Bonus Reels Slot
Sometimes all you need is a slot game that allows you to go about things the old school way. With the amount of variety on offer in the modern slots industry, it can be impossible to source a game of this kind, though there are some developers that provide them in abundance.
Take for example Bonus Reels, an entirely no thrills classically themed online slot produced by the team at Simbat Entertainment Systems. On the surface the game appears to be a little dated, perhaps a tad unexciting, though fully representative of what it is that most people love about playing games of this kind in the first place.
The theme within which it is set harks to the grubby insides of a public house or social club, the very setting that the original slot game made its name as a top tier gambling format. Being able to enjoy these rough around the edge touches in the comfort of your home is but one of the many positive features that releases like Bonus Reels offer up to players. But what else does the game have up its sleeve?
No Thrills, No Nonsense
As already covered in part, the theme for this game falls under the ‘no thrills’ category. Though a term which often gets employed in order to talk something down or gently hint that it is in someway subpar in quality, let’s be clear that this isn’t the case here. In this instance, no thrills refers to the straight up design and layout of the game. The developers have clearly set out to achieve a dated feel throughout every part of the console, and they’ve very much succeeded.
From the reduced number of reels (there are just 3 independent reels – a lack of action even if they do all offer their own array of bonuses), to the completely old school symbolism employed throughout (lemons and berries across the reels, anyone?) the wider theme, this game is straight up out of 1979. Depending on your stance, you will either love it fully or soon decide to move onwards to the next adventure in the vast slots universe we all enjoy together.
Era Defining Symbolism
A large part of the fun that comes alongside slots gaming is the ability that these little devils have to transport our imaginations to a specific time, place or era. While many games actively seek to place their players into a certain mindset with their themes, Bonus Reels gently suggests its old school leanings to a point where they become aura consuming. This may sound intense, but the reality is a sophisticated slot that strays away from being forceful in any way, shape or form.
The 3 reels of this game are each decorated with their own splendid array of iconic symbols which reflect a bygone era within slots gaming. There are cherries, lemons, BAR signs and all of the other regulars that so commonly made up real life, physical slots machines!
Genetics of the Game
Where this game really comes into its stride however is when players discover the split between game formats available to them. Featuring a ‘basic’ game and ‘top’ game, the mechanics of Bonus Reels far surpasses your typical pub bandit.
The basic game is played across just 5 paylines. Won credits may be doubled up – up to a maximum of 200 credits total – by using the integrated (and always appealing!) gamble button. Players can alternatively be lifted up to the top game by hitting the start button, or rake in their winnings to date by hitting the collect button. Good positions across the active reels are held in place automatically during the basic game, making for a much smoother and more seamless rate of play. All of the usual graded symbol combinations of course come into play, and they’re very easy to work out after just one or two spins.
The Top game is activated by clicking the Choose Bet toggle and offers an altogether different payout structure. Played across a total of 27 paylines, this game offers a deeper level of risk and opportunity – making it more suited to players with a little more experience behind them. Three stars will unlock the bonus feature, which offers you the chance to reel in some pretty big numbers.
What’s more, a handy re-spin function speeds up all wins big time and makes for a level of play that competes with all of the more complex and intuitive games currently on the market.
True to Itself
Fewer games are as true to themselves as Bonus Reels. With a simple yet entirely uncompromising layout, the developers have managed to offer up something that doesn’t need to overdo it.
It may not be the most exciting game in the world, but this slot is a must-try for anyone with a penchant for the old school. That much is certain.
