Wagering Game With Pyramidal Bonus Selection Feature

A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the method comprising:

• initiating a basic game of the wagering game, the wagering game further including a free-spin event and a special-event, the basic game including at least one free-spin event outcome;
• initiating the free-spin event in response to achieving the free-spin event outcome in the basic game, the free-spin event including at least one special-event outcome;
• initiating the special-event in response to achieving the at least one special-event outcome during the free-spin event, the special-event having a plurality of player-selectable elements that mask awards;
• receiving a selection of at least one player-selectable element included in one of the plurality of levels;
• and
• after receiving the selection, storing a special-event game state for later use in the free-spin event.

A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the method comprising:

• initiating a basic game of the wagering game, the wagering game further including a free-spin event and a special-event, the basic game including at least one free-spin event outcome;
• initiating the free-spin event in response to achieving a free-spin event outcome, the free-spin event including at least one special-event outcome;
• achieving the special-event outcome during the free-spin event, the special-event outcome being repeatedly achievable during the free-spin event;
• and
• initiating the special-event once the special-event outcome is achieved, wherein the state of the special-event is saved upon return to the free-spin event.