Game apparatus and method for controlling game apparatus

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a game device that displays symbols in a plurality of display areas and determines a winning based on the arrangement thereof, a control method of the game device, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

A slot machine is a typical example of a gaming device in which a symbol to be displayed in each of a plurality of display areas is determined by a random number value and a prize is determined based on an array of symbols on the display. Riding on the recent game boom, slot machines are gaining tremendous popularity in casinos and arcades.

【0003】

Conventionally, slot machines having a display area of 3 rows and 3 columns have been the mainstream, but in recent years, machines having a display area of 4 columns or more have begun to appear. According to such a slot machine, the pay line, which is a winning determination line, can be set in various ways, for example, in a zigzag manner, and the player can be interested in the slot machine.

【0004】

In addition, as a measure to attract the interest of players, a slot machine provided with a bonus game is popular. This bonus game is executed, for example, when the symbols are arranged in a predetermined arrangement in a slot game, and prizes and medals are paid to the player according to the result of the bonus game.

【0005】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

In the above-mentioned conventional gaming device, in general, a bonus game is often started when a predetermined number of bonus symbols are lined up from the left, and usually, this bonus game is a display displaying slots. Deployed on a different second display. Players seeking stimulus are not satisfied with a game device equipped with such an existing bonus game, and are demanding the appearance of a new game device.

【0006】

Further, the content of the game in recent years has gradually become complicated, and it is also important to make it easy for the player to identify that the bonus game is in progress. If the player cannot grasp the complicated game content too much in pursuit of making the game content enjoyable, the player loses interest in the game as a result.

【0007】

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is possible to attract the interest of the player by renewing the content of the bonus game and to make the player easily understand that the bonus game is in progress. An object of the present invention is to provide a game device capable of playing a game device, a control method of the game device, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium.

【0008】

[Means for solving problems]

(1) The present invention includes a display having a display area in which a symbol should be displayed in 3 rows and X columns (X is an integer of 5 or more), and a controller that executes a predetermined program and controls the display contents of the display. The controller determines the symbol to be displayed in each display area from among a plurality of types of symbols including a specific bonus symbol according to the program, and the symbol displayed in each display area. When the bonus symbol is displayed in each of the (X-2) display areas excluding the double-sided columns in the center row of the three rows, the winning is determined based on the arrangement of the above. In the bonus game, a predetermined character is moved on the display area around the (X-2) bonus symbols, and then the character is moved from the plurality of display areas. It is characterized in that a predetermined action is performed on any of the above, and the content of the bonus given to the player is determined based on the type of the symbol displayed in the display area in which the character performs the predetermined action. ..

【0009】

In the game device of the present invention, in the center row of the plurality of display areas provided in three rows, bonus symbols are provided in each of the (X-2) display areas excluding both columns of the display area provided in column X. By being displayed, the bonus game is started. In this way, the bonus game starts when the bonus symbols are aligned in the column excluding the display areas at both ends, without the condition that the bonus symbols are aligned from the leftmost display area, so that the player is fresh. Can be given.

【0010】

When the bonus game is started, the controller moves a predetermined character on the display area around the (X-2) bonus symbols located in the center. At this time, the character moves in the top row, the bottom row, and the left and right end columns of the plurality of display areas. That is, by aligning (X-2) bonus symbols in the center, a passage through which the character moves is formed around the bonus symbols.

【0011】

In this way, by associating the condition for starting the bonus game with the content of the bonus game, the player can be attracted to the game device. Further, since the bonus game is continuously played on the display in which the symbols are arranged, the player can easily grasp that the bonus game is in progress.

【0012】

In the bonus game, the character performs a predetermined operation in any of a plurality of display areas. Then, the controller determines the content of the bonus given to the player based on the type of the symbol displayed in the display area where the operation is performed.

【0013】

As a result of the bonus game, the bonus given to the player includes, for example, payment of coins and execution of another bonus game.

【0014】

Further, the gaming device of the present invention includes a storage means for storing a table showing the correspondence between the type of the symbol and the content of the bonus, and the controller gives the player a bonus based on the table of the storage means. Can be configured to determine the content of.

【0015】

Further, in the gaming device of the present invention, when the bonus symbol is displayed in each of the columns excluding both sides of the X column, the controller displays the bonus symbol in each of the three rows. It is preferable to move to the center line and start the bonus game.

【0016】

In this case, the bonus symbols need only be displayed in each of the columns except the two columns of the X column, and the bonus game is started even if they are not necessarily aligned in the center row of the three rows. Therefore, the player feels that the probability of being able to execute the bonus game is high, and can further attract the interest in the game device.

【0017】

Further, the gaming device of the present invention may be used as a slot machine, and the controller may be configured to determine a symbol to be displayed in each display area from the plurality of types of symbols according to a random number value.

【0018】

Further, the gaming device of the present invention may be used as a slot machine, and the controller may be configured to display an image of a reel of 3 rows and X columns on a display.

【0019】

Further, in the gaming device of the present invention, in the bonus game, after giving the bonus to the player, the controller again moves the character on the display area around the (X-2) bonus symbols. It is preferable to move the character and then cause the character to perform the predetermined operation on any one of the plurality of display areas.

【0020】

In this case, the player may obtain the bonus multiple times, and can improve the interest in the gaming device.

【0021】

Further, in this case, the controller displays a mark indicating that the character has performed the operation in the display area where the character has performed the predetermined operation, and the character is displayed in the display area where the mark is displayed. It is preferable to end the bonus game when the player performs the predetermined operation.

【0022】

When the character selects the display area once selected and marked with the above mark again, the bonus game ends. As a result, the player desires that the character does not perform a predetermined operation in the display area where the mark is displayed, and the bonus game can be made more thrilling.

【0023】

Further, in the gaming device of the present invention, when a second display is further provided and the player is given an opportunity for another bonus game as a result of the bonus game, the other bonus game is displayed on the second display. It is preferable to display on.

【0024】

In this way, by playing the other bonus game on a display different from that of the first bonus game, the player can feel the start of a new bonus game, and the entertainment can be improved.

【0025】

(2) The control method of the gaming device of the present invention includes a display having a display area on which a symbol should be displayed, and a controller that executes a predetermined program and controls the display contents of the display. In the control method of, the display area is displayed in each of the display areas from among a plurality of types of the symbols including a specific bonus symbol and a step of displaying the display area in 3 rows and X columns (X is an integer of 5 or more). The step of determining the symbol to be to be used, the step of determining the winning based on the arrangement of the symbols displayed in each display area, and the double-sided columns in the center row of the three rows are excluded (X-2). When the bonus symbol is displayed in each of the display areas, the step of starting the bonus game on the display and the display area around the (X-2) bonus symbols in the bonus game. The step of moving a predetermined character and then causing the character to perform a predetermined operation on any of the plurality of display areas, and the step displayed in the display area where the character has performed the predetermined operation. It is characterized by including a step of determining the content of the bonus given to the player based on the type of symbol.

【0026】

In the control method of the game device of the present invention, in the central row of the plurality of display areas provided in three rows, each of the (X-2) display areas excluding both columns of the display area provided in column X When the bonus symbol is displayed, the bonus game is started. In this way, the bonus game starts when the bonus symbols are aligned in the column excluding the endmost display area, without the condition that the bonus symbols are aligned from the leftmost display area, so that the player is fresh. Can be given.

【0027】

When the bonus game is started, the controller moves a predetermined character on the display area around the (X-2) bonus symbols located in the center. At this time, the character moves in the top row, the bottom row, and the left and right end columns of the plurality of display areas. That is, by aligning (X-2) bonus symbols in the center, a passage through which the character moves is formed around the bonus symbols.

【0028】

In this way, by associating the condition for starting the bonus game with the content of the bonus game, the player can be attracted to the game device. Further, since the bonus game is continuously played on the display in which the symbols are arranged, the player can easily grasp that the bonus game is in progress.

【0029】

In the bonus game, the character performs a predetermined operation in any of a plurality of display areas. Then, the controller determines the content of the bonus given to the player based on the type of the symbol displayed in the display area where the operation is performed.

【0030】

Further, in the control method of the gaming device of the present invention, the gaming device includes a storage means for storing a table showing the correspondence between the type of the symbol and the content of the bonus, and a step of determining the content of the bonus given to the player. In, the content of the bonus may be determined based on the table of the storage means.

【0031】

Further, in the control method of the game device of the present invention, when the bonus symbol is displayed in each of the X columns except for both side columns, the controller displays the bonus symbol in each of the three rows. It is preferable to move to the center line of the above and start the bonus game.

【0032】

In this case, the bonus symbols need only be displayed in each of the columns except the two columns of the X column, and the bonus game is started even if they are not necessarily aligned in the center row of the three rows. Therefore, the player feels that the probability of being able to execute the bonus game is high, and can further attract the interest in the game device.

【0033】

(3) The program of the present invention includes a step of displaying a display area in which a symbol should be displayed on a display in 3 rows and X columns (X is an integer of 5 or more), and a plurality of types of the above symbols including a specific bonus symbol. Among them, a step of determining the symbol to be displayed in each display area, a step of determining a winning based on the arrangement of symbols displayed in each display area, and a double-sided column in the center row of the three rows. When the bonus symbol is displayed in each of the (X-2) display areas excluding the above, the step of starting the bonus game on the display and the (X-2) number of the bonus games in the bonus game. A step of moving a predetermined character over the display area around the bonus symbol and then causing the character to perform a predetermined action on any of the plurality of display areas, and the character performing the predetermined action. It is characterized in that a computer is made to execute a step of determining the content of a bonus given to a player based on the type of the symbol displayed in the display area.

【0034】

(4) The computer-readable recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that the above program is recorded.

【0035】

By causing the computer to execute such a program, the effects described in the above description of the gaming device and the control method of the gaming device can be obtained. That is, the player can be attracted to the game device by associating the condition for starting the bonus game with the content of the bonus game. Further, since the bonus game is continuously played on the display in which the symbols are arranged, the player can easily grasp that the bonus game is in progress.

【0036】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, and duplicate description will be omitted.

【0037】

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the slot machine (game device) 10 of the present embodiment. The slot machine 10 is provided with a main display 20 for digitally displaying a slot game on the lower side of the housing 40, and a second display 30 for digitally displaying a sub-game described later on the upper side of the housing 40. There is. Both the main display 20 and the second display 30 are liquid crystal displays, and the main display 20 is a touch screen.

【0038】

In front of the lower part of the main display 20, there is a coin insertion unit 22 for inserting media such as medals and coins (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as "coins"), and a bill insertion unit 23 for inserting bills. It is provided. Players can play slot games with either coins or banknotes. Of course, the game may be played only with either coins or banknotes. Further, at the lowermost portion of the housing 40, a coin receiving unit 42 for the player to receive the paid out coins is provided.

【0039】

In addition, six push buttons are arranged in front of the coin insertion unit 22. These are provided in known slot games, and in order from the right, the start button 24 that instructs the start of rotation of the symbol, the BET button 25 that instructs 1BET, and the maximum number of coins (for example, 30) from the remaining credits. There are a MAXBET button 26 for betting up to, a REPEATBET button 27 for betting the same number as the previous time, a collect button 28 for confirming the coins earned in the game, and a payout button 29 for instructing the payout of coins. Further, on the left side of the figure of the coin insertion unit 22, two selection buttons 31 and 32 used for the sub-game (described later) developed on the second display 30 are provided.

【0040】

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a controller 50 that controls the processing of the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment and various actuators electrically connected to the controller 50.

【0041】

The controller 50 has a CPU 51 that controls various controls, a main memory 52 as a storage means for storing programs and data required for a slot game, and an image processing circuit that has Video RAM and controls the display contents of the main display 20. It has 53, a hopper drive circuit 54 that controls a hopper 44 that pays out accumulated coins to the player, a second memory 55 as a storage means for storing programs and data required for the sub-game, and a second with Video RAM. It includes an image processing circuit 56 that controls the display contents of the display 30. In addition, I / O ports and the like are appropriately arranged between the CPU 51 and each actuator.

【0042】

The main memory 52 has a ROM area and a RAM area, and the ROM area includes a program including a module for executing a slot game and a bonus game (described later), and a dividend according to a symbol arrangement. It contains at least data about the images of the paytables and symbols shown. On the other hand, variable data such as the number of BETs and the number of credits of the player is written in the RAM area of the main memory 52. Similarly, the second memory 55 is also provided with a ROM area and a RAM area, and programs and data related to a plurality of sub-games are written in the ROM area. Further, the main display 20 has a built-in touch sensor 21, and the player can input various information by touching the screen of the display.

【0043】

Further, a coin sensor 45 for detecting that a coin has been inserted, a start button 24, a BET button 25, selection buttons 31, 32 and the like are connected to the CPU 51 via a bus. Although not shown, various buttons and bill sensors are also connected to the controller 50. The hopper 44 and the coin sensor are housed in the housing 40 shown in FIG.

【0044】

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of the main display 20. In the present embodiment, the main display 20 is provided with a total of 15 display areas of 3 rows and 5 columns in which a plurality of symbols should be displayed. In addition, the reels with multiple types of symbols drawn on the outer circumference rotate, and the symbols selected when each reel stops are displayed in the display areas A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, D1 to D3, E1 to E3. Image processing is performed so that it is displayed in.

【0045】

Also, below each display area, the number of remaining credits, the number of valid lines (LINES), the number of BETs for each line, LINE BET, the total number of bets made by the player, TOTAL BET, and the player won in this game. Dividend (WON), etc. are displayed. Further, the main display 20 displays a PAY TABLE key 61 for instructing the display of a pay table showing the payment amount to the player, and a HELP key 62 for requesting advice when the game method or the like is unknown. ing. When the player touches these keys 61 and 62, the touch sensor 21 detects them, and the pay table and the explanation of the operation method are displayed on the screen, respectively.

【0046】

4 (a) and 4 (b) are diagrams showing the payline of the slot machine 10. For ease of understanding, the paylines are shown in two separate figures. As shown in each figure, nine paylines are prepared in this game. When a predetermined symbol is arranged in any of these paylines, a payout according to the contents of the arrangement is paid to the player. As described above, since the number of columns is increased to 3 rows and 5 columns in the present embodiment, various paylines can be provided.

【0047】

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a pay table 63 of the slot machine 10. As described above, the information of the pay table 63 is stored in the main memory 52 in advance, and is displayed on the screen when the player touches the PAY TABLE key 61 of the main display 20. In this slot game, PIERROT, GAL, LION, Elephant, Sea Lion, SEAL, LOPE, CLUB, TENT, TICKET, They are ranked in the order of bears (BEAR). In addition, symbols A to G, J, and L are attached to classify each symbol. Then, for example, if three tightrope walking (LOPE) symbols are lined up in order from the left reel, the amount obtained by multiplying the number of BETs on the reel on which the symbols are lined up by five is the winning prize of the player.

【0048】

The ticket symbol indicated by the symbol J is a bonus symbol for starting the bonus game. The ticket symbol is displayed on the reels in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th columns, and the symbol with the letters "CIR", the symbol with the letters "CUS", and the letters "GOLD TICKET", respectively. Is the symbol displayed on the band (see Fig. 9). That is, the ticket symbol is not displayed in the display area in the leftmost column and the display area in the rightmost column.

【0049】

The details will be described later in the explanation of the method, but when the ticket symbol is displayed on each of the reels in the second, third, and fourth columns regardless of the row, the transition to the bonus game is decided. In the bonus game, the ticket symbol is moved to the display areas B2, C2, D2. After that, the clown character appears on the main display 20 and moves around this ticket symbol to select one of the symbols displayed around it. Then, the content of the bonus given to the player is determined according to the type of the selected symbol.

【0050】

Control of such a bonus game is performed by the cooperation of the CPU 51 of the controller 50, the main memory 52, the image processing circuit 53, and the main display 20.

【0051】

FIG. 6 is a symbol table 64 showing the symbols displayed on each reel. The information in this symbol table 64 is stored in the main memory 52. The alphabets in the table indicate the types shown in FIG. 5, for example, the 3rd, 13th, 23rd of the 2nd reel, the 3rd, 13th, 23rd of the 3rd reel, and the 3rd of the 4th reel are tickets. It is a symbol (indicated by J). In the display area of the main display 20, images are formed so that the symbols are drawn on the reels in the order shown in the symbol table 64.

【0052】

Next, the slot machine control method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8.

【0053】

First, the control of the slot machine 10 until the bonus game is started will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

【0054】

When the slot machine 10 is operated, the CPU 51 accesses the main memory 52 and transfers information about the frame forming the display area and the basic screen of the slot game such as the PAY TABLE key 61 to the image processing circuit 53. In the image processing circuit 53, after storing these pieces of information in the Video RAM, they are displayed on the main display 20. As a result, the slot machine 10 is in a state where the player can play a slot game. The following processing is performed by the CPU 51 executing a module related to the slot game of the program stored in the main memory 52.

【0055】

In step 101 (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as "S"), the CPU 51 of the controller 50 waits for the player's BET. BET can be performed with credits remaining, and the player indicates the number of BETs by any of the BET button 25, the MAXBET button 26, and the REPEAT BET button 27.

【0056】

After the BET is complete, when the player presses the start button 24 (S102), the reels start spinning on the main display 20 (S103). Specifically, the CPU 51 that receives the start signal from the start button 24 controls the image processing circuit 53, and causes the image processing to be performed as if the actual reel is rotating. When the player presses the MAXBET button 26 or the REPEATBET button 27, the reel starts to rotate without pressing the start button 24.

【0057】

After the reels start to rotate, the CPU 51 generates a random number by the program of the main memory 52, and determines the stop position of each reel, that is, the symbol to be displayed in each display area according to the value (S104). The lottery based on such a random number value may be performed at any timing. For example, the lottery may be performed when the start button 24 is pressed, or the lottery may be performed again each time the BET button is pressed.

【0058】

The CPU 51 then controls the image processing circuit 53 to stop each reel on the main display 20 (S105). At this time, it may be set so that one symbol is always displayed in each display area, or the symbol may not be displayed or only a part of the symbol may be displayed depending on the random number value. It may be set as there is. In the present embodiment, one symbol is always displayed in each display area.

【0059】

After the reels stop, the CPU 51 determines the winning (S106). Since the winning determination can be made when the symbol arrangement is confirmed in S104, S106 may be placed before S105. Then, when the symbols are arranged in a winning array, the CPU 51 determines the payout to be paid to the player based on the pay table 63 stored in the main memory 52 (S107), and the payout amount is set to the main display 20 ". Display in the "WON" column (S108). On the other hand, if the prize is not won in S106, the process proceeds to the next S109 without going through S107 and S108.

【0060】

In S109, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the ticket symbol is displayed in all the 2, 3 and 4 columns (S109). That is, it is determined whether or not the bonus game can be transferred. Further, in the present embodiment, even when the ticket symbols in columns 2, 3 and 4 are displayed in different rows, the game shifts to the bonus game. This determination can be made at any time after the symbol arrangement is determined in S104.

【0061】

If the ticket symbol is not displayed on all 2, 3 and 4 reels on the S109, the slot game ends and, for example, "GAME OVER" is displayed on the main display.

【0062】

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the ticket symbol is displayed on all 2, 3 and 4 reels, the transition to the bonus game is confirmed. In the figure, the ticket symbols 70,71,72, which are bonus symbols, are displayed in the display areas B2, C1, and D3 (the ticket symbols are surrounded by broken lines). In this way, the bonus game starts when the ticket symbols are aligned in the column excluding the display areas at both ends, without the condition that the ticket symbols (bonus symbols) are aligned from the leftmost display area. It can give the player freshness.

【0063】

Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 51 controls the image processing circuit 53 and moves each ticket symbol 70, 71, 72 to the center row of the three rows, that is, the display areas B2, C2, D2 (S110). ). That is, the ticket symbols 70,71,72 are surrounded by a one-line display area. As a result, the bonus game is ready and the bonus game is started in S111.

【0064】

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control method of the slot machine 10 in the bonus game. The following processing is performed by the CPU 51 executing a module related to the bonus game of the program stored in the main memory 52.

【0065】

When the bonus game is started, first, in S112, the CPU 51 controls the image processing circuit 53 to display the clown character 66 on the big ball on the main display 20 as shown in FIG. The image information of the clown character 66 is stored in the main memory 52 in advance.

【0066】

Next, the CPU 51 determines in which display area the clown character 66 to be moved after that is stopped based on the random value obtained by the program of the main memory 52 (S113). Here, it is assumed that the display area D1 is selected. As described above, in the present embodiment, one symbol is always displayed in each display area. Therefore, in S113, in other words, the symbol at which the clown character 66 stops is determined.

【0067】

After that, as shown in FIG. 12, the image processing circuit 53 is placed on the display area around the three ticket symbols 70, 71, 72 displayed in the central display areas B2, C2, and D2 under the control of the CPU 51. , Move the clown character 66 (S114). The direction of movement may be clockwise or counterclockwise, and may be alternately moved in these directions. At this time, the clown character 66 moves in the top row, the bottom row, and the left and right end columns of the plurality of display areas. In other words, by aligning the three bonus symbols obtained by subtracting both ends from the five rows of reels in the center, a passage for the clown character 66 to move is formed around the bonus symbols.

【0068】

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 51 controls the image processing circuit 53 to roll over the clown character 66 on the symbol selected in S113 and stop the movement (S115). In the present embodiment, the player can grasp that the symbol of the display area has been selected by performing the operation of the clown character 66 toppling over. In the present embodiment, the elephant symbol displayed in the display area D1 is selected. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the symbol is selected by the action of the clown falling, but it may be shown that the symbol is selected by another action. For example, the clown character 66 may simply stop on the symbol, or may perform an action such as somersault.

【0069】

Next, in S116, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the "COLLECT" mark is displayed on the symbol selected by the clown falling. This "COLLECT" mark is displayed on the symbol once selected by the clown falling, and is not displayed on any of the symbols at the start of the bonus game.

【0070】

Then, since the COLLECT mark is not displayed on the selected symbol, the process proceeds to S117 to determine the type of the symbol. A bonus will be given to the player according to the type of the symbol. At this time, the CPU 51 determines the content of the bonus based on the table 65 shown in FIG.

【0071】

Table 65 shown in FIG. 14 shows the correspondence between the symbol type selected by the clown character 66 rolling over and the content of the bonus given to the player, and this information is stored in the ROM area of the main memory 52. It is stored. As you can see from Table 65, if any of the top four clown (A), gal (B), lion (C), or elephant (D) symbols are selected, proceed to S118 and the second bonus game. Enter the mode (hereinafter, this second bonus game is referred to as a sub game). On the other hand, if any of the bottom 5 sea lions (E), tightrope walker (F), stick (G), tent (J), or bear (L) is selected, proceed to S120 and check the total number of BETs in the slot game. The doubled payout is paid to the player as a bonus.

【0072】

When it is found that the elephant symbol (display area D1) is selected in S117, the CPU 51 confirms that the sub-game "Quoits game of elephants" is executed based on the above table 65, and then the controller. Execute the program of the "elephant quoits game" stored in the second memory 55 of 50 (S119).

【0073】

This sub-game is developed on the second display 30, and the display content of the second display 30 is controlled by the image processing circuit 56. In this way, by performing the sub-game, which is another bonus game, on a display different from that of the first bonus game, the player can feel the start of a new bonus game, and the entertainment can be improved.

【0074】

At the start of the "elephant quoits game", for example, image processing is performed such that the clown character 66 who has selected the elephant symbol on the main display 20 is flipped to the second display 30 by the elephant. Then, the clown character displayed on the second display 30 throws a ring at the nose of the elephant that has appeared separately, and the player is paid a dividend according to the number of rings on the nose. When playing this sub-game, after determining the payout based on the random value according to the program of the second memory 55 in advance, the image processing in which the clown throws a ring is performed.

【0075】

To briefly explain the other sub-games, for example, in a confrontation game that is executed when a clown symbol is selected, two clowns appear and the player chooses one of them to walk a tightrope or a ball-riding confrontation. If the winning clown is the player's choice, the player will be paid a predetermined dividend. When selecting a clown, the selection buttons 31 and 32 may be used, or a touch sensor may be provided on the second display 30 so that the player can touch and select the clown on the screen.

【0076】

Then, after giving the player a bonus of sub-game or coin payment, in S121, the CPU 51 controls the image processing circuit 53 to the selected symbol (elephant symbol) of the main display 20 already on that symbol. Display a COLLECT mark indicating that the clown character 66 has fallen and selected (see Figure 15). The image information of the COLLECT mark is stored in the ROM area of the second memory 55.

【0077】

The CPU 51 then determines whether all symbols around the ticket symbols 70,71,72 have been selected (S122). When all the symbols are selected, the bonus game ends, and the player is notified, for example, by the display. On the other hand, if all the symbols are not selected, it returns to the front of S113, and by the processing of S113 to S115, the clown character 66 is moved again and rolled over to select one of the symbols. In other words, the player is given the opportunity to get the bonus again. In this way, by giving the player the possibility of obtaining a bonus multiple times, the interest in the slot machine 10 can be improved. When selecting the symbol of S113, the already selected symbol is also subject to the lottery.

【0078】

Then, if the COLLECT mark is not displayed on the selected symbol, the player is given a bonus according to the symbol type in S117 or later. On the other hand, in S116, if the COLLECT mark is displayed on the selected symbol (for example, when the elephant symbol in the display area D1 is selected in FIG. 15), the bonus game is over and the player is notified to that effect. Will be done. In this way, by setting the bonus game to end when the character selects the display area once selected and the COLLECT mark is displayed again, the player can use the clown character 66 in the display area where the COLLECT mark is displayed. You can make the bonus game more thrilling, hoping that you won't fall.

【0079】

If the selected symbol does not have the COLLECT mark and a sub-game or a given payout is given to the player as a bonus, then in S121, the COLLECT mark is displayed on the selected symbol.

【0080】

The clown character 66 continues to select symbols until the bonus game ends with all symbols selected, or the COLLECT mark is selected to end the bonus game, giving the player a bonus opportunity. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, as the bonus is given, the number of symbols on which the COLLECT mark is displayed increases, so that the probability that the player can obtain the bonus gradually decreases, and the thrill is further increased.

【0081】

As explained above, ticket symbols 70,71,72 are placed in the (X-2) (here, 3) display areas excluding both columns in the center row of the X column (here, 5 columns) display area. By associating the condition for starting the bonus game that it is displayed with the content of the bonus game that the clown character 66 moves to the display area around the central ticket symbol 70,71,72, the taste is remarkable. It can be improved and attract the player to the slot machine 10. Further, since the bonus game is continuously played on the main display 20 in which the symbols are arranged, the player can easily grasp that the bonus game is in progress.

【0082】

Further, in the present embodiment, the bonus game is started regardless of which line of the 2, 3 or 4 reels the bonus symbol is displayed, but the bonus symbol of each reel is You may want to move to the bonus game only when it is displayed in the center line (that is, when it is displayed in the display areas B2, C2, D2). However, as in the former case, if the bonus game is configured to start regardless of which line the bonus symbol is displayed, the player feels that the probability of being able to execute the bonus game is high, and is interested in the slot machine 10. Can be further attracted.

【0083】

In the present embodiment, the display area is set to 3 rows and 5 columns, but the number of columns is not limited to this, and an integer X of 5 or more may be used. In this case, the condition for starting the bonus game is that the bonus symbol is displayed in the (X-2) column excluding both columns. For example, when a display area of 3 rows and 7 columns is provided, it is necessary to display a bonus symbol in each of the display areas of 5 columns excluding both the left and right columns. In this case as well, as in the above embodiment, there is a display area of one row in the upper, lower, and both side columns of the (X-2) bonus symbol group aligned in the center row. You can play bonus games like the ones above.

【0084】

Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a preferred embodiment of the program according to the present invention and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded will be described.

【0085】

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing each module of the program 80 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a CD-ROM (recording medium) 90 in which the program 80 is written.

【0086】

Program 80 includes a main module 130 for controlling processing, a slot game module 140 for processing slot games, and a bonus game module 150 for processing bonus games.

【0087】

Further, the slot game module 140 includes at least a display area forming module 141, a reel rotation module 142, a symbol determination module 143, and a winning determination module 144.

【0088】

The display area forming module 141 forms a display area of 3 rows and X columns (X is an integer of 5 or more) on which symbols (including bonus symbols) are displayed. The reel rotation module 142 rotates and displays the reel on the display. The symbol determination module 143 determines a symbol to be displayed in each display area based on a random number value. The winning determination module 144 determines the winning based on the arrangement of the symbols displayed in each display area. Further, when the winning determination module 144 detects that the bonus symbol is displayed in each of the (X-2) display areas excluding the both side columns of the X column, the reel rotation module 142 is out of the three rows. Move the bonus symbols in each column to the center row of, and enter the bonus game. By executing each of these modules by a computer, each process of S101 to S111 in FIG. 7 in the slot machine 10 can be realized.

【0089】

The bonus game module 150 includes at least a character movement module 151, a stop symbol determination module 152, a bonus content determination module 153, a COLLECT display module 154, and a bonus end determination module 155.

【0090】

The character movement module 151 moves a predetermined character (described below as a clown character as in the above example) around the central bonus symbol in the bonus game. The stop symbol determination module 152 determines on which symbol the clown character is to perform a predetermined action (which is to be rolled over) based on a random number value. The bonus content determination module 153 determines the content of the bonus given to the player based on a table (see FIG. 14) showing the correspondence between the selected symbol type and the content of the bonus. The COLLECT display module 154 displays a COLLECT mark indicating that the clown character has already been selected on the selected symbol by rolling over. The bonus end determination module 155 determines that the bonus game has ended when the clown character selects all the symbols around the bonus symbol, or when the symbol with the COLLECT mark is selected. By executing each of these modules by a computer, it is possible to realize each of the processes S112 to S122 of FIG. 8 in the slot machine 10.

【0091】

In this way, the above program 80 obtained via a communication network such as the Internet and the program 80 recorded on a recording medium such as CR-ROM90 can be used as a personal computer or personal digital assistant (PDA). By installing it on various computers such as the above, it is possible to realize a game similar to the above slot machine 10.

【0092】

In addition, image data such as symbols and characters necessary for realizing the game, a pay table, a table corresponding to symbols selected in the bonus game and the contents of the bonus, etc. may be incorporated in the program 80, or the program. It may be installed on the computer from sources other than. Further, in addition to the module shown in FIG. 17, the program 80 may incorporate any module necessary for the processing performed by the slot machine 10.

【0093】

Further, the recording medium may be any medium as long as the written information can be read by a computer. For example, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, an optical disk such as a DVD, a semiconductor storage device, or the like is applicable.

【0094】

Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, instead of displaying the rotary reel, the symbols in each display area in the vertical direction may rotate independently. Further, the bonus symbol and the character moving on the display in the bonus game are not limited to the above, and can be changed in various ways.

【0095】

Further, the lottery of the symbols to be displayed in the display area may be performed based on the random number value obtained by the random number generator, instead of using the random number value obtained by the program.

【0096】

Further, the controller may be provided separately for the main display and the second display, or a CPU may be prepared for the game to be displayed on each display. Further, the main display and the second display may be of any type such as CRT plasma type and EL.

【0097】

Further, the gaming device of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned slot machine. For example, the slot game may be executed on the liquid crystal screen of a pachinko machine, or a gaming device (for example, a pachislot machine) provided with a stop button for the player to stop the reels.

【0098】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the present invention, by renewing the content of the bonus game, it is possible to attract the interest of the player and easily make the player understand that the bonus game is in progress.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is an external perspective view which shows the gaming apparatus (slot machine) of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a block diagram which shows the controller which controls the processing of the slot machine of FIG.

[Fig. 3]

It is a figure which shows the display screen of a main display.

[Fig. 4]

4 (a) and 4 (b) are diagrams showing the payline of the slot machine 10.

[Fig. 5]

It is a figure which shows the pay table of a slot machine.

[Fig. 6]

It is a symbol table showing the symbols displayed on each reel.

[Fig. 7]

It is a flowchart which shows the control method of a slot machine until a bonus game is started.

[Fig. 8]

It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the slot machine in a bonus game.

[Fig. 9]

It is a figure which shows the state which three bonus symbols are displayed on the main display.

[Fig. 10]

It is a figure which shows the state which moved the three bonus symbols to the center line in the main display.

[Fig. 11]

It is a figure which shows the state which the clown character appeared in the main display.

[Fig. 12]

It is a figure which shows the state which a clown character is moving in a main display.

[Fig. 13]

It is a figure which shows the state which the clown character rolls over on the main display, and the elephant symbol is selected.

[Fig. 14]

It is a table showing the correspondence between the selected symbol and the contents of the bonus.

[Fig. 15]

It is a figure which shows the state which the COLLECT mark is displayed on the symbol of the selected elephant in the main display.

[Fig. 16]

It is a figure which shows the state which the COLLECT mark is displayed on a plurality of symbols in a main display.

[Fig. 17]

It is a block diagram which shows each module of the program of this invention.

[Fig. 18]

It is a figure which shows the computer-readable recording medium (CD-ROM) in which the program shown in FIG. 17 was recorded.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... slot machine, 20 ... main display, 21 ... touch sensor, 22 ... coin insertion part, 23 ... bill insertion part, 24 ... start button, 25 ... BET button , 30 ... 2nd display, 31, 32 ... select button, 40 ... housing, 42 ... coin receiver, 44 ... hopper, 45 ... coin sensor, 50 ... Controller, 52 ... main memory, 53 ... image processing circuit, 54 ... hopper drive circuit, 55 ... second memory, 56 ... image processing circuit, 63 ... pay table, 64. .. Symbol table, 66 ... clown characters, 70,71,72 ... ticket symbols (bonus symbols), 80 ... programs, 90 ... CD-ROM (recording medium), 130 ... main Modules, 140 ... slot game modules, 150 ... bonus game modules, A1 ~ A3, B1 ~ B3, C1 ~ C3, D1 ~ D3, E1 ~ E3 ... display area.