X Factor Platinum Slot
It’s difficult to work out whether this game from Ash Gaming is actually officially tied in with the smash hit TV talent show of the same name. After all, the title would suggest so, but then the actual look of it seems to be distinctly missing any logos or trademark writing as you first open it up, but appearances can be deceiving.
Even so, X Factor Platinum is a decent enough game, although probably not going to be sold on its suggestion of a link with Simon Cowell’s brainchild. It’s a proper online slot machine for proper online slot machine players, and chances are many of them won’t be that into the singing competition. That said, we could be wrong.
When the game opens up you’ll be confronted with 5 reels, and lots of silhouettes, letters, and numbers in different colours. It’s a busy old screen with plenty jumping out at you. The control panel at the bottom of all this is also made up of various hues, adding to the assault on your sights. It does make you want to play, though.
The Auditions
First up, you need to familiarise yourself with backstage. There are letters and numbers in different values, the silhouettes of a man, a woman, a group of boys and a group of firls, CDs, and platinum X Factor logos- so you can breathe a sigh of relief in the context of what we were saying before.
Although the actual pictures and symbols are quite basic, it doesn’t really detract from the experience, and the inclusion of a voice over that sounds exactly like the one on X Factor, and the theme tune as a Bonus score, is a stroke of genius. All in all then not a bad attempt at making the tenuous link between X Factor and online casino machines.
Bursting into Song
Before you belt it out, first get used to how you can adjust and make a few decisions with regard to your approach. In the bottom there is a ‘Stake’. The higher your stake the higher your winnings, as you may have already guessed.
There are 40 active paylines involved here, which is a really high number by any game’s standards. These are fixed in play, meaning you can’t add or remove any, but that’s not really a problem. There is also an Autobet option, which is quite handy – set how much you’re willing to bet at once, and how many times you’re willing to repeat that bet, then watch the reels fly by. The only two downsides being the noise of this happening repeatedly is annoying, and if you get on a losing streak your money can vanish quickly like this.
The Finals
There are a number of bonuses and extras involved in X Factor Platinum. These include the Bonus CD, which awards five Platinum Spins when you land three anywhere on the reels.
Platinum Spins offer yet more chances to boost your overall winnings. Also, look out for the Stacked Wilds – these are X Factor logos, and by landing three you can get £1.50, going up to £15 for five. If you land three of the Bonus CDs, on the other hand, you’ll get free spins and these can transform into other symbols. On top of that, there are gold disc bonuses, and these are worth even more. Finally, don’t forget about Colossal Wilds and Shooting Wilds; these add yet more layers to the game, but we’ll leave it to you to find out exactly how.
X-Tra Special?
In truth, some X Factor fans may find this a bit disappointing. Meanwhile, those looking for something that doesn’t have irritating sound effects might be best to move on too. Which is a shame as there’s a lot here to love.
The actual music – taken from the TV show – only occurs when something big is happening, and makes everything feel much more dramatic. Meanwhile, there’s more Bonuses and chances to win than we’re usually used to, which makes for a very exciting experience. The inclusion of some presenters, or more details in the graphics, might not have hurt, and would certainly ensure it didn’t feel quite as cheap as it does.
Even so, it’s worth a punt for an hour or two. After all, there’s always a chance you’ll make it to the top.
