is also displayed in the first image display section GH1. Since the special game is not reserved at this time, the reserved images HG1 and HG2 are not displayed in the second image display section GH2 even if the mode transition suggestion effect ends. Then, at time T6 when the mode transition suggestion effect ends, the mode transition effect that changes to the chance mode MD ends, and control to the chance mode MD begins. Even after the mode transition effect ends, the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are temporarily displayed without changing in type with the passage of time. After that, at time T8 in FIG. 9(b), the special game that is executed 50 times after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern ends, and the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are definitely displayed. At this time, since the special game is not on hold, the special game is not executed during the period shown in time T8 to T9, but the chance mode MD continues to be controlled during this period. Then, when a new game ball enters the second start hole 18 at time T9, the second special game is put on hold. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11(c), the second reserved image HG2 is displayed in the second image display section GH2 in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MD.

[0117] Thus, the effects that can be executed by the effect display devices 11a and 11b include a mode transition effect. The mode transition effect can be executed when the effect pattern EZ2 is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB when a special game based on the variation pattern HP07, which is executed when the special game executed 50 times is a miss after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern, is started. The mode transition effect can be executed during a predetermined period after the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started and before the special game executed next to the special game is started. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is, for example, the period shown at time points T4 to T6 in FIG. 9(a) and (b), which is a part of the period when the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is executed.

[0118] In this embodiment, the condition that is established when the mode transition effect ends is an example of a predetermined condition. That is, when a specific condition is not established but a predetermined condition is established, the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 changes from a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB to a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD. On the other hand, the display mode of the effect patterns EZ1 and EZ3 does not change even when a predetermined condition is established. In addition, after a special game based on the variable pattern HP07 is started in a situation where the second reserved image HG2 is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB and the first reserved image HG1 is displayed, the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 changes when a predetermined condition is established. At this time, the second reserved image HG2 changes from a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB to a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD. On the other hand, the display mode of the first reserved image HG1 does not change even when a predetermined condition is established.

[0119] In addition, the display mode of the performance pattern EZ2 becomes a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD when a predetermined condition is met, even if the special game to be executed next to the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 executed when the special game executed 50 times after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern is a miss is not reserved. In this case, after being controlled to the chance modes MC and MD, it is also controlled to the chance modes MC and MD during the period until the special game to be executed next to the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started. In other words, after becoming a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD, the performance pattern EZ2 continues to be displayed in a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD until the special game to be executed next to the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started. In addition, when the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started in a situation where the second reserved image HG2 is not displayed and a predetermined condition is met, when the second special game is reserved after the predetermined condition is met, the second reserved image HG2 will be displayed in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MC or chance mode MD.

[0120] Furthermore, by executing the whiteout effect, the effect pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2 become invisible or become less visible during a specific period during which the mode transition effect is being executed, compared to before the mode transition effect is started. On the other hand, the effect patterns EZ1, EZ3, and the first reserved image HG1 do not become less visible during which the mode transition effect is being executed, compared to before the mode transition effect is started. Note that, in this embodiment, the specific period is the entire period during which the mode transition effect is being executed, but is not limited to this, and may be a part of the period during which the mode transition effect is being executed.

[0121] Next, referring to Figure 9 (c) and Figures 11 (d) to (e), an example will be described in which, when the first special game and the second special game are each on hold, after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern ends, the chance mode MB continues during the execution of a special game based on the variable pattern HP07 that is executed for the 50th time.

[0122] At time T3 in FIG. 9(c), after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol, the special game that is executed for the 50th time is started, and then, when it is determined by the mode transition lottery that the chance mode MB will continue, the mode continuation effect is executed instead of the mode transition effect at time T4. The mode continuation effect is executed in the period shown in time T4 to T7. Note that, in this embodiment, the period during which the mode continuation effect is executed is set to be longer than the period during which the mode transition effect is executed, but this is not limited thereto. The period during which the mode continuation effect is executed may be shorter than the period during which the mode transition effect is executed, or the periods during which the respective effects are executed may be the same length.

[0123] When the mode continuation performance starts, as shown in FIG. 11(d), the second performance display device 11b moves from the original position to the upper operating position. The sub-CPU 41a controls the performance actuator A3 in the mode continuation performance process so as to move the second performance display device 11b from the original position to the operating position. At this time, the entire area in which the performance pattern EZ2 is temporarily displayed in the first image display unit GH1 is covered by the second performance display device 11b. During the execution of the mode continuation performance, a performance similar to the whiteout performance executed in the mode transition performance is not executed. Therefore, even during the execution of the mode continuation performance, the background image BG2 corresponding to the chance mode MB is continuously displayed on each of the image display units GH1 and GH2. Also, the performance pattern EZ2 is continuously and temporarily displayed on the first image display unit GH1. The second reserved image HG2 is continuously displayed on the second image display unit GH2.

[0124] In the mode continuation performance, when the second performance display device 11b moves to the operating position, a continuation image KG imitating the character string "MODE CONTINUED" is displayed on the second image display unit GH2 as shown in FIG. 11(e). In this way, the mode continuation performance is a performance that suggests that the control will continue to the chance mode MB after the mode continuation performance ends. The sub-CPU 41a controls the second image display unit GH2 to display the continuation image KG. After that, at time T7 in FIG. 9(c), the second performance display device 11b located in the operating position returns to the original position as shown in FIG. 11(f), and the mode continuation performance ends. The sub-CPU 41a controls the performance actuator A3 in the mode continuation performance process to move the second performance display device 11b from the operating position to the original position. At this time, the performance pattern EZ2 temporarily displayed on the second image display unit GH2 becomes visible again. Then, from time T7 onwards, the control will continue to the chance mode MB until the high base state ends. In addition, the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed temporarily without changing the type with the passage of time even after the mode continuation performance ends. After that, at the time T8 in FIG. 9(c), after the big win game based on the first big win symbol ends, the special game executed for the 50th time ends, and the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are definitely displayed.

[0125] In this embodiment, the condition that is satisfied when the mode continuation effect is executed instead of the mode transition effect after the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started is an example of the specific condition. That is, the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 changes from the display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB to the display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD when the specific condition is not satisfied but the predetermined condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the specific condition is satisfied but the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the display mode does not change from the display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB to the display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD. In addition, the display mode of the effect patterns EZ1 and EZ3 does not change in either the case where the specific condition is not satisfied but the predetermined condition is satisfied, or the case where the specific condition is satisfied but the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

[0126] In addition, when a special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started in a situation controlled by the chance mode MB, if a specific condition is met but a predetermined condition is not met, the presentation mode does not change after the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started. Then, when a special game to be executed next to the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started, the chance mode MB continues to be controlled. On the other hand, when a special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started in a situation controlled by the chance mode MB, if a specific condition is not met but a predetermined condition is met, the fulfillment of the predetermined condition is used as a trigger to control to the chance mode MC or chance mode MD.

[0127] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects are obtained. (1) For example, if all the performance symbols are continuously displayed in the same display mode, the player may become bored because the display mode of the performance symbols does not change. On the other hand, if the display mode of all the performance symbols is changed, it may be impossible to know whether the performance symbols before the display mode is changed and the performance symbols after the display mode is changed are the same. Therefore, when the mode transition performance that can be executed during the execution of the special game based on the variable pattern HP07 ends, the display mode of the performance symbol EZ2 among the displayed performance symbols is changed from the display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB to the display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD. On the other hand, the display modes of the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3 are not changed even after the mode transition performance ends. As a result, while it is possible to know from the display modes of the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3 that the displayed performance symbols are the same before and after the mode transition performance is executed, by changing the display mode of the performance symbol EZ2, it is possible to suppress the player from becoming bored because the display modes of all the performance symbols do not change. This can increase interest in the game.

[0128] (2) The performance pattern EZ2 is made invisible or less visible than before the mode transition performance is started during a specific period during the execution of the mode transition performance. On the other hand, the performance patterns EZ1 and EZ3 are made not less visible than before the mode transition performance is started during the execution of the mode transition performance. Therefore, it is possible to draw attention to the visibility of the performance pattern EZ2 during the execution of the mode transition performance. In such a situation, the performance pattern EZ2 is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the chance modes MC and MD upon the end of the mode transition performance, so that it is easy to notice the change in the display mode. In addition, compared to the case where the display mode of the performance pattern EZ2 suddenly changes upon the end of the mode transition performance, it is possible to suppress the misunderstanding that a malfunction has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

[0129] (3) The second reserved image HG2, like the performance pattern EZ2, is made to be invisible or to have a lower visibility than before the mode transition performance is started during a specific period during which the mode transition performance is being performed. On the other hand, the first reserved image HG1, like the performance patterns EZ1 and EZ3, is made to have a lower visibility than before the mode transition performance is performed during which the mode transition performance is being performed. Therefore, before the mode transition performance ends, attention can be drawn to the visibility of the second reserved image HG2 in addition to the visibility of the performance pattern EZ2. In such a situation, the second reserved image HG2 is displayed in a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD upon the end of the mode transition performance, so that the change in the display mode can be easily noticed. In addition, compared to a case in which the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 changes suddenly upon the end of the mode transition performance, it is possible to suppress misunderstanding that a malfunction has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

[0130] (4) The mode transition effect is ended during the execution of the special game based on the variation pattern HP07. Therefore, during the execution of the special game based on the variation pattern HP07, the player can enjoy the multiple display modes of the performance pattern EZ2. After the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 ends, the next special game can be started immediately with the display mode of the performance pattern EZ2 changed to the display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD. This can increase the player's interest in the game.

[0131] (5) Even if the special game to be executed next to the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is not on hold, the display mode of the performance pattern EZ2 is set to a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD when the mode transition performance ends during the execution of the special game based on the variation pattern HP07. Therefore, even if the special game to be executed next to the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is not on hold, a trigger to continue playing can be provided when the mode transition performance ends. As a result, even if the special game to be executed next to the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is not on hold, it is possible to prevent the game from being ended when the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 ends.

[0132] (6) By executing the whiteout effect, it is possible to draw attention to the visibility of the effect pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2, and it is also possible to provide an opportunity to imagine that the display manner of the effect pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2 may change, thereby increasing interest in the game.

[0133] (7) After the whiteout effect is executed, the mode transition suggestion effect is executed, so that the entire area in which the effect symbol EZ2 is displayed in the display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB in the first image display unit GH1 is covered. This provides an opportunity to imagine a situation in which the effect symbol EZ2 is no longer displayed in a predetermined display area in the first image display unit GH1, and allows the player to pay attention to the area in which the effect symbol EZ2 is displayed after that. This can increase the player's interest in the game.

[0134] (8) A mode transition suggestion effect is executed to suggest that the presentation mode will change during the mode transition effect. This allows the player to know in advance during the mode transition effect that the presentation mode will change after the mode transition effect ends.

[0135] (9) There are multiple types of mode transition suggestion effects, and the effects can be changed depending on the results of a mode transition lottery held in advance (the progress of the game). This makes it possible to draw attention to the effects of the mode transition suggestion effects, and to allow players to enjoy mode transition suggestion effects with different effects depending on the progress of the game, thereby increasing interest in the game.

[0136] (10) There are multiple types of mode transition suggestion effects, but regardless of which mode transition suggestion effect is executed, a common transition image IG imitating the character string "mode transition" is displayed. Therefore, regardless of which mode transition suggestion effect is executed, when the mode transition suggestion effect is executed, the player can understand that the presentation mode will change, regardless of which mode transition suggestion effect is executed.

[0137] (11) When the mode transition suggestion effect and the mode continuation effect are executed, the second effect display device 11b is moved from the original position to an upper operating position. At this time, a transition image IG imitating the character string "mode transition" is displayed on the moving second image display unit GH2 in the mode transition suggestion effect, and a continuation image KG imitating the character string "mode continuation" is displayed on the moving second image display unit GH2, respectively, so that it is easy to draw attention to the transition image IG and the continuation image KG. In other words, compared to when the second effect display device 11b does not move, it is easy to understand that the effect mode is changing to a different effect mode and that the same effect mode is continuing, respectively.

[0138] (12) During execution of the mode transition suggestion effect, in both cases of changing to chance mode MC and changing to chance mode MD, the transition image IG is displayed on the second image display unit GH2 while the background image of the changing presentation mode is displayed on the second image display unit GH2. This allows the player to understand that the presentation mode will change as the mode transition suggestion effect is executed, but also allows the player to imagine the changing presentation mode before the mode transition suggestion effect ends, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

[0139] (13) When the variation pattern HP07 is determined and a special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started, and then the mode transition performance is executed, the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 is also changed in addition to the performance pattern EZ2, triggered by the end of the mode transition performance. Therefore, compared to the case where the display modes of the first reserved image HG1 and the second reserved image HG2 do not change after the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started, it is possible to further suppress the player from getting bored, and to increase the interest in the game.

[0140] (14) Even if a special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started in a situation where the second reserved image HG2 is not displayed, and the mode transition effect ends in a situation where the second special game is not reserved, the second reserved image HG2 is displayed in a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD when the second special game is subsequently reserved. Therefore, even if the second reserved image HG2 is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB when the mode transition effect ends, and the second reserved image HG2 is not displayed, after the mode transition effect ends, the second reserved image HG2 can be displayed in a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD. In other words, the second reserved image HG2 can be displayed in a display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD at an appropriate timing according to each situation.

[0141] (15) The chance mode MB is controlled when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends. After that, during the execution of the special game based on the variable pattern HP07 that can be executed a specified number of times (50 times in this embodiment), the presentation mode changes from the chance mode MB to the chance mode MC or chance mode MD after the mode transition presentation ends. Furthermore, at this time, the display mode of the presentation pattern EZ2 is also changed. Therefore, after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends, it is possible to draw attention to whether the specified number of special games have been executed. Then, after the specified number of special games have been executed, the game can be enjoyed with the presentation mode after the change and the display mode of the presentation pattern EZ2 corresponding to the changed presentation mode, so that it is possible to suppress the player from getting bored, compared to the case where the presentation mode and the display mode of the presentation pattern EZ2 do not change even if the specified number of special games are executed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

[0142] (16) It is possible to execute a reserved-preview effect that suggests that the lottery result for the second special game will be a jackpot for the second special game, for the reserved second special game. Thus, it is possible to expect that the reserved-preview effect will be executed when the second special game is reserved.

[0143] (17) For example, if the reserved reading performance is executed and the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 changes between the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern and the start of the special game executed for the 50th time, there is a risk that the change in the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 cannot be grasped before and after the mode transition performance is executed. In response to this, the reserved reading performance is not executed in the period from the start of the special game executed four times before the special game executed for the 50th time to the start of the special game executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern to the start of the special game executed for the 50th time. And, since four times is the same number of times as the upper limit number of times that the second special game can be reserved, it is possible to prevent the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 from starting in a situation in which the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 has changed due to the execution of the reserved reading performance. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the inability to grasp the change in the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 between the start of the mode transition performance and the start of the mode transition performance after the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started.

[0144] (18) For example, even if a special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started, if the reserved reading performance is executed when a new second special game is reserved, there is a risk that the change in the display state of the second reserved image HG2 before and after the mode transition performance is executed may not be grasped. In response to this, the reserved reading performance is not executed in the period from the start of the special game executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern to the start of the special game executed next (after one) to the special game executed after the special game. Therefore, even if a new second special game is reserved after the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started, the execution of the reserved reading performance can suppress the change in the display state of the second reserved image HG2 from being unable to be grasped before and after the mode transition performance is executed.

[0145] (19) After the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started, when the mode continuation effect is executed instead of the mode transition effect, the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 is not changed. Therefore, when the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started and the mode continuation effect is executed instead of the mode transition effect, it is possible to prevent the player from being distracted by the change in the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 and missing the mode continuation effect. Therefore, compared to when the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 changes when the mode continuation effect is executed, it is easier to draw attention to the mode continuation effect, and interest in the game can be improved.

[0146] (20) After the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is started, depending on whether or not the mode continuation effect is executed instead of the mode transition effect, it is possible to provide a game in which the chance mode MB continues or the chance mode MB changes to the chance mode MC or the chance mode MD. When the mode transition effect is executed and the effect mode changes, the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 can also be changed according to the change in the effect mode, which can increase the interest in the game.

[0147] (21) Since the mode continuation effect is an effect that suggests that control will continue to be in chance mode MB after the mode continuation effect ends, it is possible to make the player understand before the mode continuation effect ends that the effect mode will not change after the mode continuation effect ends.

[0148] (22) During the execution of the mode continuation effect, the effect pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2 are continuously displayed. Therefore, when the effect mode does not change during the execution of the special game based on the variation pattern HP07, it is easier to always grasp the number of reserved second special games during the execution of the mode continuation effect than when the mode transition effect is executed. Also, it is easier to visually recognize the effect pattern EZ2 than when the mode transition effect is executed.

[0149] (23) After the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern, when the special game that is executed for the 50th time starts, the types of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed temporarily without changing with the passage of time. Therefore, the player can pay attention to the mode transition performance and the mode continuation performance without being concerned about the change in the types of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3.

[0150] (24) Even after the mode transition effect or mode continuation effect ends, the types of the effect symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed temporarily without changing over time until the special game being executed ends. Therefore, compared with the case where the types of the effect symbols EZ1 to EZ3 change over time, it is possible to make it easier to understand the display state of the effect symbol EZ2 after the change.

[0151] The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the predetermined period during which the mode transition effect is executed may be the entire period during which the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 is being executed. In the above embodiment, the predetermined period during which the mode transition effect is executed may be a part or all of the period after the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 ends. In this case, a variation interval period may be set as a period from the end of the 50th special game that is a loss after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern ends until the start of the 51st special game. Then, the mode transition effect may be executed during a part or all of the variation interval period. According to this, the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 can be changed during the special game based on the variation pattern HP07 and the special game executed next to the special game. Therefore, while it is possible to know that the effect pattern displayed during the period during which two consecutive special games are executed is the same effect pattern, the game can be enjoyed in a state in which the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 has changed in the special game executed later, and the interest in the game can be improved.

[0153] In the above embodiment, when the mode transition suggestion effect is executed, a part of the area where the effect pattern EZ2 is temporarily displayed in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB on the first image display unit GH1 may be covered. In this case, when the mode transition suggestion effect is executed, the second effect display device 11b may be moved to a predetermined position below the operating position so that a part of the area where the effect pattern EZ2 is temporarily displayed in a display mode corresponding to the chance mode MB can be seen.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the variation pattern HP07 is determined when the special game executed 50 times after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends is a miss, but the variation pattern HP07 may also be determined when the special game executed 50 times after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends is a jackpot. In this case, during the execution of the special game based on the variation pattern HP07, instead of the mode transition effect or the mode continuation effect, a jackpot effect may be executed.

[0155] In the above embodiment, even while the mode continuation performance is being executed, the performance pattern EZ2 and the second pending image HG2 may be made invisible or their visibility may be reduced compared to before the mode continuation performance was started, just as when the mode transition performance is being executed.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 may be designs composed of images imitating characters instead of designs composed of images imitating Arabic numerals. Also, the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 may be designs including images imitating characters in addition to images imitating Arabic numerals.

[0157] In the above embodiment, regardless of the controlled performance mode, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ3 and EZ2 may have different designs. In other words, even when a winning performance pattern combination is displayed, the performance patterns EZ1, EZ3 may have the same design, and the performance pattern EZ2 may have a different design from the performance patterns EZ1, EZ3. In this case, for example, the performance pattern EZ2 may be a design including an image imitating a character, while the performance patterns EZ1, EZ3 may be designs not including an image imitating a character. The design of the performance pattern EZ2 may be a dedicated design different from the performance patterns EZ1, EZ3.

[0158] In the above embodiment, when the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed, the performance associated with the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 may be performed. For example, as the performance associated with the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3, an effect performance in which an effect image is displayed associated with each of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 may be performed. In this case, the performance modes of the accompanying effect performance may be different between the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3 and the performance symbol EZ2. Also, while an effect performance is performed associated with the performance symbol EZ2, an effect performance may not be performed associated with the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3. Also, while an effect performance is performed associated with the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3, an effect performance may not be performed associated with the performance symbol EZ2.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the variation pattern HP07 may not be determined when a predetermined number of special games are executed after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is completed. In this case, for example, the variation pattern HP07 may be determined by lottery in the high base state after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is completed, similar to the variation patterns HP02 to HP06.

[0160] In the above embodiment, there may be a plurality of controllable presentation modes in the low base state, and the variation pattern HP07 may be determined by lottery in the low base state. In this case, the presentation mode controlled in the low base state may be changed by executing a mode transition presentation similar to that in the above embodiment during the execution of a special game based on the variation pattern HP07.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 does not need to be equipped with a plurality of performance display devices, and various performances may be executed by one performance display device. In the above embodiment, in the special game based on the variation pattern HP07, a reach effect may be executed. Then, when a mode transition effect or a mode continuation effect is executed, the mode transition effect or the mode continuation effect may be executed after the reach effect ends.

[0162] In the above embodiment, the mode transition effect may include a content that suggests that the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 will change. Also, the mode transition effect may include a content that notifies that the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 will change.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the mode transition effect may include a content that suggests that the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 will change. Also, the mode transition effect may include a content that notifies that the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 will change.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 may not be displayed in a row. In this case, for example, the positions where the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed are determined, such as the left pattern position, the center pattern position, and the right pattern position, and the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 displayed at each position may be displayed so that the type changes over time at each position.

[0165] In the above embodiment, in addition to the effect symbols EZ1 to EZ3, one or more additional symbols may be provided as the effect symbols. In this case, the additional symbols may be displayed on the game board YB by a light-emitting means such as an LED, or may be displayed on the effect display devices 11a and 11b. The additional symbols may be displayed so that their visibility is not always reduced during the execution of the variable game. In addition, the additional symbols may include additional symbols whose type changes over time during the execution of the first special game, and additional symbols whose type changes over time during the execution of the second special game. In addition, when the effect game corresponding to the first special game is performed with three rows of the effect symbols EZ1 to EZ3, the additional symbols are also called fourth symbols. In addition, when the effect game corresponding to the second special game is performed with three rows of the effect symbols EZ1 to EZ3, the additional symbols are also called fifth symbols.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the performance symbols may be in two rows instead of three rows. Also, it may be in four rows or more. It is sufficient that there are multiple rows of performance symbols, and the display state of some of the performance symbols among the multiple rows of performance symbols is changed before and after the mode transition performance is executed.

[0167] In the above embodiment, when the high base state is changed to the low base state, the chance mode MC, MD is changed to the normal mode MA, and at this time, the mode transition effect may be executed. In this case, for example, when the special game executed 100 times after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is a miss, the variation pattern HP07 may be determined. Then, during the execution of the special game based on the variation pattern HP07, the mode transition effect may be executed in the same manner as when it is executed in the special game executed 50 times after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol in the above embodiment. At this time, the display mode of the effect pattern EZ2 may be changed from the display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC, MD to the display mode corresponding to the normal mode MA, with the end of the mode transition effect as a trigger. In this case, it is preferable to determine that the effect patterns EZ1, EZ3 are displayed in the same display mode in the normal mode MA and the chance modes MC, MD. Then, even if the mode transition effect is ended, the display mode of the effect patterns EZ1, EZ3 may not be changed. Also, at this time, the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 may change from the display mode corresponding to each of the chance modes MC and MD to the display mode corresponding to the normal mode MA, similar to the performance pattern EZ2, when the mode transition performance ends. In this case, it is preferable to determine that the first reserved image HG1 is displayed in the same display mode in the normal mode MA and the chance modes MC and MD, and the display mode of the first reserved image HG1 may not change even when the mode transition performance ends.

[0168] In the above embodiment, when controlled in the chance mode MB, chance mode MC, and chance mode MD, a right-hit instruction image instructing a right hit may be displayed on one of the image display units GH1 and GH2. In this case, during the execution of the mode transition performance, the visibility of the right-hit instruction image may not be reduced, similar to the performance patterns EZ1 and EZ3, and the first reserved image HG1. Also, during the execution of the mode transition performance, the right-hit instruction image may not be visible, or the visibility may be reduced compared to before the mode transition performance is started, similar to the performance patterns EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2. Also, during the execution of the mode continuation performance, the visibility of the right-hit instruction image may not be reduced. Furthermore, during the execution of the mode continuation performance, the right-hit instruction image may not be visible, or the visibility may be reduced compared to before the mode continuation performance is started.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the types of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed temporarily without changing over time during the execution of the mode transition performance, but this is not limited to this. For example, the display mode of the performance symbols EZ1 and EZ3 does not change during the execution of the mode transition performance, so the type may change over time during the execution of the mode transition performance. At this time, the visibility of the performance symbol EZ2 may be gradually reduced by the whiteout performance, so that it is gradually filled in white, and finally it may be completely filled in white and become invisible.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the whiteout effect may not be executed during the execution of the mode transition effect. In this case, the visibility of the effect pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2 may be gradually decreased during the execution of the mode transition suggestion effect, and may be made to be finally invisible.

[0171] In the above embodiment, while a mode transition effect was being performed, a white-out effect was executed followed by a mode transition suggestion effect, but the mode transition suggestion effect may also be started at the same time as the white-out effect starts.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the visibility of each image is reduced by filling the performance pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2 with white as a whiteout performance during the execution of the mode transition performance, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the visibility of the performance pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2 is reduced, a blackout performance may be executed in which each image is filled with black. Also, during the execution of the mode transition performance, a predetermined image may be displayed on a layer in front of the performance pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2 to reduce the visibility of each image, or each image may be made invisible.

[0173] In the above embodiment, while the mode change suggestion effect is being executed, the first image display unit GH1 may also display a background image corresponding to each effect mode after the change. In the above embodiment, during the execution of the mode transition effect, a dedicated background image that is displayed during the execution of the mode transition effect may be displayed on the image display units GH1 and GH2. In this case, instead of the whiteout effect, a dedicated background image may be displayed on the image display units GH1 and GH2 when the mode transition effect is started. In this case, for example, the dedicated background image may include a predetermined image that suggests the effect mode after the change. This can provide the enjoyment of guessing the type of effect mode after the change from the dedicated background image. In addition, the dedicated background image may include an image that notifies information indicating the number of game balls acquired during the high base state and the number of jackpots during the high base state. This can allow the player to enjoy the newly controlled effect mode after first understanding the number of game balls acquired during the high base state and the number of jackpots during the high base state at the timing when the effect mode changes.

[0174] In the above embodiment, during the execution of the mode transition effect, the mode transition suggestion effect may not be executed, and only the whiteout effect may be executed. In this case, after the effect pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2 become invisible due to the whiteout effect, the effect pattern EZ2 and the second reserved image HG2 may be displayed in a display mode corresponding to each effect mode after the change.

[0175] In the above embodiment, instead of the mode transition suggestion effect, a mode transition notification effect may be executed. In this case, instead of the transition image IG that imitates the character string "mode transition", for example, a transition notification image that imitates the character string "The presentation mode will change" may be displayed on the image display unit GH2.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the continuation of the mode may be notified by the mode continuation effect. In this case, instead of the continuation image KG that imitates the character string "mode continuation", a continuation notification image that imitates the character string "Chance mode MB continues" may be displayed on the image display unit GH2.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the mode transition effect may not include any content that suggests that the effect mode will change. Specifically, the transition image IG that resembles the character string "mode transition" may not be displayed on the image display unit GH2. In this case, the mode continuation effect may not be executed, or an effect with the same effect content as the mode transition effect may be executed as the mode continuation effect. This provides the player with the fun of predicting whether the effect mode will change during the execution of the mode transition effect.

[0178] In the above embodiment, there may be multiple types of presentation modes that can be controlled in the low base state. Also, there may be four or more types of presentation modes that can be controlled in the high base state. There may be two types of presentation modes that can be controlled in the high base state, in which case it is preferable to have a chance mode MB and a chance mode MC.

[0179] In the above embodiment, when any of the multiple types of presentation modes is controlled to, the presentation patterns EZ1 to EZ3 may be displayed on the first image display unit GH1, and the first reserved image HG1 and the second reserved image HG2 may be displayed on the second image display unit GH2. Also, when any of the multiple types of presentation modes is controlled to, the presentation patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and the reserved images HG1 and HG2 may be displayed on the first image display unit GH1, and the presentation patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and the reserved images HG1 and HG2 may be displayed on the second image display unit GH2.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the display mode of the first reserved image HG1 is the same in the chance mode MB and the chance modes MC and MD, but like the second reserved image HG2, the display mode of the first reserved image HG1 may be different in the chance mode MB and the chance modes MC and MD. In this case, it is preferable that the visibility of the first reserved image HG1 is gradually reduced as with the second reserved image HG2 by executing a whiteout effect in the mode transition effect, and that the first reserved image HG1 is ultimately made invisible. Also, it is preferable that the first reserved image HG1 is not displayed on the first image display unit GH1 even during the execution of the mode transition suggestion effect.

[0181] In the above embodiment, executing a mode continuation effect instead of a mode transition effect means executing a mode continuation effect without executing a mode transition effect, but this is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that after the mode transition effect has started, the mode transition effect is replaced with a mode continuation effect midway through.

[0182] In the above embodiment, similarly to the mode transition suggestion effect, the mode continuation effect may have a plurality of kinds of effect contents. In this case, for example, there may be a plurality of kinds of effect modes that can be controlled after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern, and the effect contents of the mode continuation effect may be different depending on the type of effect mode controlled before the mode continuation effect is executed. Also, when the chance mode MB continues, there may be a plurality of kinds of mode continuation effects with different images displayed. In this case, the effect contents of the mode continuation effect may be determined by lottery.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the reserved read-ahead performance is an effect that can be executed when the variation pattern that can be specified from the inputted read-ahead command is a variation pattern that executes the SR performance (variation pattern HP05, HP06), but the reserved read-ahead performance may be executed regardless of the type of variation pattern that can be specified from the inputted read-ahead command. For example, in each of the cases where it is specified that the inputted read-ahead command is a jackpot and where it is specified that the inputted read-ahead command is a miss, it may be determined by lottery whether or not to execute the reserved read-ahead performance. In this case, it is preferable to execute the lottery so that the expectation that the performance pattern combination of the jackpot will definitely be displayed in the variation game that is the target of the look-ahead is higher when the reserved read-ahead performance is executed than when the reserved read-ahead performance is not executed.

[0184] In the above embodiment, the reserved ball pre-reading effect may be executed for the first special game in addition to the second special game. In the above embodiment, the special symbols may include a small win symbol in addition to the big win symbol and the losing symbol. When a small win is won in the small win lottery, the small win symbol may be derived in the special game, and the small win game may be generated (awarded) after the end of the small win special game. In this case, the reserved pre-reading effect may be an effect that suggests that a lottery result that will be a small win will be derived in the target second special game in addition to or instead of the lottery result that will be a big win in the target second special game being derived.

[0185] In the above embodiment, in addition to the first reserved image HG1 corresponding to the reserved first special game, the first execution image corresponding to the running first special game may be displayed. Similarly, in addition to the second reserved image HG2 corresponding to the reserved second special game, the second execution image corresponding to the running second special game may be displayed. In this case, a plurality of display modes of each execution image may be provided, and the expectation that the performance symbol combination of the jackpot will definitely be displayed in the running special game may be suggested or notified depending on the type of the display mode. Also, in this case, during the execution of the mode transition performance, the second execution image may also be gradually reduced in visibility, similar to the second reserved image HG2, and finally become invisible. Also, a common execution image corresponding to the running first special game and the running second special game may be displayed. In this case, the common execution image may be gradually reduced in visibility during the execution of the mode transition performance and finally become invisible, or the visibility may not be reduced during the execution of the mode transition performance.

[0186] In the above embodiment, the period during which the execution of the reserved reading performance is restricted is set to the period from when the special game executed for the 46th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol starts to when the special game executed for the 50th time ends, but this is not limited to this. Any period may be set as long as it is a period before or after the start of the special game executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol. For example, the execution of the reserved reading performance may be restricted from the start of the special game 8 times before the start of the special game, which is the total number of the upper limit number of the first special game and the upper limit number of the second special game, for the special game executed for the 50th time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol. In other words, the execution of the reserved reading performance may be restricted from the start of the special game executed for the 42nd time after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol. Also, after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol, the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance may be restricted until the end of the special game that is executed 4 times after the 50th special game, which is the upper limit number of times that the second special game can be reserved. That is, after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol, the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance may be restricted until the end of the special game that is executed 54 times. In addition to the above period, a period during which the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance is restricted may be determined. For example, after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol, the execution of the reserved read-ahead performance may also be restricted in a predetermined period before and after the execution of the last special game controlled to the high base state (that is, the special game executed 100 times after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol).

[0187] In the above embodiment, the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 may be the same in the chance mode MB and the chance modes MC and MD. In other words, when the mode transition performance is completed, the display mode of the performance pattern EZ2 may change, while the display mode of the second reserved image HG2 may not change. In this case, when the whiteout performance is executed, the visibility of the second reserved image HG2 may gradually decrease and finally become unrecognizable, or the visibility may not decrease.

[0188] In the above embodiment, the sub-substrate 41 may be a sub-general control substrate, and a display control substrate that specializes in controlling the performance display devices 11a and 11b, an audio control substrate that specializes in controlling the speaker SP, and a lamp control substrate that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps LA may be provided separately from the sub-substrate 41. Also, some or all of the display control substrate, audio control substrate, and lamp control substrate may be the same substrate. Also, the sub-CPU 41a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single substrate.

[0189] In the above embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a single control board that integrates the functions of the main board 40 and the sub-board 41. The functions of the main board 40 may be divided and realized on multiple boards. The main CPU 40a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0190] In the above embodiment, the type of the jackpot may be changed as appropriate. For example, some or all of the upper limit number of rounds in the jackpot game, the upper limit time for which the jackpot opening 23 is opened, and the opening mode (opening pattern) of the jackpot opening 23 may be changed.

[0191] In the above embodiment, the first special game and the second special game may be executed in accordance with the order in which the game balls enter the starting holes 16, 18, or may be executed simultaneously in parallel. In the above embodiment, the maximum value of the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number may be changed as appropriate. The maximum value of the first special reservation number and the maximum value of the second special reservation number may be different values. The main CPU 40a may control so as not to reserve execution of either the first special game or the second special game.

[0192] In the above embodiment, the present invention may be embodied in a pachinko game machine in which a virtual medium composed of electronic data is provided to provide a game ball. That is, the above embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko game machine in which a physical game medium is not dispensed (a so-called managed game machine). Such a pachinko game machine is configured to convert a game ball that can be launched by using the virtual medium, and to be able to launch the game ball.

[0193] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) A gaming machine capable of executing a pattern change game for deriving a lottery result of a winning lottery and capable of suspending the execution of the pattern change game, the gaming machine comprises: a performance execution means for executing a performance; a performance control means for controlling the performance execution means; and a variation pattern determination means for determining a variation pattern capable of specifying a variation time of the pattern change game, the performance execution means displays performance symbols during the execution of the pattern change game, the performance symbols include specific performance symbols and non-specific performance symbols, the display modes of the specific performance symbols include a first pattern display mode and a second pattern display mode, the display mode of the specific performance symbols changes from the first pattern display mode to the second pattern display mode when a predetermined condition is established, while the display mode of the non-specific performance symbols does not change even when the predetermined condition is established, and the performance execution means is operable to execute the pattern change game. a gaming machine in which the possible effects include a special effect, the change pattern includes a specific change pattern, and the special effect is executable during a predetermined period after the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern is started and before the pattern change game to be executed next to the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern is started, when the specific effect pattern is displayed in the first pattern display mode when the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern is started, the predetermined condition is established when the special effect ends, and the specific effect pattern becomes invisible or has reduced visibility during the specific period while the special effect is being executed compared to before the special effect was started, and the non-specific effect pattern does not have reduced visibility during the execution of the special effect compared to before the special effect was started.

[0194] (B) A gaming machine capable of executing a pattern change game for deriving a lottery result of a winning lottery, in which a winning game is awarded in the case of winning in the winning lottery, and capable of suspending the execution of the pattern change game, comprising: a performance execution means for executing a performance; a performance control means for controlling the performance execution means; and a change pattern determination means for determining a change pattern capable of specifying a change time of the pattern change game, wherein the performance execution means displays a performance pattern during the execution of the pattern change game, the performance patterns include specific performance patterns and non-specific performance patterns, the display modes of the specific performance patterns include a first pattern display mode and a second pattern display mode, the display mode of the specific performance patterns changes from the first pattern display mode to the second pattern display mode when a predetermined condition is established, while the display mode of the non-specific performance patterns does not change even when the predetermined condition is established, the performances executable by the performance execution means include a special performance, the change patterns include a specific change pattern, and the special performance is a pattern that is displayed in a predetermined manner in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. a gaming machine in which, when the specific effect pattern is displayed in the first pattern display mode when a pattern change game based on the specific change pattern is started, the specific effect pattern can be executed during a predetermined period during the execution of the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern, the predetermined condition is established when the special effect ends, the specific effect pattern becomes invisible during the specific period during the execution of the special effect or its visibility decreases compared to before the special effect starts, and the non-specific effect pattern does not become less visible during the execution of the special effect compared to before the special effect starts, and the display mode of the specific effect pattern becomes the second pattern display mode when the predetermined condition is established even in a situation where a pattern change game to be executed next to the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern is not held, and after becoming the second pattern display mode, the second pattern display mode continues until the pattern change game to be executed next to the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern starts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 10... Pachinko game machine 11a... First performance display device 11b... Second performance display device 13... Information display device 16... First start port 18... Second start port 23... Big prize port 40... Main board 40a... Main CPU 40b... Main ROM 40c... Main RAM 41... Sub board 41a... Sub CPU 41b... Sub ROM 41c... Sub RAM BG1~BG4... Background image EZ1~EZ3... Performance pattern GH1... First image display section GH2... Second image display section HG1... First reserved image HG2... Second reserved image HP01~HP07... Variation pattern IG... Transition image KG... Continuation image LA... Decorative lamp MA... Normal mode MB~MD... Chance mode SP... Speaker YA... Frame body YB... Game board

Claims

[Claim 1] In a gaming machine capable of executing a symbol variation game, A performance execution means for executing a performance; A performance control means for controlling the performance execution means; A variation pattern determination means for determining a variation pattern capable of specifying a variation time of the symbol variation game, In the effect execution means, an effect symbol is displayed during execution of a symbol variation game, The performance symbols include specific performance symbols and non-specific performance symbols, The display mode of the specific performance pattern includes a first pattern display mode and a second pattern display mode, The display mode of the specific performance pattern is changed from the first pattern display mode to the second pattern display mode when the special performance is executed, and is not changed from the first pattern display mode to the second pattern display mode when the special performance is executed, The display mode of the non-specific performance pattern does not change due to the execution of the special performance and the execution of the special performance, The fluctuation pattern includes a specific fluctuation pattern, The special effect can be executed during a predetermined period after the pattern change game based on the specific pattern is started and before the pattern change game to be executed next to the pattern change game based on the specific pattern is started, when the specific effect pattern is displayed in the first pattern display mode when the pattern change game based on the specific pattern is started, The special effect is executed in place of the special effect after the symbol variation game based on the specific variation pattern is started, The specific performance pattern becomes invisible during a specific period during which the special performance is being performed, or becomes less visible than before the special performance was started, The non-specific performance pattern does not become less visible during the execution of the special performance compared to before the special performance was started, In the symbol variation game based on the specific variation pattern, a reach effect can be executed, The gaming machine is characterized in that the specified period is a period after the execution of the reach presentation and before the start of a pattern change game to be executed next to the pattern change game based on the specific change pattern.

Images