Gaming machine with hierarchical collector feature

Abstract

There is provided an example gaming system (and method) that utilizes a presentation assembly configured to present a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels bear a plurality of symbols including value-bearing symbols and at least two special symbols. The at least two special symbols comprise at least a first special symbol and a second special symbol. The plurality of symbols are ranked according to a hierarchy. The value-bearing symbols have a lowest rank in the hierarchy. The at least two special symbols have ranks higher than the lowest rank. Each of the at least two special symbols has a different rank from each other within the hierarchy. Furthermore, each one of the at least two special symbols is configured to collect symbols of a lesser rank than its own rank. Game-logic circuitry conducts a series of spins of the plurality of reels, each spin including spinning and stopping the plurality of reels to randomly land at least some of the plurality of symbols. A first one of the series of spins lands, via the game-logic circuitry, a set of the value-bearing symbols. In response to a second one the series of spins landing the first special symbol, collecting, via automated animation by the game-logic circuitry, the set of the value-bearing symbols into the first special symbol.