Abstract: Wager-based video slot reel games are disclosed where prizes can be awarded based upon by-chance insertion of bonus wild symbols. In particular, a series of free spin games are provided. In each spin of the series of free spin games, a number of bonus wild symbols can be awarded by chance. The by-chance awarded wild symbols can be randomly distributed in a game outcome array. If and after the wild symbols are awarded, the number of next by-chance insertable wild symbols is increased and that increase is signaled to the player to thereby heighten the expectations of the player of winning even more bonus wild symbols by-chance in a next of the series of free spin games.

Abstract: Wager-based video slot reel games are disclosed where additional prizes or other gains can be awarded after completion of an initial gaming action based upon application of a multi-symbol transformation (MST) tool along a MST target line extending through a gaming action outcome display area. In one embodiment, the MST tool is a virtual razor blade capable of slicing open razor-susceptible initial symbols found along the MST target line where the cutting open action can unleash additional prizes, juices or entertaining effects hidden within the razor-susceptible initial symbols. The availability of the MST tool at the end of a current gaming action or for a next gaming action is signaled to the player in one embodiment to thereby heighten the expectations of the player of winning the additional prizes or other gains due to the multi-symbol transformation action of the available MST tool.

Abstract: Wager-based video slot reel games are described where prizes are awarded based upon the appearance of scatter symbols. The games can allow a player to select the number of scatter symbols needed to win prizes. Also, the game logic can be configured to select the number of scatter symbols needed to win prizes. In one embodiment, a bonus game including free spins and scatter symbols is generated. Prior to beginning the bonus game, a player can select a combination of free spins and scatter symbols needed to win prizes, such as progressive prizes. Although the scatter symbols and/or free spins needed to win prizes can be varied within a video slot reel game, the probability of winning the prizes can be maintained approximately the same for each variation.

Abstract: Wager-based video slot reel games are disclosed where additional prizes or other gains can be awarded after completion of an initial gaming action based upon application of a multi-symbol transformation (MST) tool along a MST target line extending through a gaming action outcome display area. In one embodiment, the MST tool is a virtual razor blade capable of slicing open razor-susceptible initial symbols found along the MST target line where the cutting open action can unleash additional prizes, juices or entertaining effects hidden within the razor-susceptible initial symbols. The availability of the MST tool at the end of a current gaming action or for a next gaming action is signaled to the player in one embodiment to thereby heighten the expectations of the player of winning the additional prizes or other gains due to the multi-symbol transformation action of the available MST tool.

Abstract: Wager-based video slot reel games are disclosed where prizes can be awarded based upon by-chance insertion of bonus wild symbols. In particular, a series of free spin games are provided. In each spin of the series of free spin games, a number of bonus wild symbols can be awarded by chance. The by-chance awarded wild symbols can be randomly distributed in a game outcome array. If and after the wild symbols are awarded, the number of next by-chance insertable wild symbols is increased and that increase is signaled to the player to thereby heighten the expectations of the player of winning even more bonus wild symbols by-chance in a next of the series of free spin games.

Abstract: Wager-based video slot reel games are described where prizes are awarded based upon the appearance of scatter symbols. The games can allow a player to select the number of scatter symbols needed to win prizes. Also, the game logic can be configured to select the number of scatter symbols needed to win prizes. In one embodiment, a bonus game including free spins and scatter symbols is generated. Prior to beginning the bonus game, a player can select a combination of free spins and scatter symbols needed to win prizes, such as progressive prizes. Although the scatter symbols and/or free spins needed to win prizes can be varied within a video slot reel game, the probability of winning the prizes can be maintained approximately the same for each variation.