Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing interest.SOLUTION: In a low opening state, a first type performance game is executed on a performance display device as a performance game accompanying the execution of a special game. On the other hand, in a high opening state, a second type performance game is executed on the performance display device as a performance game accompanying the execution of a normal game. Further, the high opening state can be controlled with an upper limit until the number of normal games executed after being controlled to the high opening state reaches a predetermined number of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, among pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, there are some that are configured to be controllable to a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery is increased, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1. In addition, among pachinko gaming machines, there are some that are configured to be controllable to a state in which the advantage of a gaming ball entering a part of the starting winning holes is increased, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-97881 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Nowadays, there is a demand for gaming machines that offer greater entertainment value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The gaming machine that solves the above problem is capable of awarding a jackpot game in which a jackpot opening is opened when a special symbol-changing game is a jackpot, and Usually, the winning pattern is but DerivedIn a gaming machine capable of awarding a normal winning game in which a specific start port having a variable member is opened when a normal winning occurs, the gaming machine is provided with a gaming state control means for controlling a gaming state, and a performance control means for controlling a performance execution means, the gaming states being a first gaming state and a second gaming state in which the advantage of a gaming ball entering the specific start port is higher than that of the first gaming state, the second gaming state being controllable up to a predetermined number of times that a normal symbol variation game is executed after being controlled to the second gaming state, the performance execution means being capable of executing a performance game using a plurality of rows of performance symbols, and in the first gaming state, a performance game associated with the execution of a special symbol variation game is executed, and in the second gaming state, a performance game associated with the execution of a normal symbol variation game is executed, The second game state includes a specific game state and a special game state in which the advantage of the game ball entering the specific starting hole is higher than that of the specific game state, the variation time of the normal symbol variation game in the special game state is shorter than the variation time of the normal symbol variation game in the specific game state, the normal winning symbols include a first normal winning symbol and a second normal winning symbol, and when the first normal winning symbol is derived in the normal symbol variation game during the specific game state, a symbol combination for a normal winning symbol is derived in a performance game accompanying the execution of the normal symbol variation game, and when the specific game state is in the specific game state, When the second normal winning symbol is derived in the normal symbol variation game when the special game state is in effect, a normal losing symbol combination is derived in a presentation game accompanying the execution of the normal symbol variation game; when the first normal winning symbol is derived in the normal symbol variation game when the special game state is in effect, a normal winning symbol combination is derived in a presentation game accompanying the execution of the normal symbol variation game; when the second normal winning symbol is derived in the normal symbol variation game when the special game state is in effect, a normal winning symbol combination is derived in a presentation game accompanying the execution of the normal symbol variation game; It is possible to execute a notification effect that prompts the player to hit the ball to the right, and the notification effect includes a first notification effect and a second notification effect, and the first notification effect The mode of the notification performance to be executed when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off while the above is being executed is as follows: The second report Out When it is running Power supply power supply but Blocking After being Power supply started Executed if Aspects of the notification performance Different from The gist of the present invention is as follows. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to this invention, it is possible to improve interest. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko game machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] A diagram showing the ball passage through which the game ball that enters the second large winning port flows. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows a normal game and a normal winning game. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the types of symbol jackpot games, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the types of jackpot games. [Figure 6]FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a first type presentation game executed in the presentation display device, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a second type presentation game executed in the presentation display device. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine; [Figure 8] A figure showing an example of a fluctuation pattern that can be determined in a high opening state. [Figure 9] 13(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the relationship between the variable time of the second special game, the normal game, and the normal winning game. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of an output mode of a special stop signal, a normal stop signal, and a high open state signal. [Figure 11] 11(a) to 11(d) are figures showing examples of the display contents of the effect display device when various right-hit effects are executed. [Figure 12] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a change in the game state from a low opening state, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a change in the game state from a high opening state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the gaming machine will be described. In this specification, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (rear) indicate the respective directions as seen by a player. As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine includes a frame body 11. The frame body 11 includes an outer frame 12, a middle frame 13, and a front frame 14. The outer frame 12 is fixed to an installation facility (so-called island facility). The middle frame 13 is supported on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 14 is supported on the front side of the middle frame 13 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front side of the game board 20. The front frame 14 supports a protective glass that covers the entire opening 14a of the front frame 14 and protects the game board 20. The middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 are supported on the outer frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a launch handle 16 on the front side of the front frame 14. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a game ball as a game medium is launched with a strength according to the operation amount (rotation amount) of the launch handle 16. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the strength of the launch of the gaming balls can be adjusted by operating the launch handle 16.

[0011] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a decorative lamp 17 as a light emitting means on the front side of the front frame 14. The decorative lamp 17 executes effects (hereinafter, may be referred to as light emitting effects) by turning on, blinking, and turning off built-in light emitters. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a speaker 18 as a sound output means on the front side of the front frame 14. The speaker 18 executes effects (hereinafter, may be referred to as sound effects) by outputting sounds such as background sounds (so-called BGM) and sound effects.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, a game area 21 that is substantially circular in front view is defined on the front side of the game board 20. The game board 20 is provided with a guide passage 21a that guides a game ball launched by operating the launch handle 16 to the game area 21. The game board 20 is provided with a backflow prevention valve 21b that prevents a game ball launched into the game area 21 from returning back to the guide passage 21a. A game ball launched by operating the launch handle 16 is guided by the guide passage 21a, passes through the backflow prevention valve 21b located at the most downstream of the guide passage 21a, and reaches the game area 21. Then, the game ball that reaches the game area 21 flows down the game area 21.

[0013] The pachinko game machine 10 includes an information display panel 22. The information display panel 22 includes a first special symbol display section 22a. The first special symbol display section 22a displays a first special symbol changing game (hereinafter, referred to as the first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed variably and the first special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed stop. The information display panel 22 includes a second special symbol display section 22b. The second special symbol display section 22b displays a second special symbol changing game (hereinafter, referred to as the second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed variably and the second special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed stop. In the following description, the first special game and the second special game may be collectively referred to simply as the "special game". The special game corresponds to the special symbol changing game. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of an internal lottery such as a big win lottery, which will be described later. In this specification, the "variable display" means a state in which the type of the displayed symbol changes over time. In this specification, the term "determined stop display" refers to a state in which the symbols are definitively displayed and the type of the displayed symbols does not change. In the following description, the "determined stop display" may be referred to as "derived".

[0014] The special symbols that can be derived in the special symbol display units 22a and 22b include at least a winning symbol as a winning display result and a non-winning symbol as a non-winning display result. The winning symbols include a big winning symbol and a small winning symbol. The big winning symbol as a big winning result is derived in the special game when the big winning lottery is won. That is, when the special symbol variation game is a big winning, the big winning result is derived in the special symbol variation game. The case where the special game is a big winning corresponds to the case where the big winning lottery is won and the big winning symbol is derived in the special game. That is, the case where the special game is a big winning corresponds to the case where the big winning symbol is derived in the special game. The small winning symbol as a small winning result is derived in the special game when the small winning lottery is won. That is, when the special symbol variation game is a small win, the small win result is derived in the special symbol variation game. The case where the special game is a small win corresponds to the case where the small win lottery is won and the small win pattern is derived in the special game. In other words, the case where the special game is a small win corresponds to the case where the small win pattern is derived in the special game. The non-win pattern includes a miss pattern and a chance pattern. In this embodiment, the chance pattern corresponds to the special result. In this way, the result derived in the variable game when the big win is not won in the big win lottery includes a special result. The chance pattern is also called a time-saving pattern. The special result is different from the big win result and also different from the small win result.

[0015] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously. Although details will be described later, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to suspend the execution of the first special game and the second special game, respectively. Then, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the special games are executed in the order in which the execution was suspended.

[0016] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a jackpot lottery is won, a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game that is the subject of the winning, and then a jackpot game is awarded (occurs). In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can award a jackpot game when a special pattern change game becomes a jackpot. Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a small jackpot lottery is won, a small jackpot symbol is derived in the special game that is the subject of the winning, and then a small jackpot game is awarded (occurs). In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can award a small jackpot game when a special pattern change game becomes a small jackpot. Winning a jackpot lottery corresponds to winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery. Similarly, winning a small jackpot lottery corresponds to winning a small jackpot in a small jackpot lottery.

[0017] The information display panel 22 includes a first special hold display section 22c. The first special hold display section 22c recognizably displays the number of first special games whose execution is on hold because the start conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the first special hold number). The information display panel 22 includes a second special hold display section 22d. The second special hold display section 22d recognizably displays the number of second special games whose execution is on hold because the start conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the second special hold number).

[0018] The information display panel 22 includes a normal symbol display section 22e. The normal symbol display section 22e variably displays a predetermined symbol and displays a normal symbol variation game (hereinafter, referred to as a normal game) that ultimately derives a normal symbol. The normal symbols that can be derived to the normal symbol display section 22e include at least a normal winning symbol that is derived in the case of a normal win and a normal loss symbol that is derived in the case of a normal loss. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the normal winning symbols include a first normal winning symbol and a second normal winning symbol. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a normal winning lottery is won, after a normal winning symbol is derived in a normal game, a normal winning game is awarded (occurs) after the normal game of the normal winning is completed. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can award a normal winning game when a normal symbol variation game results in a normal win. That is, in this embodiment, in the normal symbol variation game which is a normal hit, the normal hit symbol is derived, and then the normal hit game is awarded. Also, the information display panel 22 is equipped with a normal hold display section 22f. The normal hold display section 22f recognizably displays the number of normal games whose execution is held because the start condition is satisfied but the execution condition is not yet satisfied (hereinafter, referred to as the normal hold number).

[0019] As described above, the first special game and the second special game are not executed at the same time. However, in the pachinko game machine 10, the normal game can be executed at the same time as the special game. In other words, the special game can be executed at the same time as the normal game. That is, the normal pattern change game can be executed during the execution of the special symbol change game. Incidentally, while the big win game is awarded, the special game cannot be executed, while the normal game can be executed. That is, the big win game can be awarded during the execution of the normal game. Similarly, while the small win game is awarded, the special game cannot be executed, while the normal game can be executed. That is, the small win game can be awarded during the execution of the normal game. Meanwhile, while the normal win game is awarded, the normal game cannot be executed, while the special game can be executed. That is, during the execution of the special game, the normal win game can be awarded. That is, during the execution of the special game, the normal win game can be awarded. That is, during the execution of the special symbol change game, the normal win game can be awarded.

[0020] In addition, for example, the information display panel 22 may have a right-hit display section that notifies the player of the strength of the ball being shot. The information display panel 22 may also have a round number display section that displays the number of rounds played during a jackpot game. These multiple display sections do not need to be provided on the same member, and may be provided separately on different members.

[0021] The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a center frame 23 with various decorations at the approximate center of the play area 21 of the play board 20. The center frame 23 is provided with an opening 23a. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a performance display device 25 as a display means. For example, the performance display device 25 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The performance display device 25 is provided with a display area 25r in which an image is displayed. The performance display device 25 is attached to the play board 20 so that the player can view the display area 25r through the opening 23a of the center frame 23. The performance display device 25 executes a performance (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a display performance) that displays an image imitating a predetermined character or letter. In this embodiment, at least a part of the decorative lamp 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 functions as a performance execution means.

[0022] The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first start hole 26 as a start hole. The first start hole 26 is located below the center frame 23 in the game area 21. The first start hole 26 is always open so that a game ball can be inserted. That is, the first start hole 26 is always open so that a ball can be inserted. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first start sensor SE1 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a game ball that has entered the first start hole 26. For example, the first start hole 26 is connected to a ball passage that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board 20 (discharges the game ball from the game board 20 to the outside), and the first start sensor SE1 is disposed in the ball passage. When the game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, the start condition of the first special game may be established, and the payout condition of the prize ball is established. In this embodiment, the first start hole 26 corresponds to a non-specific start hole. In this manner, this embodiment is configured to be able to execute a special pattern variation game when a gaming ball enters a non-specific starting hole.

[0023] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a second start hole 27 as a start hole. The second start hole 27 is located to the right of the center frame 23 in the game area 21. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a second start sensor SE2 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a game ball that has entered the second start hole 27. For example, a ball passage that guides the entered game ball to the back side of the game board 20 is connected to the second start hole 27, and the second start sensor SE2 is disposed in the ball passage. When the game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the start condition of the second special game may be established, and the payout condition of the prize ball is also established.

[0024] Further, the second starting hole 27 has a first variable member 28 as a variable member. The first variable member 28 can be operated between an open state in which it is easy or possible to cause a game ball to enter the second starting hole 27, and a closed state in which it is difficult (or impossible) to cause a game ball to enter the second starting hole 27. The first variable member 28 operates by receiving power from a first actuator A1 (shown in FIG. 7). In the following description, the opening of the first variable member 28 may be referred to as "the second starting hole 27 is opened," and the closing of the first variable member 28 may be referred to as "the second starting hole 27 is closed." In this embodiment, the second starting hole 27 corresponds to a specific starting hole having a variable member. In this manner, this embodiment is configured to be capable of executing a special symbol variation game in response to the entry of a game ball into the specific starting hole.

[0025] In this way, the special game includes a first special game which is a special game triggered by a ball entering the first starting hole 26, and a second special game which is a special game triggered by a ball entering the second starting hole 27. That is, the special symbol changing game includes a first special symbol changing game which is a special symbol changing game triggered by a ball entering a non-specific starting hole different from the specific starting hole, and a second special symbol changing game which is a special symbol changing game triggered by a ball entering a specific starting hole. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 26 and the start condition of the first special game is established, a big win lottery is held, but a small win lottery is not held. In this way, in the pachinko game machine 10, a big win lottery is held as a trigger of a ball entering the first starting hole 26, but a small win lottery is not held as a trigger of a ball entering the first starting hole 26. On the other hand, in the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball enters the second start hole 27 and the start condition of the second special game is established, a big win lottery is held, and when the big win lottery is not won, a small win lottery is held. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the second special symbol variation game results in a small win, a small win game is awarded. Note that, similar to the case where a game ball enters the second start hole 27, a small win lottery may be held when a game ball enters the first start hole 26.

[0026] The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first large prize opening 29 as a large prize opening. The first large prize opening 29 is located in the lower right of the center frame 23 in the game area 21. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first count sensor SE3 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a game ball that has entered the first large prize opening 29. For example, the first large prize opening 29 is connected to a ball passage that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board 20, and the first count sensor SE3 is disposed in the ball passage. When the game ball is detected by the first count sensor SE3, a payout condition for the prize ball is established. In addition, the first large prize opening 29 has a second variable member 30. The second variable member 30 is operable between an open state in which the game ball can be entered into the first large prize opening 29 and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be entered into the first large prize opening 29. The second variable member 30 operates by receiving power from a second actuator A2 (shown in FIG. 7). When the second variable member 30 is in the open state, game balls are permitted to enter the first large prize opening 29. When the second variable member 30 is in the closed state, game balls are not permitted to enter the first large prize opening 29. In the following description, the open state of the second variable member 30 may be referred to as "the first large prize opening 29 is opened," and the closed state of the second variable member 30 may be referred to as "the first large prize opening 29 is closed."

[0027] The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a second large prize opening 31 as a large prize opening. The second large prize opening 31 is located to the right of the center frame 23 in the game area 21. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a second count sensor SE4 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 31. When the game ball is detected by the second count sensor SE4, a condition for paying out the prize ball is established. The second large prize opening 31 has a third variable member 32. The third variable member 32 is operable between an open state in which the game ball can enter the second large prize opening 31 and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the second large prize opening 31. The third variable member 32 operates by receiving power from a third actuator A3 (shown in FIG. 7). When the third variable member 32 is in the open state, the game ball is permitted to enter the second large prize opening 31. When the third variable member 32 is in the closed state, game balls are not permitted to enter the second large prize opening 31. In the following description, the third variable member 32 being in the open state may be referred to as "the second large prize opening 31 is opened," and the third variable member 32 being in the closed state may be referred to as "the second large prize opening 31 is closed."

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, a ball passage 33 is formed on the back side of the game board 20 to guide the game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 31 to the back side of the game board 20. The ball passage 33 includes an inflow passage 33a through which the game ball flows from the second large winning opening 31, and a specific passage 33b and a non-specific passage 33c as passages branching off from the inflow passage 33a. Hereinafter, the portion where the inflow passage 33a branches off into the specific passage 33b and the non-specific passage 33c is referred to as a branching portion 33d.

[0029] The pachinko game machine 10 includes a distribution shutter 34. The distribution shutter 34 is configured to be capable of distributing a game ball that enters the second large winning port 31 and reaches the branching portion 33d to either the specific path 33b or the non-specific path 33c. The distribution shutter 34 can be operated in a closed state in which the game ball is distributed to the non-specific path 33c, and in an open state in which the game ball is distributed to the specific path 33b. When the distribution shutter 34 is in a closed state, the game ball that reaches the branching portion 33d flows into the non-specific path 33c. When the distribution shutter 34 is in an open state, the game ball that reaches the branching portion 33d flows into the specific path 33b. The distribution shutter 34 operates by receiving power from a fourth actuator A4 (shown in FIG. 7). The distribution shutter 34 can be in an open state when a small winning game is awarded.

[0030] In the pachinko game machine 10, the second count sensor SE4 is disposed in the inflow passage 33a and upstream of the branching portion 33d. The pachinko game machine 10 also includes a bonus sensor SE5 that detects a game ball passing through a bonus area 35 that is a part of the specific passage 33b. The bonus area 35 corresponds to a specific area. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball is detected by the bonus sensor SE5, a bonus granting condition for granting a bonus is established. Although details will be described later, in one example of the present embodiment, a big win game is set as a bonus. Although details will be described later, in the pachinko game machine 10, when a player does not win the big win lottery but wins the small win lottery, the second big win opening 31 is opened in the subsequent small win game. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 10, even if the second special game is not a jackpot, if the game ball that entered the second large winning port 31 in the small winning game awarded as a result of a small winning is awarded enters the special area 35, the jackpot game is awarded. In other words, even if the second special symbol change game is not a jackpot, if the game ball that entered the specific winning port in the small winning game awarded as a result of a small winning in the second special symbol change game enters the specific area, the jackpot game is awarded.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a gate 37. The gate 37 is located to the right of the center frame 23 in the gaming area 21. The gate 37 has a gate opening that is always open so that a gaming ball can enter. In other words, the gate 37 is always open so that a ball can enter. A gate sensor SE6 (shown in FIG. 7) that detects a gaming ball passing through the gate 37 is disposed at the gate opening. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the gate sensor SE6, a start condition for a normal game may be established.

[0032] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with an outlet 36. In this embodiment, gaming balls that do not enter the first start port 26, the second start port 27, the first large prize port 29, or the second large prize port 31 are discharged from the outlet 36 to the outside of the machine (discharged from the gaming board 20 to the outside). The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with game components, such as nails (game nails) and windmills, that change the behavior of the gaming balls flowing down the gaming area 21.

[0033] Next, the path along which the gaming ball flows in this embodiment will be described. The pachinko game machine 10 configured as above has a plurality of paths through which the game balls flow down in the game area 21 according to the launch strength of the game balls. The paths through which the game balls flow down can also be understood as the areas through which the game balls flow down. The plurality of paths include a first path R1 that passes through the left side of the center frame 23 (performance display device 25) to the outlet 36, and a second path R2 that passes through the right side of the center frame 23 (performance display device 25) to the outlet 36. The first path R1 and the second path R2 may overlap in part or may not overlap in whole. In the following description, the area located to the left of the center line CL that bisects the game area 21 into left and right when the game board 20 is viewed from the front is referred to as the left side area R1a, and the area located to the right of the center line CL is referred to as the right side area R2a. In this embodiment, the left side area R1a corresponds to the non-special area, and the right side area R2a corresponds to the special area. The path flowing down the left region R1a corresponds to the first path R1, and the path flowing down the right region R2a corresponds to the second path R2.

[0034] The player can adjust the launch strength of the game ball by operating the launch handle 16 to hit the game ball into the left area R1a or the right area R2a, and make the game ball enter the first start hole 26, the second start hole 27, the first large prize hole 29, the second large prize hole 31, or the gate 37. Specifically, when the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be weak (so-called left hit), the game ball is likely to be guided down to the left area R1a and may enter the first start hole 26. On the other hand, when the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be strong (so-called right hit), the game ball is likely to be guided down to the right area R2a and may enter the second start hole 27, the first large prize hole 29, the second large prize hole 31, or the gate 37. Therefore, it can be said that the first start port 26 is located on the first path R1, and the second start port 27, the first large prize port 29, the second large prize port 31, and the gate 37 are located on the second path R2. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that the game ball can enter the first start port 26 when the game ball is made to flow down to the left area R1a of the game board 20. On the other hand, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that the game ball can enter the second start port 27, the first large prize port 29, the second large prize port 31, and the gate 37 when the game ball is made to flow down to the right area R2a of the game board 20. That is, this embodiment is configured so that the game ball can enter the specific start port and the specific prize port when the game ball is made to flow down to the special area on the game board.

[0035] In this embodiment, the game ball is less likely to enter the second starting hole 27, the first large winning hole 29, the second large winning hole 31, or the gate 37 when it flows down the first path R1 than when it flows down the second path R2. In this embodiment, the game ball is less likely to enter the first starting hole 26 when it flows down the second path R2 than when it flows down the first path R1. In the following description, the game ball is sometimes referred to as "left hit" when it is launched with a launch strength that causes the game ball to flow down the first path R1. Also, the game ball is sometimes referred to as "right hit" when it is launched with a launch strength that causes the game ball to flow down the second path R2.

[0036] In the right area R2a, the gate 37 is disposed upstream of the second starting hole 27, the first large prize hole 29, and the second large prize hole 31. In the right area R2a, the second large prize hole 31 is disposed upstream of the second starting hole 27 and the first large prize hole 29. In the right area R2a, the second starting hole 27 is disposed upstream of the first large prize hole 29.

[0037] Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko game machine 10 has a low opening state and a high opening state as game states with different advantageous degrees for ball entry into the starting hole. In the low opening state and the high opening state, the advantageous degree for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 27 among the starting holes is different. In the high opening state, the probability that the game ball enters the second starting hole 27 is higher than in the low opening state, and the advantageous degree for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 27 is higher. That is, in the high opening state, the advantageous degree for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 27 as a specific starting hole is higher than in the low opening state. For example, the low opening state and the high opening state may have different ratios of the number of winning balls to the number of game balls shot. In this embodiment, the low opening state corresponds to the first game state, and the high opening state corresponds to the second game state. That is, in this embodiment, there are a first game state and a second game state. In addition, in this embodiment, the low opening state corresponds to the normal gaming state.

[0038] The high opening state can be realized, for example, by performing one control arbitrarily selected from the three controls of the first control to the third control described below, or by combining a plurality of controls. The first control is a normal pattern variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game compared to the low opening state. The second control is a normal pattern probability variation control that varies the probability of winning the normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than the low opening state. The third control is an opening time extension control that makes the total opening time of the second start hole 27 in one normal winning game longer than the low opening state. As the opening time extension control, at least one of the control that increases the number of openings of the second start hole 27 in one normal winning game compared to the low opening state and the control that makes one opening time of the second start hole 27 in a normal winning game longer than the low opening state may be performed. The high opening state may also be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time shortening control that makes the fluctuation time of the special game (for example, the average fluctuation time) easier to be shorter than in the low opening state. When the special symbol fluctuation time shortening control is performed, the high opening state becomes the so-called "fluctuation time shortening state (variation shortening state)".

[0039] In the pachinko game machine 10, since the first variable member 28 may be in an open state even in the low opening state, there is a possibility that a game ball may enter the second starting hole 27 even in the low opening state. However, when in the low opening state, for example, by configuring so that the normal winning lottery is not won, the first variable member 28 may not be in an open state and the game ball may not enter the second starting hole 27. In addition, when in the low opening state, for example, even if the normal winning lottery is won, the first variable member 28 may not be in an open state, so that the game ball may not enter the second starting hole 27. When configured as above, the low opening state can be said to be a state in which the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 27. On the other hand, the high opening state can be said to be a state in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 27.

[0040] The high opening state in the pachinko game machine 10 includes a first high opening state and a second high opening state. The second high opening state is more advantageous than the first high opening state. Details will be described later, but for example, in the second high opening state, the total time during which the second start hole 27 is opened in one normal winning game is likely to be longer than in the first high opening state. In this embodiment, the first high opening state corresponds to a specific game state, and the second high opening state corresponds to a special game state. Thus, in this embodiment, the second game state includes a specific game state and a special game state. As described above, the high opening state is a game state in which the probability that a game ball will enter the second start hole 27 is higher than in the low opening state, and the advantage of the game ball entering the second start hole 27 is high. That is, the advantage of the specific game state is higher regarding the entry of the game ball into the second start hole 27 as a specific start hole than in the normal game state. Similarly, the special gaming state has a higher advantage in terms of the entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 27 as a specific starting hole than the normal gaming state.

[0041] In the pachinko game machine 10, when the end condition of the high opening state is satisfied, the high opening state is ended. The end condition of the high opening state includes an end condition that is satisfied when a jackpot game is awarded. In addition, the end condition of the high opening state includes an end condition that is satisfied when the number of times that the normal game executed after being controlled to the high opening state reaches a predetermined number. For this reason, in the pachinko game machine 10, the high opening state is configured to be controllable with an upper limit until the number of times that the normal game executed after being controlled to the high opening state reaches a predetermined number. In other words, the second game state is configured to be controllable with an upper limit until the number of times that the normal symbol variation game executed after being controlled to the second game state reaches a predetermined number.

[0042] Specifically, the first high opening state has an end condition that is established when the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the first high opening state reaches a predetermined number. In other words, in the pachinko game machine 10, the first high opening state is configured to be controllable with an upper limit of the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the first high opening state reaching a predetermined number. In other words, the specific game state is configured to be controllable with an upper limit of the number of times that the normal symbol variation game is executed after being controlled to the specific game state reaching a predetermined number.

[0043] Similarly, the second high opening state has an end condition that is established when the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the second high opening state reaches a predetermined number. In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second high opening state is configured to be controllable with an upper limit of the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the second high opening state reaching a predetermined number. In other words, the special gaming state is configured to be controllable with an upper limit of the number of times that the normal symbol variation game is executed after being controlled to the special gaming state reaching a predetermined number. Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the "predetermined number of times" is "100 times" regardless of whether it is the first high opening state or the second high opening state.

[0044] In this way, the high opening state has an end condition that is established by the award of a jackpot game, and an end condition that is established by the fact that the number of times that a normal game executed after being controlled to the high opening state reaches a predetermined number. Therefore, if the special game becomes a jackpot and a jackpot game is awarded before the number of times that a normal game executed after being controlled to the high opening state reaches a predetermined number, the high opening state ends. That is, for example, if the special game becomes a jackpot and a jackpot game is awarded before the number of times that a normal game executed after being controlled to the first high opening state reaches a predetermined number, the first high opening state ends. Similarly, for example, if the special game becomes a jackpot and a jackpot game is awarded before the number of times that a normal game executed after being controlled to the second high opening state reaches a predetermined number, the second high opening state ends. As described above, if the special symbol variation game becomes a jackpot before the number of times that a normal symbol variation game executed after being controlled to the second game state reaches a predetermined number, the second game state is configured to end.

[0045] Here, the normal game and the normal winning game in each game state of the low opening state, the first high opening state, and the second high opening state will be described with reference to FIG. In the pachinko game machine 10, the winning probability of the normal winning lottery when in the low opening state (shown as "normal winning probability" in FIG. 4) is "65534 / 65536". On the other hand, the winning probability of the normal winning lottery when in either the first high opening state or the second high opening state is "65535 / 65536".

[0046] The fluctuation time of the normal game when in the low opening state is set to "4 seconds." The fluctuation time of the normal game when in the first high opening state is set to "3.5 seconds." The fluctuation time of the normal game when in the second high opening state is set to "0.3 seconds."

[0047] When the first normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game in the low opening state, the second start hole 27 is closed in the normal winning game until "5 seconds" have elapsed since the normal winning game was awarded, and then the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of "0.02 seconds". On the other hand, when the second normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game in the low opening state, the second start hole 27 is closed in the normal winning game until "0.01 seconds" have elapsed since the normal winning game was awarded, and then the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of "0.02 seconds". In this way, in the normal winning game when the first normal winning symbol is derived in the low opening state, the second start hole 27 is not opened until "5 seconds" have elapsed. On the other hand, in the normal winning game when the second normal winning symbol is derived in the low opening state, the second start hole 27 is not opened until "0.01 seconds" have elapsed. That is, in the low opening state, the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game when the first normal winning symbol is derived is different from the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game when the second normal winning symbol is derived. That is, in the normal game state, the opening mode of the specific start hole in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived is different from the opening mode of the specific start hole in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived. On the other hand, in the low opening state, the opening time of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game when the first normal winning symbol is derived is the same as the opening time of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game when the second normal winning symbol is derived, which is "0.02 seconds". That is, in the normal game state, the opening time at which the specific start port is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning pattern is derived is the same as the opening time at which the specific start port is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning pattern is derived.

[0048] When the first normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game in the first high opening state, the second start hole 27 is closed in the normal winning game until "5 seconds" have elapsed since the normal winning game was awarded, and then the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of "5.8 seconds". On the other hand, when the second normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game in the first high opening state, the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of "0.02 seconds" in the normal winning game. In this way, in the normal winning game when the first normal winning symbol is derived in the first high opening state, the second start hole 27 is not opened until "5 seconds" have elapsed. On the other hand, in the normal winning game when the second normal winning symbol is derived in the first high opening state, the second start hole 27 is opened without waiting for the opening of the second start hole 27. Furthermore, in a normal winning game when the first normal winning symbol is derived in the first high opening state, the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of "5.8 seconds". On the other hand, in a normal winning game when the second normal winning symbol is derived in the first high opening state, the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of "0.02 seconds". That is, in the first high opening state, the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in a normal winning game when the first normal winning symbol is derived is different from the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in a normal winning game when the second normal winning symbol is derived. That is, in a specific game state, the opening mode of the specific start hole in a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived is different from the opening mode of the specific start hole in a normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived.

[0049] When the first normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game in the second high opening state, the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of "5.8 seconds" in the normal winning game. Similarly, when the second normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game in the second high opening state, the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of "5.8 seconds" in the normal winning game. In this way, when the second high opening state is in the normal winning game, regardless of whether the first normal winning symbol or the second normal winning symbol is derived, the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of "5.8 seconds". In other words, in the second high opening state, the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game when the first normal winning symbol is derived is the same as the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game when the second normal winning symbol is derived. In particular, in the second high opening state, the opening time of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game when the first normal winning symbol is derived is the same as the opening time of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game when the second normal winning symbol is derived. That is, in the special game state, the opening time when the specific start hole is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived is the same as the opening time when the specific start hole is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived.

[0050] In this way, in the pachinko game machine 10, the opening time during which the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is output when the machine is in the first high opening state is "5.8 seconds", which is the same as the opening time during which the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is output when the machine is in the second high opening state. In other words, the opening time during which the specific start hole is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is output when the machine is in the specific game state is the same as the opening time during which the specific start hole is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is output when the machine is in the special game state.

[0051] However, in the pachinko game machine 10, in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out in the first high opening state, the time from the start of the normal winning game to the opening of the second start hole 27 is "5 seconds". On the other hand, in the pachinko game machine 10, in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out in the second high opening state, the time from the start of the normal winning game to the opening of the second start hole 27 is "0 seconds". In other words, the time from the start of the normal winning game to the opening of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out in the first high opening state is different from the time from the start of the normal winning game to the opening of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out in the second high opening state. In other words, in a normal win game after the first normal win pattern is derived in a specific game state, the time from when the normal win game starts to when the specific start port starts to open is different from the time from when the normal win game starts to when the specific start port starts to open in a normal win game after the first normal win pattern is derived in a special game state.

[0052] Incidentally, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the normal winning lottery is won, the first normal winning symbol is determined with a probability of "1 / 400", and the second normal winning symbol is determined with a probability of "399 / 400". That is, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the normal winning lottery is won, the chances of the second normal winning symbol being derived in the normal game are overwhelmingly greater than the chances of the first normal winning symbol being derived in the normal game. The probability of determining each type of normal winning symbol may be changed. For example, when the normal winning lottery is won, the first normal winning symbol may be determined more easily than the second normal winning symbol. As described above, in the normal winning game, the second start hole 27 as the specific start hole is opened.

[0053] In addition, the normal win game ends when the end condition of the normal win game is satisfied. The end conditions of the normal win game include a first normal win end condition and a second normal win end condition. The first normal win end condition is satisfied when the opening of the second start hole 27 in the opening mode determined in the normal win game is completed. The second normal win end condition is satisfied when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter. Therefore, if the second normal win end condition is satisfied before the first normal win end condition is satisfied in the normal win game, the normal win game ends before the opening of the second start hole 27 in the opening mode determined in the normal win game is completed. In this embodiment, the upper limit number of balls that enters to satisfy the second normal win end condition is set to "1". For this reason, in the pachinko game machine 10, if a game ball enters the second starting hole 27 during a normal winning game, the normal winning game ends with the ball entering. In the pachinko game machine 10, even if a normal winning game is awarded in any of the low opening state, the first high opening state, and the second high opening state, the upper limit number of balls that enter to establish the second normal winning end condition is set to "1". Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 10, even if a normal winning game is awarded after the first normal winning pattern or the second normal winning pattern is derived, the upper limit number of balls that enter to establish the second normal winning end condition is set to "1".

[0054] As described above, in the second high opening state, the fluctuation time of the normal game is shorter than in the first high opening state. Therefore, in the second high opening state, the number of normal games executed per unit time tends to be greater than in the first high opening state, and the chances of a normal winning game being awarded tend to be greater. Also, in the second high opening state, the time during which the second start hole 27 is opened tends to be longer when a normal winning game is awarded than in the first high opening state. Thus, the second high opening state has a higher advantage in terms of the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 27 than in the first high opening state. That is, the special game state has a higher advantage in terms of the entry of a game ball into a specific start hole than in the specific game state.

[0055] In the pachinko game machine 10, the second high opening state is more advantageous in terms of ball entry into the second starting hole 27 than the first high opening state, so the second special game is more likely to be executed, and the number of times the second special game is executed per unit time is more likely to be increased. In particular, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the first high opening state is in effect, even if the player wins the normal winning lottery, it is difficult to enter the game ball into the second starting hole 27 and execute the second special game unless the first normal winning symbol, which is determined with a probability of "1 / 400", is determined. On the other hand, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the second high opening state is in effect, it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting hole 27 and execute the second special game, even if the second normal winning symbol, which is determined with a probability of "399 / 400", is determined. That is, in the first high opening state, it is difficult to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 27 compared to the second high opening state, and the number of times the second special game is executed per unit time is difficult to increase. From the above, in the second high opening state, the number of times the second special game is executed per unit time is likely to be greater than the number of times the normal game is executed in the second high opening state until the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number of times, which is likely to be greater than the number of times the second special game is executed in the first high opening state until the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number of times. In other words, in the special game state, the number of times the special pattern change game is executed triggered by the game ball entering the specific starting hole until the number of times the normal pattern change game is executed reaches a predetermined number of times is likely to be greater than the number of times the special pattern change game is executed triggered by the game ball entering the specific starting hole until the number of times the normal pattern change game is executed reaches a predetermined number of times in the specific game state.

[0056] The opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game of this embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game may be changed. For example, when changing the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game, the time when the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game may be changed. For example, when changing the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game, the number of times when the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game may be changed. For example, when changing the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game, the time from the start of the normal winning game to the opening of the second start hole 27 may be changed. For example, when changing the opening mode of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game, the time when the second start hole 27 is closed in the normal winning game may be changed. That is, the opening mode of the second start port 27 in a normal winning game includes at least a part of the time when the second start port 27 is opened in a normal winning game, the number of times when the second start port 27 is opened in a normal winning game, the time from the start of the normal winning game until the second start port 27 is opened, and the time when the second start port 27 is closed in a normal winning game. That is, the opening mode of the specific start port in a normal winning game includes at least a part of the time when the specific start port is opened in a normal winning game, the number of times when the specific start port is opened in a normal winning game, the time from the start of the normal winning game until the opening of the specific start port begins, and the time when the specific start port is closed in a normal winning game.

[0057] Next, the big win and small win in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The jackpot game in the pachinko game machine 10 includes a jackpot game awarded based on a winning symbol (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol game), and a jackpot game awarded based on a winning feature (hereinafter referred to as a winning feature game). A winning symbol means that a special game becomes a jackpot by winning a jackpot lottery. There are multiple types of winning symbols. The types of winning symbols correspond to the types of winning symbols. A winning feature is a jackpot when a game ball that enters the second large winning opening 31 is distributed to a specific passage 33b and detected by the bonus sensor SE5. There are multiple types of winning features. The types of winning features correspond to the types of small winning symbols.

[0058] In the jackpot game, first, an opening performance is performed for a predetermined opening period to notify the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot game, after the opening performance is finished, a round game is performed in which the first large prize winning hole 29 is opened. The round game is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. In one round game, the first large prize winning hole 29 is opened until a first open game ending condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enters the hole, or a second open game ending condition in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed, is met. In the round game, a round performance is performed. Then, in the jackpot game, when the final round game is finished, an ending performance is performed for a predetermined ending period to notify the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends with the end of the ending performance.

[0059] In the small win game, first, an opening performance is performed for a predetermined opening period to notify the start of the small win game. In the small win game, after the opening performance ends, a round game in which the second large prize winning hole 31 is opened is performed only once. In one round game, the second large prize winning hole 31 is opened until the first open game ending condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enters, or the second open game ending condition in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed, is met, as in the large win game. In the round game, a round performance is performed. Then, in the small win game, when one round game ends, an ending performance is performed for a predetermined ending period to notify the end of the small win game. The small win game ends with the end of the ending performance.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. The plurality of types of jackpot symbols are classified into a first jackpot symbol, a second jackpot symbol, a third jackpot symbol, a fourth jackpot symbol, a fifth jackpot symbol, and a sixth jackpot symbol. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a jackpot lottery performed in executing the first special game is won, the first jackpot symbol is determined with a probability of "2%", the second jackpot symbol is determined with a probability of "48%, and the third jackpot symbol is determined with a probability of "50%". In addition, in the pachinko game machine 10, if the jackpot lottery held when the second special game is executed is won, the fourth jackpot symbol will be determined with a probability of "70%", the fifth jackpot symbol with a probability of "11%, and the sixth jackpot symbol with a probability of "19%".

[0061] In the following explanation, among the jackpot games awarded when the symbols are hit, the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol is referred to as the "first symbol jackpot game", the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol is referred to as the "second symbol jackpot game", and the jackpot game based on the third jackpot symbol is referred to as the "third symbol jackpot game". Similarly, in the following explanation, among the jackpot games awarded when the symbols are hit, the jackpot game based on the fourth jackpot symbol is referred to as the "fourth symbol jackpot game", the jackpot game based on the fifth jackpot symbol is referred to as the "fifth symbol jackpot game", and the jackpot game based on the sixth jackpot symbol is referred to as the "sixth symbol jackpot game". In addition, in the following explanation, the first symbol jackpot game to the sixth symbol jackpot game may be collectively referred to as the symbol jackpot game. In this embodiment, at least one of the first and second symbol jackpot games corresponds to the second jackpot game. In addition, in this embodiment, the third symbol jackpot game corresponds to the first jackpot game. In this way, there are a first jackpot game and a second jackpot game in the jackpot game.

[0062] For each symbol jackpot game, the upper limit number of rounds in the jackpot game is set. Specifically, for the first symbol jackpot game to the third symbol jackpot game, the upper limit number of rounds is set to "3 times". For the fourth symbol jackpot game to the sixth symbol jackpot game, the upper limit number of rounds is set to "10 times". The upper limit time for each round in the symbol jackpot game is set to 25 seconds. And, for each round in the symbol jackpot game, the first big prize winning hole 29 is opened for an upper limit of 25 seconds. In this way, the first big prize winning hole 29 is opened in the symbol jackpot game.

[0063] In addition, an opening time is set for each symbol jackpot game. The opening time set for each symbol jackpot game may be different or the same depending on the type of symbol jackpot game. In addition, an ending time is set for each symbol jackpot game. The ending time set for each symbol jackpot game may be different or the same depending on the type of symbol jackpot game.

[0064] For each symbol jackpot game, a game state to be controlled after the jackpot game is determined. Specifically, for the first symbol jackpot game, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the second high opening state after the jackpot game is ended. For the second symbol jackpot game, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the second high opening state after the jackpot game is ended. For the third symbol jackpot game, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the first high opening state after the jackpot game is ended. For the fourth symbol jackpot game, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the second high opening state after the jackpot game is ended. For the fifth symbol jackpot game, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the first high opening state after the jackpot game is ended. For the sixth symbol jackpot game, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the low opening state after the jackpot game is ended. The game state to be controlled after the jackpot game of each symbol may be different depending on the game state when the jackpot lottery is won.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of types of small win symbols as small win symbols of special symbols. The plurality of types of small win symbols are classified into a first small win symbol, a second small win symbol, and a third small win symbol. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the start condition of the first special game is established, the small win lottery is not performed. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the small win lottery is not performed when the first special game is executed. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the start condition of the second special game is established, the small win lottery may be performed. And, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the small win lottery performed when the second special game is executed is won, the first small win symbol is determined with a probability of "70%," the second small win symbol is determined with a probability of "11%," and the third small win symbol is determined with a probability of "19%".

[0066] In the following explanation, among the small win games, the small win game based on the first small win pattern is referred to as the "first small win game", the small win game based on the second small win pattern is referred to as the "second small win game", and the small win game based on the third small win pattern is referred to as the "third small win game". In addition, in the following explanation, among the big win games awarded when a role hit is made, the big win game awarded when a role hit is made in the first small win game is referred to as the "first role big win game". Similarly, in the following explanation, among the big win games awarded when a role hit is made, the big win game awarded when a role hit is made in the second small win game is referred to as the "second role big win game". In the following description, the jackpot game awarded when the third small win game is a jackpot game awarded when the third small win game is a jackpot game is referred to as the "third jackpot game." In the following description, the first jackpot game to the third jackpot game may be collectively referred to as the jackpot game.

[0067] For each jackpot game, the upper limit number of rounds in the jackpot game is set. Specifically, the upper limit number of rounds is set to "10 times" for the first jackpot game to the third jackpot game. In this embodiment, the upper limit number of rounds is set for the jackpot game, assuming that a small win game is adopted as the first round game. Therefore, the upper limit number of rounds in the jackpot game corresponds to the total upper limit number of rounds for the small win game and the jackpot game.

[0068] In a small win game, the second large prize opening 31 is opened in an opening pattern in which the second large prize opening 31 is opened 18 times in one round game. In a round game of a small win game, the opening time of the second large prize opening 31 is set to 0.028 seconds. In a round game of a small win game, the interval from when the second large prize opening 31 is closed to when it is opened is set to 0.6 seconds. Therefore, in a round game of a small win game, the second large prize opening 31 is opened for 0.028 seconds and then closed for 0.6 seconds, which is repeated 17 times, and then the second large prize opening 31 is opened for 0.028 seconds. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball enters the second large winning hole 31 in a small winning game and the game ball is detected by the bonus sensor SE5, a special jackpot game is awarded, and the small winning game becomes the first round game in the special jackpot game. In this way, the second large winning hole 31 is opened in the small winning game.

[0069] The upper limit time for the second and subsequent rounds in the jackpot game is set to 25 seconds. In the second and subsequent rounds in the jackpot game, the first large prize opening 29 is opened for an upper limit of 25 seconds. In other words, in the jackpot game, the second large prize opening 31 is opened in the small prize game corresponding to the first round game, and the first large prize opening 29 is opened in the second and subsequent rounds. In this way, the first large prize opening 29 is opened in the jackpot game.

[0070] For each jackpot game, a game state to be controlled after the jackpot game is completed is determined. Specifically, for the first jackpot game, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the second high opening state after the jackpot game is completed. For the second jackpot game, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the first high opening state after the jackpot game is completed. For the third jackpot game, it is determined that the game state is controlled to the low opening state after the jackpot game is completed.

[0071] In addition, the operation mode of the distribution shutter 34 is determined for each small win game. In each small win game, the distribution shutter 34 is in an open state. Therefore, in the small win game, the distribution shutter 34 is in an open state, and the inflow of game balls into the specific passage 33b is permitted. In this embodiment, the operation mode of the distribution shutter 34 in the small win game is the same regardless of the type of small win game. In the pachinko game machine 10, the distribution shutter 34 is in an open state when a round game in the small win game is started. After that, in the pachinko game machine 10, the distribution shutter 34 is in a closed state at a timing when a predetermined allowable time (2 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed after the end of the round game in the small win game. The time determined as the predetermined allowable time is set to be a sufficient time for the game balls that entered the second large winning port 31 to reach the distribution shutter 34. Also, for example, if the time set as the specified allowable time is set to be longer than the ending time of the small win game, it becomes easier for the bonus sensor SE5 to detect a game ball that enters the second large winning port 31 before the small win game ends.

[0072] In the pachinko game machine 10, if one game ball (one piece) enters the second large winning opening 31 in a small winning game, the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 31 in the small winning game is configured to enter the bonus area 35 in principle, unless, for example, an unpredictable situation occurs. An unpredictable situation may be, for example, a situation in which the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 31 gets stuck for some reason before entering the bonus area 35. In this way, in the pachinko game machine 10, when one game ball enters the second large winning opening 31 in a small winning game, the rate at which the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 31 enters the bonus area 35 is greater than the rate at which the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 31 does not enter the bonus area 35. In other words, in this embodiment, when one gaming ball enters a specific winning port during a small win game, the rate at which the one gaming ball that enters the specific winning port enters the specific area is greater than the rate at which the one gaming ball that enters the specific winning port does not enter the specific area.

[0073] The display effects that the effect display device 25 in this embodiment can execute include an effect pattern change game (hereinafter, referred to as an effect game) in which effect patterns (hereinafter, referred to as effect patterns) are displayed in a variable manner in multiple rows, and a combination of effect patterns is ultimately derived. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute an effect pattern change game using effect patterns. The effect patterns are patterns decorated with characters, patterns, and the like, and are also called "decorative patterns" or "decorative patterns." The effect game is executed by displaying (scrolling) the first, second, and third pattern rows in a variable manner in the vertical direction, respectively. The effect patterns in the first row are so-called first patterns, the effect patterns in the second row are so-called second patterns, and the effect patterns in the third row are so-called third patterns. In the following description, the "first column" is referred to as the "left column" and the "first symbol" is referred to as the "left symbol", the "second column" is referred to as the "middle column" and the "second symbol" is referred to as the "middle symbol", and the "third column" is referred to as the "right column" and the "third symbol" is referred to as the "right symbol". In this embodiment, in each column, in principle, the performance symbols imitating the numbers [1] to [8] are displayed variably in a predetermined order. In this way, in the pachinko game machine 10, the performance display device 25 can execute a performance game using multiple columns of performance symbols. That is, the performance execution means can execute a performance game using multiple columns of performance symbols.

[0074] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when in the low opening state, an effect game is executed in conjunction with the special game. The effect game in the low opening state starts with the start of the special game and ends with the end of the special game. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute an effect game during the execution of the special game when in the low opening state. That is, when in the low opening state, an effect game associated with the execution of the special game is executed. That is, when in the first game state, an effect game associated with the execution of the special pattern variation game is executed. In the following description, the effect game when in the low opening state, that is, the effect associated with the execution of the special game, may be referred to as the "first type effect game."

[0075] On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when in the high opening state, the effect game is executed in conjunction with the normal game. The effect game in the high opening state starts with the start of the normal game and ends with the end of the normal game. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute the effect game during the execution of the normal game when in the high opening state. That is, when in the high opening state, the effect game associated with the execution of the normal game is executed. That is, when in the second game state, the effect game associated with the execution of the normal symbol variation game is executed. In the following description, the effect game in the high opening state, that is, the effect associated with the execution of the normal game, may be referred to as the "second type effect game". Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second type effect game is executed in both the first high opening state and the second high opening state.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6(a), in the first type effect game, effect symbols imitating Arabic numerals "1" to "8" that are not outlined are used. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(b), in the second type effect game, effect symbols imitating Arabic numerals "1" to "8" that are outlined are used. In this way, the effect symbols used in the first type effect game are different from the effect symbols used in the second type effect game. That is, in this embodiment, the effect symbols used in the effect game associated with the execution of the special pattern change game are different from the effect symbols used in the effect game associated with the execution of the normal pattern change game.

[0077] However, in the pachinko game machine 10, the presentation symbols used in the first type presentation game include presentation symbol elements common to those used in the second type presentation game. For example, the presentation symbols used in the first type presentation game and the second type presentation game are common in that they are both presentation symbols imitating Arabic numerals. In addition, the presentation symbols used in the first type presentation game and the second type presentation game are common in that they are both presentation symbols imitating odd numbers with a red base. Furthermore, the presentation symbols used in the first type presentation game and the second type presentation game are common in that they are both presentation symbols imitating even numbers with a blue base.

[0078] In the first type presentation game, a combination of presentation symbols corresponding to the special symbols derived in the special game is derived. In the first type presentation game, when a big win symbol is derived in the special game, a big win symbol combination is derived. For example, a big win symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the presentation symbols in all columns are the same, such as "777". In the first type presentation game, when a small win symbol is derived in the special game, a small win symbol combination is derived. For example, a small win symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the presentation symbols in at least some columns are different from the presentation symbols in the other columns, such as "112" or "426".

[0079] In the first type performance game, when a losing symbol is derived in a special game, a losing symbol combination is derived. For example, a losing symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols of at least some columns are different from the performance symbols of other columns, such as "323" or "426". Incidentally, the symbol combination of a small win may be a symbol combination that is partially or entirely common to the losing symbol combination. For example, when a symbol combination common to the small win symbol combination and the losing symbol combination is derived in the first type performance game, it is difficult to identify whether it is a small win or a loss from the performance symbols. On the other hand, the symbol combination of a small win may be a symbol combination different from the losing symbol combination. In this case, it is easy to identify whether it is a small win or a loss from the performance symbols.

[0080] In the first type performance game, when a chance symbol is derived in a special game, a chance symbol combination is derived. For example, a chance symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols in at least some columns are different from the performance symbols in other columns, such as "123" or "112". The symbol combination of a losing symbol and the chance symbol combination may be the same in part or in whole, or may be different in whole. Also, the symbol combination of a small winning symbol and the chance symbol combination may be the same in part or in whole, or may be different in whole. In the first type performance game, the performance symbol is temporarily stopped before being derived. In this specification, "temporarily stopped display" means a state that indicates a state different from derivation, such as a "shaking state".

[0081] In the second type performance game, a combination of performance symbols corresponding to the normal symbols derived in the normal game is derived. In the second type performance game, when the first normal winning symbol is derived in the first high opening state, a normal winning symbol combination is derived. For example, a normal winning symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols of all columns are the same, such as "777". The normal winning symbol combination may be the same in part or in whole as the big winning symbol combination that can be derived in the first type performance game, or may be different. On the other hand, in the second type performance game, when the second normal winning symbol is derived in the first high opening state, a normal losing symbol combination is derived. A normal losing symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols of at least some columns are different from the performance symbols of the other columns, such as "323" or "426". The symbol combination for a normal loss may be the same in part or in whole as the symbol combination for a loss that can be derived in the first type presentation game, or may be different. Also, in the second type presentation game, when a normal winning symbol is derived in the second high opening state, the symbol combination for a normal win is derived. In the second high opening state, regardless of whether the first normal winning symbol or the second normal winning symbol is derived, the symbol combination for a normal win is derived in the second type presentation game.

[0082] In the second type presentation game, when a normal losing symbol is derived, a normal losing symbol combination is derived. When a normal losing symbol is derived, regardless of whether the first high opening state or the second high opening state is present, a normal losing symbol combination is derived in the second type presentation game. In the second type presentation game, as in the first type presentation game, the display is temporarily stopped before the presentation symbol is derived.

[0083] In the pachinko game machine 10, in the first type of performance game among the performance games, the display mode of the performance symbols may become a reach mode (a reach is formed), and a reach performance (also simply called a reach) may be performed. The reach mode is a state in which performance symbols imitating the same numbers are temporarily displayed in a specific column (for example, the left column and the right column) among multiple columns, and performance symbols in a column other than the specific column (for example, the middle column) are continuously displayed in a variable manner. The reach performance may include multiple types of reach performances in which the characters that appear and the actions of the performance symbols are different. For example, the reach performance may include a normal reach performance and a super reach performance that is performed after the start of the normal reach performance. In addition, when the super reach performance is performed during the execution of the special game, the expectation of a big win may be higher than when only the normal reach performance is performed.

[0084] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the reach effect is not performed in the second type performance game among the performance games. However, the reach effect may be performed in the second type performance game as in the first type performance game. For example, the reach effect may be performed in both the first type performance game and the second type performance game, or the reach effect may be performed only in the second type performance game among the first type performance game and the second type performance game.

[0085] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main board 40 as a main control unit. For example, the main board 40 performs various processes and outputs control information such as a control signal (control command) according to the results of the processes. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an external terminal board 47. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a sub-board 50 as a sub-control unit. The sub-board 50 performs a predetermined process based on the control information output by the main board 40. For example, the sub-board 50 performs a process for executing a light-emitting effect by the decorative lamp 17, a sound effect by the speaker 18, and a display effect by the effect display device 25. The main board 40 and the sub-board 50 are disposed on the back side of the game board 20. The game board unit includes the main board 40 and the sub-board 50. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the main board 40 and the sub-board 50 can be said to be disposed inside the machine. The main board 40 is connected to the sub-board 50. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a power supply unit 60.

[0086] First, the main board 40 will be described. The main board 40 includes a main CPU 41, a main ROM 42, a main RWM 43, and a clear switch 45. The main CPU 41 executes a control program (main control program) of the main CPU 41 to perform various processes.

[0087] The main ROM 42 stores the main control program, the lottery table and the judgment value used in the predetermined lottery. For example, the main ROM 42 stores the big win judgment value used in the big win lottery. In addition, the main ROM 42 stores the small win judgment value used in the small win lottery. The main ROM 42 also stores the chance judgment value used in the chance lottery. The main ROM 42 also stores the performance judgment value used in the performance lottery. In the performance lottery, a decision is made as to whether to execute the reach performance. For this reason, the performance lottery can also be called a reach lottery. The main ROM 42 also stores the normal win judgment value used in the normal win lottery. The normal win judgment value includes a high opening normal win judgment value used only when the state is in the high opening state out of the low opening state and the high opening state, and a common normal win judgment value used in both the low opening state and the high opening state. In addition, in the pachinko game machine 10, in the normal hit lottery when the low opening state is in effect, only the common normal hit judgment value is used out of the common normal hit judgment value and the high opening normal hit judgment value, whereas in the normal hit lottery when the high opening state is in effect, both the common normal hit judgment value and the high opening normal hit judgment value are used.

[0088] In addition, for example, the main ROM 42 stores a variation pattern related to a special game. The main ROM 42 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The plurality of types of variation patterns are associated with a variation time (variation time of the special game) from the start of the special game to the end of the special game. The variation pattern can be said to be information capable of identifying the variation time of the special game. The variation pattern may be information capable of identifying a part or all of the presentation contents of the first type presentation game performed from the start of the special game to the end of the special game. The variation patterns include, for example, a big win variation pattern, a small win variation pattern, a chance variation pattern, and a non-win variation pattern. The big win variation pattern is associated with a presentation content that finally derives a pattern combination of a big win through a reach presentation as the presentation content of the first type presentation game. The small win variation pattern is associated with a presentation content that finally derives a pattern combination of a small win without going through a reach presentation as the presentation content of the first type presentation game. In addition, the small winning variation pattern may have a variation pattern associated with a presentation content that finally derives a miss pattern combination through a reach presentation as the presentation content of the first type presentation game. The chance variation pattern is associated with a presentation content that finally derives a chance pattern by a presentation pattern through a predetermined chance presentation as the presentation content of the first type presentation game. The non-winning variation pattern includes a non-win no reach variation pattern and a non-win reach variation pattern. The non-win no reach variation pattern is associated with a presentation content that finally derives a miss pattern combination or a chance pattern combination without a reach presentation as the presentation content of the first type presentation game. The non-win reach variation pattern is associated with a presentation content that finally derives a miss pattern combination or a chance pattern combination through a reach presentation as the presentation content of the first type presentation game.

[0089] Various types of fluctuation patterns are classified into fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a low opening state and fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a high opening state. The fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a low opening state are associated with the presentation content of the first type presentation game. On the other hand, the fluctuation patterns that can be determined in a high opening state may be configured so that the presentation content of the first type presentation game is not associated with the fluctuation patterns. Note that some or all of the fluctuation patterns that can be determined in each game state may be the same as the fluctuation patterns that can be determined in the other game state. Also, various types of fluctuation patterns are classified into a fluctuation pattern for the first special game that can be determined when the first special game is executed, and a fluctuation pattern for the second special game that can be determined when the second special game is executed. Note that some or all of the fluctuation patterns that can be determined when one of the first special game and the second special game is executed may be the same as the fluctuation pattern that can be determined when the other special game is executed.

[0090] The main RWM 43 is configured to be capable of storing various information that is appropriately rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Information stored in the main RWM 43 includes, for example, flags, counters, and timers. The main board 40 is configured to be capable of generating random numbers. For example, the random numbers may be generated as hardware random numbers by mounting on the main board 40 a random number generating circuit that updates the value of the random number at a predetermined cycle, or may be generated as software random numbers by the main CPU 41 updating the value of the random number at a predetermined control cycle.

[0091] The main board 40 is connected to a first start sensor SE1, a second start sensor SE2, a first count sensor SE3, a second count sensor SE4, a bonus sensor SE5, and a gate sensor SE6. The main CPU 41 is configured to be able to input detection signals output by various sensors SE1 to SE6 via a port. The information display panel 22 is connected to the main board 40. The main CPU 41 is able to control the display contents of the information display panel 22 via a drive circuit. The main board 40 is connected to a first actuator A1, a second actuator A2, a third actuator A3, and a fourth actuator A4. The main CPU 41 is able to control the operation of the first actuator A1, the operation of the second actuator A2, the operation of the third actuator A3, and the operation of the fourth actuator A4 via a drive circuit. The main board 40 is connected to an external terminal board 47. The external terminal board 47 is provided with a connection terminal that can be connected to an external device. The main CPU 41 is able to control the output of an external signal output to an external device connected to the connection terminal via a port.

[0092] The clear switch 45 is an operating means configured to be capable of performing an operation to instruct initialization (hereinafter referred to as RWM clear) of at least a part of various information backed up by a backup function described later. The clear switch 45 is turned on when pressed, and is turned off when not pressed. The main CPU 41 can input an operating signal to be output when the clear switch 45 is operated to the on state.

[0093] Next, the sub-substrate 50 will be described. The sub-board 50 includes a sub-CPU 51, a sub-ROM 52, and a sub-RWM 53. For example, the sub-CPU 51 executes a control program (sub-control program) of the sub-CPU 51 to perform various processes (for example, processes related to performance). The sub-ROM 52 stores the sub-control program, a lottery table used in the lottery, and a judgment value. The sub-ROM 52 stores display performance data capable of identifying the mode (contents) of the display performance in the performance display device 25. The sub-ROM 52 stores light-emitting performance data capable of identifying the mode (contents) of the light-emitting performance in the decorative lamp 17. The sub-ROM 52 stores sound performance data capable of identifying the mode (contents) of the sound performance in the speaker 18.

[0094] The sub-RWM 53 is configured to be capable of storing various information that is appropriately rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Information stored in the sub-RWM 53 includes, for example, flags, counters, and timers. The sub-substrate 50 is configured to be capable of generating random numbers. For example, the random numbers may be generated as hardware random numbers by mounting on the sub-substrate 50 a random number generating circuit that updates the value of the random number at predetermined cycles, or may be generated as software random numbers by the sub-CPU 51 updating the value of the random number at predetermined control cycles.

[0095] The decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 are connected to the sub-substrate 50. The sub-CPU 51 is capable of controlling the decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 via the drive circuits.

[0096] Next, the power supply unit 60 will be described. The power supply unit 60 converts a power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply such as an arcade into a predetermined power supply voltage, and converts the converted power supply voltage into a power supply voltage to be supplied to each of the boards 40, 50. The power supply unit 60 includes a power switch 61. The power switch 61 can be switched between an on state and an off state, and maintains the switched state. To start the pachinko gaming machine 10, the power supply from the external power supply is started while the power switch 61 is operated to the on state, or the power switch 61 is operated from the off state to the on state while the power supply from the external power supply is being continued.

[0097] The power supply unit 60 includes a backup power supply 62. The backup power supply 62 supplies power to the main RWM 43 even after the power supply is cut off. The main RWM 43 can retain the stored contents of the main RWM 43 at the time of power supply cut off, by receiving power from the backup power supply 62, even after the power supply is cut off. The backup power supply 62 supplies power to the sub RWM 53 even after the power supply is cut off. The sub RWM 53 can retain the stored contents of the sub RWM 53 at the time of power supply cut off, by receiving power from the backup power supply 62, even after the power supply is cut off. For example, one or both of the main RWM 43 and the sub RWM 53 may be configured to be a non-volatile memory capable of retaining stored contents even when the power supply is cut off, thereby enabling the information stored therein to be retained even after the power supply is cut off.

[0098] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a backup function. The backup function is a function that internally holds (backs up) various information related to game control even when the power supply from the external power source is cut off, and restores game control based on the various information held when the power supply is started. Here, the various information to be backed up includes game information related to the progress of the game. For example, the game information includes information on special games, information on big win games, information on normal games, information on normal win games, information on game status, and information on the payout of prize balls. In this embodiment, both the main board 40 and the sub-board 50 have a backup function, but for example, the sub-board 50 does not need to have a backup function. The main RWM 43 is an example of an information storage means capable of storing various information and configured to be able to hold at least a part of the stored information even after the power supply is cut off. Similarly, the sub-RWM 53 is an example of an information storage means capable of storing various information and configured to be able to hold at least a part of the stored information even after the power supply is cut off.

[0099] Here, various processes performed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. First, a main power-on process and a sub power-on process that are performed when power supply starts will be described.

[0100] When the main CPU 41 is started by a start-up process (boot process) accompanying the start of power supply, it first executes a main power-on process. In the main power-on process, whether or not to initialize the main RWM 43 (RWM clear) is controlled according to the operation state of the clear switch 45 at the start of power supply. When the clear switch 45 is operated to the on state, the main CPU 41 executes RWM clear of the main RWM 43. When performing RWM clear, the main CPU 41 initializes the game information by storing initial information in each area that stores game information among various information in the storage area of ​​the main RWM 43. Thereafter, the main CPU 41 ends the main power-on process. On the other hand, when the clear switch 45 is in the off state, the main CPU 41 does not execute RWM clear of the main RWM 43, but returns based on the backed-up storage contents of the main RWM 43, and ends the main power-on process.

[0101] When the RWM clear is executed, the state is restored to one in which neither the special game nor the normal game is being executed or suspended, and there is no big win game, small win game, or normal win game. On the other hand, when the RWM clear is not executed, the state is restored to the state when the power supply was cut off, based on the backed up game information.

[0102] When the main CPU 41 ends the main power-on process, it stores a predetermined control command in the output buffer to the sub-board 50 based on the game information stored in the main RWM 43. Specifically, when the RWM clear is executed in the main power-on process, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter, referred to as the RWM clear command) capable of identifying that the RWM clear has been executed in the output buffer. On the other hand, when the RWM clear is not executed in the main power-on process, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter, referred to as the return command) capable of identifying that the state is restored to the state when the power supply is cut off in the output buffer. For example, when the main CPU 41 returns to the state during a small win game with the start of the power supply, it stores a return command capable of identifying that the state is restored to the state during a small win game in the output buffer. The control information (command) stored in the output buffer is output to the sub-board 50 in the next or subsequent interrupt process.

[0103] When the secondary CPU 51 is started by a start-up process (boot process) accompanying the start of power supply, it waits until it receives an RWM clear command or a restore command from the primary CPU 41. When the RWM clear command or the restore command is received, the secondary CPU 51 executes a sub-power-on process. In the sub-power process, whether or not to initialize the secondary RWM 53 (RWM clear) is controlled depending on whether an RWM clear command or a restore command is received.

[0104] When the RWM clear command is input, the sub-CPU 51 executes the RWM clear of the sub-RWM 53. When the RWM clear is performed, the sub-CPU 51 initializes the game information by storing initial information in each area that stores the game information among various information in the storage area of ​​the sub-RWM 53. After that, the sub-CPU 51 ends the sub-power-on process. On the other hand, when the return command is input, the sub-CPU 51 does not execute the RWM clear of the sub-RWM 53, but returns based on the backed-up storage contents of the sub-RWM 53, and ends the sub-power-on process. When the clear command is input, the sub-CPU 51 is returned to a state where no performance game is being executed and none of the performance during the big win game, the performance during the small win game, and the performance during the normal win game are being executed. On the other hand, when the return command is input, the sub-CPU 51 is returned to the state when the power supply was cut off based on the backed-up game information.

[0105] Next, the special symbol input process performed by the main CPU 41 will be described. The main CPU 41 performs the special symbol input process as a timer interrupt process performed at each predetermined control period. The control period is also called a timer interrupt period. The control period may be, for example, 0.004 seconds.

[0106] In the special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 performs a first special symbol input process. In addition, when the main CPU 41 finishes the first special symbol input process, it performs a second special symbol input process. In the special symbol input process, when the main CPU 41 finishes the second special symbol input process, it ends the special symbol input process.

[0107] In the first special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 judges whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 26 based on whether a detection signal from the first start sensor SE1 has been input (hereinafter referred to as the first input judgment). If the judgment result of the first input judgment is negative, the main CPU 41 ends the first special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the judgment result of the first input judgment is positive, the main CPU 41 judges whether the first special reserved number stored in the main RWM 43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment) (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved judgment). If the judgment result of the first reserved judgment is negative, the main CPU 41 ends the first special symbol input process. If the judgment result of the first reserved judgment is positive, the main CPU 41 adds 1 to the first special reserved number to update it. In addition, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 to display the updated first special reserved number. The main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter, referred to as the first reserved number command) capable of identifying the updated first special reserved number in the output buffer. In addition, when the result of the first reserved determination is positive, the main CPU 41 acquires random numbers generated in the main board 40, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RWM 43. At this time, the main CPU 41 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. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the first special game in the main RWM 43, the execution of the first special game is suspended until the execution condition of the first special game is established. 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. For example, the random number is a winning lottery random number used for a big win lottery and a small win lottery, a pattern random number used for determining a special pattern, a variation pattern random number used for determining a variation pattern, a performance lottery random number used for a performance lottery, etc. Thereafter, the main CPU 41 ends the first special symbol input process. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to suspend the execution of the first special game, which corresponds to the special game that is executed in response to a ball entering the first start hole 26, in response to a ball entering the first start hole 26. That is, this embodiment is configured to be able to suspend the execution of the special symbol variation game that is executed in response to a ball entering the non-specific start hole in response to a ball entering the non-specific start hole.

[0108] In the second special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 judges whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 27 based on whether a detection signal from the second start sensor SE2 has been input (hereinafter referred to as the second input judgment). If the judgment result of the second input judgment is negative, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the judgment result of the second input judgment is positive, the main CPU 41 judges whether the second special reserved number stored in the main RWM 43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment) (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved judgment). If the judgment result of the second reserved judgment is negative, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol input process. If the judgment result of the second reserved judgment is positive, the main CPU 41 adds 1 to the second special reserved number to update it. The main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 to display the updated second special reserved number. In addition, the main CPU 41 stores control information capable of identifying the updated second special reserved number (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved number command) in the output buffer. Also, when the determination result of the second hold determination is positive, the main CPU 41 acquires the random number generated in the main board 40, stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RWM 43, and ends the special symbol input process. At this time, the main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main RWM 43, the execution of the second special game is suspended until the execution condition of the second special game is established. Thereafter, the main CPU 41 ends the second special symbol input process. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to hold the execution of the second special game, which corresponds to the special game executed in response to the ball entering the second start hole 27, in response to the ball entering the second start hole 27. That is, in this embodiment, it is configured to be able to hold the execution of the special symbol variation game executed in response to the ball entering the specific start hole in response to the ball entering the specific start hole. Incidentally, in the first special pattern input process and the second special pattern input process, when the main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that the storage order can be specified, the random number information is stored so that the storage order can be specified regardless of the random number information for the first special game and the random number information for the second special game.

[0109] Next, there will be described a special symbol start process performed by the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 performs the special symbol start process as a timer interrupt process performed at every predetermined control period. In the special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 judges whether a winning game (a big win game, a small win game) is not in progress and whether a special game is being played. If a winning game or a special game is being played, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start processing. On the other hand, if a winning game is not in progress and a special game is not being played, the main CPU 41 makes a reservation judgment. In the reservation judgment, the main CPU 41 judges whether the special reservation number, which is the sum of the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number, is 1 or more. If it is judged in the reservation judgment that the special reservation number is not 1 or more, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start processing.

[0110] On the other hand, when it is determined in the reservation determination that the special reservation number is 1 or more, the main CPU 41 performs a random number information read process. In the random number information read process, the main CPU 41 reads the random number information that was stored earliest among the random number information for the first special game and the random number information for the second special game from the main RWM 43. After reading the random number information, the main CPU 41 erases the random number information that was stored earliest from the main RWM 43.

[0111] When the random number information read in the random number information reading process is random number information for the first special game, the main CPU41 updates the first special reserved number stored in the main RWM43 by subtracting 1. The main CPU41 also controls the information display panel 22 so that the updated first special reserved number is displayed. The main CPU41 also stores a first reserved number command capable of identifying the updated first special reserved number in the output buffer. The main CPU41 then performs a first special symbol start process, and ends the special symbol start process when the first special symbol start process is completed. On the other hand, when the random number information read in the random number information reading process is random number information for the second special game, the main CPU41 updates the second special reserved number stored in the main RWM43 by subtracting 1. The main CPU41 also controls the information display panel 22 so that the updated second special reserved number is displayed. The main CPU41 also stores a second reserved number command capable of identifying the updated second special reserved number in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 performs a second special symbol start process, and ends the special symbol start process when the second special symbol start process is completed.

[0112] Here, the first special symbol start process will be described. The first special symbol start process is a control that is executed in conjunction with the execution of the first special game. In the first special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery process. In the jackpot lottery process, the main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery based on the value of the winning lottery random number that can be specified from the read random number information and the jackpot determination value stored in the main ROM 42. The main CPU 41 determines whether the value of the winning lottery random number matches the jackpot determination value, and performs a jackpot lottery. In this embodiment, if the value of the winning lottery random number matches the jackpot determination value, the jackpot lottery is considered to have been won, and if the value of the winning lottery random number does not match the jackpot determination value, the jackpot lottery is considered to have been not won. Then, if the jackpot lottery is won, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot lottery process and executes the jackpot game process.

[0113] When the jackpot lottery is not won, the jackpot lottery process is terminated, and the main CPU 41 performs chance lottery process. In the chance lottery process, the main CPU 41 performs chance lottery based on the read random number information and the chance judgment value stored in the main ROM 42. The random number information used in the chance lottery is the same as the random number information (the value of the winning lottery random number) used in the jackpot lottery. The chance judgment value is different from the value determined as the jackpot judgment value and the value determined as the small win judgment value, even among the values ​​within the range that the random number information used in the jackpot lottery and the chance lottery can take. Then, when the chance lottery is won, the main CPU 41 terminates the chance lottery process and executes the chance game process. On the other hand, when the chance lottery is not won, the chance lottery process is terminated, and the main CPU 41 executes the loss game process. That is, in the first special symbol start process, when the main CPU 41 does not win the jackpot lottery and does not win the chance lottery, it executes the loss game process.

[0114] In the jackpot game processing, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot symbol based on the value of the symbol random number that can be specified from the read random number information. In the jackpot game processing in the first special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 determines one of the first jackpot symbol to the third jackpot symbol based on the value of the symbol random number. In the jackpot game processing in the first special symbol start processing, the first jackpot symbol is determined with a probability of "2%", the second jackpot symbol with a probability of "48%, and the third jackpot symbol with a probability of "50%". In addition, in the jackpot game processing, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot fluctuation pattern based on the value of the fluctuation pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information. At this time, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot fluctuation pattern according to the game state. For example, in the jackpot game processing in the first special symbol start processing, when the low opening state is reached, the main CPU41 determines the jackpot fluctuation pattern for the first special game, which is classified as a determinable fluctuation pattern in the low opening state. On the other hand, in the jackpot game processing in the first special symbol start processing, when the high opening state is reached, the main CPU41 determines the jackpot fluctuation pattern for the first special game, which is classified as a determinable fluctuation pattern in the high opening state. After determining the special symbol and the fluctuation pattern, the main CPU41 ends the jackpot game processing, and stores the control information (hereinafter referred to as the symbol command) capable of identifying the determined special symbol and the control information (hereinafter referred to as the fluctuation pattern command) capable of identifying the determined fluctuation pattern in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU41 ends the first special symbol start processing.

[0115] In the chance game process, the main CPU 41 determines the chance symbol. When there is one or more types of chance symbols, the main CPU 41 may determine the chance symbol based on the value of the symbol random number. In addition, in the chance game process, the main CPU 41 determines the variation pattern based on the value of the variation pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information. Specifically, in the chance game process in the first special symbol start process, when the game is in a low opening state, the main CPU 41 determines the chance variation pattern for the first special game that is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined in the low opening state based on the value of the variation pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information. On the other hand, in the chance game process in the first special symbol start process, when the game is in a high opening state, the main CPU 41 determines the non-winning variation pattern for the first special game that is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined in the high opening state based on the value of the variation pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information. Details will be described later, but at this time, the main CPU 41 determines the non-winning reach-free variation pattern for the first special game that is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined in the high opening state. After determining the special symbol and the variation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the chance game process, stores the symbol command capable of identifying the determined special symbol and the variation pattern command capable of identifying the determined variation pattern in the output buffer, and then ends the first special symbol start process.

[0116] In the loss game process, the main CPU 41 determines a loss symbol. When there is one or more types of loss symbols, the main CPU 41 may determine the loss symbol based on the value of the symbol random number. In addition, in the loss game process, the main CPU 41 performs a performance lottery based on the value of the performance lottery random number that can be specified from the read random number information and the performance judgment value stored in the main ROM 42. The main CPU 41 determines that the performance lottery has been won when the value of the performance lottery random number matches the performance judgment value, and determines that the performance lottery has not been won when the value of the performance lottery random number does not match the performance judgment value. The main CPU 41 determines a non-win reach-enabled variation pattern when the performance lottery has been won, and determines a non-win reach-disabled variation pattern when the performance lottery has not been won, based on the value of the variation pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information. At this time, the main CPU 41 determines a non-win reach-enabled variation pattern or a non-win reach-disabled variation pattern according to the game state. For example, in the loss game processing in the first special symbol start processing, when the game is in a low opening state and the performance lottery is won, the main CPU 41 determines a non-winning reach-with variation pattern for the first special game, which is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined when the game is in a low opening state. On the other hand, in the loss game processing in the first special symbol start processing, when the game is in a low opening state and the performance lottery is not won, the main CPU 41 determines a non-winning reach-without variation pattern for the first special game, which is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined when the game is in a low opening state. However, as will be described later in detail, in the loss game processing in the first special symbol start processing, when the game is in a high opening state, regardless of the lottery result of the performance lottery, the main CPU 41 determines a non-winning reach-without variation pattern for the first special game, which is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined when the game is in a high opening state. After determining the special symbol and the variation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the loss game processing, and stores the pattern command that can specify the determined special symbol and the variation pattern command that can specify the determined variation pattern in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 ends the first special symbol start process.

[0117] Next, the second special symbol start process will be described. The second special symbol start process is a control executed in association with the execution of the second special game. In the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery process. In the jackpot lottery process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 performs the same control as the jackpot lottery process in the first special symbol start process described above. However, if the jackpot lottery is won in the jackpot lottery process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot lottery process and executes the jackpot game process. On the other hand, if the jackpot lottery is not won in the jackpot lottery process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot lottery process and executes the small jackpot lottery process.

[0118] In the small win lottery process, the main CPU 41 performs a small win lottery based on the value of the winning lottery random number that can be specified from the read random number information (the value of the winning lottery random number used in the big win lottery process) and the small win judgment value stored in the main ROM 42. The main CPU 41 judges whether the value of the winning lottery random number matches the small win judgment value, and performs a small win lottery. In this embodiment, if the value of the winning lottery random number matches the small win judgment value, it is considered that the small win lottery has been won, and if the value of the winning lottery random number does not match the small win judgment value, it is considered that the small win lottery has not been won. Then, if the small win lottery is won, the main CPU 41 ends the small win lottery process and executes the small win game process. On the other hand, if the small win lottery is not won, the main CPU 41 ends the small win lottery process and executes the loss game process.

[0119] In the jackpot game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 performs the same control as the jackpot game processing in the first special symbol start processing described above. However, in the jackpot game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 determines one of the fourth jackpot symbol to the sixth jackpot symbol based on the value of the symbol random number. In the jackpot game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the fourth jackpot symbol is determined with a probability of "70%", the fifth jackpot symbol with a probability of "11%, and the sixth jackpot symbol with a probability of "19%". In addition, in the jackpot game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot variation pattern for the second special game. At this time, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot variation pattern according to the game state. For example, in the jackpot game processing in the second special symbol start processing, when the state is low opening, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot variation pattern for the second special game classified as a variation pattern that can be determined in the low opening state. On the other hand, in the jackpot game processing in the second special symbol start processing, when the state is high opening, the main CPU 41 determines the jackpot variation pattern for the second special game classified as a variation pattern that can be determined in the high opening state. After determining the special symbol and the variation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot game processing, and stores the pattern command that can specify the determined special symbol and the variation pattern command that can specify the determined variation pattern in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 ends the second special symbol start processing.

[0120] In the small win game process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 determines the small win symbol based on the value of the symbol random number that can be specified from the read random number information. In the small win game process in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 determines one of the first small win symbol to the third small win symbol based on the value of the symbol random number. In the small win game process in the second special symbol start process, the first small win symbol is determined with a probability of "70%", the second big win symbol is determined with a probability of "11%," and the third big win symbol is determined with a probability of "19%". In addition, in the small win game process, the main CPU 41 determines the small win variation pattern based on the value of the variation pattern random number that can be specified from the read random number information. At this time, the main CPU 41 determines the small win variation pattern according to the game state. For example, in the small win game processing in the second special symbol start processing, when the low opening state is reached, the main CPU 41 determines a small win variation pattern for the second special game that is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined when the low opening state is reached. On the other hand, in the small win game processing in the second special symbol start processing, when the high opening state is reached, the main CPU 41 determines a small win variation pattern for the second special game that is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined when the high opening state is reached. After determining the special symbol and the variation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the small win game processing, and stores the pattern command that can specify the determined special symbol and the variation pattern command that can specify the determined variation pattern in the output buffer. Then, the main CPU 41 ends the second special symbol start processing.

[0121] In the losing game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 performs the same control as the losing game processing in the first special symbol start processing described above. For example, in the losing game processing in the second special symbol start processing, when the game is in a low opening state and the performance lottery is won, the main CPU 41 determines a non-winning reach-with variation pattern for the second special game that is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined in the low opening state. On the other hand, in the losing game processing in the second special symbol start processing, when the game is in a low opening state and the performance lottery is not won, the main CPU 41 determines a non-winning reach-without variation pattern for the second special game that is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined in the low opening state. However, as will be described later in detail, in the losing game processing in the second special symbol start processing, when the game is in a high opening state, regardless of the lottery result of the performance lottery, the main CPU 41 determines a non-winning reach-without variation pattern for the second special game that is classified as a variation pattern that can be determined in the high opening state. After determining the special symbol and the variation pattern, the main CPU 41 ends the loss game process, stores the symbol command capable of identifying the determined special symbol and the variation pattern command capable of identifying the determined variation pattern in the output buffer, and then ends the second special symbol start process.

[0122] Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the probability of winning the big win lottery is set to "205 / 65536" in both the first special symbol start process and the second special symbol start process. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the probability of winning the small win lottery is set to "65330 / 65536". As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the small win lottery is executed only in the second special symbol start process among the first special symbol start process and the second special symbol start process. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the probability of winning the chance lottery is set to "205 / 65536". As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the chance lottery is executed only in the first special symbol start process among the first special symbol start process and the second special symbol start process.

[0123] As configured as above, the probability that neither the jackpot symbol nor the chance symbol is derived in the first special game, that is, the probability that a losing symbol is derived in the first special game, is "(65536-(205+205)) / 65536". In other words, the probability that a losing symbol is derived in the first special game is "65126 / 65536". In this way, the rate at which neither the jackpot symbol nor the chance symbol is derived in the first special game is greater than the rate at which a jackpot symbol is derived in the first special game. In other words, the rate at which a jackpot symbol is derived in the first special game is smaller than the rate at which neither the jackpot symbol nor the chance symbol is derived in the first special game.

[0124] In addition, the probability that neither the big win symbol nor the small win symbol is derived in the second special game, that is, the probability that a losing symbol is derived in the second special game, is "(65536-(205+65330)) / 65536". That is, the probability that a losing symbol is derived in the first special game is "1 / 65536". In this way, the rate at which the second special game is a small win is higher than the rate at which the second special game is neither a big win nor a small win. In this way, the rate at which neither the big win symbol nor the small win symbol is derived in the second special game is smaller than the rate at which the big win symbol is derived in the second special game. In other words, the rate at which the big win symbol is derived in the second special game is higher than the rate at which neither the big win symbol nor the small win symbol is derived in the second special game. Also, the rate at which neither the big win symbol nor the small win symbol is derived in the second special game is smaller than the rate at which the small win symbol is derived in the second special game. In other words, the rate at which the small win symbol is derived in the second special game is larger than the rate at which neither the big win symbol nor the small win symbol is derived in the second special game. That is, the rate at which the second special symbol change game results in a small win is larger than the rate at which the second special symbol change game results in neither a big win nor a small win.

[0125] In addition, in this embodiment, the main CPU 41 performs a big win lottery, thereby realizing a function as a big win lottery means for performing a big win lottery. In addition, in this embodiment, the main CPU 41 performs a small win lottery, thereby realizing a function as a small win lottery means for performing a small win lottery. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 determines the special symbol to be derived in the special game, thereby realizing a function as a means for determining the result to be derived in the special game. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 determines the variation pattern in the first special symbol start process and the second special symbol start process, thereby realizing a function as a means for determining the variation time of the special game.

[0126] When the special symbol start process is completed, the main CPU 41 executes a process other than the special symbol start process and executes a special game. Specifically, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that the special game is started. The main CPU 41 measures a change time associated with a change pattern determined in the special symbol start process. Then, when the change time associated with the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process is derived. In addition, when the change time associated with the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 stores control information capable of identifying the end of the special game (hereinafter, referred to as a special game end command) in an output buffer.

[0127] In addition, when the main CPU 41 receives a detection signal that can identify the detection of game balls entering various winning openings, the main CPU 41 controls the payout of game balls as prize balls. For example, when a detection signal from the first count sensor SE3 is received, the main CPU 41 controls the payout of game balls to the first large winning opening 29 in the same manner as above. Similarly, when a detection signal from the second count sensor SE4 is received, the main CPU 41 controls the payout of game balls to the second large winning opening 31 in the same manner as above.

[0128] Next, the main CPU 41 will explain the symbol big win process. When the jackpot lottery is won, the main CPU 41 awards a pattern jackpot game after the special game in which the pattern jackpot is won is over. At this time, the main CPU 41 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the type of the derived jackpot pattern. Then, the main CPU 41 starts control to award the specified type of pattern jackpot game after the special game in which the pattern jackpot is won is over. The main CPU 41 awards the pattern jackpot game by performing a pattern jackpot process.

[0129] In the pattern jackpot process, the main CPU 41 stores an opening command in the output buffer. When the main CPU 41 stores the opening command in the output buffer, it times the opening time. In addition, when the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 performs a process for executing a round game. That is, the main CPU 41 controls the second actuator A2 so that the first large prize winning hole 29 opens according to the opening mode (opening pattern), and starts the round game. After starting the round game, when the first open game ending condition or the second open game ending condition is established, the main CPU 41 controls the second actuator A2 so that the first large prize winning hole 29 is closed, and ends the round game. The main CPU 41 repeats the process for executing the round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the pattern jackpot game is ended. The main CPU 41 stores a round command in the output buffer every time a round game is started. In addition, when the final round game is ended, the main CPU 41 stores an ending command in the output buffer. When the main CPU 41 stores the ending command in the output buffer, it times the ending time. Then, when the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 ends the symbol big win process.

[0130] Next, the small win process performed by the main CPU 41 will be described. The main CPU 41 performs a small win process after the special game of the small win is completed. In the small win process, the main CPU 41 starts a control to award a small win game after the special game of the small win is completed. Therefore, the main CPU 41 awards a small win game by executing the small win process. In this way, in the pachinko game machine 10, a small win game is awarded after a small win is won. When awarding a small win game in the small win process, the main CPU 41 controls the third actuator A3 so that the second large winning opening 31 opens for 0.028 seconds after the second large winning opening 31 is opened for 0.028 seconds and then closed for 0.6 seconds, which is repeated 17 times. After awarding the small win game, the main CPU 41 controls the third actuator A3 so that the second large winning opening 31 is closed when the first open game end condition or the second open game end condition is established, and ends the small win process.

[0131] In addition, when one round of play in a small win game is started, the main CPU 41 controls the fourth actuator A4 so that the distribution shutter 34 is in an open state. In addition, when the main CPU 41 ends the small win process, the main CPU 41 controls the fourth actuator A4 so that the distribution shutter 34 is in a closed state. In addition, when a detection signal is input from the bonus sensor SE5 during a small win game, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter, referred to as a bonus area passing command) capable of identifying that a game ball has entered the bonus area 35 as a specific area in an output buffer. In addition, when a detection signal is input from the bonus sensor SE5 during a small win game, the main CPU 41 performs a bonus jackpot process after the small win process ends.

[0132] Here, the bonus big win processing performed by the main CPU 41 will be described. The main CPU 41 awards a bonus jackpot game by performing bonus jackpot processing. At this time, the main CPU 41 specifies the type of small win game based on the type of derived small win pattern. Then, when a bonus jackpot is obtained, the main CPU 41 starts control to award the specified type of bonus jackpot game after the small win game ends. The main CPU 41 awards a bonus jackpot game by performing bonus jackpot processing.

[0133] In the special jackpot processing, the main CPU 41 stores an opening command in the output buffer. When the main CPU 41 stores the opening command in the output buffer, it times the opening time. In addition, when the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 performs processing to execute a round game. That is, the main CPU 41 controls the second actuator A2 so that the first large prize winning hole 29 opens according to the opening mode (opening pattern), and starts the round game. After starting the round game, when the first open game ending condition or the second open game ending condition is established, the main CPU 41 controls the second actuator A2 so that the first large prize winning hole 29 is closed, and ends the round game. The main CPU 41 repeatedly performs processing to execute a round game, including one round game in a small win game, until the upper limit number of round games set for the special jackpot game is ended. The main CPU 41 stores a round command in the output buffer every time a round game is started. In addition, when the final round of play ends, the main CPU 41 stores an ending command in the output buffer. When the main CPU 41 stores the ending command in the output buffer, it times the ending time. Then, when the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 ends the bonus jackpot process.

[0134] Next, a description will be given of the normal symbol input process performed by the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 performs the normal symbol input process as a timer interrupt process performed at each predetermined control cycle. In the normal symbol input process, the main CPU 41 judges whether the game ball has passed (entered) the gate 37 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the gate sensor SE6. If the game ball has not passed the gate 37, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol input process. On the other hand, if the game ball has passed the gate 37, the main CPU 41 judges whether the normal reserved number stored in the main RWM 43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the normal reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol input process. If the normal reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 adds 1 to the normal reserved number stored in the main RWM 43 and updates it. In this case, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 to display the updated normal reserved number. In addition, the main CPU 41 stores control information (hereinafter, referred to as a normal reserved number command) capable of identifying the updated normal reserved number in the output buffer. Next, the main CPU 41 acquires the normal winning lottery random number and the normal symbol random number used to determine the normal symbol generated in the main board 40, and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RWM 43. In this case, the main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the normal game and the storage order of the random number information. After that, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol input process.

[0135] Next, there will be described the normal symbol start processing performed by the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 performs the normal symbol start processing as a timer interrupt processing performed at every predetermined control period. In the normal symbol start process, the main CPU 41 judges whether the execution conditions of the normal game are satisfied. The main CPU 41 judges positively when the normal winning game is not being played and the normal game is not being played, whereas it judges negatively when the normal winning game is being played or the normal game is being played. If the execution conditions of the normal game are not satisfied, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start process. On the other hand, if the execution conditions of the normal game are satisfied, the main CPU 41 judges whether the normal reserved number stored in the main RWM 43 is 1 or more. If the normal reserved number is not 1 or more, the main CPU 41 ends the normal symbol start process. If the normal reserved number is 1 or more, the main CPU 41 updates the normal reserved number stored in the main RWM 43 by subtracting 1. Furthermore, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that the updated normal reserved number is displayed. In addition, the main CPU 41 stores a normal reserved number command capable of identifying the updated normal reserved number in the output buffer.

[0136] Next, the main CPU 41 reads out the random number information for the normal game that was stored first from the main RWM 43. After reading out the random number information for the normal game, the main CPU 41 erases the random number information stored first from the main RWM 43. Next, the main CPU 41 performs a normal win lottery based on the value of the normal win lottery random number that can be specified from the read random number information for the normal game and the normal win determination value stored in the main ROM 42. In the pachinko game machine 10, the winning probability of the normal win lottery differs between the low opening state and the high opening state. When the normal win lottery is won, the main CPU 41 determines the normal win symbol to be derived in the normal game and the fluctuation time of the normal game. On the other hand, when the normal win lottery is not won, the main CPU 41 determines the normal loss symbol to be derived in the normal game and the fluctuation time of the normal game. For example, when the normal winning lottery is won, the main CPU41 determines the first normal winning symbol or the second normal winning symbol based on the value of the normal symbol random number that can be specified from the read random number information for the normal game. For example, the main CPU41 determines the fluctuation time of the normal game according to the game state. After determining the normal symbol and the fluctuation time of the normal game, the main CPU41 ends the normal symbol start process. In addition, when the normal symbol is determined, the main CPU41 stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol command) that can specify the normal symbol in the output buffer. Similarly, when the fluctuation time of the normal game is determined, the main CPU41 stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a normal game time command) that can specify the fluctuation time of the normal game in the output buffer. Note that the main CPU41 may be configured to determine the fluctuation time of the normal game by determining a normal fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the normal game is set. The normal fluctuation pattern may be stored in the main ROM42.

[0137] When the normal symbol start process is completed, the main CPU 41 performs a process other than the normal symbol start process and executes the normal game. Specifically, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that the normal game is started. The main CPU 41 measures the normal game variation time determined in the normal symbol start process. Then, when the determined normal game variation time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 controls the information display panel 22 so that the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol start process is derived. In addition, when the determined normal game variation time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 stores control information capable of identifying the end of the normal game (hereinafter, referred to as a normal game end command) in the output buffer.

[0138] In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 performs a normal win lottery, thereby realizing a function as a normal win lottery means for performing a normal win lottery. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 determines a normal symbol to be derived in a normal game, thereby realizing a function as a means for determining a result to be derived in the normal game. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 determines a variation time of the normal game, thereby realizing a function as a means for determining a variation time of the normal game.

[0139] Next, the normal win process performed by the main CPU 41 will be described. When the normal winning lottery is won, the main CPU41 awards a normal winning game after the normal game resulting in a normal winning is finished. At this time, the main CPU41 controls the first actuator A1 so that the second start hole 27 is opened based on the game state and the type of the derived normal winning symbol, and awards a normal winning game. For example, even if the second normal winning symbol is derived, when the first high opening state is in effect, the main CPU41 controls the first actuator A1 so that the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of 0.02 seconds. On the other hand, even if the second normal winning symbol is derived, when the second high opening state is in effect, the main CPU41 controls the first actuator A1 so that the second start hole 27 is opened with an upper limit of 5.8 seconds. After awarding the normal winning game, the main CPU41 ends the normal winning process. In addition, when one game ball enters the second start hole 27 during a normal win game, the main CPU 41 ends the awarding of the normal win game because the upper limit number of game balls that can enter the second start hole 27 during a normal win game is reached.

[0140] Next, the game status processing performed by the main CPU 41 will be described. The main RWM 43 stores information capable of identifying a game state (hereinafter, referred to as game state information). The main RWM 43 stores, as game state information, any of game state information capable of identifying a low opening state, game state information capable of identifying a first high opening state, and game state information capable of identifying a second high opening state. The main CPU 41 can identify which of the low opening state, the first high opening state, and the second high opening state it is controlled to by referring to the game state information.

[0141] After the first symbol jackpot game ends, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the second high opening state. When updating the game state information to identify the second high opening state, the main CPU 41 sets "100 times" as information that identifies the remaining number of normal games that can be controlled to the high opening state (hereinafter referred to as normal remaining number information). The normal remaining number information is stored in the main RWM 43.

[0142] When the number of times that can be specified from the normal remaining number information is 1 or more, the main CPU 41 subtracts 1 from the number of times that can be specified from the normal remaining number information as the normal game ends, and updates the normal remaining number information. Even when the normal game ends, if the normal game is a normal game that was started during a jackpot game, the main CPU 41 does not subtract 1 from the number of times that can be specified from the normal remaining number information, and does not update the normal remaining number information. In other words, when a normal game that was started when a jackpot game is not being played ends, the main CPU 41 subtracts 1 from the number of times that can be specified from the normal remaining number information, and updates the normal remaining number information. Then, when the updated normal remaining number information reaches 0, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information that can specify a low opening state.

[0143] After the second symbol jackpot game is over, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the second high opening state. When updating the game state information to identify the second high opening state, the main CPU 41 sets the normal remaining number of times information to "100 times". After the third symbol jackpot game is over, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the first high opening state. When updating the game state information to identify the first high opening state, the main CPU 41 sets the normal remaining number of times information to "100 times".

[0144] After the fourth symbol jackpot game is completed, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the second high opening state. When updating the game state information to identify the second high opening state, the main CPU 41 sets the normal remaining number of times information to "100 times". After the fifth symbol jackpot game is completed, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the first high opening state. When updating the game state information to identify the first high opening state, the main CPU 41 sets the normal remaining number of times information to "100 times". After the sixth symbol jackpot game is completed, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the low opening state.

[0145] After the first jackpot game is completed, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the second high opening state. When updating the game state information to identify the second high opening state, the main CPU 41 sets "100 times" as the normal remaining number of times information. After the second jackpot game is completed, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the first high opening state. When updating the game state information to identify the first high opening state, the main CPU 41 sets "100 times" as the normal remaining number of times information. After the third jackpot game is completed, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the low opening state.

[0146] In addition, when a chance symbol is derived in a special game in a low opening state, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to identify the second high opening state. When updating the game state information to identify the second high opening state, the main CPU 41 sets "100 times" as the normal remaining number information. In other words, in the pachinko game machine 10, even if the big win lottery is not won, when a chance symbol is derived in a special game, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state. In this way, when the special symbol variation game is not a big win and a special result is derived in the special symbol variation game, the machine is controlled to the special game state. Incidentally, when a chance symbol is derived in a special game in a high opening state, the main CPU 41 does not update the game state information to identify the second high opening state.

[0147] In addition, when in the low opening state, the main CPU 41 counts the number of times that the special game has been executed without a jackpot being awarded since the low opening state was controlled. Specifically, the main RWM 43 stores information (hereinafter, referred to as low execution count information) that can specify the number of times that the special game has been executed without a jackpot being awarded since the low opening state was controlled. When in the low opening state, the main CPU 41 adds 1 to the number of times that can be specified from the low execution count information and updates the low execution count information with the end of the special game. Incidentally, even if a special game that is started during a normal winning game ends after the end of the normal winning game, the main CPU 41 updates the low execution count information with the end of the special game. Then, when the updated low execution count information reaches a specified number of times (for example, 550 times), the main CPU 41 updates it to game state information that can specify that the second high opening state is in place. When updating the game state information to identify the second high opening state, the main CPU 41 sets "100 times" as the normal remaining number information. That is, in the pachinko game machine 10, even if the jackpot lottery is not won, when the number of times the special symbol change game is executed reaches a specified number of times, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state. In this way, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the number of times the special symbol change game executed without the jackpot game being awarded after the end of the jackpot game reaches a specified number of times, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state. That is, when the number of times the special symbol change game executed without the jackpot game being awarded after the end of the jackpot game reaches a specified number of times, the machine is controlled to the second game state. In this way, when the number of times the special game is executed within a predetermined period reaches a specified number of times, the machine is controlled to the second game state which is more advantageous than the first game state.

[0148] Incidentally, when a jackpot game is awarded, the main CPU 41 initializes the normal remaining number of times information. Specifically, when a jackpot game is awarded, the main CPU 41 sets the normal remaining number of times information to "0 times" and initializes the normal remaining number of times information. Similarly, when a jackpot game is awarded, the main CPU 41 initializes the low execution number of times information. Specifically, when a jackpot game is awarded, the main CPU 41 sets the low execution number of times information to "0 times" and initializes the low execution number of times information. Furthermore, when a jackpot game is awarded, the main CPU 41 updates the game state information to one that can identify a low opening state.

[0149] When the main CPU 41 updates the game status information, it stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a game status information command) capable of identifying the updated game status information in the output buffer. Similarly, when the main CPU 41 updates the normal remaining number of times information, it stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a normal remaining number of times command) capable of identifying the updated normal remaining number of times information in the output buffer. When the main CPU 41 updates the low execution count information, it stores control information (hereinafter referred to as a low execution count command) capable of identifying the updated low execution count information in the output buffer. As described above, the main CPU 41 performs game status processing, thereby realizing a function as a game status control means for controlling the game status.

[0150] Next, the status processing performed by the secondary CPU 51 will be described. The sub RWM 53 stores information capable of identifying a game state (hereinafter, referred to as sub game state information). The sub RWM 53 stores, as the sub game state information, any of sub game state information capable of identifying a low open state, sub game state information capable of identifying a first high open state, and sub game state information capable of identifying a second high open state. The sub CPU 51 can identify which of the low open state, the first high open state, and the second high open state it is controlled to by referring to the sub game state information.

[0151] When the sub-CPU51 inputs a game state information command that can identify a low opening state, the sub-CPU51 updates the information to the sub game state information that can identify a low opening state. Similarly, when the sub-CPU51 inputs a game state information command that can identify a first high opening state, the sub-CPU51 updates the information to the sub game state information that can identify a first high opening state. Also, when the sub-CPU51 inputs a game state information command that can identify a second high opening state, the sub-CPU51 updates the information to the sub game state information that can identify a second high opening state.

[0152] The sub RWM 53 stores information capable of specifying the remaining number of normal games that can be controlled to the high opening state (hereinafter referred to as sub normal remaining number information). When the sub CPU 51 inputs a normal remaining number command, it updates the number of times that can be specified from the command to the sub normal remaining number information that can be specified. Also, the sub RWM 53 stores information capable of specifying the number of times that a special game has been executed without a jackpot being awarded since being controlled to the low opening state (hereinafter referred to as sub low execution number information). When the sub CPU 51 inputs a low execution number command, it updates the number of times that can be specified from the command to the sub low execution number information that can be specified.

[0153] Next, the presentation game process performed by the secondary CPU 51 will be described. The sub-CPU51 controls at least one of the decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the effect display device 25 so that an effect game or an effect associated with the effect game is performed. Specifically, in the low opening state, the sub-CPU51 controls to execute the first type effect game when a variation pattern command is input. On the other hand, in the high opening state, the sub-CPU51 controls to execute the second type effect game when a normal game time command is input. In this way, the sub-CPU51 executes the second type effect game when in the high opening state, while executing the first type effect game when in the low opening state. Note that the sub-CPU51 does not execute the first type effect game even if a variation pattern command is input when in the high opening state. Similarly, the sub-CPU51 does not execute the second type effect game even if a normal game time command is input when in the low opening state. Incidentally, if a normal game is started during a jackpot game and the jackpot game ends before the normal game ends, the second type presentation game corresponding to the normal game that has been played since the jackpot game will not be executed even if the reel is controlled to a high opening state after the jackpot game ends.

[0154] In controlling the execution of the first type performance game, the sub-CPU51 determines the combination of performance symbols to be finally derived in the first type performance game based on the variation pattern command and the symbol command. Specifically, when the special symbol that can be specified from the symbol command is a big win symbol, the sub-CPU51 determines the symbol combination of the big win. When the special symbol that can be specified from the symbol command is a small win symbol, the sub-CPU51 determines the symbol combination of the small win. When the special symbol that can be specified from the symbol command is a chance symbol, the sub-CPU51 determines the chance symbol combination. When the special symbol that can be specified from the symbol command is a losing symbol, the sub-CPU51 determines the losing symbol combination. At this time, when a non-winning reach-with variation pattern can be specified from the variation pattern command, the sub-CPU51 determines the losing symbol combination including the reach. On the other hand, when a non-winning reach-without variation pattern can be specified from the variation pattern command, the sub-CPU51 determines the losing symbol combination not including the reach.

[0155] When the sub-CPU51 inputs a variation pattern command in the low opening state, the sub-CPU51 controls the performance display device 25 to vary and display the performance symbols. That is, the sub-CPU51 starts the first type performance game. At this time, in the pachinko game machine 10, a performance symbol (shown in FIG. 6(a)) that resembles an Arabic numeral without being white is displayed on the performance display device 25. The variation pattern command outputted in the low opening state can be said to be control information that instructs the start of the first type performance game. Also, when the sub-CPU51 executes a reach performance, it controls the performance display device 25 to execute the reach performance. Then, at a predetermined timing, the sub-CPU51 stops and displays the determined combination of performance symbols. After that, the sub-CPU51 derives the combination of performance symbols upon input of a special game end command. The sub-CPU51 may measure a variation time that can be specified from the variation pattern, regardless of the special game end command, and derive the combination of performance symbols upon the passage of the variation time. In this case, the special game end command may be omitted.

[0156] In controlling the execution of the second type presentation game, the sub-CPU51 determines the combination of presentation symbols to be finally derived in the second type presentation game based on the normal game time command and the normal symbol command. Specifically, when the sub-CPU51 inputs a normal symbol command capable of identifying the first normal winning symbol when in the first high opening state, it determines the symbol combination for the normal winning. On the other hand, when the sub-CPU51 inputs a normal symbol command capable of identifying the second normal winning symbol when in the first high opening state, it determines the symbol combination for the normal losing. When the sub-CPU51 inputs a normal symbol command capable of identifying the normal winning symbol when in the second high opening state, it determines the symbol combination for the normal winning. When the sub-CPU51 inputs a normal symbol command capable of identifying the normal losing symbol, it determines the symbol combination for the normal losing.

[0157] When the sub-CPU51 inputs a normal game time command in the high opening state, the sub-CPU51 controls the effect display device 25 to variably display the effect symbols. That is, the sub-CPU51 starts the second type effect game. At this time, in the pachinko game machine 10, the effect symbols (shown in FIG. 6(b)) imitating white Arabic numerals are displayed on the effect display device 25. The normal game time command output in the high opening state can be said to be control information instructing the start of the second type effect game. Then, the sub-CPU51 temporarily stops and displays the determined combination of effect symbols at a predetermined timing. After that, the sub-CPU51 derives the combination of effect symbols upon input of the normal game end command. Note that the sub-CPU51 may measure a variable time that can be specified from the normal game time command regardless of the normal game end command, and derive the combination of effect symbols upon the passage of the variable time. In this case, the normal game end command may be omitted.

[0158] Next, the winning effect processing performed by the sub-CPU 51 will be described. By performing the winning effect processing, the sub-CPU 51 can execute a big winning effect. Also, by performing the winning effect processing, the sub-CPU 51 can execute a small winning effect.

[0159] During a jackpot game, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 so that a jackpot performance is performed. For example, when an opening command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 so that an opening performance is performed. When a round command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 so that a round performance is performed. When an ending command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the decorative lamps 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 so that an ending performance is performed.

[0160] Similarly, during a small win game, the sub-CPU 51 controls at least one of the decorative lamp 17, the speaker 18, and the performance display device 25 so that a small win performance is performed. The small win performance may be such that the small win symbol combination is continuously displayed on the performance display device 25, and the display content of the performance display device 25 at the end of the special game in which a small win has occurred and the display content of the performance display device 25 during the small win game may be the same.

[0161] In this embodiment, as described above, at least some of the decorative lamps 17, the speakers 18, and the performance display device 25 function as the performance execution means. In this embodiment, the secondary CPU 51 controls the decorative lamps 17, the speakers 18, and the performance display device 25, thereby realizing the function of the performance control means that controls the performance execution means. In this embodiment, the secondary CPU 51 controls the decorative lamps 17 as the light-emitting means, thereby realizing the function of the light-emitting control means that controls the light-emitting means. In this embodiment, the secondary CPU 51 controls the speaker 18 as the sound output means, thereby realizing the function of the sound output control means that controls the sound output means. In this embodiment, the secondary CPU 51 controls the performance display device 25 as the display means, thereby realizing the function of the display control means that controls the display means.

[0162] Here, the fluctuation pattern in the wide open state will be described with reference to FIG. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game is in a high opening state and the big win lottery, the small win lottery, and the chance lottery are not won (shown as "miss" in FIG. 8), a non-win variation pattern is determined. In this case, whether the first special game or the second special game is executed, the pachinko gaming machine 10 determines a non-win variation pattern. Furthermore, in this case, regardless of the number of special reserved balls, the pachinko gaming machine 10 determines a non-win variation pattern. Similarly, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game is in a high opening state and the chance lottery is won (shown as "chance" in FIG. 8), a non-win variation pattern is determined. In this case, regardless of the number of special reserved balls, the pachinko gaming machine 10 determines a non-win variation pattern. Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a chance lottery is not executed when the second special game is executed. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the high opening state occurs and the jackpot lottery is won (shown as "jackpot" in FIG. 8), the jackpot fluctuation pattern is determined. At this time, regardless of whether the first special game or the second special game is executed, the pachinko gaming machine 10 determines the jackpot fluctuation pattern. Furthermore, at this time, the pachinko gaming machine 10 determines the jackpot fluctuation pattern regardless of the number of special reserved balls.

[0163] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the high opening state is reached and the small win lottery is won (shown as "small win" in FIG. 8), the small win variation pattern is determined. Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the small win lottery is not performed when the first special game is executed. And, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the high opening state is reached and the small win lottery is won, the type of the small win variation pattern that can be determined differs depending on the second special reserved number.

[0164] The small hit fluctuation pattern that can be determined when in the high opening state includes a small hit fluctuation pattern classified as the first small hit fluctuation pattern and a small hit fluctuation pattern classified as the second small hit fluctuation pattern. The fluctuation time of the special game associated with the second small hit fluctuation pattern is longer than the fluctuation time of the special game associated with the first small hit fluctuation pattern. For example, the second small hit fluctuation pattern is set to a fluctuation time of "50 seconds or more". On the other hand, for example, the first small hit fluctuation pattern is set to a fluctuation time of "less than 5 seconds". In this way, there are multiple types of fluctuation times for the second special game that becomes a small hit when in the high opening state.

[0165] And, when the small win lottery is won in the high opening state, if the second special reserved number is "0", the pachinko gaming machine 10 determines either the first small win variation pattern or the second small win variation pattern. On the other hand, when the small win lottery is won in the high opening state, if the second special reserved number is any of "1" to "3", the pachinko gaming machine 10 determines the second small win variation pattern out of the first small win variation pattern and the second small win variation pattern. In other words, when the small win lottery is won in the high opening state, if the second special reserved number is any of "1" to "3", the pachinko gaming machine 10 does not determine the first small win variation pattern.

[0166] In the small win game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 determines the first small win variation pattern or the second small win variation pattern based on the value of the variation pattern random number when the second special reserved number is "0". At this time, in the pachinko game machine 10, the probability that the main CPU 41 determines the first small win variation pattern is higher than the probability that the main CPU 41 determines the second small win variation pattern. On the other hand, in the small win game processing in the second special symbol start processing, the main CPU 41 determines the second small win variation pattern based on the value of the variation pattern random number when the second special reserved number is any one of "1" to "3".

[0167] As described above, in the pachinko game machine 10, since the variation time determined for at least the first small win variation pattern and the variation time determined for the second small win variation pattern are different, it can be seen that there are multiple types of variation time for the second special game in the high opening state. That is, in this embodiment, there are multiple types of variation time for the special symbol variation game that is executed in response to a ball entering a specific starting hole in the second game state.

[0168] Here, the relationship between the variable time of the second special game, the normal game and the normal winning game will be described with reference to FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b). For example, it is assumed that the normal game and the normal winning game are repeated at regular intervals. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b), when the high opening state is in a state where the variation time of the special game is short, the number of times the normal game is executed before the special game ends is likely to be greater than when the variation time of the special game is long. Similarly, when the high opening state is in a state where the variation time of the special game is short, the number of times the normal winning game is awarded before the special game ends is likely to be greater than when the variation time of the special game is long. Therefore, when the high opening state is in a state where the variation time of the special game is long, the normal winning game is awarded while the special game is being executed, and the chance of putting a game ball into the second starting hole 27 opened by the normal winning game to increase the number of second special reserves is greater.

[0169] In particular, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the second special reserved number is "1" or more, when the small prize lottery is won, the second small prize fluctuation pattern with a long fluctuation time is determined. In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the second special reserved number is "1" or more, thereafter, the chance to increase the second special reserved number is repeated until the second special reserved number reaches "0".

[0170] Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the probability of the second special game being a small win is overwhelmingly high, and it is assumed that if a small win occurs, a special jackpot game will be awarded as a result. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the number of second special reserves is increased, the expectation of a special jackpot game being awarded increases by the number of the second special reserves. However, even if a special jackpot game is awarded, if a third special jackpot game is awarded, the machine is controlled to a low opening state after the jackpot game ends, so that even if the number of second special reserves is 1 or more, the chance to increase the number of second special reserves ends.

[0171] Next, an external signal output from the connection terminal of the external terminal board 47 in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The connection terminals of the external terminal board 47 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 include a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal corresponding to a specific connection terminal, and a third connection terminal. When the first connection terminal of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is connected to an external device, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is capable of outputting a special stop signal capable of identifying that a special game has ended from the first connection terminal. When the second connection terminal of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is connected to an external device, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is capable of outputting a normal stop signal capable of identifying that a normal game has ended from the second connection terminal. When the third connection terminal of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is connected to an external device, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is capable of outputting a high opening state signal capable of identifying that a high opening state is being set from the third connection terminal.

[0172] In the pachinko game machine 10, when a special game started when a normal winning game is awarded ends, a special stop signal is output from the first connection terminal regardless of the timing at which the special game ends. On the other hand, in the pachinko game machine 10, when a normal game started when a jackpot game is awarded ends, a normal stop signal is not output from the second connection terminal regardless of the timing at which the game ends. For this reason, for example, in the pachinko game machine 10, even when the second connection terminal is connected to an external device, even if the normal game started during a jackpot game ends at a timing after the jackpot game ends and the jackpot game is controlled to a high opening state, a normal stop signal is not output to the external device with the end of the normal game started during the jackpot game. In other words, even when the specific connection terminal is connected to an external device, if the normal symbol variation game started when a jackpot game is awarded ends after the jackpot game has entered the second game state, a normal stop signal is not output to the external device.

[0173] In the pachinko game machine 10, when a normal game started when not in a jackpot game ends, a normal stop signal is output from the second connection terminal regardless of the timing of the end. For this reason, for example, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the second connection terminal is connected to an external device and a normal game started when the high opening state ends, a normal stop signal is output to the external device with the end of the normal game. That is, when the specific connection terminal is connected to an external device and a normal symbol variation game started when in the second game state ends, a normal stop signal is output to the external device. In addition, for example, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the second connection terminal is connected to an external device and a normal game started when in the second high opening state ends during a jackpot game, a normal stop signal is output to the external device with the end of the normal game started when in the second high opening state.

[0174] The control related to the output of various external signals will be described below. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41 performs control related to the output of external signals, thereby realizing a function as an external signal control means capable of controlling the output of external signals output from the connection terminals.

[0175] When a special game ends, the main CPU 41 outputs a special stop signal. The special stop signal corresponds to an external signal output from the first connection terminal of the external terminal board 47 when the first connection terminal is connected to an external device. When a special game ends, whether it is the first special game or the second special game, the main CPU 41 outputs a special stop signal. At this time, if the first connection terminal is connected to the external device, the special stop signal will be output to the external device. In this way, the main CPU 41 can control the output of a special stop signal that can identify that a special game has ended.

[0176] The main CPU 41 may output a normal stop signal when the normal game ends. Specifically, the main CPU 41 outputs a normal stop signal when the normal game started when not in a jackpot game ends. On the other hand, the main CPU 41 does not output a normal stop signal when the normal game started during a jackpot game ends. The normal stop signal corresponds to an external signal output from the second connection terminal of the external terminal board 47 when the second connection terminal is connected to an external device. If the second connection terminal is connected to an external device, the normal stop signal is output to the external device. In this way, the main CPU 41 can control the output of a normal stop signal that can specify that the normal game has ended. That is, the external signal control means is configured to be able to control the output of a normal stop signal that can specify that the normal symbol variation game has ended.

[0177] When controlled to the high open state, the main CPU 41 outputs a high open state signal. The high open state signal corresponds to an external signal output from the third connection terminal of the external terminal board 47 when the external device is connected to the third connection terminal. When controlled to the high open state, the main CPU 41 outputs a high open state signal at a predetermined output period (e.g., 0.01 seconds). At this time, if the third connection terminal is connected to the external device, the high open state signal will be output to the external device. In this way, the main CPU 41 can control the output of a high open state signal that can identify a high open state.

[0178] Here, we will explain how to use the special stop signal, the normal stop signal, and the high open state signal with reference to Figure 10. In Figure 10, "ON" indicates that an external signal is being output, and "OFF" indicates that an external signal is not being output.

[0179] The external device can input a special stop signal, a normal stop signal, and a high opening state by connecting the external device to the first connection terminal to the third connection terminal. The pachinko game machine 10 does not output a high opening state signal during a period T1 in which the low opening state is achieved, but outputs a high opening state signal during a period T2 in which the high opening state is achieved.

[0180] As described above, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the number of times that the special game is executed without the big win game being awarded after being controlled to the low opening state reaches a specified number of times, the game is controlled to the second high opening state even if the big win lottery is not won. Therefore, the external device can count the number of times that the special game is executed without the big win game being awarded after being controlled to the low opening state by counting the number of special stop signals input during the period in which the game is in the low opening state, that is, during the period in which the high opening state signal is not input. As a result, the external device can specify, for example, the remaining number of times that the number of times that the special game is executed without the big win game being awarded after being controlled to the low opening state reaches a specified number.

[0181] In addition, in the pachinko game machine 10, the high opening state can be controlled with an upper limit until the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the high opening state reaches a predetermined number. Therefore, the external device can count the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the high opening state by counting the number of times that the normal stop signal is input during the period in which the high opening state is in effect, that is, during the period during which the high opening state signal is input. As a result, the external device can specify, for example, the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the high opening state until the number of times that the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number.

[0182] The pachinko gaming machine 10 can execute a right-hit effect that encourages a right hit. The right-hit effect corresponds to an effect that encourages the game ball to flow down to the right side area R2a, which is a special area. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute a right-hit effect in the effect display device 25. There are multiple types of right-hit effects that can be executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10. Specifically, the right-hit effects include a first right-hit effect, a second right-hit effect, a third right-hit effect, and a fourth right-hit effect.

[0183] The first right-hit performance is executed by the performance display device 25 when in the high-open state. In this way, in the pachinko game machine 10, when in the high-open state, a performance that encourages the game ball to flow down to the right area R2a can be executed by the performance display device 25. That is, in the second game state, a performance that encourages the game ball to flow down to the special area can be executed by the performance execution means. The second right-hit performance is executed by the performance display device 25 during a small win game. In this way, in the pachinko game machine 10, during a small win game, a performance that encourages the game ball to flow down to the right area R2a can be executed by the performance display device 25. That is, when a small win game is awarded, a performance that encourages the game ball to flow down to the special area can be executed by the performance execution means. The third right-hit performance is executed by the performance display device 25 during a big win game. In this way, in the pachinko game machine 10, during a jackpot game, an effect that encourages the game balls to flow down to the right area R2a can be executed by the effect display device 25. In other words, when a jackpot game is awarded, an effect that encourages the game balls to flow down to the special area can be executed by the effect execution means.

[0184] The fourth right hit performance is executed in the performance display device 25 when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off when the high opening state is in effect. In other words, the fourth right hit performance is executed in the performance display device 25 when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off when the first right hit performance is being executed. Also, the fourth right hit performance is executed in the performance display device 25 when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off during a small win game. In other words, the fourth right hit performance is executed in the performance display device 25 when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off when the second right hit performance is being executed. Furthermore, the fourth right hit performance is executed in the performance display device 25 when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off during a big win game. In other words, the fourth right hit performance is executed in the performance display device 25 when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off when the third right hit performance is being executed. In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the power supply is cut off and then started while any of the first right hit performance to the third right hit performance is being executed, the fourth right hit performance is executed in common. Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the power supply is cut off and then started while the fourth right hit performance is being executed, the fourth right hit performance is executed again in the performance display device 25.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 11(a), when the first right hit performance is executed, the performance display device 25 displays the first right hit image MG1. In this embodiment, the first right hit image MG1 includes text information of "right hit". In addition, the first right hit image MG1 is an image imitating a rightward arrow extending from the left end to the right end of the display area 25r of the performance display device 25. As described above, the first right hit performance is a right hit performance executed when the ball is in a high open state. Therefore, the first right hit performance can be said to be a performance that encourages the game ball to pass through the gate 37. In addition, the first right hit performance can be said to be a performance that encourages the game ball to enter the second starting hole 27.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 11(b), when the second right hit performance is executed, the performance display device 25 displays a second right hit image MG2. In this embodiment, the second right hit image MG2 is an image that resembles a right-direction arrow pointing toward the second large prize opening 31. When the second right hit performance is executed, the performance display device 25 displays text information saying, "Aim for the second large prize opening." In this way, the second right hit performance can be said to be a performance that encourages the player to throw a game ball into the second large prize opening 31.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 11(c), when the third right hit performance is executed, the performance display device 25 displays the third right hit image MG3. In this embodiment, the third right hit image MG3 includes text information of "right hit". The third right hit image MG3 is an image imitating an arrow pointing to the right. The third right hit image MG3 is a smaller image than the first right hit image MG1. When the third right hit performance is executed, the performance display device 25 displays text information of "Aim for the first big prize opening". In this way, the third right hit performance can be said to be a performance that encourages the player to put the game ball into the first big prize opening 29.

[0188] As shown in FIG. 11(d), when the fourth right hit performance is executed, the performance display device 25 displays a fourth right hit image MG4. In this embodiment, the fourth right hit image MG4 includes text information such as "Please hit right." The fourth right hit image MG4 is an image that resembles a rightward arrow extending from the left end to the right end of the display area 25r of the performance display device 25. The fourth right hit image MG4 is a larger image than the first right hit image MG1.

[0189] Next, the control related to the execution of the right-hit performance will be explained. The sub-CPU51 controls the effect display device 25 to execute the first right hit effect when in the high opening state. Also, the sub-CPU51 controls the effect display device 25 to execute the second right hit effect during a small win game. Also, the sub-CPU51 controls the effect display device 25 to execute the third right hit effect during a big win game.

[0190] When a return command is input and a return to the high opening state is to occur, the sub-CPU51 controls the effect display device 25 to execute the fourth right hit effect. Similarly, when a return command is input and a return is to occur during a small win game, the sub-CPU51 controls the effect display device 25 to execute the fourth right hit effect. Also, when a return command is input and a return is to occur during a big win game, the sub-CPU51 controls the effect display device 25 to execute the fourth right hit effect.

[0191] Here, the game characteristics of the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 12(a), in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game is in a low opening state, a first type of effect game is executed on the effect display device 25 as an effect game in association with the execution of a special game. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game is in a low opening state, no effect game is executed in association with the execution of a normal game. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12(b), in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game is in a high opening state, a second type of effect game is executed on the effect display device 25 as an effect game in association with the execution of a normal game. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game is in a high opening state, no effect game is executed in association with the execution of a special game. Note that in the second type of effect game, an effect pattern different from the effect pattern used in the first type of effect game is used.

[0192] Also, as shown in FIG. 12(a), in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first special game is a jackpot and the first symbol jackpot game is awarded in the low opening state, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state after the first symbol jackpot game ends. Similarly, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first special game is a jackpot and the second symbol jackpot game is awarded in the low opening state, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state after the second symbol jackpot game ends. That is, when the first special symbol variable game is a jackpot and the second jackpot game is awarded in the first game state, the machine is controlled to the special game state after the second jackpot game ends. Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first special game is a jackpot and the third symbol jackpot game is awarded in the low opening state, the machine is controlled to the first high opening state after the third symbol jackpot game ends. That is, when the first special symbol variation game is a jackpot during the first gaming state and the first jackpot game is awarded, after the first jackpot game ends, the state is controlled to the specific gaming state.

[0193] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the number of times that the special game is executed reaches a specified number of times without a jackpot being awarded in the low opening state, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the second high opening state. However, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, no matter how many times the normal game is executed in the low opening state, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is not controlled to the high opening state based on the number of times that the normal game is executed. In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the number of times that the special game is executed in the low opening state until the number of times that the special game executed in the low opening state without a jackpot being awarded reaches a specified number of times is a part of the termination condition of the current gaming state. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, after the number of times that the special game executed in the low opening state without a jackpot being awarded reaches a specified number of times, the number of times that the normal game is executed is a part of the termination condition of the current gaming state. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a game property in which the symbol variation game, which is a part of the termination condition of the current gaming state, switches from the special game to the normal game.

[0194] In addition, in the pachinko game machine 10, even if a big win is not awarded, if a chance symbol is derived in a special game in a low opening state, the pachinko game machine 10 is controlled to the second high opening state. In other words, in the pachinko game machine 10, even if the special game does not result in a big win, there is a chance that the pachinko game machine 10 is controlled to the second high opening state.

[0195] In addition, although not shown, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second special game is a jackpot and a fourth symbol jackpot game is awarded in the low opening state, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state after the fourth symbol jackpot game ends. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second special game is a jackpot and a fifth symbol jackpot game is awarded in the low opening state, the machine is controlled to the first high opening state after the fifth symbol jackpot game ends. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second special game is a jackpot and a sixth symbol jackpot game is awarded in the low opening state, the machine is controlled to the low opening state after the sixth symbol jackpot game ends.

[0196] Also, although not shown, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the second special game is a small win in the low opening state and the first jackpot game is awarded because a game ball enters the bonus area 35 during the small win game, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state after the first jackpot game ends. Also, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the second special game is a small win in the low opening state and the second jackpot game is awarded because a game ball enters the bonus area 35 during the small win game, the machine is controlled to the first high opening state after the second jackpot game ends. In the pachinko game machine 10, when the second special game is a small win in the low opening state and the third jackpot game is awarded because a game ball enters the bonus area 35 during the small win game, the machine is controlled to the low opening state after the third jackpot game ends.

[0197] Also, as shown in FIG. 12(b), in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first special game is a jackpot and the first symbol jackpot game is awarded in the high opening state, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state after the first symbol jackpot game ends. Similarly, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first special game is a jackpot and the second symbol jackpot game is awarded in the high opening state, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state after the second symbol jackpot game ends. That is, when the first special symbol variable game is a jackpot and the second jackpot game is awarded in the second game state, the machine is controlled to the special game state after the second jackpot game ends. Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first special game is a jackpot and the third symbol jackpot game is awarded in the high opening state, the machine is controlled to the first high opening state after the third symbol jackpot game ends. That is, when the first special symbol variation game is a jackpot and the first jackpot game is awarded during the second game state, the specific game state is controlled after the first jackpot game ends. In addition, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the number of times that the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number during the high opening state, the pachinko game machine 10 is controlled to the low opening state. However, in the pachinko game machine 10, no matter how many times the special game is executed during the high opening state, the pachinko game machine 10 is not controlled to the low opening state based on the number of times that the special game is executed.

[0198] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, since the ball is hit from the right when the machine is in the high opening state, the second special game is basically executed when the game ball enters the second starting hole 27. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the machine is in the high opening state, a second type of presentation game is executed in conjunction with the execution of the normal game. Furthermore, the high opening state ends based on the number of times the normal game has been executed. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the attention to the normal game increases when the machine is in the high opening state.

[0199] In particular, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the probability of the second special game being a miss is extremely low, and most of the time when it does not become a jackpot, it becomes a small jackpot. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the second special game becomes a small jackpot and a small jackpot game is awarded, and if the game ball can be made to enter the second large winning hole 31 during the small jackpot game, the game ball will enter the bonus area 35 with a high probability, and a special jackpot game will be awarded. For this reason, in the high opening state, the attention level is higher on whether the normal game becomes a normal jackpot, the second starting hole 27 is opened, and the game ball enters the second starting hole 27 than on whether the second special game becomes a jackpot. In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the games that are highly popular in the low opening state and the high opening state have different game characteristics, and by executing a performance game corresponding to the game, it is possible to effectively improve the interest.

[0200] Furthermore, in the pachinko game machine 10, if the number of second special reserves can be increased to 1 or more by awarding multiple normal winning games during the execution of the second special game in the high opening state, the game has a game characteristic in which the expectation of awarding a bonus jackpot game increases by the number of the second special reserves. Therefore, the game has a game characteristic in which attention is paid to whether the fluctuation time of the second special game is lengthened and whether the number of second special reserves actually increases.

[0201] Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the second special game is a jackpot and a fourth symbol jackpot game is awarded when the machine is in the high opening state, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state after the fourth symbol jackpot game ends. Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the second special game is a jackpot and a fifth symbol jackpot game is awarded when the machine is in the high opening state, the machine is controlled to the first high opening state after the fifth symbol jackpot game ends. Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if the second special game is a jackpot and a sixth symbol jackpot game is awarded when the machine is in the high opening state, the machine is controlled to the low opening state after the sixth symbol jackpot game ends.

[0202] In addition, in the pachinko game machine 10, if the second special game is a small win when in the high opening state, and the first jackpot game is awarded because a game ball enters the bonus area 35 during the small win game, the machine is controlled to the second high opening state after the first jackpot game ends. In addition, in the pachinko game machine 10, if the second special game is a small win when in the high opening state, and the second jackpot game is awarded because a game ball enters the bonus area 35 during the small win game, the machine is controlled to the first high opening state after the second jackpot game ends. In the pachinko game machine 10, if the second special game is a small win when in the high opening state, and the third jackpot game is awarded because a game ball enters the bonus area 35 during the small win game, the machine is controlled to the low opening state after the third jackpot game ends.

[0203] The effects of this embodiment will be described below. (1) In the low opening state, a first type of effect game is executed in the effect display device 25 as an effect game accompanying the execution of a special game. On the other hand, in the high opening state, a second type of effect game is executed in the effect display device 25 as an effect game accompanying the execution of a normal game. In this way, depending on whether the state is the low opening state or the high opening state, the pattern change game that is the basis of the effect game executed in the effect display device 25 is either a special game or a normal game, which increases the fun of each game state and improves interest.

[0204] In particular, the high opening state is configured to be controllable with an upper limit of the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the high opening state until it reaches a predetermined number. Therefore, in the high opening state, attention is paid more to the number of times that the normal game is executed than to the special game. In such a high opening state, by executing a second type effect game accompanying the execution of the normal game on the effect display device 25, the content of the effect display device 25 can be made to attract the player's attention, making it easier to increase interest.

[0205] (2) The effect symbols used in the first type effect game accompanying the execution of the special game are different from the effect symbols used in the second type effect game accompanying the execution of the normal game. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish whether it is a first type effect game or a second type effect game depending on the effect symbols used in the effect game. This makes it easier to enjoy the game characteristics in which the symbol variation game that is the basis of the effect game executed in the effect display device 25 is a special game or a normal game depending on whether it is in the low opening state or the high opening state.

[0206] (3) When the number of times that the special game is executed without the jackpot being awarded after the end of the jackpot game reaches a specified number of times, the game is controlled to the high opening state. This high opening state can be controlled with an upper limit of the number of times that the normal game executed after the control to the high opening state reaches a specified number of times. In other words, until the number of times that the special game is executed without the jackpot being awarded after the end of the jackpot game reaches a specified number of times and the game is controlled to the high opening state, attention is drawn to the number of times that the special game is executed, and interest can be improved. On the other hand, when the number of times that the special game is executed without the jackpot being awarded after the end of the jackpot game reaches a specified number of times and the game is controlled to the high opening state, attention is drawn to the number of times that the normal game is executed, and interest can be improved. In this way, interest can be improved by the game characteristics in which the symbol variation game, which focuses on the number of times of execution, switches from the special game to the normal game.

[0207] (4) The first high-open state is configured to be controllable up to the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the first high-open state reaches a predetermined number. The first high-open state has a higher advantage in terms of ball entry into the second starting hole 27 than the low-open state. Therefore, in the first high-open state, it is important to play as many special games as possible within the period until the normal game is executed a predetermined number of times, and this can increase the interest.

[0208] Furthermore, in at least the first high opening state out of the low opening state and the first high opening state, the opening state of the second large winning opening 31 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived is made different from the opening state of the second large winning opening 31 in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived. This provides the enjoyment of not only paying attention to whether a special game is executed by a game ball entering the second large winning opening 31 in a normal winning state, but also paying attention to whether a normal winning symbol that is more advantageous in opening the second large winning opening 31 in a normal winning state is derived, thereby improving the interest.

[0209] (5) In the low opening state, the opening time when the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived is the same as the opening time when the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived. Therefore, in the low opening state, the attention level on which of the first and second normal winning symbols is derived is reduced, and as a result, the attention level on the special game is increased, and the interest is improved.

[0210] (6) In the second high opening state, which has a higher advantage in terms of the entry of the game ball into the second starting hole 27 than in the first high opening state, the opening time during which the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out is the same as the opening time during which the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is drawn out. Therefore, in the second high opening state, the attention level on which of the first and second normal winning symbols is drawn out is reduced, and the attention level on the entry of the game ball into the second starting hole 27 is increased, thereby improving the interest.

[0211] (7) The opening time of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out in the first high opening state is the same as the opening time of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out in the second high opening state. On the other hand, the time from the start of the normal winning game to the opening of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out in the first high opening state is different from the time from the start of the normal winning game to the opening of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out in the second high opening state. In this way, when the same first normal winning symbol is derived, the opening time for the second start hole 27 to be opened in the normal winning game is the same whether it is the first high opening state or the second high opening state, but the time from the start of the normal winning game to the start of the opening of the second start hole 27 differs depending on whether it is the first high opening state or the second high opening state. This makes it possible to make it appear as if there is a difference in the opening of the second start hole 27 without changing the degree of advantage when the first normal winning symbol is derived and the normal winning game is granted, and it is possible to enjoy even when the same first normal winning symbol is derived.

[0212] (8) The high opening state is configured to be controllable with an upper limit of the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the high opening state until it reaches a predetermined number. The high opening state has a different advantage in terms of the entry of the game ball into the second starting hole 27 compared to the low opening state. Therefore, in the high opening state, it is possible to create a gameplay in which it is important how many special games can be executed within the period until the normal game is executed a predetermined number of times, and it is possible to improve the interest.

[0213] Furthermore, during the execution of the special game, the normal game can be executed, and the normal winning game can be awarded. In addition, in the high opening state, there are multiple types of variable time of the second special game that is executed in response to the ball entering the second starting hole 27. In other words, if the variable time of the second special game is long, even if the second special game is a big win, the chance to put the execution of the second special game on hold is increased by granting the normal winning game during the period in which the second special game is executed. Therefore, by setting multiple types of variable time of the special game that is executed in response to the ball entering the second starting hole 27 in the high opening state, it is possible to create a game characteristic in which the chance to put the execution of the second special game on hold changes, and it is possible to improve the interest.

[0214] (9) Even if the second special game does not result in a big win, if the second special game results in a small win and a small win game is awarded, and if a game ball enters the second big winning hole 31 opened in the small win game and the game ball enters the bonus area 35, a big win game is awarded. In other words, if the execution of the second special game can be suspended, even if a big win does not occur, a chance to be awarded a big win game after a small win occurs can be obtained. This can further increase the attention to the suspension of the execution of a new second special game while the second special game is being executed, and can improve the interest.

[0215] (10) In the high open state, a right-hit effect that encourages the game balls to flow down to the right-side region R2a can be executed by the effect display device 25. For this reason, in the high open state, if the game balls are caused to flow down to the right-side region R2a in imitation of the right-hit effect, the second special game can be executed, and when the second special game results in a small win and a small win game is awarded, it becomes easier to make the game balls enter the second large winning hole 31, making it easier to increase interest.

[0216] (11) In the case where one game ball enters the second large winning opening 31 in a small win game, the rate at which the one game ball that enters the second large winning opening 31 enters the bonus area 35 is greater than the rate at which the one game ball that enters the second large winning opening 31 does not enter the bonus area 35. For this reason, if a small win game is awarded and at least one game ball can be made to enter the second large winning opening 31, there is a high expectation that the game ball will enter the bonus area 35 and a big win game will be awarded. This can further increase the attention to the fact that the execution of a new second special game is suspended while the second special game is being executed, thereby improving the interest.

[0217] (12) When the second connection terminal is connected to the external device and the normal game that was started in the high opening state ends, a normal stop signal that can identify that the normal game has ended is output to the external device. However, even when the second connection terminal is connected to the external device, if the normal game that was started when a jackpot game was awarded ends after the high opening state, the normal stop signal is not output to the external device. For this reason, for example, when the high opening state is in effect, if the number of times the normal stop signal has been input is notified in the external device, it is possible to make the player know the remaining number of times until the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number. This makes it possible to predict to some extent the timing at which the high opening state ends, and to prevent the player from being confused by the sudden end of the high opening state.

[0218] (13) The high opening state is configured to be controllable with an upper limit of the number of times that the normal game is executed after being controlled to the high opening state until it reaches a predetermined number. The high opening state has a different advantage in terms of the entry of the game ball into the second starting hole 27 compared to the low opening state. Therefore, in the high opening state, it is important to create a game that can play as many special games as possible within the period until the normal game is executed a predetermined number of times, and it is possible to improve the interest.

[0219] Further, the high opening state includes a first high opening state and a second high opening state in which the advantage of the game ball entering the second starting hole 27 is higher than that of the first high opening state. In the second high opening state, the number of second special games executed triggered by the game ball entering the second starting hole 27 until the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number is likely to be greater than the number of second special games executed triggered by the game ball entering the second starting hole 27 until the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number in the first high opening state. In other words, even in the same high opening state, the ease with which the number of second special games increases before the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number differs depending on whether the state is the first high opening state or the second high opening state, thereby enhancing the fun of each game state and improving interest.

[0220] (14) When the first special game is a jackpot and the third symbol jackpot game is awarded in the low opening state, the state is controlled to the first high opening state after the third symbol jackpot game ends. On the other hand, when the first special game is a jackpot and the first symbol jackpot game is awarded in the low opening state, the state is controlled to the second high opening state after the first symbol jackpot game ends. Similarly, when the first special game is a jackpot and the second symbol jackpot game is awarded in the low opening state, the state is controlled to the second high opening state after the second symbol jackpot game ends. In this way, when the first special game is a jackpot in the low opening state, the state is controlled to either the first high opening state or the second high opening state after the jackpot game ends, depending on which of the first symbol jackpot game to the third symbol jackpot game is awarded. Therefore, even in a low opening state, it is possible to provide the player with the fun of paying attention to what kind of jackpot game will be awarded in the subsequent high opening state, thereby increasing interest.

[0221] (15) When the first special game is a jackpot and a third symbol jackpot game is awarded in the high opening state, the state is controlled to the first high opening state after the third symbol jackpot game ends. On the other hand, when the first special game is a jackpot and a first symbol jackpot game is awarded in the high opening state, the state is controlled to the second high opening state after the first symbol jackpot game ends. Similarly, when the first special game is a jackpot and a second symbol jackpot game is awarded in the high opening state, the state is controlled to the second high opening state after the second symbol jackpot game ends. In other words, when the first special game is a jackpot and a third symbol jackpot game is awarded in either the low opening state or the high opening state, the state is controlled to the first high opening state after the third symbol jackpot game ends. Similarly, in either the low opening state or the high opening state, if the first special game is a jackpot and the first or second symbol jackpot game is awarded, the second high opening state is controlled after the jackpot game ends. In this way, in either the low opening state or the high opening state, if the first special game is a jackpot, the first or second high opening state is controlled after the jackpot game ends, depending on which of the first to third symbol jackpot games is awarded. Therefore, in either the low opening state or the high opening state, the fun of paying attention to what kind of jackpot game will be awarded can be provided, with an eye on the high opening state after the jackpot game ends, and interest can be improved.

[0222] (16) Even if the special game does not result in a jackpot, if a chance symbol is derived in the special game, the state is controlled to the second high opening state. In this way, by creating a chance to be controlled to the second high opening state even if the special game does not result in a jackpot, it is possible to increase interest while suppressing excessive attention to whether the special game will result in a jackpot.

[0223] (17) Even when any of the first to third right hit effects is being executed, if power supply is started after power supply is cut off, the fourth right hit effect is executed in common. For example, if the type of right hit effect when power supply is started is made different depending on the type of right hit effect executed before power supply is cut off, there is a risk that the player will be made to think about what right hit effect the right hit effect after power supply is started indicates, and as a result, there is a risk that the timing of right hit will be delayed. However, by configuring as described above, if the fourth right hit effect is executed, it becomes easier to recognize that power supply has started, and it is possible to encourage right hit at an early timing. In other words, it is possible to efficiently encourage the game ball to flow down to the right area R2a.

[0224] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs. The end condition of the high opening state may include, for example, an end condition established by the award of a small win game. The end condition established by the award of a small win game may be an end condition established by the award of a small win game once, or an end condition established by the award of a small win game multiple times. In this way, by including an end condition established by the award of a small win game as an end condition of the high opening state, when a small win game is awarded, it is possible to prevent the player from being able to select the type of jackpot game, such as by intentionally not launching the game ball so that the game ball does not enter the second large winning hole 31.

[0225] The first type of presentation game may be executed in the presentation display device 25 in both the low-open state and the high-open state. The second type of presentation game may be executed in the presentation display device 25 in both the low-open state and the high-open state. For example, the first type of presentation game and the second type of presentation game may both be executed in the low-open state, whereas the first type of presentation game and the second type of presentation game may both be executed in the high-open state. Similarly, the first type of presentation game and the second type of presentation game may both be executed in the low-open state, whereas the first type of presentation game and the second type of presentation game may both be executed in the high-open state.

[0226] The presentation symbols used in the first type presentation game and the second type presentation game may be the same. In addition, the motif of the presentation symbols used in the first type presentation game and the motif of the presentation symbols used in the second type presentation game may be different. For example, the first type presentation game may use presentation symbols that imitate Arabic numerals, while the second type presentation game may use presentation symbols that imitate Chinese numerals.

[0227] The performance area (display area) in which the first type performance game is executed in the performance display device 25 may be the same as the performance area (display area) in which the second type performance game is executed in the performance display device 25. Also, the performance area in which the first type performance game is executed in the performance display device 25 may be different from the performance area in which the second type performance game is executed in the performance display device 25. When the performance area in which the first type performance game is executed in the performance display device 25 is different from the performance area in which the second type performance game is executed in the performance display device 25, all of the performance areas may be different, or at least a part of one of the performance areas may be different from the other performance area.

[0228] The fluctuation time of the regular game may be different in each gaming state. Also, even in the same gaming state, the fluctuation time of the regular game may be determined from a plurality of types of fluctuation times. For example, the fluctuation time of the regular game in each gaming state shown in FIG. 4 may be the average time of the fluctuation time of the regular game in each gaming state.

[0229] In the low opening state, the opening mode of the second large winning hole 31 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived may be different from the opening mode of the second large winning hole 31 in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived, or may be the same. For example, in the low opening state, the opening time at which the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived may be different from the opening time at which the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived. For example, in the low opening state, the number of times the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived may be different from the number of times the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived.

[0230] In the first high opening state, the opening mode of the second large winning hole 31 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived may be different from the opening mode of the second large winning hole 31 in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived, or may be the same. For example, in the first high opening state, the opening time when the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived may be the same as the opening time when the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived. For example, in the first high opening state, the number of times when the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived may be different from the number of times when the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived.

[0231] In the second high opening state, the opening mode of the second large winning hole 31 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived may be different from the opening mode of the second large winning hole 31 in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived, or may be the same. For example, in the second high opening state, the opening time at which the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived may be different from the opening time at which the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived. For example, in the second high opening state, the number of times the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived may be different from the number of times the second starting hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived.

[0232] In addition, the opening time during which the second start hole 27 is opened in a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived when in the first high opening state may be different from the opening time during which the second start hole 27 is opened in a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived when in the second high opening state. For example, the opening time during which the second start hole 27 is opened in a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived when in the second high opening state may be longer than the opening time during which the second start hole 27 is opened in a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived when in the first high opening state. For example, the opening time during which the second start hole 27 is opened in a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived when in the first high opening state may be longer than the opening time during which the second start hole 27 is opened in a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived when in the second high opening state.

[0233] In addition, when the opening time of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived and the opening time of the second start hole 27 in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived are made different, one of the opening times may be made longer (or shorter) than the other. Similarly, when the number of times the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is derived and the number of times the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the second normal winning symbol is derived are made different, one of the times may be made more (or less) than the other.

[0234] The time from the start of a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out when in the first high opening state until the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out when in the second high opening state may be the same as the time from the start of a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out when in the second high opening state until the second start hole 27 is opened. Also, the time from the start of a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out when in the first high opening state until the second start hole 27 is opened in the normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out when in the second high opening state may be shorter than the time from the start of a normal winning game after the first normal winning symbol is drawn out when in the second high opening state until the second start hole 27 is opened.

[0235] The upper limit of the number of game balls that can enter during a normal winning game may be 2 or more. In other words, the configuration may be such that it is easy to reserve the execution of the second special game multiple times during one normal winning game.

[0236] The winning probability of the normal winning lottery may be changed. For example, the winning probability of the normal winning lottery when in the low opening state may be the same as the winning probability of the normal winning lottery when in the high opening state. For example, the normal winning lottery may not be held in either the low opening state or the high opening state, and various controls may be performed as if the normal winning lottery had been won in the above embodiment. In other words, the normal winning lottery may not be held.

[0237] The game state controlled after the end of the jackpot game may be changed. The type of jackpot game may be changed. The game state controlled after the end of the jackpot game may be different depending on the game state when the jackpot is won. For example, when the first special game is a jackpot and the third symbol jackpot game is awarded in a low opening state, the game state is controlled to the first high opening state after the end of the third symbol jackpot game. On the other hand, when the first special game is a jackpot and the third symbol jackpot game is awarded in a high opening state, the game state controlled after the end of the third symbol jackpot game may be controlled to the second high opening state. Also, for example, the game state controlled after the end of the jackpot game may be different depending on whether the first high opening state or the second high opening state is the state when the jackpot is won. For example, when the first special game is a jackpot and a first symbol jackpot game is awarded in the first high opening state, the state is controlled to the first high opening state after the first symbol jackpot game ends. On the other hand, when the first special game is a jackpot and a first symbol jackpot game is awarded in the second high opening state, the state is controlled to the second high opening state after the first symbol jackpot game ends.

[0238] In the high opening state, the variable time of the second special game may be one type. For example, regardless of the lottery results of the big win lottery and the small win lottery, the variable time of the second special game in the high opening state may be configured to be a predetermined variable time. For example, in the high opening state, the variable time of both the first special game and the second special game may be configured to be a predetermined variable time.

[0239] · When the number of times that a special game is executed without a jackpot being awarded after the end of a jackpot game reaches a specified number of times, the game may be configured to be controlled to the first high opening state instead of the second high opening state. In addition, the game may be configured to be controlled to the high opening state when the number of times that a special game is executed without a jackpot being awarded after the end of a jackpot game reaches a specified number of times, for example, when the number of times that a special game is executed without a jackpot being awarded after being controlled to the low opening state reaches a specified number of times, instead of the number of times that a special game is executed without a jackpot being awarded after being controlled to the normal game state, the game may be configured to be controlled to the specific game state or the special game state.

[0240] Even if the number of times that a special game is executed without a jackpot game being awarded after the end of the jackpot game reaches a specified number of times, the game may be configured not to be controlled to the high opening state. Similarly, even if a chance symbol is derived in the special game, the game may be configured not to be controlled to the high opening state. In this case, the chance symbol may not be a special symbol that can be derived in the special game.

[0241] ·When a chance symbol is derived in a special game in a low opening state, the high opening state may be controlled to the first high opening state. In addition, when a chance symbol is derived in a special game in a high opening state, the high opening state may be controlled again. In this case, the number of times that the normal game is executed in the high opening state until the chance symbol is derived may be initialized, and the high opening state may be controlled again, so that the upper limit that can be controlled to the high opening state may be extended. In addition, the high opening state that is controlled again when a chance symbol is derived in a special game in a high opening state may be either the first high opening state or the second high opening state.

[0242] For example, during a jackpot game, the normal game may be made inoperable. For example, when a jackpot game is awarded during the execution of a normal game, a normal miss symbol may be derived in the normal game, and the execution of the normal game may be forcibly ended. For example, during a jackpot game, the normal win game may be made inoperable. For example, when a jackpot game is awarded during the awarding of a normal win game, the second start port 27 may be closed, and the normal win game may be forcibly ended.

[0243] In the case where one game ball enters the second large prize opening 31 in a small win game, the rate at which the one game ball that enters the second large prize opening 31 enters the bonus area 35 may be the same as the rate at which the one game ball that enters the second large prize opening 31 does not enter the bonus area 35. In addition, in the case where one game ball enters the second large prize opening 31 in a small win game, the rate at which the one game ball that enters the second large prize opening 31 enters the bonus area 35 may be smaller than the rate at which the one game ball that enters the second large prize opening 31 does not enter the bonus area 35.

[0244] ·The right-hit performance may not be executed. For example, some or all of the first to fourth right-hit performances may not be executed. For example, during a small win game, the right-hit performance may not be executed, so that the second right-hit performance is not executed. For example, the performance display device 25 may be configured to execute the first right-hit performance when in a high opening state, during a small win game, and during a big win game. Furthermore, for example, the performance display device 25 may be configured to execute the first right-hit performance when the power supply is cut off when the right-hit performance is being executed and then the power supply is started. In this case, it can be said that the aspect of the right-hit performance is the same in all of the following cases: when in a high opening state, during a small win game, during a big win game, and when the power supply is cut off when the right-hit performance is being executed and then the power supply is started.

[0245] · In the high opening state, the same right hit performance may be executed in any two or more situations among small hit play and big hit play. For example, the first right hit performance may be executed in common in the high opening state and in the small hit play. In this case, it can be said that the mode of the right hit performance in the high opening state and the mode of the right hit performance during small hit play are the same. Similarly, for example, the third right hit performance may be executed in common in the small hit play and the big hit play. In this case, it can be said that the mode of the right hit performance during the big hit play and the mode of the right hit performance during the small hit play are the same.

[0246] Depending on which of the first right hit performance to the third right hit performance is being executed, the right hit performance executed when the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off may be different. For example, when the first right hit performance is being executed and the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off, the first right hit performance may be executed. For example, when the second right hit performance is being executed and the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off, the second right hit performance may be executed. Similarly, when the third right hit performance is being executed and the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off, the third right hit performance may be executed. Here, an example is given in which the same right hit performance as when the power supply is cut off is executed when the power supply is resumed, but a different right hit performance may be executed.

[0247] In addition, for example, even when any of the first right hit performance to the third right hit performance is being executed, if the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off, the first right hit performance may be executed in common. For example, the fourth right hit performance may not be executed. For example, even when any of the first right hit performance to the third right hit performance is being executed, if the power supply is started after the power supply is cut off, the right hit performance may not be executed.

[0248] · In the case where the power supply is cut off during a normal winning game, the advantage of the game ball entering the second start hole 27 during the normal winning game before the power supply is cut off and the normal winning game after the power supply is restored by the start may be different from the advantage of the game ball entering the second start hole 27 during the normal winning game when the power supply is not cut off during the normal winning game. For example, in the case where the power supply is cut off during a normal winning game, the advantage of the game ball entering the second start hole 27 during the normal winning game before the power supply is cut off and the normal winning game after the power supply is restored by the start may be lower than the advantage of the game ball entering the second start hole 27 during the normal winning game when the power supply is not cut off during the normal winning game. Conversely, in the case where the power supply is cut off during a normal winning game, the advantage of the game ball entering the second start hole 27 during the normal winning game before the power supply is cut off and the normal winning game after the power supply is restored by the start of the normal winning game may be higher than the advantage of the game ball entering the second start hole 27 during the normal winning game when the power supply is not cut off during the normal winning game. In this way, even when one normal winning game is awarded, by making the advantage of the game ball entering the second start hole 27 different depending on whether the power supply is cut off during the normal winning game, it is possible to draw attention to whether the power supply is cut off.

[0249] The second starting hole 27 may be changed. For example, the shape of the first variable member 28 may be changed. For example, the probability that two or more game balls enter the second starting hole 27 in one normal winning game may be reduced. For example, when the second starting hole 27 is opened, a guide passage for guiding the game ball to the second starting hole 27 may be configured to protrude, so that the game ball can pass through the guide passage, and the game ball that has passed through the guide passage may enter the second starting hole 27. In this case, for example, when the second starting hole 27 is closed, the guide passage may be configured to be buried in the game board 20, so that the game ball cannot pass through the guide passage. Furthermore, a second starting sensor SE2 may be provided immediately after the ball enters the second starting hole 27 from the guide passage. With this configuration, when one game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the second start opening 27 is closed, so that even if there is a game ball passing through the guide passage, the game ball cannot pass through the guide passage and is prevented from entering the second start opening 27.

[0250] ·Part or all of the first to third connection terminals may not be provided. That is, it may be configured not to output some or all of the external signals among the special stop signal, the normal stop signal, and the high open state signal. It may be configured to be able to output an external signal other than the special stop signal, the normal stop signal, and the high open state signal. For example, it may be configured to be able to output some or all of the external signals among the external signals that can specify that a jackpot game is being played during a jackpot game, the external signals that can specify that a small jackpot game is being played during a small jackpot game, and the external signals that can specify that a normal jackpot game is being played during a normal jackpot game. It is preferable to configure these external signals so that the output is controlled by the main CPU 41, similar to the various external signals in the above embodiment.

[0251] The performance display device 25 may be configured to run a symbol change game (hereinafter referred to as a first mini-game) associated with the execution of a special game and a symbol change game (hereinafter referred to as a second mini-game) associated with the execution of a normal game, in addition to the first type performance game and the second type performance game. The performance area in which the first type performance game is executed in the performance display device 25 may be larger than the performance areas in which the first mini-game and the second mini-game are executed, respectively, in the performance display device 25. Similarly, the performance area in which the second type performance game is executed in the performance display device 25 may be larger than the performance areas in which the first mini-game and the second mini-game are executed, respectively, in the performance display device 25.

[0252] The gaming machine may have only one of the first and second high open states as the high open state. For example, the gaming machine controlled to the first high open state in the above embodiment may be configured to be controlled to the second high open state.

[0253] The number of times the second special game is executed triggered by a game ball entering the second starting hole 27 before the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number in the first high opening state may be made to be more likely to be greater than the number of times the second special game is executed triggered by a game ball entering the second starting hole 27 before the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number in the second high opening state. Also, the number of times the second special game is executed triggered by a game ball entering the second starting hole 27 before the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number in the first high opening state may be made to be approximately the same as the number of times the second special game is executed triggered by a game ball entering the second starting hole 27 before the number of times the normal game is executed reaches a predetermined number in the second high opening state.

[0254] The pachinko game machine of the above embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko game machine that can be controlled to a probability variable state (so-called probability variable state). As a pachinko game machine that can be controlled to a probability variable state, there are a specification that controls the state to a probability variable state until the next big win game is awarded, a specification that controls the state to a probability variable state until a fall lottery is won (fall machine), and a specification that controls the state to a probability variable state until a predetermined number of special games are completed (ST machine). In addition, the pachinko game machine that can be controlled to a probability variable state has a specification that controls the state to a probability variable state when a game ball passes through a specific area (V probability variable machine). The pachinko game machine of the above embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko game machine of any of these specifications. In addition, it may be a pachinko game machine of a specification that combines the above-mentioned fall machine and V probability variable machine. In addition, the V probability variable machine has a specification that has a single big prize opening and generates a specific round game. A V-type variable machine has a plurality of large prize winning ports, consisting of a large prize winning port (V prize winning port) that opens during a specific round of play and a large prize winning port that opens during rounds other than the specific round of play, and is designed to produce a specific round of play.

[0255] When the pachinko game machine of the above embodiment is embodied as a V-type machine, the expectation of being controlled to the probability variable state after the end of the jackpot game may be different between when the jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery triggered by the ball entering the first starting hole 26 and when the jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery triggered by the ball entering the second starting hole 27. For example, when the jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery triggered by the ball entering the second starting hole 27, the probability of being awarded a type of jackpot game with a high expectation of the game ball passing through a specific area in the jackpot game may be higher than when the jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery triggered by the ball entering the first starting hole 26. In this case, it is possible to not only draw attention to the game state after the end of the jackpot game, but also to draw attention to whether the special game that resulted in the jackpot was the first special game or the second special game, thereby improving the interest.

[0256] The above embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko game machine in which a virtual medium composed of electronic data is provided when a game ball is provided. That is, the above embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko game machine in which a physical game medium is not paid out (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.

[0257] In the above embodiment, the sub-substrate 50 may be a sub-general control substrate, and a display control substrate that specializes in controlling the performance display device 25, a light emission control substrate that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps 17, and a sound control substrate that specializes in controlling the speaker 18 may be provided separately from the sub-substrate 50. Such a sub-general control substrate and substrates that control other performances may be collectively referred to as a sub-substrate (sub-control section).

[0258] In the above embodiment, the main CPU 41 of the main board 40 and the sub-CPU 51 of the sub-board 50 may be mounted on a single board. Also, in the above modified example, the display control board, the light emission control board, and the sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or multiple boards.

[0259] The information display panel 22 may be provided with a remaining number display section that displays the remaining number of prize balls to be paid out to the player. The information display panel 22 may be provided with a round number display section that displays the number of rounds played during a jackpot game. In addition, the various display sections of the information display panel 22 do not need to be provided on the same member (the information display panel 22 in the above embodiment), and for example, some or all of the display sections may be provided on a member separate from the other display sections.

[0260] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples will be described. (i) The special pattern changing game includes a first special pattern changing game which is a special pattern changing game triggered by a ball entering a non-specific starting port different from the specific starting port, and a second special pattern changing game which is a special pattern changing game triggered by a ball entering the specific starting port. When the second special pattern changing game results in a small win, a small win game in which a specific winning port is opened is awarded. Even if the second special pattern changing game does not result in a big win, a big win game is awarded if the game ball that entered the specific winning port enters a specific area in the small win game awarded when the second special pattern changing game results in a small win.

[0261] (b) In a normal winning symbol variation game resulting in a normal winning, a normal winning symbol is derived, and then a normal winning game is awarded. The normal winning symbol may be a first normal winning symbol or a second normal winning symbol.

[0262] (C) A gaming machine capable of awarding a jackpot game in which a jackpot opening is opened when a special symbol variation game is a jackpot, and capable of awarding a normal winning game in which a specific start port having a variable member is opened when a normal symbol variation game is a normal winning, comprising a gaming state control means for controlling a gaming state and a performance control means for controlling a performance execution means, and configured to be capable of executing a special symbol variation game in response to a gaming ball entering the specific start port, the gaming state being a normal gaming state and a specific gaming state having a higher advantage in terms of a gaming ball entering the specific start port compared to the normal gaming state, and the specific gaming state being controlled by the specific gaming state. The game machine is configured to be controllable with an upper limit of the number of times that the normal pattern variation game executed after being controlled reaches a predetermined number, and in the normal pattern variation game which results in a normal win, a normal win pattern is derived, and then a normal win game is awarded, and the normal win patterns include a first normal win pattern and a second normal win pattern, and in at least the specific game state out of the normal game state and the specific game state, the opening mode of the specific start port in the normal win game after the first normal win pattern is derived and the opening mode of the specific start port in the normal win game after the second normal win pattern is derived are different.

[0263] (D) A gaming machine capable of awarding a jackpot game in which a jackpot opening is opened when a special symbol changing game results in a jackpot, and capable of awarding a normal winning game in which a specific start opening having a variable member is opened when a normal symbol changing game results in a normal winning, comprising: a gaming state control means for controlling a gaming state; and a performance control means for controlling a performance execution means, and configured to be able to execute a special symbol changing game in response to a gaming ball entering the specific start opening, the gaming states being a first gaming state and a second gaming state having a higher advantage in terms of a gaming ball entering the specific start opening than the first gaming state, and the second gaming state being a state in which the number of times the normal symbol changing game has been executed since being controlled to the second gaming state reaches a predetermined number. a maximum number of times up to the second game state, and if the special pattern changing game results in a jackpot before the number of times that the normal pattern changing game executed after control to the second game state reaches a predetermined number of times, the second game state is ended. During the execution of the special pattern changing game, the normal pattern changing game can be executed and a normal winning game can be awarded, while the execution of the special pattern changing game triggered by the ball entering the specific start hole can be suspended when the ball enters the specific start hole, and there are multiple types of change times for the special pattern changing game triggered by the ball entering the specific start hole when in the second game state.

[0264] (E) A gaming machine capable of awarding a jackpot game in which a jackpot opening is opened when a special symbol variation game results in a jackpot, and capable of awarding a normal winning game in which a specific start port having a variable member is opened when a normal symbol variation game results in a normal winning, comprising: a gaming state control means for controlling a gaming state; and a performance control means for controlling a performance execution means, and configured to be capable of executing a special symbol variation game in response to a gaming ball entering the specific start port, the gaming state being a first gaming state and a second gaming state having a higher advantage in terms of a gaming ball entering the specific start port than the first gaming state, and the second gaming state being controlled to the second gaming state and thereafter A gaming machine configured to be controllable with an upper limit of the number of times that a normal pattern change game is executed reaching a predetermined number, the second gaming state being a specific gaming state and a special gaming state in which the degree of advantage in terms of a gaming ball entering the specific starting hole is higher than that in the specific gaming state, and the number of times that a special pattern change game is executed in response to a gaming ball entering the specific starting hole before the number of times that a normal pattern change game is executed reaches the predetermined number in the special gaming state is likely to be greater than the number of times that a special pattern change game is executed in response to a gaming ball entering the specific starting hole before the number of times that a normal pattern change game is executed in the specific gaming state is reached.

[0265] (F) A gaming machine capable of awarding a jackpot game in which a jackpot winning hole is opened when a special symbol changing game is a jackpot, and capable of awarding a normal winning game in which a specific start hole having a variable member is opened when a normal symbol changing game is a normal winning, comprising: a gaming state control means for controlling a gaming state; and a performance control means for controlling a performance execution means, wherein the special symbol changing game includes a first special symbol changing game which can be executed in response to a gaming ball entering a non-specific start hole which is always open to allow ball entry; and a second special symbol changing game which can be executed in response to a gaming ball entering the specific start hole, wherein the gaming states include a first gaming state and a second gaming state which has a higher advantage in terms of a gaming ball entering the specific start hole than the first gaming state, and the second gaming state includes a second gaming state which has a higher advantage in terms of a gaming ball entering the specific start hole than the first gaming state, and the second gaming state includes a first special symbol changing game which can be executed in response to a gaming ball entering the specific start hole. a second game state including a specific game state and a special game state in which the advantage of the game ball entering the specific starting hole is higher than that of the specific game state, and the jackpot game includes a first jackpot game and a second jackpot game; if the first special pattern changing game is a jackpot in the first game state and the first jackpot game is awarded, the game machine is controlled to the specific game state after the first jackpot game ends, while if the first special pattern changing game is a jackpot in the first game state and the second jackpot game is awarded, the game machine is controlled to the special game state after the second jackpot game ends. [Explanation of symbols]

[0266] 10... Pachinko game machine 17... Decorative lamp 18... Speaker 22... Information display panel 22a... First special symbol display device 22b... Second special symbol display device 22c... First reserve display device 22d... Second reserve display device 22e... Normal symbol display device 22f... Normal reserve display device 25... Performance display device 26... First start port 27... Second start port 28... First variable member 29... First large prize port 30... Second variable member 31... Second large prize port 32... Third variable member 34... Distribution shutter 35... Bonus area 37... Gate 40... Main board 41... Main CPU 42... Main ROM 43... Main RWM 45... Clear switch 47... External terminal board 50... Sub board 51... Sub CPU 52... Sub ROM 53... Sub RWM 60... Power supply unit 61...Power switch 62...Back-up power supply R1a...Left area R2a...Right area

Claims

[Claim 1] In a gaming machine capable of awarding a jackpot game in which a jackpot opening is opened when a special symbol-changing game is a jackpot, and capable of awarding a normal winning game in which a specific starting opening having a variable member is opened when a normal winning symbol is derived in a normal symbol-changing game, A game state control means for controlling a game state; A performance control means for controlling the performance execution means, The game states include a first game state and a second game state in which a degree of advantage regarding the entry of a game ball into the specific starting hole is higher than that of the first game state; The second gaming state is configured to be controllable up to a predetermined number of times that the number of normal symbol variation games executed since the second gaming state is controlled is reached; The effect execution means is capable of executing an effect game using effect symbols in a plurality of rows, In the first gaming state, a presentation game is executed in association with the execution of a special symbol variation game, In the second gaming state, a presentation game is executed in association with the execution of a normal symbol variation game, The second game state includes a specific game state and a special game state in which the advantage of the game ball entering the specific starting hole is higher than that of the specific game state. The variation time of the normal symbol variation game in the special gaming state is shorter than the variation time of the normal symbol variation game in the specific gaming state, The normal winning symbols include a first normal winning symbol and a second normal winning symbol, When the first normal winning symbol is derived in the normal symbol variation game during the specific gaming state, a normal winning symbol combination is derived in a performance game accompanying the execution of the normal symbol variation game; When the second normal winning symbol is derived in the normal symbol variation game during the specific gaming state, a normal losing symbol combination is derived in the performance game accompanying the execution of the normal symbol variation game; When the first normal winning symbol is derived in the normal symbol variation game during the special game state, a normal winning symbol combination is derived in the performance game accompanying the execution of the normal symbol variation game, When the second normal winning symbol is derived in the normal symbol variation game during the special game state, a normal winning symbol combination is derived in the performance game accompanying the execution of the normal symbol variation game, It is possible to execute a notification effect that prompts the player to hit the right, and the notification effect includes a first notification effect and a second notification effect. A gaming machine characterized in that the mode of the notification performance executed when the power supply is cut off and then started again while the first notification performance is being executed is different from the mode of the notification performance executed when the power supply is cut off and then started again while the second notification performance is being executed.

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