Skillfull multi-level games and gaming machines configured to encourage exploration of game levels, stages, areas

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of operating a regulated gaming machine may comprise enabling the player to play a wager-based game having a plurality of stages. Game play and wagers may then be enabled in a first stage of the plurality of stages of a game. A determination may be made that game play in the first stage has reached a first stage complete state in which all requirements necessary for transitioning game play from the first stage to a second stage have been completed. The player may be provided with an opportunity to win one of a plurality of prizes, a highest one of which being a first top prize. The player may then be awarded a random one of the plurality of first prizes. Game play and wagers may then be enabled in a second, later stage of the plurality of stages of the game. It may then be determined that game play in the second stage has reached a second stage complete state in which all requirements necessary for transitioning game play from the second stage to a third stage have been completed and the player may be provided with an opportunity to win one of a plurality of a second prizes, a highest one of which being a second top prize that is higher than the first top prize. The player may then be awarded a random one of the plurality of second prizes.