Abstract: An adjustable control apparatus for a video game pad that enables a user to adjust the tension of the apparatus to enhance the comfort and control of the apparatus and the video game pad. The assembly of the control apparatus includes a positioning member or stick which is nested inside a housing. The assembly also includes a clutch member and a tension member assembled between the stick and housing. The positioning member and housing are connected or otherwise held together using a support member such as a C-ring. The C-ring fits into a groove on the shaft of the stick. A flexible member is positioned between the stick and the housing. Additionally, a signal transfer member is connected to or assembled to a circuit board such as a PC board to transfer electrical signals or the like from the control apparatus to the circuit board.

Abstract: A combined representation display method is provided in which a main display and a representation display are combined whereby various combination displays with enormous representation effects and great funs are made possible. The combined representation display method according to the invention is a combined representation display method for a display screen 1G which has a main display section 25e1 and a representation display section 25e, and the representation display section 25e shows combined representation in combination with main displays 26an, 26bn, 26cn of the main display section 25e1.

Abstract: A video game system that includes a console and hand-held controllers with LCD screens. Each game operates in a simulated world populated with animated characters and static objects which are displayed on a TV screen, and are also displayed on the LCD screens of the hand-held controllers. While one part of the simulated world is displayed on the TV screen, different parts of the simulated world may appear on the LCD screens in a natural pictorial setting. Alternatively, some of the pictures displayed on LCD screens and TV screens may represent the same part of the simulated world at different times, or the same part at the same time. Pictures displayed on an LCD screen may appear concurrently or later on the TV screen. Objects and characters can be selected, moved, constructed, changed, or deleted by a player without revealing to other players these objects of interest or their disposition.

Abstract: A gaming bonus device and method of use in a gaming system. A game player is allowed to play a game for a prize on a primary game. The primary game generates a bonus-qualifying event. The bonus game, in response to the bonus-qualifying event, generates and displays three either/or binary outcomes entitling a player to a predefined payout. The game player can be allowed to select the winning outcome. The payout depends upon the number of similar binary outcomes displayed as compared to the selected winning outcome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gaming systems and methods where enablement for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a primary game. A player may qualify for the bonus game by preselected criteria associated with play of the primary game. At least one player is enabled to play the bonus game against at least one other player by assuming a role of the house. At least one other player is enabled to play the bonus game against the house. The at least one player who assumes the house role may be awarded the wagers, or a percentage of the wagers, lost by the at least one other player wagering against the house.

Abstract: An invention creating a new method for providing customized interactive entertainment over a communications network. A method for selecting a player from a player database and for selecting a character with specific character attributes from a character database. These characters are made available at different prices or subscription rates based on criteria such as power, rarity, or importance to ongoing plot lines in the context of the game. The invention is made available via a plurality of networks to a plurality of players playing a plurality of games.