Count Duckula Slot Machine
This is one for Danger Mouse fans out there, a means of reliving a cult classic that still holds enormous entertainment value to this day. Though of course, anyone could easily adapt and play Count Duckula, such is its friendly interface.
This memorable character was first seen in the various plots of the Thames Television series, but soon generated such high interest that a spin-off was made in the 1980s. In true wicked style, the 5 reels are filled with cunning bonuses and features, making this as energetic as the TV show itself.
Games based on programmes can go one of two ways, and usually it’s not for the good, but here Blueprint Gaming have gone all out to ensure every aspect of this real cash slot is as in-keeping as possible. It becomes an extension of the series, rather than an embarrassing addon. Comprising of 20 winlines that can morph into 40 during the free spins, as well as five bonus rounds, we’re more than ready to get started and see if the villain can become the hero.
Low Betting
What we first need to draw attention to is the accessibility of the betting system in place here – it starts off at a low 0.20, a figure that covers all the winlines and not each of them. That’s most impressive for a game of this size and diversity.
To get the totals into place, you need to use the arrow buttons on the left hand side of the screen. Unlike most slots that have the control panel underneath the grid, here the controls have been placed all around, creating a rather unique if not always convenient layout. Should you not want to click through to the top amount, you can select the bet display and a list of all the amounts will appear. This is obviously in place of having a max bet button. Personally, we’d take the maximum bet option over this setup.
Portrait of Evil
Although a bad guy, Count Duckula is the funniest type of baddie there is, and so you’ll definitely want to get his bonus symbol upon the winlines. You’ll need between three and five of them to enter the Duckula Wall of Frame, but once you do you’ll have five rounds to choose from.
Users will be taken to a selection process, where they’ll have to spin to land on any one of aforementioned options, as well as the Rapid Fire Cashpot feature, arguably the least interesting of all the specials given.
Sometimes you’ll have a mini game of sorts to play, whilst others will be nothing more than glorified free spins dressed up to look more exciting than what they are. Nonetheless, the fact that so many opportunities are presented to you shows the depth and range this title has.
Random Reels
What’s a game without some randomness? Count Duckula has four random triggers that can land upon the reels at any time, taking the form of several characters from the show – there are wilds, spins and mystery potions to sample.
Although the game makes a point of stating how this can happen on ‘any spin’, we didn’t experience it once, which we fear shows the intense volatility you’re having to face here. We wouldn’t say it’s higher than any other slot machine we’ve come across before, but the challenge can’t be denied. Taking that into account, anyone hoping to get easy money might wish to try another game from the brand, such as Luck of the Irish.
Out for the Count
As much as we can praise, and will praise, Blueprint Gaming for a job well done, we can’t lie and say that Count Duckula is without its flaws. This title has variance, but it’s in a form that repeats itself, which means that the actual fun derived from the features becomes boring much faster than expected. What is more, the taxing nature of the winlines means that a lot of money will be spent in the hopes of beating the game, with little successes.
All in all, this is a good online activity, worthy of a playthrough, but we can think of many other slots that outplay it. Not to mention there’s many slots less niche in design than this one. Still, Count Duckula gets a four star rating from us.
