Abstract: A reel spinning gaming device comprises a plurality of selectable reels, where a subset of the selectable reels is the initial active reels. The actuating system is operatively associated with the selectable reels and generates an outcome symbol combination for the active reels. The prize controller determines whether a prize is to be awarded based upon the outcome symbol combination. In one embodiment, the prize controller also initiates a bonus game when a triggering event is present. The reselection system designates a new set of active reels the bonus game(s). The new set of active reels comprises one or more newly active reels and one or more remaining active reels, and the outcome symbols from the one or more newly active reels are used in conjunction with the outcome symbols from the remaining active reels to produce a outcome symbol combination for one or more bonus games.

Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, games, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a gaming device comprises a display screen that presents a game. The game presented on the display screen comprises one or more game icons for display in various locations on the display screen, wherein the game presents an animated icon upon the occurrence of a triggering event such that the animated icon produces one or more wild icons that move about the display screen before being positioned in fixed locations on the display screen. Additionally, the gaming device includes a means for activating the game and triggering the presentation of the animated icon, and a means for determining whether one or more combinations of the game icons and the wild icons form any winning combinations.

Abstract: Gaming machines displaying one or more translucent composite icons are disclosed herein. The gaming machine includes a means for providing one or more games on the gaming machine. The game comprises displaying one or more game symbols on a display of the gaming machine. The gaming machine also includes a means for generating a game outcome comprising a combination of game symbols and one or more translucent composite icons. The translucent composite icon comprises a translucent symbol overlaying a non-translucent symbol, such that the non-translucent symbol is visible through the translucent symbol.

Abstract: A reel spinning gaming device 10 includes a plurality of selectable reels 20 each having game symbols 30 located thereon, a selection system 40, an actuating system 50, and a prize controller 60. Each reel displays an outcome symbol 30 after having been spun. The number of selectable reels 20 included in the gaming device 10 is larger than that utilized for an individual game. In this regard, the selection system 40 designates a subset of the selectable reels as the initial active reels 70 for the initial game. The actuating system 50 then spins the initial active reels 70, after which the prize controller 60 determines whether or not a prize is to be awarded dependent upon the combination of the outcome symbols 30 from the initial active reels 70.

Abstract: A reel spinning gaming device 10 includes a plurality of selectable reels 20 each having game symbols 30 located thereon, a selection system 40, an actuating system 50, and a prize controller 60. Each reel displays an outcome symbol 30 after having been spun. The number of selectable reels 20 included in the gaming device 10 is larger than that utilized for an individual game. In this regard, the selection system 40 designates a subset of the selectable reels as the initial active reels 70 for the initial game. The actuating system 50 then spins the initial active reels 70, after which the prize controller 60 determines whether or not a prize is to be awarded dependent upon the combination of the outcome symbols 30 from the initial active reels 70.

Abstract: A gaming method includes spinning the plurality of reels 20 within a display window 30 of the gaming machine 10. A subset of the spinning reels 20 is then selected for use in determining the game outcome. The non-selected reels are removed from a player's view within the display window 30. The selected reels are then appealingly repositioned into a closer grouping within the display window. The gaming machine then determines if the selected and repositioned reels produce a winning game outcome. A prize is awarded if a winning game outcome is achieved.