Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing at the gaming terminal. The gaming terminal has a basic wagering game and a bonus game. The bonus game simulates the building of a world and provides bonus awards based on an accumulation of assets by the simulated world. In response to a player terminating a gaming session, the accumulated assets are selectively stored by the player in a memory device and can be used in subsequent gaming sessions. Additionally, the player can choose to save the status of the gaming session and return at a later time to the same status as the first gaming session.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and at least one rotatable reel. The reel comprises a reel strip arranged about the periphery of a cage. The reel strip comprises an alterable film for displaying a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine further comprises a controller operative to alter the appearance of at least one of the plurality of symbols displayed on the film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing game scenes in a gaming machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes presenting a first game setting, wherein the first game setting includes a plurality of game elements. The method also includes selecting a game element from the plurality of game elements, and presenting a second game setting, wherein presenting the second game setting includes enlarging the game element to show additional details of the game element. The method includes conducting a bonus event inside the second game setting.

Abstract: The invention provides a gaming machine having manufacturer-limited parameter values or parameter value combinations selectable by an operator during gaming machine set-up. The parameter values preferably include different maximum pay lines associated with different denominations and are limited to those which have been determined by the manufacturer to provide optimum game play. The different maximum pay lines may be associated with different math models having substantially the same payback percentage values. Subsequent operator selection of the parameter values during gaming machine therefore setup allows the gaming machine having a single game theme or a gaming machine having multiple game themes to be configured with different maximum pay lines for each single game theme. As a result, the player can play a single theme wagering game with a first maximum pay line value and with a second maximum pay line value where the second maximum pay line value differs from the first maximum pay line value.

Abstract: A game of chance is played on a gaming machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game includes an array of locations displayed on a video display and individually selectable by a player and the processor. The player and the processor make alternating selections of unoccupied ones of the locations in the array for placement of respective first and second symbol types. The probability of using a winning strategy for the selections by the processor increases with successive ones of the selections by the processor so that the processor appears to become more intelligent as the game progresses. A payout is awarded to the player based on an outcome of the game.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine is disclosed. After a player makes a wager, a plurality of symbol-bearing reels are rotated and stopped to place symbols on the reels in a symbol array. If the symbol array includes a symbol combination that yields an award, the symbol combination is identified with an animation that varies with a level of the award. The animation may, for example, include a type of pay line encompassing the symbols of the symbol combination. The type of pay line varies with the level of the award.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a reel spinning display and a secondary display. The reel spinning display includes a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. The reel spinning display successively stops rotation of the reels to display the symbols on each reel in visual association with a display area. As each reel is stopped, the secondary display depicts a respective game outcome such as a bonus amount awarded to a player.

Abstract: A maze-based game of chance for a gaming machine is controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The maze-based game includes an award-generating indicator movable along a plurality of different intersecting paths. The plurality of paths contain a plurality of consumable elements. The award-generating indicator generates an award based on a randomly selected outcome as the award-generating indicator visually consumes the elements.

Abstract: A game of chance is played on a gaming machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game includes an array of locations displayed on a video display and individually selectable by a player and the processor. The player and the processor make alternating selections of unoccupied ones of the locations in the array for placement of respective first and second symbol types. The probability of using a winning strategy for the selections by the processor increases with successive ones of the selections by the processor so that the processor appears to become more intelligent as the game progresses. A payout is awarded to the player based on an outcome of the game.

Abstract: A maze-based game of chance for a gaming machine is controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The maze-based game includes an award-generating indicator movable along a plurality of different intersecting paths. The plurality of paths contain a plurality of consumable elements. The award-generating indicator generates an award based on a randomly selected outcome as the award-generating indicator visually consumes the elements.