Abstract: A method of presenting a game at a gaming machine including accepting a wager from a player via the wager accepting device, displaying a plurality of symbols in an array of symbols on the electronic display, the array of symbols comprising symbol positions aligned in rows and columns, and determining whether two or more of the plurality of symbols displayed in the array of symbols are the same symbol and are disposed adjacent to one another defining a common symbol block. When the two or more of the plurality of symbols define a common symbol block, replacing the two or more symbols with a first replacement symbol, and evaluating pay lines on the array of symbols to determine whether the array of symbols including the first replacement symbols define winning outcomes.

Abstract: Gaming machines and methods of presenting a game on a gaming machine include receiving a monetary value from the player at the gaming machine as credits usable at the gaming machine and presenting a plurality of slot reels on an electronic display, the plurality of slot reels each comprising a plurality of symbols. It is determined whether a split feature is triggered in the wagering game via a random number generator. When the split feature is triggered, one or more of the plurality of slot reels is split into two or more slot reels. An outcome of the symbols is randomized on the plurality of slot reels via the random number generator and the symbols on the slot reels are displayed to spin. The symbols are evaluated on the plurality of slot reels for winning outcomes; and monetary awards are provided to the player for the winning outcomes.