Castle Slot
NeoGames Technologies is a decade-old software company responsible for many fine three- and five-reel video slots. One of the most unique titles on the NT roster is the medieval-themed Castle Slot. The non-progressive 3-reeler is different from many of its contemporaries such as Wizards Castle, in that each reel row occupies a separate outbuilding of a sprawling castle compound. However, it’s up to the player whether they wish to play on one, two or all three machines.
Once you’ve gotten your head around the unconventional set-up of Castle Slot, it’s time to spin the reels and attempt to take home the bumper 100,000 credit grand prize. While 100k might not buy you your very own castle, we’re sure you can think of a few ways to spend the dosh.
A Slot Fit for a King
Castle Slot looks much as you’d expect given the name. The clock has wound back to medieval times, and a crenellated and imposing castle occupies a grassy mound against a backdrop of blue sky. The major battlements and towers are not our focus, though: the action takes place in three brick outbuildings with wooden slat doors. At the start of the game, you’ll be asked whether you wish to play in one, two or all three buildings; at this point, the wooden doors will part to reveal traditional casino reels.
The reel layout might be a tad unfamiliar, but the control panel is, as always, situated along the bottom of the screen. Here, you can set your maximum bet, play max, current bet and also toggle the autoplay button (here’s looking at you, lazy gamer). You can also easily view your real-time balance and make your way back to the casino lobby from this area. There’s a mute button, too, in case that dodgy soundtrack becomes unbearable (as surely it will, if you play long enough).
Gamers wishing to grab a piece of the action can stake coins that range in value from 0.1 right up to 10. Players looking to max out can wager a limit of three coins per line. Thus, you can place a maximum bet of 90-per-spin should you wish to set all three reels (and pay-lines) in motion. The jackpot, quite naturally, differs depending on how many machines you play – 100,000 awaits he who can hit the overall three-game jackpot; the top prize for playing two machines is 2,000, and it’s 1,000 for one. The icon that pays the princeliest sum is, logically enough, the heaving sack of gold coins.
Castle Quarters
Whether you’re playing on one, two or three reels, you’ll find a variety of familiar icons, including BARs, 7s and cherries. What these symbols have to do with a castle we don’t know, but there are a few emblems that stick to the medieval theme. These include golden helmets and sacks of gold coins. There are also diamond engagement rings and red roses.
Unusually, there are no wild or scatter symbols in Castle Slot; nor are there any bonus rounds, multipliers or free spins available. You might be wondering at this point what Castle Slots has going for it. It’s a natural reaction to have. However, despite the bewildering lack of gameplay staples, a cursory glance at the pay-table reveals some nice wins to aim for. Three engagement rings, for instance, equates to x300. Three gold helmets is x240 and three red roses is x120. It’s not possible to land three cherries, though: you can find only two or one. One pays a maximum of x6, while two pays x15 if you’re playing all three machines. At a push, you could consider the cherry something of a scatter, seeing as how it triggers a pay-out even if you only find one.
Mo’ Monarchy, Mo’ Problems
In summary, Castle Slots is an unconventional 3-reeler that will satisfy some gamers and leave others feeling cold and frustrated. The troubling lack of special features will certainly rankle players who have become accustomed, through years of gaming, to standard features such as wilds, scatters and free spins bonuses. At the same time, some will appreciate the side-by-side nature of the three separate rows. In certain respects, this makes gaming more fun. Perhaps the ideal candidate for Castle Slot is a lover of medieval history who also happens to be a fan of medium-variance three-reel slots. If you’re such a person, give this one a spin and see if you can claim the throne.
