Abstract: In a computer-based game, discovery and execution a synergy is facilitated. A synergy notification is randomly generated in response to a player event. The synergy notification indicates a discovery of a synergy and optionally includes a synergy quest to be completed by a player. When the player completes the synergy quest, the synergy is unlocked. Accordingly, the synergy is executed if two consecutive synergy actions are detected within a predetermined time window.

Abstract: In an example, a game player may be provided with an option to postpone an exit from a video game until a next checkpoint. In particular, an exit command may be received from the game player during a video game session. Upon receiving the exit command, a first option menu is displayed to the game player. The displayed first option menu may include a delay option to postpone the exit from the video game until the next checkpoint. When the next checkpoint is reached, a progress of the game player in the video game is saved and a second option menu may be displayed to the game player. The second option menu may include an exit option to quit the video game immediately.

Abstract: A gaming system in which a player is presented with multiple targets and, upon firing a trigger, the gaming system determines an intended target from the multiple targets and acts upon the intended target. If a player invokes “critical hits,” the intended target is provided with dire consequences. If the player does not invoke “critical hits,” the intended target receives algorithmically determined consequences, for example, a probability of dire consequences, partial destruction, wounding, reduction in health, etc. Examples of dire consequences include, but are not limited to, annihilation of the intended target, killing (virtual) of the intended target, freezing (virtual) of the intended target, setting the intended target on fire (virtual), etc.

Abstract: A gaming system in which a player is presented with multiple targets and, upon firing a trigger, the gaming system determines an intended target from the multiple targets and fires at the intended target without the need for crosshairs or reticules, etc. The intended target is algorithmically determined based upon, for example, distance (within the game space) from the player, angle with respect to the player, whether the target is an enemy, whether the target was recently fired upon, movement of the target with respect to the player, movement of the player, attributes of the target, etc.

Abstract: A game apparatus and game control method for controlling and representing magical ability and power of a player character, in an action power control program is provided. The game apparatus and game control method permits the accessing of an unlimited level of magical power available to the player character by affecting a control button on the input device, which then allows for a determination to be made on a proper amount of the unlimited level of magical power based upon the player character's known abilities and vitality to be used, which then in turn permits utilization of said proper amount of the unlimited level of magical power against at least one other character within the video game to obtain a desired result against said at least one other character before a detrimental effect causes a penalty to the player character.

Abstract: In a computing machine having a processing unit, memory and a display device for playing a video game, the video game comprising at least one or more game characters, the at least one or more game character being controlled by a special purpose computing input device connected to said computer and operable by a game player, the video game further comprising character dialog between or among the at least one or more game characters, the character dialog comprising vignettes of dialog wherein movement from one vignette to another is determined by the game player introducing emotion into the dialog by means of the special purpose computing input device. The special purpose computing input device introduces emotion into the video game during a character dialog or character encounter along an axis of a joystick or other game controller element.

Abstract: A slot machine enhancement which provides an incentive to users who have lost one or more games to continue playing. A loss counter tracks the number of losses and a user can choose to redeem the losses for at least one prize. Such prizes can include, but are not limited to, one or more free games, one or more guaranteed wining games, one or more guaranteed wining games with a guaranteed minimum payout of an amount greater than the least possible payout, and the like. When the user wins a game, the loss counter is reset to zero.