Systems and methods using modifiable game elements

SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MODIFIABLE GAME ELEMENTS A gaming machine comprises game-logic circuitry and a display device that presents a plurality of symbol positions and modifier positions. The game-logic circuitry causes the display device to present (i) a modifier outcome by populating one or more modifier positions with modifier symbols, and (ii) an animation of one or more symbol positions being populated with value-bearing symbols having award indicia in response to the modifier outcome including a first modifier symbol at a first modifier position. The game-logic circuitry increases, for a preexisting value-bearing symbol prior to the modifier outcome, the award valueofthepreexistingvalue-bearing symbol, wherein the display device presents an updated award indicia based on the increased award value, removes, in response to a termination condition, any locked value-bearing symbols from the symbol positions, and provides an aggregated award as a function of the award values of the locked value bearing symbols occupying the symbol positions. 50 INPUT EXTERNAL DEVICE(S) SYSTEM 58 52 OUTPUT 1042 DEVICES BUS -- CU4 ______ _____CPU _______ ___j_,_40 54 INPUT/OUTPUT 40 DEVICES MAIN MEMORY 56 WAGERING :46 STORAGE GAME UNIT