Sheer Magic Slot Machine
Rich colours, solid game-play and the obligatory free spins rounds are all hallmarks of slots from Australian software house Ainsworth. Sheer Magic fits perfectly with this model – to me it really feels like a live slot (or Pokie as they call them down-under), which has been adapted for online use. All but the most recent live slots focused more on the reels and less on break out bonuses. With just a single free spins round, this slot is an example of exactly this type of game.
Ainsworth slots have very rich and professional designs. The use of deep shades and light work alone are reasons to check out this slot. The symbols are all magic related. This is not a mystic slot; the magic in question is that of a stage magician with the hat (presumably with a rabbit inside), a bunch of flowers, crystal (plasma) ball and the white gloves all on the reels. There is a very familiar clicking sound when the reels stop. If you have played Aristocrat slots before you will immediately recognize this. The only other audio involves mini-tunes when you win; these vary with the size of your win. They include bass notes and are more ‘tuneful’ than the computer beeps of Aristocrat slots.
The free spins round has an extra symbol (the white gloved hands), and includes a ‘respin’ feature, where you can get stacked wild hands on reels 2, 3 and 4.
Setup and Play for Sheer Magic
Behind the glossy graphics, this is a 50 line video slot based on the standard 5 reels and 3 rows setup. You can change the number of lines, though only in steps. Your choices are 1, 10, 25, 40 or the full 50. You can bet up to $12.50c per line, which makes the top spin cost a huge $625. Smaller bankroll players can enjoy this game for just 1c per line instead. There is an auto play function and also the ability to gamble wins on the flip of a playing card.
Of the standard symbols, the top hat with wand has the biggest prize; this is worth 1000 coins for 5 on a line, with 400 for 4. Next comes the thimbles and then the flowers and magic book, with the cards and dice the smallest prize unique symbols. There are playing cards making up the smaller wins.
Wild symbols are the crystal ball; these sometimes appear stacked – covering 2 or all 3 spots on the reels. They substitute for the regular symbols, though not the scatters (coins). With stacked symbols on 1 or more reels, you’ll often find yourself winning over multiple lines. The coins have 2 functions. First they pay out a prize of up to 100x your total bet amount for 3 to 5 anywhere on the reels. Second, 3 of them will trigger the free spins bonus round.
Sheer Magic Free Spins Game
There are a couple of interesting changes to the main game for this free spins round – though the game does look the same as the main reels. You will find another wild symbol, in the form of hands in white gloves. These appear on the middle 3 reels, and again substitute for anything except for the coins (scatters). They already increase the number of wins you’ll get, though the best part is when you get a glove on two of the middle reels. In this case you trigger a respin feature. This spins the reels again, making the middle reels which had the gloved hands on stacked (3 gloves covering those reels). This can result in some very big wins – especially if you are lucky enough to combine them with some crystal balls.
You can retrigger this bonus game for 5 more spins at a time by hitting 3 coins again.
Sheer Magic by Ainsworth
This one feels like it belongs in a live casino – rather than online. It does work virtually, looking very rich and well produced and having that characteristic solid Ainsworth game-play. For me it just has that right balance for the live environment. Wins from the regular game are on the smaller side compared to some slots. This is made up for by the free spins round, where the extra wild and respin feature can give you a lot of winning combinations. If you enjoy a solid slot with the potential for a big win from the feature – then sheer magic is a great example of exactly that. Check it out for yourself soon.
