A gaming machine comprises a display unit that displays video reels using computer graphics. Symbols are moved and stopped on each video reel. A game controller unit selects a type of symbols and an arrangement of symbols at random, and provides a player with an award if a winning combination appears on a payline in the arrangement of symbols and the player has placed a bet on the payline. A display controller unit causes the display unit to move symbols on each video reel, and then stop symbols in the arrangement. The display controller unit further causes the display unit to change a symbol of the selected type to a special symbol while moving symbols. Special symbols appear in a prominent form, e.g., in a background color complementary to a background color of other symbols, or in a metallic color, or in a blinking, flashing, or sparkling pattern.