JP7535317B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Conventionally, some pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, are equipped with an operating means that can be operated by the player, and are configured to change the content of a predetermined presentation when a predetermined operation is performed using the operating means (for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, such predetermined effects include, for example, a rapid-fire effect in which the content of the effect changes when the operating means is operated repeatedly. Furthermore, among gaming machines capable of executing rapid-fire effects, there are some that, even if the operating means is not operated repeatedly, will assume that the operating means is operated repeatedly under certain conditions and will change the content of the rapid-fire effect.

JP 2015-192821 A

However, recently, in gaming machines capable of executing the rapid-fire effects described above, there has been a demand to further increase the interest of players by improving the manner in which the rapid-fire effects are executed.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine that is capable of executing a variable game and executing various effects during the execution of the variable game, and is equipped with an operation means that can be operated by a player, an effect execution means that can execute effects, an effect control means that controls the effect execution means, and a condition determination means that makes a special determination as to whether or not a specific condition has been established. The effects that can be executed by the effect execution means include a specific effect whose content changes when the specific condition is established, and the specific condition is established when the value of a specific counter reaches a specified number. The control states when the effect control means executes the specific effect include a first control state in which the value of the specific counter is updated based on the operation means being operated with rapid taps, and a second control state in which the operation means is not operated with rapid taps and the specific effect is executed based on the operation means being operated with rapid taps, even if the operation means is not operated with rapid taps. and a second control state in which the counter value is updated , the specific performance is a performance in which the performance content changes in stages, the special judgment includes a first special judgment and a second special judgment that is executed after it is determined in the first special judgment that the specific condition is met, the performance control means changes the performance content of the specific performance when it is determined in the first special judgment that the specific condition is met, and further changes the performance content of the specific performance when it is determined in the second special judgment that the specific condition is met, and the number set as the specified number in the first special judgment is the same between the first control state and the second control state, and the number set as the specified number in the second special judgment is different.

The present invention can increase the interest of players.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko game machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine; FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing types of fluctuation patterns. 13A to 13F are explanatory diagrams showing the presentation form of the rapid-fire presentation. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a rapid-fire effect. An explanatory diagram showing how a rapid-hit effect can be executed and the upper limit stage of the rapid-hit effect are determined. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the types of rapid-fire effect patterns. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing a stage progress determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing a stage progress determination process in the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the types of presentation patterns for rapid-fire presentation in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a stage progress determination process in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a stage progress determination process in the fourth embodiment.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine will be described below. In the following description, 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 has a frame 11. The frame 11 is composed of an installation frame 11a for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to an island facility of an amusement parlor or the like, and a mounting frame 11b for mounting various gaming parts. The mounting frame 11b is pivotally supported on one side edge of the opening of the installation frame 11a so that it can be opened and closed relative to the installation frame 11a. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a locking device 11c that locks the mounting frame 11b so that it cannot be opened. The locking device 11c is configured to be unlocked by inserting a key that fits the locking device 11c and rotating it in a predetermined direction, allowing the mounting frame 11b to be opened.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a game board YB. The game board YB is mounted on a mounting frame 11b. A game area YBa is formed on the front side of the game board YB, into which game balls, as game media, flow. An opening window YBb is formed on the game board YB at approximately the center when viewed from the front. A center frame W with various designs is attached to the opening window YBb. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a launch handle HD. The launch handle HD is a means operated when launching game balls into the game area YBa. The launch handle HD is provided on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the launch strength of the game balls can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of rotation of the launch handle HD.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect button BT as an operating means that can be operated by the player. In this embodiment, the effect button BT is disposed on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, the effect button BT is a button-type means configured to be capable of being pressed. The effect button BT is not limited to being a button-type button, but may be a touch sensor type button, or may be configured to cause a specified display device to function as a touch panel type button. The effect button BT may be configured to include multiple operable parts. In this embodiment, the effect button BT is configured to include a single operable part.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a decorative lamp La as a light-emitting means for emitting light. The decorative lamp La can perform various notifications and various effects by emitting light from the light-emitting body. In this embodiment, the decorative lamp La corresponds to an effect execution means capable of executing effects. In the following explanation, an effect by emitting light from the light-emitting body is referred to as a "light-emitting effect." Note that "light-emitting" in this specification includes turning on, blinking, and turning off. Also, in the following explanation, the light-emitting body of the decorative lamp La emitting light may be simply referred to as "the decorative lamp La emitting light." The decorative lamp La is provided, for example, on the frame body 11 or the game board YB.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a speaker Sp as an output means for outputting sound. The speaker Sp can execute various notifications and various effects by outputting sound. In this embodiment, the speaker Sp corresponds to an effect execution means capable of executing effects. In the following explanation, effects by outputting sound are referred to as "audio effects." Note that "audio" in this specification includes human and animal voices, sound effects, and music. The speaker Sp is provided, for example, on the frame body 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a first special symbol display unit 13a and a second special symbol display unit 13b as game execution means for executing a special game. In the special game, a predetermined symbol is displayed variably, and finally, a special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of an internal lottery (a special lottery described later). The first special symbol display unit 13a displays the first special game. The second special symbol display unit 13b displays the second special game. In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of the displayed symbol changes over time. In this specification, "fixed stop display" means a state in which the symbol is fixedly displayed as a fixed stop, and the type of the displayed symbol does not change. With respect to the symbols, "fixed stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second special game is executed with priority over the first special game. The first special game and the second special game are not executed in parallel at the same time. The special symbols include jackpot symbols as a jackpot display result and miss symbols as a miss display result. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a jackpot is won in a special lottery, a jackpot symbol is derived in a special game, and after the special game for the jackpot is over, the jackpot game is awarded.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first special hold display unit 13c and a second special hold display unit 13d as display units that display information that can identify the reserved number of special games. The first special hold display unit 13c displays information that can identify the reserved number of the first special game (hereinafter referred to as the first special hold number). The second special hold display unit 13d displays information that can identify the reserved number of the second special game (hereinafter referred to as the second special hold number). For example, the upper limit value for the first special hold number and the second special hold number is 4.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a normal symbol display section 13e. The normal symbol display section 13e displays a normal game. In the normal game, a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and finally, a normal symbol is displayed as a fixed stop symbol. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of an internal lottery (a normal lottery described later). The normal symbol includes a normal win symbol as a normal win display result, and a normal loss symbol as a normal loss display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a normal win is won in the normal lottery, a normal win symbol is derived in the normal game, and after the normal game of the normal win is completed, a normal win game is awarded. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a normal hold display section 13f. The normal hold display section 13f displays information that can identify the number of holds for the normal game (hereinafter referred to as the normal hold number).

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device EH as a display means for displaying images. The effect display device EH has an image display section GH as a display area capable of displaying images, and various notifications and effects can be executed by displaying images on the image display section GH. In this embodiment, the effect display device EH corresponds to an effect execution means capable of executing effects. In the following explanation, an effect by displaying an image is referred to as a "display effect". The image display section GH may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The effect display device EH is attached to the game board YB so that the image display section GH is visible through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the game board YB when viewed from the front.

The performance display device EH displays a performance game as one of the display performances. In the performance game, multiple rows of performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and ultimately a combination of performance symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is derived. The performance symbols (decorative symbols) are symbols decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are symbols for diversifying the display performance. As an example, the performance game of this embodiment is performed by displaying (scrolling) the performance symbols of the left symbol row, middle symbol row, and right symbol row in a variable manner in a predetermined direction.

The performance game starts with the special game and ends with the special game. In the performance game, a symbol combination according to the special symbol derived in the special game is derived. When a big win symbol is derived in the special game, the big win symbol combination is derived in the performance game. The big win symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols in all columns are the same, such as "777". When a losing symbol is derived in the special game, a losing symbol combination is derived in the performance game. An example of a losing symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols in at least some columns are different from the performance symbols in the other columns, such as "778" or "787". In this specification, the "temporary stop display" refers to a temporary stop state before the performance symbols are displayed in a fixed stop state, such as a fluctuating display. In the following description, the special game and the performance game executed in response to the special game may be collectively referred to as a "variable game".

In the presentation game, a reach presentation may be executed. The reach presentation is a presentation that forms a reach in the presentation game and ultimately leads to a predetermined symbol combination. A reach is a state in which the same presentation symbol is temporarily displayed in a stopped state in a number of specific symbol rows, and the presentation symbol continues to be displayed in a variable manner in the other symbol rows. In this embodiment, the left and right symbol rows correspond to the specific symbol rows, and the center symbol row corresponds to the other symbol rows. The reach presentation in this embodiment includes a first reach presentation and a second reach presentation that has a higher expectation of a jackpot display result (hereinafter referred to as jackpot expectation) than the first reach presentation.

The game board YB is formed with a first start hole 15 as a prize hole that opens into the game area YBa. The first start hole 15 is always open so that a game ball can enter. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a first start sensor SE1 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start hole 15 (shown in FIG. 3). In the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, the reservation condition for the first special game may be established, and the condition for winning a predetermined number of prize balls is also established.

The game board YB is formed with a second start hole 16 as a winning hole that opens into the game area YBa. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a second start sensor SE2 that detects a game ball that has entered the second start hole 16 (shown in FIG. 3). In the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the reservation condition for the second special game can be established, and the acquisition condition for a predetermined number of prize balls is established. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a normal variable member 17 that can be operated in an open state in which the game ball can enter the second start hole 16, and in a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the second start hole 16. The closed state may be a state in which the game ball can enter the second start hole 16, but is more difficult to enter than the open state. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a first actuator A1 that operates the normal variable member 17 (shown in FIG. 3). The normal variable member 17 is operated to the open state during normal winning play.

The game board YB is formed with a large prize opening 18 as a prize opening that opens into the game area YBa. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a count sensor SE3 that detects game balls that have entered the large prize opening 18 (shown in FIG. 3). In the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3, a condition for winning a predetermined number of prize balls is established. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a special variable member 19 that can be operated between an open state in which the game ball can enter the large prize opening 18 and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the large prize opening 18. The closed state may be a state in which the game ball can enter the large prize opening 18, but is more difficult to enter than the open state. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a second actuator A2 that operates the special variable member 19 (shown in FIG. 3). The special variable member 19 is operated to the open state when a special symbol is hit.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a gate 25 through which gaming balls flowing down the gaming area YBa can pass (enter). The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a gate sensor SE4 that detects gaming balls passing through the gate 25 (shown in FIG. 3). When a gaming ball is detected by the gate sensor SE4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured such that the reserve conditions for the normal game can be met, but the conditions for winning prize balls are not met.

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function that varies the jackpot probability to a high probability, a ball entry assistance function that assists the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 16, and a time reduction function that shortens the variation time of the special game. The game state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is formed by combining the operating states (operation and non-operation) of these functions.

The probability fluctuation function (hereinafter referred to as the probability fluctuation function) will be explained.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of probability states with different jackpot probabilities. The plurality of probability states include a low probability state and a high probability state in which the jackpot probability is higher than that of the low probability state. When the probability change function is activated, the probability state transitions from the low probability state to the high probability state, increasing the possibility of winning a jackpot. For this reason, the high probability state is an advantageous state for the player. The high probability state is what is known as a "probability change state (probability change state)."

The goal-scoring assistance function will now be explained.
The ball entry assistance function is a function that supports winning in a normal electric device, and is a so-called "electric support function." The pachinko game machine 10 has a plurality of ball entry rate states, which are states in which the ball entry rate of game balls into the second starting hole 16 is different. The plurality of ball entry rate states include a low ball entry rate state and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry rate is higher than the low ball entry rate state. When the ball entry assistance function is activated, the ball entry rate state transitions from the low ball entry rate state to the high ball entry rate state, making it easier to establish the start condition for the second special game. Therefore, the high ball entry rate state is an advantageous state for the player.

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be realized by executing one of the three auxiliary controls described below, which can be selected at will, or by executing a combination of multiple controls. The first auxiliary control is a control that shortens the variable time of the normal game compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second auxiliary control is a control that changes the normal winning probability in the normal lottery to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The second auxiliary control may be a control that does not perform the normal lottery itself in the low ball entry rate state, but performs the normal lottery with a predetermined winning probability in the high ball entry rate state. The third auxiliary control is a control that makes the total opening time of the normal variable member 17 in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. Note that, as the third auxiliary control, at least one of the following controls may be performed: a control that makes the number of times that the normal variable member 17 is opened in one normal winning game more than in the low ball entry rate state, and a control that makes the opening time of one normal winning game of the normal variable member 17 longer than in the low ball entry rate state.

Next, the variable time shortening function (hereinafter referred to as the time shortening function) will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 has a plurality of time-varying states in which the variation time (average variation time) of the special game is different. The plurality of time-varying states include a long variation time state and a short variation time state in which the average variation time of at least the second special game is shorter than that of the long variation time state. When the time-saving function is activated, the time-varying state transitions from the long variation time state to the short variation time state, and the number of special games that can be substantially executed per unit time increases. In other words, the efficiency of consuming reserved special games is improved. In this embodiment, the time-varying function is activated in conjunction with the ball-entering assist function. In other words, the time-varying function is activated together with the ball-entering assist function and is deactivated together with the ball-entering assist function.

In this embodiment, there are three game states: a normal state, a first advantageous state, and a second advantageous state. The normal state is a game state in which the special probability function, the ball entry assist function, and the time-saving function are all not activated. The first advantageous state is a game state in which the special probability function, the ball entry assist function, and the time-saving function are all activated. The second advantageous state is a game state in which the special probability function is not activated, but the ball entry assist function and the time-saving function are activated. The pachinko game machine 10 is not limited to having three game states, and some or all of them may be different game states in which the special probability function, the ball entry assist function, and the time-saving function that are activated are changed. In addition, the game state may be one or two, or may be four or more.

Next, we will explain about the jackpot.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. The types of jackpot symbols are also the types of jackpots. The jackpot symbols are classified into one or more types. In this embodiment, the jackpot symbols are classified into two types: specific symbols and normal symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a jackpot game is awarded according to the type of jackpot symbol (type of jackpot).

In the jackpot game, a predetermined effect is first performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the opening time). For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect that can identify the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the large prize winning hole 18 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the hole or when a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed. In the round game, the large prize winning hole 18 is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). In each round game, a round effect is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the ending time). For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect that can identify the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends as the ending time elapses.

In the pachinko game machine 10, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled according to the type of jackpot pattern (type of jackpot). In this embodiment, it is set that the specific pattern is controlled to a first advantageous state after the end of the jackpot game until the next jackpot game is awarded. It is set that the normal pattern is controlled to a second advantageous state after the end of the jackpot game until the end of a special game with a predetermined number of operations (100 times in this embodiment) or until the next jackpot game is awarded.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main board 40. The main board 40 performs a predetermined process and outputs a control signal such as a control command, which is an example of control information, depending on the result of the process. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an auxiliary board 50. The main board 40 and the auxiliary board 50 are connected so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main board 40 to the auxiliary board 50. The auxiliary board 50 performs a predetermined process based on the control signal input from the main board 40.

The main board 40 will now be described in detail.
The main board 40 includes a main CPU 41, a main ROM 42, and a main RAM 43. The main CPU 41 executes a main control program to perform various processes.

The main ROM 42 stores the main control program, judgment values used in a predetermined lottery, and the like. The main ROM 42 stores a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is information that can identify the fluctuation time from when the special game starts to when the special game ends. Furthermore, the fluctuation pattern of this embodiment is information that can identify the presentation content of the presentation game. In other words, the fluctuation pattern of this embodiment is information that can identify the fluctuation content of the fluctuation game.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fluctuation patterns in this embodiment include a miss fluctuation pattern that can be determined when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a miss, and a jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a jackpot. For example, fluctuation patterns HP1 to HP4 are miss fluctuation patterns, and fluctuation patterns HP5 and HP6 are jackpot fluctuation patterns.

In the miss variation pattern, the variation content is determined so that the miss symbol combination is finally derived without going through the reach performance or through the reach performance. The variation patterns HP1 and HP2 are variation patterns in which the variation content is determined so that the miss symbol combination is finally derived without going through the reach performance. The variation pattern HP1 is a variation pattern in which the variation game is executed for a predetermined variation time, and then the variation content (in the figure, usually shown as miss) is determined so that the miss symbol combination is finally derived without going through the reach performance. The variation pattern HP2 is a variation pattern in which the variation game is executed for a variation time shorter than the variation pattern HP1, and then the variation content (in the figure, shown as shortened miss) is determined so that the miss symbol combination is finally derived without going through the reach performance. The variation patterns HP3 and HP4 are variation patterns in which the variation content is determined so that the miss symbol combination is finally derived through the reach performance. The HP3 variation pattern is a variation pattern in which the variation content (indicated as "1st reach miss" in the figure) is determined to ultimately result in a losing symbol combination through the first reach performance. The HP4 variation pattern is a variation pattern in which the variation content (indicated as "2nd reach miss" in the figure) is determined to ultimately result in a losing symbol combination through the second reach performance.

Furthermore, the jackpot fluctuation pattern has a predetermined fluctuation content that leads to a jackpot symbol combination after a reach performance. For example, fluctuation pattern HP5 is a fluctuation pattern in which a fluctuation content (first reach jackpot in the figure) is determined to lead to a jackpot symbol combination after a first reach performance. Moreover, fluctuation pattern HP6 is a fluctuation pattern in which a fluctuation content (second reach jackpot in the figure) is determined to lead to a jackpot symbol combination after a second reach performance.

The main RAM 43 shown in FIG. 3 stores various information that is rewritten depending on the results of processing by the main CPU 41. For example, the information stored in the main RAM 43 includes flags, counters, and timers. The main board 40 also includes a random number generation circuit (not shown) that generates hardware random numbers. The main board 40 may also be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the main CPU 41.

The main CPU 41 is connected to each of the first start sensor SE1, the second start sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the gate sensor SE4. The main CPU 41 is configured to be able to input a detection signal output when each sensor detects a game ball. The main CPU 41 is connected to each of the display sections, the first special symbol display section 13a, the second special symbol display section 13b, the first special hold display section 13c, the second special hold display section 13d, the normal symbol display section 13e, and the normal hold display section 13f. The main CPU 41 is configured to be able to control the display contents of each display section. The main CPU 41 is connected to the first actuator A1. The main CPU 41 is configured to be able to control the operation of the normal variable member 17 by controlling the first actuator A1. The main CPU 41 is connected to the second actuator A2. The main CPU 41 is configured to be able to control the operation of the special variable member 19 by controlling the second actuator A2.

Next, the sub-substrate 50 will be described in detail.
The sub-board 50 includes a sub-CPU 51, a sub-ROM 52, and a sub-RAM 53. The sub-CPU 51 executes a sub-control program to perform various processes related to the presentation. The sub-ROM 52 stores the sub-control program and a judgment value used in a predetermined lottery. The sub-ROM 52 stores display presentation data used for display presentation, light-emitting presentation data used for light-emitting presentation, and audio presentation data used for audio presentation.

The sub-RAM 53 stores various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-RAM 53 is flags, counters, timers, etc. The sub-board 50 is also configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through a random number generation process performed by the sub-CPU 51. The sub-board 50 may also be equipped with a random number generation circuit, enabling it to generate hardware random numbers.

The secondary CPU 51 is connected to the performance display device EH. The secondary CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the display contents of the performance display device EH. The secondary CPU 51 is connected to a decorative lamp La. The secondary CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp La. The secondary CPU 51 is connected to a speaker Sp. The secondary CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker Sp. In this embodiment, the secondary CPU 51 controls the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp La, and the speaker Sp to realize a function as a performance control means that controls the performance execution means. In the following description, the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp La, and the speaker Sp may be collectively referred to as the "performance device group".

The secondary CPU 51 is connected to the effect button BT. The secondary CPU 51 is configured to be able to input an operation signal that is output when the effect button BT is operated. In particular, in this embodiment, the secondary CPU 51 is configured to continuously input an operation signal while the effect button BT is being operated. In the following description, a state in which the secondary CPU 51 is inputting an operation signal may be referred to as "the operation signal is in the on state," while a state in which the secondary CPU 51 is not inputting an operation signal may be referred to as "the operation signal is in the off state."

Next, various processes performed by the main CPU 41 will be described.
The main CPU 41 executes a special symbol input process, a special symbol start process, and the like as timer interrupt processes performed at predetermined control periods (e.g., 4 ms).

First, the special symbol input process will be described.
In the special symbol input process, the main CPU 41 judges whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 15 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the first start sensor SE1. When the game ball has entered the first start hole 15, the main CPU 41 judges whether the first special reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 adds 1 to the first special reserved number to update it. Next, the main CPU 41 controls the first special reserved display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserved number. In this way, the reservation condition of the first special game is established when the game ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1 when the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the main CPU 41 acquires the random numbers generated within the main board 40, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RAM 43. For example, the random numbers are special winning random numbers used in a special lottery (jackpot lottery), winning symbol random numbers used to determine winning symbols, and variation pattern random numbers used to determine variation patterns. 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. The random number information may be the acquired random numbers themselves, or may be information obtained by processing the random numbers using a predetermined method. By storing the random number information used for the first special game in the main RAM 43, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can suspend the execution of the first special game until the start conditions of the first special game are met.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the main RAM 43, if the game ball has not entered the first start port 15 and if the first special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 determines whether the game ball has entered the second start port 16 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor SE2. If the game ball has entered the second start port 16, the main CPU 41 determines whether the second special reserved number stored in the main RAM 43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 updates the second special reserved number by adding 1. The main CPU 41 controls the second special reserved display unit 13d to display information that can identify the updated second special reserved number. In this way, the reserved condition for the second special game is met when the game ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2 when the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the main CPU 41 acquires the random numbers generated within the main board 40, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RAM 43. The main CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is used for the second special game, and the order in which the random number information is stored. By storing the random number information used for the second special game in the main RAM 43, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can suspend the execution of the second special game until the start conditions of the second special game are met. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the main RAM 43, if a game ball has not entered the second start hole 16, and if the number of second special reserved games is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol input process.

Next, the special symbol start process will be described.
In the special symbol start process, the main CPU 41 judges whether the start condition of the special game is established. The main CPU 41 judges positively when the jackpot game is not being played and the special game is not being played, whereas it judges negatively when the jackpot game is being played or the special game is being played. When the start condition of the special game is not established, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process. When the start condition of the special game is established, the main CPU 41 judges whether the second special reserved number is greater than zero. When the second special reserved number is zero, the main CPU 41 judges whether the first special reserved number is greater than zero. When the first special reserved number is zero, the main CPU 41 generates a standby state command that can specify that the standby state is being played and outputs it to the sub-board 50. The standby state is a state when the variable game is not being played, the jackpot game is not awarded, and the variable game is not reserved. In the following description, the period that is not in the standby state is referred to as the "play period". In other words, in this embodiment, the game period is a period during which the variable game is being executed, the big win game is being executed, or the pending variable game is waiting to start. After that, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process.

If the first special reserved number is greater than zero, the main CPU 41 performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the main CPU 41 updates the first special reserved number by subtracting 1. The main CPU 41 controls the first special reserved display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserved number. Next, the main CPU 41 acquires from the main RAM 43 the random number information that was stored first among the random number information for the first special game. Next, the main CPU 41 uses the special winning random number identified from the acquired random number information to perform a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won. The main CPU 41 performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability that corresponds to the current probability state (whether or not the special jackpot function is activated).

When a jackpot is won, the main CPU 41 performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the main CPU 41 performs a lottery for a jackpot pattern using a winning pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot pattern to be derived in the first special game. The main CPU 41 performs a lottery for determining a variation pattern using a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot variation pattern. After that, the main CPU 41 ends the special pattern start processing.

If the jackpot is not won, the main CPU 41 performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the main CPU 41 determines the loss symbol to be derived in the first special game. In the loss variation process, the main CPU 41 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a loss variation pattern with or without a reach. After that, the main CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process.

If the second special reserved number is greater than zero, the main CPU 41 performs processing to execute a second special game. The processing to execute a second special game is the same as the processing to execute a first special game, except that "first special game" is replaced with "second special game" and "first special reserved number" is replaced with "second special reserved number", and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. In other words, the main CPU 41 subtracts the second special reserved number, performs a jackpot lottery, and performs any variation processing based on the result of the jackpot lottery, and then ends the special symbol start processing.

The main CPU 41 outputs a variation start command and a special pattern command to the sub-board 50 during the jackpot variation process and the loss variation process. The variation start command is a control command that can identify the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of the variation game. The special pattern command is a control command that can identify the special pattern (jackpot pattern or loss pattern) determined in each variation process. Note that the variation start command and the special pattern command are different control commands when the variation process of the first special game is executed and when the variation process of the second special game is executed.

When the special symbol start process is completed, the main CPU 41 executes the first special game or the second special game by a process separate from the special symbol start process. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the main CPU 41 executes the following process to execute a variable game.

Specifically, when the main CPU 41 executes the first special game, it controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to start displaying a predetermined symbol. The main CPU 41 measures the change time set in the change pattern. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. In addition, when the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a change end command) capable of identifying the end of the change game to the sub-board 50.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to start displaying a predetermined symbol. The main CPU 41 measures the change time set in the change pattern. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. In addition, when the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 41 outputs a change end command to the sub-board 50.

Next, the big win game process will be described.
The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the main CPU 41 causes a jackpot symbol to be derived in a special game, the main CPU 41 executes the jackpot game process after the end of the jackpot special game. The main CPU 41 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. The main CPU 41 awards the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the main CPU 41 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) capable of identifying the start of the opening time to the sub-substrate 50. When the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 performs processing to execute the round game. That is, the main CPU 41 controls the second actuator A2 using the specified opening control data for the jackpot game to open the large prize opening 18. When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor SE3 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or the above-mentioned upper limit time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 controls the second actuator A2 to close the large prize opening 18, thereby ending the round game. The main CPU 41 repeats such processing to execute the round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the jackpot game is completed. The main CPU 41 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) capable of identifying the start of the round game to the sub-substrate 50 every time a round game is started. When the final round of play ends, the main CPU 41 outputs a control command capable of identifying the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending start command) to the sub-board 50. When the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 41 ends the jackpot game. The main CPU 41 may be configured to output a control command capable of identifying the elapse of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending end command) to the sub-board 50.

Next, the probability transition process for transitioning the probability state will be described.
When the main CPU 41 ends a jackpot game based on a specific symbol, it sets the high probability flag stored in the main RAM 43 to the ON state. That is, the main CPU 41 controls to the high probability state. On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 ends a jackpot game based on a normal symbol, it does not set the high probability flag to the ON state. That is, the main CPU 41 controls to the low probability state. When the main CPU 41 starts a jackpot game and the high probability flag is in the ON state, it sets the high probability flag to the OFF state. That is, the main CPU 41 controls to the low probability state during the jackpot game.

Next, the process of transitioning the goal scoring rate state and the variable time state will be described.
When the jackpot game ends, the main CPU 41 sets the operation flag stored in the main RAM 43 to an ON state. That is, the main CPU 41 controls to a high ball entry rate state. When the main CPU 41 starts a special game after the jackpot game based on the normal symbol, the main CPU 41 counts the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends by updating the value of the execution counter stored in the main RAM 43. When the special game in which the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends reaches the number of times of operation ends, the main CPU 41 sets the operation flag to an OFF state. That is, when the jackpot game based on the normal symbol ends and the special game of the number of times of operation ends, the main CPU 41 controls to a low ball entry rate state. When the main CPU 41 starts a jackpot game and the operation flag is ON, the main CPU 41 sets the operation flag to an OFF state. That is, the main CPU 41 controls to a low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game. In addition, the main CPU 41 controls the ball to a short fluctuation time state when controlling the ball to a high ball scoring rate state, and controls the ball to a long fluctuation time state when controlling the ball to a low ball scoring rate state.

Next, various processes executed by the secondary CPU 51 will be described.
First, the effect game process will be described. The effect game process is a process for executing an effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game during the execution of the special game. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the secondary CPU 51 can execute the effect game by executing the following process.

When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a variation start command and a special pattern command, it controls the effect display device EH to execute an effect game corresponding to the special game. Specifically, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a variation start command, it selects the effect content of the effect game based on the variation pattern that can be specified from the control command. Also, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a special pattern command, it determines the pattern combination to be derived in the effect game based on the special pattern that can be specified from the command. If a jackpot pattern can be specified from the special pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines the jackpot pattern combination. If a miss pattern can be specified from the special pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines the miss pattern combination.

The sub-CPU 51 also determines whether the conditions for executing the reach effect (hereinafter referred to as the reach condition) are met. In this embodiment, the reach condition is met by determining a variation pattern that defines the variation content for executing the reach effect. When the reach condition is met and a jackpot pattern can be identified from the special pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines the performance patterns that constitute the jackpot pattern combination as the reach performance pattern. When the reach condition is met and a miss pattern can be identified from the special pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines a miss pattern combination that includes a reach. When the reach condition is not met and a miss pattern can be identified from the special pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines a miss pattern combination that does not include a reach.

Then, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start the variable display of the effect symbols of each symbol row in response to the input of the variation start command. That is, the sub-CPU 51 starts the effect game. Specifically, the sub-CPU 51 controls the image display unit GH of the effect display device EH to display three columns of effect symbols in a variable manner. Next, when a predetermined timing arrives after the start of the effect game, the sub-CPU 51 temporarily stops the display of each effect symbol to temporarily stop the display of the symbol combination, and, in response to the input of the variation end command, temporarily stops the display of each effect symbol to display the fixed pattern of the symbol combination. Note that the sub-CPU 51 may also display the fixed pattern combination in response to the passage of a variation time set for the variation pattern, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the variation end command may be omitted.

Next, the big win effect processing will be described.
The jackpot presentation process is a process for executing a presentation during a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot presentation). When an opening command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation device group to execute an opening presentation. In this embodiment, the presentation device group includes a presentation display device EH, a decorative lamp La, and a speaker Sp. When a round command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation device group to execute a round presentation. Furthermore, when an ending start command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation device group to execute an ending presentation. And when an ending end command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the presentation device group to end the ending presentation.

Next, an example of a performance that can be performed in this embodiment will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment can execute various effects during the execution of the variable game. In this embodiment, the effects that can be executed during the execution of the variable game include a continuous hitting effect. The continuous hitting effect of this embodiment is an effect that notifies the player of the expectation that the variable game being executed will be a jackpot. In other words, in this embodiment, the continuous hitting effect is an effect that suggests that a jackpot game, which is an example of a benefit advantageous to the player, will be awarded.

The rapid-hit effect of this embodiment is an effect in which the content of the effect changes as the effect progresses through stages, triggered by the establishment of a progression condition in relation to the operation of the effect button BT. The progression condition can be understood as a condition for progressing through stages of the rapid-hit effect. In this embodiment, the progression condition corresponds to a specific condition under which the content of the effect changes. In other words, the rapid-hit effect corresponds to a specific effect in which the content of the effect changes when a specific condition is established. In particular, the rapid-hit effect of this embodiment is an effect in which the content of the effect changes step by step over multiple stages. The progression conditions will be described in more detail below.

As shown in Figures 5(a) to (f), the rapid-hit effect in this embodiment has a total of five stages, from stage 1 to stage 5. In other words, the rapid-hit effect in this embodiment is an effect in which the stages of the effect can progress through a maximum of five stages, in the order of stage 1 (smallest stage), stage 2, stage 3, stage 4, and stage 5 (largest stage). In this embodiment, the fifth stage has multiple stages. Specifically, in this embodiment, the fifth stage has the stage A and the stage B. When the stage of the effect progresses to the fifth stage, the rapid-hit effect is executed with either the stage A or the stage B.

In the first stage of the rapid-fire effect, an operation instruction image SG instructing the operation of the effect button BT is displayed on the image display section GH of the effect display device EH (FIG. 5(a)). As an example, the operation instruction image SG is an image instructing the operation of the effect button BT multiple times (so-called rapid fire).

In addition, in the second to fourth stages of the rapid-hit performance, the operation instruction image SG is displayed on the image display unit GH of the performance display device EH following the first stage, and the color of the background image changes (Figs. 5(b) to (d)). Then, in the fifth stage of the rapid-hit performance, the operation instruction image SG is hidden on the image display unit GH of the performance display device EH, while a specific background image is displayed (Figs. 5(e) and (f)). In the fifth stage A of the rapid-hit performance, an image with the character string "opportunity" is displayed as the specific background image (Fig. 5(e)). In the fifth stage B of the rapid-hit performance, an image imitating the character string "blessing" is displayed as the specific background image (Fig. 5(f)).

Although not shown, in the rapid-hit performance, the decorative lamp La emits light in a lighting pattern corresponding to each stage. Furthermore, although not shown, in the rapid-hit performance, sound corresponding to each stage is output from the speaker Sp. That is, in this embodiment, the rapid-hit performance is executed in a manner that includes a display performance by the performance display device EH, a light-emitting performance by the decorative lamp La, and a sound performance by the speaker Sp.

In the continuous tapping performance of this embodiment, the expectation of a big win in the variable game being executed is suggested depending on which stage the performance content has progressed to. For example, in this embodiment, the expectation of a big win in the variable game being executed is notified in the order of the final stage progressed to in the continuous tapping performance, 1st stage < 2nd stage < 3rd stage < 4th stage < 5th stage. Also, in this embodiment, when the final stage progressed to in the continuous tapping performance is the 5th stage B, it is notified that the expectation of a big win in the variable game being executed is higher than when it is the 5th stage A. Note that, as will be described in detail later, in the continuous tapping performance of this embodiment, the upper limit stage to which the performance content can progress is determined based on the variable content of the variable game being executed. Then, in the continuous tapping performance, the performance content can progress between the 1st stage and the upper limit stage. That is, in the continuous tapping performance of this embodiment, it is possible that the performance content cannot be advanced to the 5th stage, which is the maximum stage. In addition, in the rapid-fire effect of this embodiment, depending on the manner in which the effect button BT is operated, it may not be possible to advance the effect content to the determined upper limit. In such a case, the suggested result of the rapid-fire effect will be an effect content at a different level than the determined upper limit.

Next, various controls performed by the secondary CPU 51 regarding the rapid-fire effect will be described.
First, the continuous hitting effect determination process will be described. The continuous hitting effect determination process is a process for determining whether or not a continuous hitting effect is to be executed, and is a process for determining the effect content of the continuous hitting effect when the continuous hitting effect is executed. The sub-CPU 51 executes the continuous hitting effect determination process when the change start command is input.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the rapid-fire effect determination process, the sub-CPU 51 performs an execution lottery to determine whether or not to execute a rapid-fire effect (step Sa1). In step Sa1, the sub-CPU 51 performs an execution lottery to win with a probability according to the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command. As an example, the sub-CPU 51 controls so that the rapid-fire effect execution lottery is not won when the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command is fluctuation pattern HP2. Also, as an example, when the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command is a jackpot fluctuation pattern, the sub-CPU 51 performs an execution lottery to win with a higher probability than when the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command is a miss fluctuation pattern.

If the lottery for executing the rapid-hit effect is not won (step Sa1: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the rapid-hit effect determination process without deciding to execute the rapid-hit effect. On the other hand, if the lottery for executing the rapid-hit effect is won (step Sa1: YES), the sub-CPU 51 determines the upper limit stage of the rapid-hit effect (step Sa2). Also, in step Sa2, the sub-CPU 51 stores the determined upper limit stage in the sub-RAM 53 so that it can be identified.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step Sa2, the stage that can be determined as the upper limit stage in the repeated hitting effect differs depending on the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command. As an example, if the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command is fluctuation pattern HP1, the sub-CPU 51 can determine the second or third stage as the upper limit stage in the repeated hitting effect. If the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command is fluctuation pattern HP3 or fluctuation pattern HP4, the sub-CPU 51 can determine any of the third, fourth, and fifth stages A as the upper limit stage in the repeated hitting effect. If the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command is fluctuation pattern HP5 or fluctuation pattern HP6, the sub-CPU 51 can determine any of the third, fourth, fifth, and fifth stages B as the upper limit stage in the repeated hitting effect.

In step Sa2, when determining which of the multiple stages that can be determined as the upper limit stage in the rapid-fire performance is selected, the determination ratio of each stage may be different. For example, when the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command is fluctuation pattern HP1, the ratio for determining the first stage as the upper limit stage in the rapid-fire performance may be different from the ratio for determining the second stage.

6, when the sub-CPU 51 determines the upper limit stage in the continuous hitting performance, it determines the performance pattern of the continuous hitting performance based on the determined upper limit stage (step Sa3). Also, in step Sa3, the sub-CPU 51 stores the determined performance pattern in the sub-RAM 53 so that it can be specified. The performance pattern of the continuous hitting performance has a progression condition for progressing through the stages of the continuous hitting performance. In the following description, the progression condition for progressing from the first stage to the second stage is indicated as the first progression condition. Similarly, the progression condition for progressing from the second stage to the third stage is indicated as the second progression condition, the progression condition for progressing from the third stage to the fourth stage is indicated as the third progression condition, and the progression condition for progressing from the fourth stage to the fifth stage (fifth stage A or fifth stage B) is indicated as the fourth progression condition. In this embodiment, the progression condition is the number of times the performance button BT is operated. That is, in the continuous hitting performance of this embodiment, the stage of the performance content progresses when the number of times the performance button BT is operated reaches the number of times set as the progression condition.

As shown in FIG. 8, there are one or more presentation patterns for the rapid-hit presentation that correspond to the upper limit stage of the rapid-hit presentation. There are multiple types of presentation patterns when the upper limit stage of the rapid-hit presentation is the second stage, including presentation pattern EP1-1 and presentation pattern EP1-2. In the following explanation, the presentation patterns when the upper limit stage of the rapid-hit presentation is the second stage are collectively referred to as presentation pattern EP1.

In the effect pattern EP1, a first number of operations is defined as a first condition for progression. For example, in the effect pattern EP1-1, the first number of operations is defined as "five times."
There are multiple types of presentation patterns when the upper limit stage of the continuous hitting presentation is the third stage, including presentation pattern EP2-1, presentation pattern EP2-2, and presentation pattern EP2-3. In the following description, the presentation patterns when the upper limit stage of the continuous hitting presentation is the third stage are collectively referred to as presentation pattern EP2.

In addition to the first number of operations as the first progress condition, the second number of operations is defined as the second progress condition in the presentation pattern EP2. In this embodiment, the second number of operations includes a prescribed number of operations and a special number of operations. The prescribed number of operations is the number of operations that is a progress condition when the presentation button BT is operated in the first operation mode. The special number of operations is the number of operations that is a progress condition when the presentation button BT is operated in the second operation mode. The first operation mode is an operation mode in which the presentation button BT is operated for a time period less than the prescribed time. The second operation mode is an operation mode in which the presentation button BT is operated for a time period equal to or greater than the prescribed time. In the following description, the prescribed number of operations as the second number of operations is referred to as the second prescribed number of operations, and the special number of operations as the second number of operations is referred to as the second special number of operations. For example, in presentation pattern EP2-1, the first number of operations is defined as "5 times", the second prescribed number of operations is defined as "20 times", and the second special number of operations is defined as "30 times".

When the upper limit stage of the rapid-fire effect is the fourth stage, there are multiple types of presentation patterns, including presentation pattern EP3-1, presentation pattern EP3-2, and presentation pattern EP3-3. In the following explanation, the presentation patterns when the upper limit stage of the rapid-fire effect is the fourth stage are collectively referred to as presentation pattern EP3.

In presentation pattern EP3, in addition to the first number of operations as the first progression condition and the second number of operations as the second progression condition, a third number of operations is defined as the third progression condition. In this embodiment, the third number of operations includes a specified number of operations and a special number of operations. In the following description, the specified number of operations as the third number of operations is referred to as the third specified number of operations, and the special number of operations as the third number of operations is referred to as the third special number of operations. For example, in presentation pattern EP3-1, the first number of operations is defined as "5 times", the second specified number of operations is defined as "20 times", the second special number of operations is defined as "30 times", the third specified number of operations is defined as "20 times", and the third special number of operations is defined as "30 times".

When the upper limit stage of the rapid-fire effect is the fifth stage (fifth stage A or fifth stage B), there are multiple types of presentation patterns, including presentation pattern EP4-1, presentation pattern EP4-2, and presentation pattern EP4-3. In the following explanation, the presentation patterns when the upper limit stage of the rapid-fire effect is the fifth stage are collectively referred to as presentation pattern EP4.

In the presentation pattern EP4, in addition to the first number of operations as the first progression condition, the second number of operations as the second progression condition, and the third number of operations as the third progression condition, a fourth number of operations is defined as the fourth progression condition. In this embodiment, the fourth number of operations includes a specified number of operations and a special number of operations. In the following description, the specified number of operations as the fourth number of operations is referred to as the fourth specified number of operations, and the special number of operations as the fourth number of operations is referred to as the fourth special number of operations. For example, in the presentation pattern EP4-1, the first number of operations is defined as "5 times", the second specified number of operations is defined as "20 times", the second special number of operations is defined as "30 times", the third specified number of operations is defined as "20 times", the third special number of operations is defined as "30 times", the fourth specified number of operations is defined as "30 times", and the fourth special number of operations is defined as "45 times".

In each presentation pattern, the number of special operations is greater than the number of prescribed operations defined as the same number of operations as the number of special operations. Specifically, in each presentation pattern, the second number of special operations is greater than the second prescribed number of operations, the third number of special operations is greater than the third prescribed number of operations, and the fourth number of special operations is greater than the fourth prescribed number of operations. In particular, in this embodiment, the number of special operations is a predetermined number times the prescribed number of operations defined as the number of operations corresponding to the same stage as the number of special operations. More specifically, the number of special operations in this embodiment is twice the prescribed number of operations defined as the number of operations corresponding to the same stage as the number of special operations.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the sub-CPU 51 determines the effect pattern of the rapid-hit effect, it sets the first number of operations determined in the determined effect pattern as the specific number of operations for progressing through the rapid-hit effect stages (step Sa4). Specifically, the sub-CPU 51 sets the first number of operations as the specific number of operations by storing a value that can identify the first number of operations in a specified storage area in the sub-RAM 53. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 ends the rapid-hit effect determination process.

Then, in a process separate from the rapid-hit performance determination process, the sub-CPU 51 controls the performance device group to start the first stage rapid-hit performance. Specifically, the sub-CPU 51 sets a value capable of identifying the first stage to a stage flag stored in the sub-RAM 53. The stage flag is information capable of identifying the current stage in the rapid-hit performance. The sub-CPU 51 also controls the performance display device EH to display an operation instruction image SG. Furthermore, the sub-CPU 51 controls the decorative lamp La to perform a light-emitting performance in a manner corresponding to the first stage, and controls the speaker Sp to perform an audio performance in a manner corresponding to the first stage.

Next, the operation determination process and the stage progression determination process will be described. The operation determination process is a process for executing the stage progression determination process based on the operation of the effect button BT. The stage progression determination process is a process for progressing through the stages of the rapid-fire effect.

First, the operation determination process will be described. When a rapid-hit effect is being executed and the rapid-hit effect stage has not yet reached the upper limit stage, the secondary CPU 51 executes the operation determination process when the operation signal of the effect button BT changes from the OFF state to the ON state.

9, in the operation determination process, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the operation signal has changed from an ON state to an OFF state (step Sb1). If the operation signal has not changed from an ON state to an OFF state (step Sb1: NO), the sub-CPU 51 determines whether a specified time has elapsed since the operation signal became ON (step Sb2). That is, if the performance button BT is continuously operated, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the time during which the performance button BT has been continuously operated has reached a specified time. If the specified time has not elapsed since the operation signal became ON (step Sb2: NO), the sub-CPU 51 returns to the process of step Sb1. That is, after the operation signal changes from an OFF state to an ON state, the sub-CPU 51 repeats the processes of steps Sb1 and Sb2 until the specified time has elapsed or the operation signal changes to the OFF state before the specified time has elapsed.

If the operation signal changes to the OFF state before the specified time has elapsed since it was turned ON (step Sb1: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes a stage progression determination process (step Sb3). On the other hand, if the specified time has elapsed since the operation signal was turned ON without it being turned OFF again (step Sb2: YES), the sub-CPU 51 sets the special operation flag stored in the sub-RAM 53 to the ON state (step Sb3). Next, the sub-CPU 51 executes a stage progression determination process (step Sb3). The stage progression determination process will be described in detail later.

After that, when the step progress determination process is completed, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the special operation flag is ON (step Sb5). If the special operation flag is not ON (step Sb5: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the operation determination process.

On the other hand, if the special operation flag is in the ON state (step Sb5: YES), the sub-CPU 51 judges whether or not a specific time (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed since the most recent stage progression judgment process (step Sb6). If the specific time has not elapsed since the most recent stage progression judgment process (step Sb6: NO), the sub-CPU 51 judges whether or not the operation signal has changed from the ON state to the OFF state (step Sb7). If the operation signal has not changed from the ON state to the OFF state (step Sb7: NO), the sub-CPU 51 returns to the process of step Sb6. In other words, if the performance button BT continues to be operated even after the end of the stage progression judgment process, the sub-CPU 51 repeats the processes of steps Sb6 and Sb7 after the end of the most recent stage progression judgment process until the specific time has elapsed or the operation signal changes to the OFF state before the specific time has elapsed.

If a specific time has passed since the most recent stage progression determination process was completed without the operation signal becoming OFF (step Sb6: YES), the sub-CPU 51 executes the stage progression determination process (step Sb3). On the other hand, if the operation signal becomes OFF before the specific time has passed since the most recent stage progression determination process was completed (step Sb7: YES), the sub-CPU 51 sets the special operation flag to the OFF state. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 ends the operation determination process.

In this embodiment, the processes of steps Sb1 and Sb2 can be understood as processes for determining whether the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode or the second operation mode. A positive judgment in step Sb1 corresponds to determining that the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode. A positive judgment in step Sb2 corresponds to determining that the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode. For this reason, the special operation flag that is set to the on state in step Sb4 when a positive judgment is made in step Sb2 can be understood as a flag indicating that the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode.

According to this operation determination process, when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, the stage progression determination process is executed only once, triggered by the operation of the effect button BT in the first operation mode. On the other hand, when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the stage progression determination process is executed every time a specific time elapses while the operation in the second operation mode continues.

Next, the stage progress determination process will be described.
10, in the stage progress determination process, the sub-CPU 51 adds 1 to the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 (step Sc1). Note that, as will be described in detail later, the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 is erased and set to "0" when a stage progresses in the continuous hitting effect. Therefore, the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 corresponds to the number of times the effect button BT has been operated since the transition to the current stage in the continuous hitting effect.

Then, the secondary CPU 51 judges whether the number of operations stored in the secondary RAM 53 has reached a specific number of operations (step Sc2). The processing of step Sc2 can also be understood as a judgment of whether a progression condition for progressing through the stages of the rapid-fire performance has been met. In this embodiment, the processing of step Sc2 corresponds to a special judgment of whether a specific condition has been met. In particular, in this embodiment, the judgment of whether the first progression condition has been met corresponds to the first special judgment. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the judgment of whether the second progression condition has been met, the judgment of whether the third progression condition has been met, and the judgment of whether the fourth progression condition has been met correspond to the second special judgment that is executed after it is judged in the first special judgment that the progression conditions have been met. That is, in this embodiment, the secondary CPU 51 performs the processing of step Sc2 to realize a condition judgment means that makes a special judgment of whether a specific condition has been met.

If the progression condition is not met (step Sc2: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the stage progression determination process without progressing the stage of the rapid-hitting effect, and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation determination process. On the other hand, if the progression condition is met (step Sc2: YES), the sub-CPU 51 progresses the stage of the rapid-hitting effect by one stage (step Sc3). At this time, the sub-CPU 51 updates the value of the stage flag so that the stage of the rapid-hitting effect after progression can be identified. The sub-CPU 51 also controls the group of performance devices to execute the rapid-hitting effect with performance content according to the stage after progression.

Then, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the stage of the rapid-fire effect has reached the upper limit stage determined in the rapid-fire effect determination process (step Sc4). If the stage of the rapid-fire effect has reached the upper limit stage (step Sc4: YES), the sub-CPU 51 erases the specific operation count stored in the sub-RAM 53 (step Sc5). Next, the sub-CPU 51 erases the operation count stored in the sub-RAM 53 (step Sc6). The sub-CPU 51 then ends the stage progress determination process and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation determination process.

If the stage of the rapid-fire effect has not reached the upper limit stage (step Sc4: NO), the sub-CPU 51 judges whether the special operation flag is on or not (step Sc7). If the special operation flag is off (step Sc7: NO), the sub-CPU 51 sets the specified number of operations as the specific number of operations (step Sc8). At this time, the sub-CPU 51 sets the specified number of operations as the specific number of operations by storing a value that can specify the specified number of operations according to the current stage in a predetermined storage area in the sub-RAM 53. For example, when the current stage is the second stage, the sub-CPU 51 sets the second specified number of operations as the specific number of operations. Next, the sub-CPU 51 erases the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 (step Sc6). After that, the sub-CPU 51 ends the stage progress judgment process and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation judgment process.

Also, when the special operation flag is in the ON state, the sub-CPU 51 sets the number of special operations as the number of specific operations (step Sc9). At this time, the sub-CPU 51 sets the number of special operations as the number of specific operations by storing a value that can identify the number of special operations corresponding to the current stage in a predetermined storage area in the sub-RAM 53. For example, when the current stage is the third stage, the sub-CPU 51 sets the third special operation number as the number of specific operations. Next, the sub-CPU 51 erases the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 (step Sc6). After that, the sub-CPU 51 ends the stage progress determination process and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation determination process.

According to the above-described operation determination process and stage progress determination process, when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 executes the stage progress determination process once each time the effect button BT is operated, thereby executing a special determination as to whether or not the progress condition for progressing through the stages of the rapid-fire effect has been met. In other words, when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 executes a special determination in response to the operation of the effect button BT.

When the effect button BT is operated multiple times in the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 executes a stage progress determination process each time the effect button BT is operated, thereby enabling control to establish the progress condition and progress through the stages of the rapid-hit effect. In other words, when the effect button BT is not operated in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the progress condition is established based on the effect button BT being operated repeatedly, and enables control to progress through the stages of the rapid-hit effect. In this embodiment, among the control states when the sub-CPU 51 executes the rapid-hit effect, the control state when the effect button BT is not operated in the second operation mode corresponds to the first control state. In other words, the first control state can be understood as a state in which the progress condition is established based on the effect button BT being operated repeatedly.

In addition, when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 executes a stage progress determination process every time a specific time elapses while the operation in the second operation mode is being performed, thereby executing a special determination as to whether or not the progress condition for progressing through the stages of the rapid-fire effect has been met. In other words, when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 executes a special determination at a predetermined specific period.

The sub-CPU 51 can control the progression of the rapid-hit performance by executing a stage progression determination process at a specific cycle when the performance button BT is operated in the second operation mode, thereby satisfying the progression conditions and progressing through the rapid-hit performance stages. In other words, when the performance button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 can control the progression of the rapid-hit performance stages by determining that the progression conditions are satisfied by regarding the performance button BT as having been operated in rapid succession, even if the performance button BT is not operated in rapid succession. In this embodiment, among the control states when the sub-CPU 51 executes the rapid-hit performance, the control state when the performance button BT is operated in the second operation mode corresponds to the second control state. In other words, the second control state can be understood as a state in which the performance button BT is regarded as having been operated in rapid succession, and the progression conditions are satisfied, even if the performance button BT is not operated in rapid succession.

The sub-CPU 51 sets the first number of operations as the specific number of operations in the rapid-fire effect determination process, and then when it determines in the stage progression determination process that the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the specific number of operations, it advances the rapid-fire effect stage to the second stage and changes the presentation content. In other words, when the sub-CPU 51 determines in the first special determination that the progression condition has been met, it changes the presentation content of the rapid-fire effect.

At this time, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the progression condition is met when the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the first number of operations, regardless of whether the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode or the second operation mode. That is, in this embodiment, the condition for determining that the progression condition is met in the first special determination is the same when in the first control state and when in the second control state.

In addition, in the stage progression determination process, after progressing the stage of the continuous hitting effect, if the current stage is not the upper limit stage, the sub-CPU 51 sets the specified number of operations or the special number of operations as the specific operation count. Then, when the sub-CPU 51 determines in another stage progression determination process performed thereafter that the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the specific operation count, the sub-CPU 51 progresses the stage of the continuous hitting effect to the third stage or later, thereby further changing the presentation content. In other words, when the sub-CPU 51 determines that the progression condition has been met in the first special determination, it changes the presentation content of the continuous hitting effect, and when it determines that the progression condition has been met in the second special determination, it further changes the presentation content of the continuous hitting effect.

At this time, when the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the specific number of operations triggered by the operation of the effect button BT in the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 sets the specified number of operations as the next specific number of operations. Then, when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the progress condition is satisfied when the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the specified number of operations. On the other hand, when the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the specific number of operations triggered by the operation of the effect button BT in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 sets the special number of operations as the next specific number of operations. Then, when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 determines that the progress condition is satisfied when the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the special number of operations. That is, in this embodiment, the conditions for determining that the progress condition is satisfied in the second special determination are different between the first control state and the second control state.

In addition, even if the sub-CPU 51 sets the specified number of operations as the specific number of operations based on the effect button BT being operated in the first operation mode, when the operation number stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the specific number of operations triggered by the effect button BT being operated in the second operation mode thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 can set the special number of operations as the next specific number of operations. On the other hand, even if the sub-CPU 51 sets the special number of operations as the specific number of operations based on the effect button BT being operated in the second operation mode, when the operation number stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the specific number of operations triggered by the effect button BT being operated in the first operation mode thereafter, the sub-CPU 51 can set the specified number of operations as the next specific number of operations. That is, when the operation mode of the effect button BT changes during the execution of the continuous hitting effect, the sub-CPU 51 sets the specific number of operations according to the operation mode after the change. In other words, when the control state when the continuous hitting effect is executed is shifted during the execution of the continuous hitting effect, the sub-CPU 51 performs a special judgment according to the control state after the shift.

By this control, when the stage of the rapid-hitting effect has progressed, the sub-CPU 51 sets either the specified number of operations or the special number of operations as the specific number of operations, depending on the operation mode of the effect button BT when the stage has progressed. The sub-CPU 51 then determines whether or not the stage of the rapid-hitting effect will progress by judging whether the number of operations of the effect button BT has reached the specific number of operations. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 sets progression condition 1 as the next progression condition depending on the operation mode of the effect button BT when the stage of the rapid-hitting effect has progressed, and then in the stage progression judgment process executed thereafter, it determines whether or not the stage of the rapid-hitting effect will progress by referring to the set progression condition.

In this embodiment, the content of the rapid-fire effect in each stage is the same whether the progression condition is established by operating the effect button BT in the first operation mode or the progression condition is established by operating the effect button BT in the second operation mode. When the sub-CPU 51 determines the fifth stage A as the upper limit stage of the rapid-fire effect, it executes the rapid-fire effect with the content of the fifth stage A, whether the fourth progression condition is established by operating the effect button BT in the first operation mode or the fourth progression condition is established by operating the effect button BT in the second operation mode. Similarly, when the sub-CPU 51 determines the fifth stage B as the upper limit stage of the continuous tapping effect, it executes the continuous tapping effect with the effect content of the fifth stage B in either case of the fourth progress condition being established as a trigger of the operation of the effect button BT in the first operation mode, or the fourth progress condition being established as a trigger of the operation of the effect button BT in the second operation mode. That is, in this embodiment, when the effect content of the continuous tapping effect is changed as a trigger of the establishment of the progress condition, the effect content after the change is the same when the progress condition is established as a trigger of the operation of the effect button BT in the first operation mode and when the progress condition is established as a trigger of the operation of the effect button BT in the second operation mode. In other words, in this embodiment, when the effect content of the continuous tapping effect is changed as a trigger of the establishment of the progress condition, the effect content after the change is the same when the progress condition is established during the first control state and when the progress condition is established during the second control state.

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1-1) The sub-CPU 51 can change the manner in which the content of the rapid-fire effect changes by changing the conditions for progressing through the stages of the rapid-fire effect when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode. This allows the content of the rapid-fire effect to be changed in an appropriate manner depending on the operation status of the effect button BT by the player, thereby increasing the player's interest.

(1-2) When the rapid-fire effect is at the first stage, the player may be unable to decide whether to operate the effect button BT in the first operation mode or the second operation mode because the rapid-fire effect has just started. In response to this, the sub-CPU 51 of this embodiment determines that the first progression condition is met when the first operation count is reached, which is the same whether the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode or the second operation mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the player is unable to decide whether to operate the effect button BT in the first operation mode or the second operation mode in the rapid-fire effect, the content of the rapid-fire effect can be changed in the same way regardless of which operation mode is used, to entertain the player.

(1-3) When the rapid-hit effect is in any of the second to fourth stages, a certain amount of time has passed since the rapid-hit effect began, and therefore it is highly likely that the effect button BT has been operated in the manner intended by the player. In contrast, the sub-CPU 51 of this embodiment determines that the progression condition for each of the second to fourth progression conditions has been met when the number of times the effect button BT is operated in the first operation manner and the number of times the effect button BT is operated in the second operation manner are different. For this reason, in this embodiment, the rapid-hit effect can be entertained by changing the content of the rapid-hit effect in a manner that corresponds to the operation manner of the effect button BT.

(1-4) The frequency with which the stage progression determination process is executed in the rapid-fire effect may differ between when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode. Then, when the sub-CPU 51 determines that the progression condition is met in the stage progression determination process, it progresses the stage in the rapid-fire effect and changes the presentation content. In this way, in this embodiment, the presentation content of the rapid-fire effect can be changed in an appropriate manner depending on the frequency with which the stage progression determination process is executed, to entertain the player.

(1-5) When the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the stage progression determination process is executed at a specific period (for example, at 100 ms intervals), so the frequency with which the stage progression determination process is executed may be higher than when the effect button BT is repeatedly operated in the first operation mode. That is, when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the time required for the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 to increase may be shorter than when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode. In response to this, when a stage has progressed based on the operation of the effect button BT in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 sets as the specific operation count a special operation count that is greater than the specified operation count that is set as the next specific operation count when a stage has progressed based on the operation of the effect button BT in the first operation mode. This prevents the rapid-fire performance stage from progressing in an extremely short time, even when the performance button BT is operated in the second operation mode, compared to when the performance button BT is operated in the first operation mode, allowing the player to enjoy the process of progressing through the rapid-fire performance stage.

(1-6) When the effect button BT is repeatedly operated in the first operation mode, the frequency of the stage progress determination process may be lower than when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode. That is, when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, the time required for the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 to increase may be longer than when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode. In response to this, when a stage progresses based on the operation of the effect button BT in the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 sets the specified number of operations as the next specific number of operations, which is greater than the special number of operations set as the next specific number of operations when a stage progresses based on the operation of the effect button BT in the second operation mode. This makes it possible to prevent the stage of the repeated hit effect from being unable to progress because the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 does not reach the specific number of operations, even when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode.

(1-7) When the content of the rapid-fire effect is changed in response to the fulfillment of a progression condition, the content of the effect after the change will be the same regardless of whether the progression condition is fulfilled by the operation of the effect button BT in the first operation mode or the second operation mode. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent differences in interest when the progression condition is fulfilled depending on the operation mode of the effect button BT when the progression condition is fulfilled.

(1-8) If the operation mode of the effect button BT changes while the rapid-fire effect is being executed, the secondary CPU 51 sets a specific number of operations according to the operation mode after the change. As a result, in this embodiment, appropriate progress conditions can be set according to the current operation mode of the effect button BT, allowing the player to enjoy the game.

Second Embodiment
Next, a pachinko gaming machine according to a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components and controls as those in the previously described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

In the second embodiment, the sub-CPU 51 stores the specified number of operations and the special number of operations in the sub-RAM 53 instead of storing the specific number of operations in the sub-RAM 53 in the continuous hit effect determination process and the stage progress determination process. When the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not to advance the stage of the continuous hit effect by determining whether or not the number of operations has reached the specified number of operations in the stage progress determination process. When the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not to advance the stage of the continuous hit effect by determining whether or not the number of operations has reached the special number of operations in the stage progress determination process. In other words, in the second embodiment, the sub-CPU 51 sets multiple progress conditions as progress conditions for progressing the stage, and then determines whether or not to progress the stage of the continuous hit effect by referring to the progress condition corresponding to the current operation mode of the effect button BT among the multiple progress conditions each time the stage progress determination process is executed.

Hereinafter, in the second embodiment, various controls performed by the secondary CPU 51 regarding the rapid-fire effect will be described in detail.
In the sub-RAM 53 in the second embodiment, instead of a storage area storing a value that can specify the specific operation count, a storage area that stores a value that can specify the prescribed operation count and a storage area that stores a value that can specify the special operation count are respectively set. In the continuous-hit performance determination process, the sub-CPU 51 in the second embodiment determines a performance pattern in the process of step Sa3, and then sets the first operation count as the prescribed operation count and the special operation count, instead of setting the first operation count as the specific operation mode in the process of step Sa4. That is, in the second embodiment, the prescribed operation count for progressing from the first stage to the second stage when the performance button BT is operated in the first operation mode and the special operation count for progressing from the first stage to the second stage when the performance button BT is operated in the second operation mode are the same number.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the second embodiment, the sub-CPU 51 increments the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 by 1 (step Sd1) during the stage progression determination process, and then determines whether the special operation flag is on (step Sd2). That is, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the current stage progression determination process was performed based on the operation of the performance button BT in the first operation mode or the operation of the performance button BT in the second operation mode.

When the special operation flag is in the OFF state (step Sd2: NO), the sub-CPU 51 judges whether the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the specified number of operations (step Sd3). That is, when the sub-CPU 51 executes the stage progress determination process based on the operation of the performance button BT in the first operation mode, it judges whether the progress condition has been established by referring to the specified number of operations among the specified number of operations and the special number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53. On the other hand, when the special operation flag is in the ON state (step Sd2: YES), the sub-CPU 51 judges whether the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the special number of operations (step Sd4). That is, when the sub-CPU 51 executes the stage progress determination process based on the operation of the performance button BT in the second operation mode, it judges whether the progress condition has been established by referring to the special number of operations among the specified number of operations and the special number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53.

If it is determined that the progression condition is not met (step Sd3: NO or step Sd4: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the stage progression determination process without progressing the stage of the rapid-hitting effect, and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation determination process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the progression condition is met (step Sd3: YES or step Sd4: YES), the sub-CPU 51 progresses the stage of the rapid-hitting effect by one stage (step Sd5). At this time, the sub-CPU 51 updates the value of the stage flag so that the stage of the rapid-hitting effect after the progression can be identified. In addition, the sub-CPU 51 controls the group of performance devices to execute the rapid-hitting effect with performance content according to the stage after the progression.

Then, the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the stage of the rapid-fire effect has reached the upper limit stage determined in the rapid-fire effect determination process (step Sd6). If the stage of the rapid-fire effect has reached the upper limit stage (step Sd6: YES), the secondary CPU 51 erases the specified number of operations and the special number of operations stored in the secondary RAM 53 (step Sd7). Next, the secondary CPU 51 erases the number of operations stored in the secondary RAM 53 (step Sd8). The secondary CPU 51 then ends the stage progress determination process and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation determination process.

If the stage of the rapid-fire effect has not reached the upper limit stage (step Sd6: NO), the sub-CPU 51 sets the specified number of operations and the special number of operations (step Sd9). At this time, the sub-CPU 51 sets the specified number of operations and the special number of operations by storing a value capable of identifying the specified number of operations corresponding to the current stage and a value capable of identifying the special number of operations corresponding to the current stage in a predetermined storage area in the sub-RAM 53. For example, when the current stage is the second stage, the sub-CPU 51 sets a second specified number of operations and a second special number. Next, the sub-CPU 51 erases the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 (step Sd8). After that, the sub-CPU 51 ends the stage progress determination process and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation determination process.

The effects of the second embodiment will be described.
(2-1) When the operation mode of the effect button BT changes while a rapid-fire effect is being executed, the sub-CPU 51 refers to the progress conditions according to the changed operation mode and determines whether or not to advance the rapid-fire effect stage. Therefore, the rapid-fire effect stage can be advanced under appropriate progress conditions according to the current operation mode of the effect button BT, allowing the player to enjoy the game.

(2-2) When the operation mode of the effect button BT changes from the first operation mode to the second operation mode during execution of the rapid-hit effect, the secondary CPU 51, in the stage progression determination process, does not advance the rapid-hit effect stage unless the special operation count is reached, even if the operation count stored in the secondary RAM 53 reaches the specified operation count. In the second embodiment, the special operation count is greater than the specified operation count, except when progressing from the first stage to the second stage. According to this, by changing the operation mode of the effect button BT from the first operation mode to the second operation mode during execution of the rapid-hit effect, it is possible to prevent the rapid-hit effect stage from progressing in an extremely short time compared to when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, and therefore the process of progressing to the rapid-hit effect stage can be enjoyed.

(2-3) If the operation mode of the effect button BT changes from the second operation mode to the first operation mode while the rapid-hit effect is being executed, the sub-CPU 51, in the stage progression determination process, advances the rapid-hit effect stage when the specified number of operations has been reached, even if the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has not reached the special operation number. In the second embodiment, the specified number of operations is less than the special operation number, except when progressing from the first stage to the second stage. This makes it possible to prevent the rapid-hit effect stage from being unable to progress due to changing the operation mode of the effect button BT from the second operation mode to the first operation mode while the rapid-hit effect is being executed.

Third Embodiment
Next, a pachinko gaming machine according to a third embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components and controls as those in the previously described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

In the third embodiment, the sub-CPU 51 executes a stage progression lottery to determine whether or not to advance the stage of the repeated hit effect in the stage progression determination process. If the sub-CPU 51 wins the stage progression lottery, it advances the stage of the repeated hit effect.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the third embodiment, the winning probability of the step-by-step lottery at each stage is set for the rapid-fire effect pattern. In the third embodiment, the winning probability of the step-by-step lottery includes a prescribed winning probability and a special winning probability. The prescribed winning probability is the winning probability of the step-by-step lottery when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode. The special winning probability is the winning probability of the step-by-step lottery when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode.

In presentation pattern EP1, a first specified winning probability and a first special winning probability are defined as the winning probabilities of the stage progression lottery when progressing from the first stage to the second stage. In the following explanation, the first specified winning probability and the first special winning probability may be collectively referred to as the first winning probability. The first winning probability is the winning probability of the stage progression lottery when progressing from the first stage to the second stage. For example, in presentation pattern EP1-1, the first specified winning probability and the first special winning probability are both defined as "1/5".

In addition to the first winning probability, presentation pattern EP2 also defines a second specified winning probability and a second special winning probability. In the following explanation, the second specified winning probability and the second special winning probability may be collectively referred to as the second winning probability. The second winning probability is the winning probability of the stage progression lottery when progressing from the second stage to the third stage. For example, presentation pattern EP2-1 defines the first specified winning probability and the first special winning probability as "1/5", the second specified winning probability as "1/20", and the second special winning probability as "1/30".

In addition to the first and second winning probabilities, the presentation pattern EP3 also defines a third specified winning probability and a third special winning probability. In the following explanation, the third specified winning probability and the third special winning probability may be collectively referred to as the third winning probability. The third winning probability is the winning probability of the stage progression lottery when progressing from the third stage to the fourth stage. For example, in presentation pattern EP3-1, the first specified winning probability and the first special winning probability are defined as "1/5", the second specified winning probability is defined as "1/20", the second special winning probability is defined as "1/30", the third specified winning probability is defined as "1/20", and the third special winning probability is defined as "1/30".

In addition to the first, second, and third winning probabilities, the presentation pattern EP4 also includes a fourth prescribed winning probability and a fourth special winning probability. In the following description, the fourth prescribed winning probability and the fourth special winning probability may be collectively referred to as the fourth winning probability. The fourth winning probability is the winning probability of the stage progression lottery when progressing from the fourth stage to the fifth stage. For example, in presentation pattern EP4-1, the first prescribed winning probability and the first special winning probability are set to "1/5", the second prescribed winning probability is set to "1/20", the second special winning probability is set to "1/30", the third prescribed winning probability is set to "1/20", and the third special winning probability is set to "1/30". Furthermore, in presentation pattern EP4-1, the fourth prescribed winning probability is set to "1/30" and the fourth special winning probability is set to "1/45".

In each presentation pattern, the first prescribed winning probability and the first special winning probability are the same probability. In addition, in each presentation pattern, the second special winning probability is a probability lower than the second prescribed winning probability, the third special winning probability is a probability lower than the third prescribed winning probability, and the fourth special winning probability is a probability lower than the fourth prescribed winning probability. In particular, in the third embodiment, the second to fourth prescribed winning probabilities are a number of times a special winning probability, which is determined as a winning probability corresponding to the same stage as the prescribed winning probability, multiplied by a predetermined number. More specifically, the second to fourth prescribed winning probabilities in the third embodiment are probabilities of 1.5 times a special winning probability, which is determined as a winning probability corresponding to the same stage as the prescribed winning probability.

Hereinafter, in the third embodiment, various controls performed by the secondary CPU 51 regarding the rapid-fire effect will be described in detail.
In the rapid-fire effect determination process, the sub-CPU 51 of the third embodiment determines the effect pattern in the process of step Sa3, and then ends the rapid-fire effect determination process without setting the first number of operations as the specific number of operations.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the sub-CPU 51 of the third embodiment judges whether the special operation flag is on or not in the stage progression judgment process (step Se1). If the special operation flag is off (step Se1: NO), the sub-CPU 51 sets the prescribed winning probability according to the current performance stage as the winning probability of the stage progression lottery (step Se2). That is, when the stage progression judgment process is executed based on the operation of the performance button BT by the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 sets the prescribed winning probability according to the current performance stage among the winning probabilities of the stage progression lottery set in the performance pattern as the winning probability of the current stage progression lottery. On the other hand, if the special operation flag is on (step Se1: YES), the sub-CPU 51 sets the special winning probability according to the current performance stage as the winning probability of the stage progression lottery (step Se3). That is, when the sub-CPU 51 executes the stage progression determination process based on the operation of the performance button BT in the second operation mode, it sets the special winning probability corresponding to the current performance stage as the winning probability of the current stage progression lottery, among the winning probabilities of the stage progression lottery determined in the performance pattern.

When the winning probability of the step-progression lottery is set in the processing of step Se2 or step Se3, the sub-CPU 51 performs a step-progression lottery with the set winning probability and judges whether or not the step-progression lottery is won (step Se4). If the step-progression lottery is won (step Se4: YES), the sub-CPU 51 advances the stage of the continuous hitting effect by one stage (step Se5). At this time, the sub-CPU 51 updates the value of the stage flag so that the stage of the continuous hitting effect after the advancement can be specified. In addition, the sub-CPU 51 controls the group of performance devices so that the continuous hitting effect is executed with the performance content according to the stage after the advancement. After that, the sub-CPU 51 ends the step-progression judgment processing and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation judgment processing. On the other hand, if the step-progression lottery is not won (step Se4: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the step-progression judgment processing without advancing the stage of the continuous hitting effect and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation judgment processing.

The effects of the third embodiment will be described.
(3-1) In the third embodiment, the stages of the rapid-fire presentation are progressed by conducting a stage-progression lottery with an appropriate winning probability depending on the manner in which the player operates the presentation button BT, thereby allowing the player to enjoy the changes in the presentation content in the rapid-fire presentation.

(3-2) When the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the number of attempts of the stage progression lottery per unit time may be greater than when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode. In contrast, when the sub-CPU 51 executes the stage progression determination process based on the operation of the effect button BT in the second operation mode, except when executing the stage progression lottery to determine whether or not to progress from the first stage to the second stage, the sub-CPU 51 executes the stage progression lottery with a lower probability of winning than when executing the stage progression determination process based on the operation of the effect button BT in the first operation mode. According to this, even when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the average time required to progress to the stage of the rapid-hit effect can be prevented from becoming extremely short compared to when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, so that the process of progressing to the rapid-hit effect can be enjoyed.

(3-3) When the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, the number of attempts of the stage progression lottery per unit time may be smaller than when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode. In response to this, when the sub-CPU 51 executes the stage progression determination process based on the operation of the effect button BT in the first operation mode, except when executing a stage progression lottery to determine whether or not to progress from the first stage to the second stage, the sub-CPU 51 executes the stage progression lottery with a higher probability of winning than when executing the stage progression determination process based on the operation of the effect button BT in the second operation mode. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the rapid-hit effect stage cannot be progressed due to not winning the stage progression lottery, even when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a pachinko gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components and controls as those in the previously described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

In the fourth embodiment, the sub-CPU 51 executes a stage progression lottery to determine whether or not to advance the stage of the repeated hit effect in the stage progression determination process, as in the third embodiment. If the sub-CPU 51 wins the stage progression lottery, it advances the stage of the repeated hit effect.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the performance pattern of the rapid-fire performance defines a winning probability of the stage progression lottery at each stage, as well as a minimum number of operations at each stage and an upper limit number of operations at each stage. The minimum number of operations is the minimum number of operations required to stay at a specific stage in the rapid-fire performance. The upper limit number of operations is the maximum number of operations required to stay at a specific stage in the rapid-fire performance.

In the fourth embodiment, the minimum number of operations includes a specified minimum number of operations and a special minimum number of operations. The specified minimum number of operations is the minimum number of operations when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode. The special minimum number of operations is the minimum number of operations when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode. In the fourth embodiment, the upper limit number of operations includes a specified upper limit number of operations and a special upper limit number of operations. The specified upper limit number of operations is the upper limit number of operations when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode. The special upper limit number of operations is the upper limit number of operations when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode.

Specifically, a minimum number of operations and an upper limit number of operations are defined for presentation pattern EP1. In addition to a minimum number of operations and an upper limit number of operations in the first stage, presentation pattern EP2 also defines a minimum number of operations and an upper limit number of operations in the second stage. In addition to a minimum number of operations and an upper limit number of operations in each of the first and second stages, presentation pattern EP3 also defines a minimum number of operations and an upper limit number of operations in the third stage. In addition to a minimum number of operations and an upper limit number of operations in each of the first to third stages, presentation pattern EP4 also defines a minimum number of operations and an upper limit number of operations in the fourth stage.

In each presentation pattern, the specified minimum number of operations in the first stage and the special minimum number of operations in the first stage are the same number. Also, in each presentation pattern, the specified maximum number of operations in the first stage is the same number as the special maximum number of operations in the first stage.

On the other hand, in each presentation pattern, the special minimum number of operations corresponding to the second to fourth stages is greater than the prescribed minimum number of operations corresponding to the same stage as the special minimum number of operations. Also, in each presentation pattern, the special upper limit number of operations corresponding to the second to fourth stages is greater than the prescribed upper limit number of operations corresponding to the same stage as the special upper limit number of operations.

Hereinafter, in the fourth embodiment, various controls performed by the secondary CPU 51 regarding the rapid-fire effect will be described in detail.
In the rapid-fire effect determination process, the sub-CPU 51 of the fourth embodiment determines the effect pattern in the process of step Sa3, and then ends the rapid-fire effect determination process without setting the first number of operations as the specific number of operations.

As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU of the fourth embodiment adds 1 to the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 in the stage progress determination process (step Sf1). Next, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 is equal to or greater than the minimum number of operations (step Sf2).

In the processing of step Sf2, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the special operation flag is on. If the special operation flag is off, the sub-CPU 51 refers to the specified minimum number of operations corresponding to the current performance stage as the minimum number of operations and determines whether or not the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 is equal to or greater than the specified minimum number of operations. If the special operation flag is on, the sub-CPU 51 refers to the special minimum number of operations corresponding to the current performance stage and determines whether or not the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 is equal to or greater than the special minimum number of operations.

If the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 is less than the minimum number of operations (step Sf2: NO), the sub-CPU 51 does not execute the stage progression lottery and ends the stage progression determination process without progressing through the stages of the continuous hitting effect, and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation determination process. That is, the sub-CPU 51 controls the continuous hitting effect to remain at the current stage without progressing through the stages at least until the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the minimum number of operations.

On the other hand, if the number of operations stored in the secondary RAM 53 is equal to or greater than the minimum number of operations (step Sf2: YES), the secondary CPU 51 determines whether the number of operations stored in the secondary RAM 53 is less than the upper limit number of operations (step Sf3).

In the processing of step Sf3, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the special operation flag is on. If the special operation flag is off, the sub-CPU 51 refers to the specified upper limit number of operations corresponding to the current performance stage as the upper limit number of operations, and determines whether or not the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 is equal to or greater than the specified upper limit number of operations. If the special operation flag is on, the sub-CPU 51 refers to the special upper limit number of operations corresponding to the current performance stage, and determines whether or not the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 is equal to or greater than the special upper limit number of operations.

If the number of operations stored in the secondary RAM 53 is less than the upper limit number of operations (step Sf3: YES), the secondary CPU 51 conducts a step-by-step progression lottery and determines whether or not the step-by-step progression lottery has been won (step Sf4).

In the processing of step Sf4, the sub-CPU 51 determines whether or not the special operation flag is on. If the special operation flag is off, the sub-CPU 51 refers to a prescribed winning probability corresponding to the current presentation stage as the winning probability of the step-by-step progression lottery, and performs the step-by-step progression lottery based on the prescribed winning probability. If the special operation flag is on, the sub-CPU 51 refers to a special winning probability corresponding to the current presentation stage, and performs the step-by-step progression lottery based on the special winning probability.

If the stage transition lottery is not won (step Sf4: NO), the sub-CPU 51 ends the stage progression determination process without progressing the rapid-fire performance stage, and transitions to step Sb5 of the operation determination process.

On the other hand, if the stage transition lottery is won (step Sf4: YES), the sub-CPU 51 advances the stage of the rapid-hit effect by one stage (step Sf5). Also, if the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 is equal to or greater than the upper limit number of operations (step Sf3: NO), the sub-CPU 51 advances the stage of the rapid-hit effect by one stage without executing the stage progression lottery (step Sf5). In the processing of step Sf5, the sub-CPU 51 updates the value of the stage flag so that the stage of the rapid-hit effect after progression can be identified. Also, the sub-CPU 51 controls the group of performance devices to execute the rapid-hit effect with performance content according to the stage after progression.

After progressing one step in the rapid-fire effect, the secondary CPU 51 erases the number of operations stored in the secondary RAM 53 (step Sf6). The secondary CPU 51 then ends the step progression determination process and proceeds to step Sb5 of the operation determination process.

By such control, in the fourth embodiment, the sub-CPU 51 does not advance the stage of the rapid-hit effect from when the stage of the rapid-hit effect becomes the current stage until the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the minimum number of operations corresponding to the current stage. Also, the sub-CPU 51 advances the stage of the rapid-hit effect on the condition that the stage progression lottery is won from when the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the minimum number of operations corresponding to the current stage until it reaches the upper limit number of operations corresponding to the current stage. And, when the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 reaches the upper limit number of operations corresponding to the current stage, the sub-CPU 51 advances the stage of the rapid-hit effect without conducting the stage progression lottery.

The effects of the fourth embodiment will be described.
(4-1) The secondary CPU 51 of the fourth embodiment determines, by a stage progression lottery, when to advance the stage of the rapid-hitting effect between when the number of operations stored in the secondary RAM 53 reaches the minimum number of operations and when it reaches the higher number of operations. This prevents the time required for the rapid-hitting effect to advance to a stage from becoming extremely short or long, while varying the timing at which the rapid-hitting effect advances depending on the result of the stage progression lottery, allowing the player to enjoy wondering when the rapid-hitting effect will advance to a stage.

(4-2) In the fourth embodiment, compared to when the minimum number of operations is not set, the rapid-fire performance stage is prevented from progressing in a short time, so that the player can enjoy the changes in the performance content during the rapid-fire performance over a sufficient period of time.

(4-3) When the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 refers to a special minimum number of operations that is greater than the specified minimum number of operations referred to when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, and determines whether the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the minimum number of operations. This makes it possible to prevent the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 from reaching the minimum number of operations in an extremely short time compared to when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, even when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, so that the player can enjoy the process of progressing to the rapid-fire effect stage.

(4-4) When the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 refers to a specified minimum number of operations that is less than the special minimum number of operations that is referred to when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, and determines whether or not the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the minimum number of operations. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 does not reach the minimum number of operations, and therefore the rapid-fire effect stage cannot be progressed, even when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode.

(4-5) In the fourth embodiment, compared to when an upper limit on the number of operations is not set, it is possible to prevent an extremely long time from being required for the rapid-fire effect to progress through the stages, thereby preventing a situation in which the content of the rapid-fire effect does not change and the player is no longer able to enjoy it.

(4-6) When the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 refers to a special upper limit of the number of operations, which is higher than the specified upper limit of the number of operations referred to when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, and determines whether the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the upper limit of the number of operations. This makes it possible to prevent the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 from reaching the upper limit of the number of operations in an extremely short time, even when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, compared to when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, so that the player can enjoy the process of progressing to the rapid-fire effect stage.

(4-7) When the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode, the sub-CPU 51 refers to a specified upper limit of the number of operations, which is lower than the special upper limit of the number of operations referred to when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode, and determines whether the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the upper limit of the number of operations. This prevents the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 from reaching the upper limit of the number of operations, which would otherwise prevent the rapid-fire effect from progressing, even when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode.

The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modified examples can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction exists.

- In the fourth embodiment, the minimum number of operations referenced in the stage progression determination process may be the same number when the performance button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode. Similarly, the minimum number of operations referenced in the stage progression determination process may be the same number when the performance button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode.

- In the fourth embodiment, the sub-CPU 51 may not need to determine whether the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the minimum number of operations in the stage progression determination process (step Sf2). In this case, if the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has not reached the upper limit number of operations, the sub-CPU 51 may perform a stage progression lottery regardless of the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53.

- In the fourth embodiment, the sub-CPU 51 may not need to determine whether the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the upper limit number of operations in the stage progression determination process (step Sf3). In this case, if the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53 has reached the minimum number of operations, the sub-CPU 51 may perform a stage progression lottery regardless of the number of operations stored in the sub-RAM 53.

In the third embodiment, the winning probability of the step-by-step lottery may be changed as appropriate. In the third embodiment, the first winning probability may be a different winning probability when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode. In the third embodiment, some or all of the winning probabilities of the second winning probability, the third winning probability, and the fourth winning probability may be the same winning probability when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode. In this case, in the third embodiment, it is sufficient that at least some of the winning probabilities of the first winning probability, the second winning probability, the third winning probability, and the fourth winning probability are different winning probabilities when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode. That is, in the third embodiment, the conditions for the progress condition of the stage of the repeated tapping effect may be different by making at least some of the first winning probability, the second winning probability, the third winning probability, and the fourth winning probability different when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the winning probability of the stage progress lottery may be changed as appropriate. In this case, in the fourth embodiment, the winning probability of all of the first winning probability, the second winning probability, the third winning probability, and the fourth winning probability may be the same when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode. In this case, in the fourth embodiment, even if the winning probability of the stage progress lottery is the same when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode, the conditions for the progress condition of the stage of the repeated tapping effect may be different by making one or both of the minimum number of operations and the upper limit number of operations different.

In each embodiment, when the sub-CPU 51 identifies the operation mode of the effect button BT at a predetermined timing during the execution of the continuous hitting performance, even if the operation mode of the effect button BT changes after that, the sub-CPU 51 may set the progress condition of the stage based on the operation mode identified at the predetermined timing. In other words, even if the operation mode of the effect button BT changes during the execution of the continuous hitting performance, the sub-CPU 51 may determine whether the progress condition of the stage is established or not according to the operation mode before the change. For example, in the first embodiment, when the effect button BT is operated in the second operation mode at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the continuous hitting performance, the sub-CPU 51 sets the special operation count as the specific operation count in each stage of the continuous hitting performance. On the other hand, when the effect button BT is not operated in the second operation mode at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the continuous hitting performance, the sub-CPU 51 sets the specified operation count as the specific operation count in each stage of the continuous hitting performance. Then, after setting the special operation count or the specified operation count as the specific operation count, the secondary CPU 51 may be configured not to update the number of times set as the specific operation count even if the operation mode of the performance button BT changes.

- In each embodiment, the secondary CPU 51 may change the presentation content of the rapid-hit presentation after the stage has progressed, depending on the operation mode of the presentation button BT when the rapid-hit presentation stage progresses. In other words, when the presentation content of the rapid-hit presentation is changed in response to the satisfaction of a stage progression condition, the presentation content after the change may be different between when the stage progression condition is satisfied based on the operation of the presentation button BT in the first operation mode and when the stage progression condition is satisfied based on the operation of the presentation button BT in the second operation mode. For example, the presentation content of the rapid-hit presentation may include presentation content that can be changed in response to the satisfaction of a stage progression condition based on the operation of the presentation button BT in either the first operation mode or the second operation mode, but cannot be changed in response to the satisfaction of a stage progression condition based on the operation of the presentation button BT in the other operation mode.

- In each embodiment, multiple performance contents may be defined for each stage of the rapid-fire performance, or only one performance content may be defined. When multiple performance contents are defined for a given stage, the sub-CPU 51 may determine which of the multiple performance contents will be used to execute the rapid-fire performance depending on the type of performance pattern. Also, when multiple performance contents are defined for a given stage, the sub-CPU 51 may determine which of the multiple performance contents will be used to execute the rapid-fire performance by a predetermined lottery, regardless of the type of performance pattern.

In the first and second embodiments, the number of operations that is a condition for progressing through the stages may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the first number of operations for progressing from the first stage to the second stage may be different between the case where the performance button BT is operated in the first operation mode and the case where it is operated in the second operation mode. The first number of operations may include a specified number of operations and a special number of operations. In the first and second embodiments, some or all of the second number of operations, the third number of operations, and the fourth number of operations may be the same between the case where the performance button BT is operated in the first operation mode and the case where it is operated in the second operation mode. In this case, in the first and second embodiments, for at least some of the first number of operations, the second number of operations, the third number of operations, and the fourth number of operations, the number of operations may be different between the case where the performance button BT is operated in the first operation mode and the case where it is operated in the second operation mode. That is, in the first and second embodiments, when the effect button BT is operated in the first operation mode and when it is operated in the second operation mode, at least some of the first operation count, the second operation count, the third operation count, and the fourth operation count are different, so that the conditions for achieving the progress condition of the rapid-hit effect stage are different.

- In the first and second embodiments, the number of operations set as the prescribed number of operations for each presentation pattern and the number of operations set as the special number of operations may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of operations set as the prescribed number of operations for each presentation pattern may be greater than the number of operations set as the special number of operations. In addition, the relationship between the prescribed number of operations and the special number of operations corresponding to each stage in each presentation pattern may be changed as appropriate. For example, the second special number of operations may be twice the number of operations of the second prescribed number of operations, while the third special number of operations may be three times the number of operations of the third prescribed number of operations, so that the relationship between the prescribed number of operations and the special number of operations may be different for each stage. In addition, for example, the special number of operations is twice the number of operations in a predetermined presentation pattern, while the special number of operations is three times the number of operations in a presentation pattern different from the predetermined presentation pattern, so that the relationship between the prescribed number of operations and the special number of operations may be different for each presentation pattern.

- In each embodiment, whether or not to execute the rapid-hit effect when a specified fluctuation pattern is determined may be changed as appropriate. For example, when fluctuation pattern HP1 is determined, it may be impossible to determine whether to execute the rapid-hit effect. When fluctuation pattern HP2 is determined, it may be possible to determine whether to execute the rapid-hit effect.

In each embodiment, the probability that the rapid-fire effect will be determined may be the same regardless of the determined variation pattern.
In each embodiment, the stage that can be determined as the upper limit stage in the continuous hitting performance when a predetermined variation pattern is determined may be changed as appropriate. For example, when the variation pattern HP1 is determined, the fourth stage, the fifth stage A, or the fifth stage B may be determined as the upper limit stage in the continuous hitting performance. Also, when the variation patterns HP3 to HP6 are determined, the second stage may be determined as the upper limit stage in the continuous hitting performance.

In each embodiment, the determination ratio of the upper limit stage in the rapid-fire effect may be the same regardless of the determined fluctuation pattern.
In each embodiment, the content suggested by the successive tapping effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, the successive tapping effect may be an effect suggesting the type of jackpot game to be awarded. The successive tapping effect may also be an effect suggesting the game state after the end of the jackpot game, or an effect suggesting the current game state. The successive tapping effect may also be an effect that definitely notifies the player that a predetermined benefit will be awarded. In other words, the successive tapping effect may be an effect that suggests or notifies the player that some benefit that is advantageous to the player will be awarded, and the content that is suggested or notified may be changed as appropriate.

- In each embodiment, the content of the rapid-fire effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, the rapid-fire effect need only be an effect in which the content changes when a predetermined condition is met, and need not be an effect in which the content changes in stages. In this case, the predetermined condition may be that the number of times the effect button BT stored in the sub-RAM 53 has been operated has reached a predetermined number. The predetermined condition may also be that a stage progression lottery has been won in the stage progression determination process.

- Each embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko game machine equipped with an auto button function that executes an effect assuming that the effect button BT has been operated even when the effect button BT has not been operated. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 can switch between operation and deactivation of the auto button function based on the fact that the effect button BT or an operation means other than the effect button BT has been operated in a predetermined operation manner. Then, when the execution of a rapid-fire effect is determined while the auto button function is in operation, the sub-CPU 51 may advance the rapid-fire effect stage by executing a stage progress determination process at a predetermined cycle even when the effect button BT has not been operated. In this case, the sub-CPU 51 may make the progress conditions of the rapid-fire effect stage different when the auto button function is in operation and when the auto button function is not in operation. In this example, the state in which the auto button function is not activated corresponds to the first control state among the control states when a rapid-hit effect is executed, and the state in which the auto button function is activated corresponds to the second control state among the control states when a rapid-hit effect is executed.

- In each embodiment, the rapid-fire effect may be executed as an audio effect or as a light-emitting effect. The rapid-fire effect may also be executed by a combination of a display effect, an audio effect, and a light-emitting effect.

- In each embodiment, in the rapid-fire effect, a predetermined operation sound may be output each time the effect button BT is operated. In this case, the output mode of the operation sound may be different depending on the number of times the effect button BT is operated, or may be different depending on the stage of the rapid-fire effect.

- The special game may be displayed on the effect display device EH. In this case, the effect game may not be displayed. The first special game and the second special game may be played in the order in which they are reserved, or may be played simultaneously in parallel. The second special game may also be omitted.

- The mechanical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the performance display device EH may be composed of multiple display means, some of which may be configured to be displaceable. In addition, the number of operation means may be changed.

- The functions of the main board 40 may be realized by being divided among multiple boards. The main board 40 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board. The functions of the sub-board 50 may be realized by being divided among multiple boards. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a display board that specializes in controlling the performance display device EH, a lamp board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamp La, and an audio board that specializes in controlling the speaker Sp, and may further be equipped with a master board that comprehensively controls these board groups. In addition, the sub-CPU 51 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

- In this embodiment, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine, but it is not limited to this and may be configured as a slot machine.

A1...First actuator A2...Second actuator BT...Performance button (operation means) EH...Performance display device (performance execution means) EP...Performance pattern GH...Image display section HD...Launch handle HP...Variation pattern La...Decorative lamp (performance execution means) SE1...First start sensor SE2...Second start sensor SE3...Count sensor SE4...Gate sensor SG...Operation instruction image Sp...Speaker (performance execution means) W...Center frame YB...Game board YBa...Game area YBb...Opening window 10...Pachinko game machine 11...Frame body 11a...Installation frame 11b...Mounting frame 11c...Locking device 13a...First special symbol display section 13b...Second special symbol display section 13c...First special hold display section 13d...Second special hold display section 13e...Normal symbol display section 13f...Normal hold display section 15...First start port 16...Second start port 17...Normal variable member 18...Big prize port 19...Special variable member 25...Gate 40...Main board 41...Main CPU 42...Main ROM 43...Main RAM 50...Sub-board 51...Sub-CPU (performance control means, condition determination means) 52...Sub-ROM 53...Sub-RAM

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of executing a variable game and executing various effects during the execution of the variable game,
An operation means operable by a player;
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance;
A performance control means for controlling the performance execution means;
A condition determination means for performing a special determination as to whether or not a specific condition is satisfied,
The effects that can be executed by the effect execution means include a specific effect whose effect content changes when the specific condition is satisfied,
the specific condition is a condition that is satisfied when a value of a specific counter reaches a specified number,
The control state when the performance control means executes the specific performance includes:
a first control state in which the value of the specific counter is updated based on the operation of the operating means being repeatedly operated;
a second control state in which, even if the operation means is not operated by repeated taps, the operation means is regarded as having been operated by repeated taps, and the value of the specific counter is updated;
The specific effect is an effect in which the effect content changes step by step,
The special determination includes a first special determination and a second special determination that is executed after it is determined in the first special determination that the specific condition is satisfied.
the performance control means changes the performance content of the specific performance when it is determined in the first special determination that the specific condition is established, and further changes the performance content of the specific performance when it is determined in the second special determination that the specific condition is established;
A gaming machine characterized in that the number set as the specified number in the first special judgment is the same when in the first control state and when in the second control state, and the number set as the specified number in the second special judgment is different .

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