Payline system for multiline slot play using an erasing/exposure feature

Abstract

A method of playing a virtual or virtual/mechanical multireel slot game. A grid of at least 3 rows×3 columns, but preferably 3 rows×5 columns, is presented on a screen, with a second, opaque blanketing layer of color or graphics over the grid, so as to hide symbols on the reels below. After the wager, reels on the bottom layer spin (or are virtually and randomly positioned in any manner), hidden from the player by the blanketing layer. An “erasing” indicium then glides from outside the grid (preferably across the top row of 5 reels, from left to right), over the blanketing layer, erasing the color layer to expose the symbols on the reels below. The indicium preferably (or always) moves in one direction only until it hits the end of a row, the top or bottom of a column, or a revealed symbol that alters movement of the indicium. When the indicium encounters this situation, it may hesitate for a moment, then randomly pick a direction in which to continue. It may continue in the same direction or turn 90° clockwise or 90° counterclockwise. It may even move diagonally. If the indicium turns and continues over the reels, more symbols are revealed until the indicium again reaches a turning point. Payouts are awarded according to a predetermined paytable for single special symbols and/or for sets such as multiple same symbols shown, whether the symbols are contiguous or not.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to the field of video wagering games, particularly video slot-type machines, and particularly physical or virtual reel-appearance slot-type wagering machines that are capable of revealing reel frame symbols one-at-a-time by removing particular areas of an opaque graphic overlay layer, and evaluating the symbols revealed according to a predetermined pay table. [0003] 2. Background of the Art [0004] Competition in the gaming industry to attract a player and then retain the player's interest for protracted periods of time is an increasingly greater challenge. The environment in a casino is typically rich in stimulation, both visual and auditory. As a consequence, it is an ongoing effort to initially attract a player to a given machine and then to subsequently encourage the player to stay at the machine based on the machine's entertainment value. [0005] Slot machines formed from a plurality...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Competition in the gaming industry to attract a player and then retain the player's interest for protracted periods of time is an increasingly greater challenge.

This type of bonus scheme increases player excitement and enjoyment and generally decreases player frustration.

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