Octoberfest Slot Machine
Octoberfest, usually spelt with a k, is an annual event that happens in Munich and is known as a Volksfest – a festival of beer and funfair amusements. It takes place in the first week of October (no surprises there), and pulls in a large crowd of over five million people.
Although a relatively well known festival, there are few slot machines that pay homage to this German occasion, which is probably why Booming Games felt it was about time that changed.
It is completely, utterly and unashamedly German in its design and sounds, and we just can’t get enough of it. Lined with many traditional images from the great country, such as ale and frankfurters, we almost feel like we’re there. The only thing that stops us from thinking that are the cartoony graphics of the title, they’re not quite as authentic or as tangible as we’d have liked them to be. No matter, as there is a 2-way win feature in this game that soon makes up for that fact.
Let the Beer Flow
The grid we’re shown is very traditional in its layout, for there are 3 rows and 5 reels, packed with 20 paylines. However the frame of the matrix has been removed and done away with, so it looks as if the icons are all flowing of their own accord under a blue canopy. It doesn’t sound that great to look at, but it sort of works with the overall theme.
The thing we found most annoying about this game is how hard it is to find the paytable, meaning for a while we had no idea what anything added up to; finally we found it in the left hand corner. It is pointed out when you start the game, but then the icon to open it up is so small it’s easy to miss.
Seeing as wilds and scatters are something we come across regularly whilst playing slots, we’ll take a closer look at them first; in this game they’re referred to as multiplying wilds. The reason for this is that all the icons carry a multiplier of some kind that will be applied to your win.
As for the scatter, well that comes into full effect when three or more of the strapping young man are part of a winning line, after which 10 free games will start. What makes this scatter different from others is that it allows you to either play the extra rounds or gamble and go without. Personally we prefer sticking with what we know, but we did give the gamble a try – it’s worth a go if you want to risk your cash.
Special Brew
We’ve touched on it but not laid down what this special involves, so it’s time we reveal the big secret of the Booming Games Octoberfest. Three or more of the tiles will result in double wins. Normally winning lines read from left to right, but here it goes left to right right to left, and so you get paid for both ways. This special feature usually lasts for 10 rounds at a time, but should another three or more appear on your reels you will be rewarded another lot of 2-way pays.
The Price of a Good Time
If you’re playing for real you need to place a wager; Octoberfest has a low threshold for gamers to crack, 0.03 on each of the lines you have active. This can be increased up to 3 credits, resulting in a maximum bet of 60.
You can decide whether you’d rather reduce the money or the paylines or both before you play and during the game, just make sure the amounts are altered before your next spin. In addition to this you can also go hands free and let the game play itself, just tap the auto widget and it’ll get started. Players need to input their limits before it’ll come into effect, but it’s a quick process.
Three Cheers!
Booming Games feel like they should have been onto a good thing here, but this game falls short, yet we can’t totally place why. Although there is uncertainty surrounding why it doesn’t work, we know that the lack of a strong jackpot doesn’t help matters.
