Patent ID: 7874900
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A method, in a slot-machine like gaming machine that produces a gaming outcome, comprising: displaying a reel spin effect; displaying a bonus effect separate from the reel spin effect, wherein displaying a bonus effect includes presenting a three-dimensional character and displaying two or more prizes, wherein the two or more prizes displayed include a first displayed prize and a second displayed prize; modifying characteristics of the character based on one or more user selections; controlling the character to influence the gaming outcome of the bonus effect, wherein controlling the character includes determining a payoff for the user as a function of one or more characteristics of the character selected by the user, wherein the one or more characteristics selected by the user determine prizes that are accessible to the user, wherein certain characteristics selected by the user prevent the character from accessing the first displayed prize while permitting the character to access the second displayed prize and wherein the payoff is a function of the prizes accessed by the user's character; and awarding the payoff to the user according to the gaming outcome.