Method for providing a feature game

Abstract

A method of providing a feature game using a primary game outcome, comprising: evaluating a primary game outcome according to feature game rules, and when the primary game outcome comprises a feature-point-awarding outcome, modifying a total feature point value. The total feature point value is compared to a target range of values and a feature prize is awarded if the total feature point value is comprised in the target range of values.

1 . A method of providing a feature game using a primary game outcome, comprising: 
 evaluating said primary game outcome according to feature game rules;    when said primary game outcome comprises a feature-point-awarding outcome, modifying a total feature point value;    comparing said total feature point value to a range of values; and    awarding a feature prize if said total feature point value is comprised in a target range of values.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising determining a target range of values.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising resetting said total feature point value to an initial value.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one of a) determining a target range of values and b) resetting said total feature point value to an initial value, if said total feature point value exceeds said target range of values.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of modifying a total feature point value comprises applying a mathematical or logical operation using a feature point.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the step of applying a mathematical or logical operation comprises using one or more feature points.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of awarding a feature prize comprises at least one of a) determining at a target range of values and b) resetting said total feature point value to an initial value.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a feature-point-awarding outcome comprises one of a) a predetermined combination of indicia and b) a predetermined indicia.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said predetermined combination of indicia comprises a winning combination in said primary game.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of adding a feature point to said total feature point value comprises determining a number of feature points.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the number of feature points is determined based at least in part on said feature-point-awarding outcome.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the number of feature points is randomly determined.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the number of feature points is determined based at least in part on said feature-point-awarding outcome.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the number of feature points is determined based at least in part on the number of feature points separating at least one target range of values from said total feature point value.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said total feature point value is compared to a single target range of values.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 receiving a bet;    determining a bet level; and    selecting a set of target ranges of values according to said bet level.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said feature prize comprises at least one of a) money, b) credits, c) a feature, d) a material prize, e) a rebate certificate, and f) a chance to win a prize.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said feature prize corresponds to a percentage of a progressive jackpot.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of a) said total feature point value, b) said target range of values and c) said set of target ranges of values, is shared by a plurality of gaming machines.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of a) said total feature point value, b) said target range of values and c) said set of target ranges of values, is associated with a player.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the at least one of a) said total feature point value, b)said target range of values and c) said set of target ranges of values, is stored on a removable memory medium.  
   
   
       22 . A gaming machine comprising: 
 evaluating means for evaluating a primary game outcome according to feature game rules;    storing means for storing a total feature point value and a target range of values;    modifying means for modifying said feature point value;    controlling means for controlling said feature game, comprising monitoring whether said total feature point value is comprised in said target range of values; and    awarding means for awarding a feature prize.    
   
   
       23 . The gaming machine of  claim 22 , wherein said controlling means monitors whether said total feature point value exceeds said target range of values.  
   
   
       24 . The gaming machine of  claim 22 , comprising at least one of: 
 determining means for determining a target range of values; and    resetting means for resetting said total feature point value to an initial value.    
   
   
       25 . A computer program, embodied on a computer readable medium or in processor-readable memory, or carried on an electrical or electromagnetic carrier signal, having codes adapted to: 
 evaluate a primary game outcome according to feature game rules;    modify a total feature point value when said primary game outcome comprises a feature-point-awarding outcome;    compare said total feature point value to a target range of values; and    award a feature prize if said total feature point value is comprised in said target range of values.