Unity reel gaming machine and method of play

A gaming machine for playing a game, the machine comprising:

• a computer including a programmable processor, memory unit and control circuitry;
• a control array;
• means for accepting a wager on an outcome of the game;
• means for providing a reward in connection with a predetermined winning outcome for a game;
• at least one electronic display electrically coupled to the computer and control array, the display presenting a two-dimensional array having a plurality of matrices and a common game position separate from, and positioned between, the plurality of matrices, each of the plurality of matrices having a plurality of game positions aligned in a plurality of columns or rows with each column or row of a single matrix containing a different number of game positions, the number of game positions in each column or row increasing incrementally as the matrix extends away from the common game position, the plurality of matrices and common position each configured to display a game element selected from a same population of game elements;
• and
• during play of the game, the game positions and common position being randomly populated with game elements to form a configuration of game elements on the array, the configuration of game elements forming predetermined winning and non-winning outcomes of the game, the game element populated at the common position being evaluated in combination with game elements of adjacent game positions on the plurality of matrices in determining whether a winning configuration has been formed on a single matrix or between at least two of the plurality of matrices.

A gaming machine for playing a game, the machine comprising:

• a computer including a programmable processor, memory unit and control circuitry;
• a control array;
• at least one electronic display electrically coupled to the computer and control array, the display presenting a two-dimensional array having a plurality of matrices and a common game position separate from, and positioned between, the plurality of matrices, each of the plurality of matrices having a plurality of game positions aligned in a plurality of columns or rows with each column or row of a single matrix containing a different number of game positions, the number of game positions in each column or row increasing incrementally as the matrix extends away from the common game position, the plurality of matrices and common position each configured to display a game element selected from a same population of game elements;
• during play of the game, the game positions and common position being randomly populated with game elements to form a configuration of game elements on the array, the configuration of game elements forming predetermined winning and non-winning outcomes of the game, the game element populated at the common position being evaluated in combination with game elements of adjacent game positions on the plurality of matrices in determining whether a winning configuration has been formed on a single matrix or between at least two of the plurality of matrices;
• and
• means for visually distinguishing game positions forming a predetermined winning outcome from a remainder of game positions on the array.

A gaming machine for playing a game, the machine comprising:

• a computer including a programmable processor, memory unit and control circuitry;
• a control array;
• at least one electronic display electrically coupled to the computer and control array, the display presenting a two-dimensional array having a plurality of matrices and a common game position separate from, and positioned between, the plurality of matrices, each of the plurality of matrices having a plurality of game positions aligned in a plurality of columns or rows with each column or row of a single matrix containing a different number of game positions, the number of game positions in each column or row increasing incrementally as the matrix extends away from the common game position, the plurality of matrices and common position each configured to display a game element selected from a same population of game elements;
• and
• during play of the game, the game positions and common position being randomly populated with game elements to form a configuration of game elements on the array, the configuration of game elements forming predetermined winning and non-winning outcomes of the game, the game element populated at the common position being evaluated in combination with game elements of adjacent game positions on the plurality of matrices in determining whether a winning configuration has been formed on a single matrix or between at least two of the plurality of matrices, the array presenting elements capable of populating the common game position on a scrolling line that is illustrative of a rotating mechanical reel.