This year’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E), a casino industry trade show, in Las Vegas seemed short on surprises and long on “same old, same old.”
In Aruze’s core group of slots, one of the highlights is a new version of the Ultra Stack series of games featuring stacking symbols and wilds. Ultra Stack Instant Trigger offers a “buy-a-feature” option in which the player can increase the awards by betting up. This new game based on the highly rated AMC show is sure to attract players who watch the show. The Flintstones: Following on from the successful release of the Jetson's, WMS had their new Flintstones slot machine on show at G2E and it was a big hit. I had to queue for half an hour to get a go at this and it looked great from my short time playing.
Yes, new slots are getting bigger (see below), brighter and more clever (bet $2, win $1.25, still feels like you’re winning), but one can’t escape the feeling it’s more of the same, despite the decline in revenue generated from slot play.
The screen on the updated Batman slot is so massive, it caused us to feel disoriented and nauseated. We’ll stick to the current version, thanks.
Still, there were bright spots, and here are five new slots coming to a casino near you we can’t wait to play. Oh, and three that are mind-numbingly stupid, but don’t skip ahead.
1. The Simpsons
The new Simpsons video slot machine was easily the most popular at this year’s Global Gaming Expo. The show’s been on so long, there are generations of fans ready to try their luck.
“The Simpsons” has been on a staggering 27 seasons.
2. Caddyshack
“Caddyshack” holds a special place in the hearts of movie-goers, and now they can revisit the inspired lunacy of this 1980 classic. Bonus rounds based on your favorite scenes from the movie will bring back memories of a time when feature films actually had scripts.
“There’s a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and hit the ‘Max Bet’ button.”
3. Breaking Bad
Any show that good has to make for a memorable slot machine. Clips from the AMC crime drama play while you build your drug empire.
For the record, ultra-pure meth would be clear or white, not blue. Then again, it’s a slot machine, not a chemistry test.
4. Ted
We’ve waited long enough for a slot machine based upon “Ted,” the story of a foul-mouthed Teddy bear brought to life. Game play involves lots of highlights from the film, including an appearance by Sam J. Jones, star of “Flash Gordon.”
We’re pretty sure this slot made its debut at last year’s G2E, but hey, it’s new to us.
5. Monty Python and The Holy Grail
In another blast from the past, it’s the “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” slot. From what we could tell, the twisted humor from “Holy Grail” translates nicely into the slot machine format, and the words “Killer Bunny” means the slot maker, IGT, didn’t shy away from the juicier bits.
They used coconuts in the film because they couldn’t afford actual horses.
Oh, all right, one runner-up. The “Game of Thrones” was getting some pretty good buzz on the trade show floor, too.
We’re looking forward to playing the “Who the hell can keep all these plot lines straight?” bonus.
And now for the worst of the worst of the slot machines in display at the Global Gaming Expo. It’s all subjective, of course, but we just happen to be right most of the time, so fair warning.
1. Dumb and Dumber
The name of the slot sort of nails our feelings about this slot machine based upon the original “Dumb and Dumber” movie.
Same question we asked about the “Dumb and Dumber” sequel: “Why?”
2. Cher
Why are they thinking is the audience for a Cher-inspired slot machine? This game could be the best evidence yet that the slot machine industry is completely out of new ideas.
Cher made $60 million for her three-year residency at Caesars Palace.
3. TMZ
There’s a new slot machine based upon TMZ (the celebrity news TV show). And, no, this isn’t a joke we mocked up in Photoshop. If there could ever be a dumber idea for a slot machine than one actually called “Dumb and Dumber,” this would be that.
Because the slot machine called “Bottom-Feeders” failed to impress focus groups.
Now, before we leave G2E, we should note the fact there was another bright spot. Specifically, the Gamblit Gaming booth.
Gamblit seems to be on the leading edge of the much-talked-about prospect of slot machines becoming more skill-based, interactive and social. In Las Vegas, Downtown Grand is among the first to partner with Gamblit Gaming, and new games should be appearing in Las Vegas casinos in early to mid-2016.
Gamblit’s booth was bustling throughout our visit to G2E, and attendees seemed to find their games irresistible.
Most notable was Grab Poker. The game is played by four people on what amounts to a large touch screen.
Slot Machines Video Wins
Get ready for a new addiction.
It’s a fast-paced game, and definitely skill-based. Players “grab” cards from the center of the console to build a poker hand. The winning hand wins the pot (less a commission for the casino, of course).
Unfortunately, no video was allowed, so we’re unable to show you the video we took, below.
New Slot Machine Wins Videos
Virtually all of the new interactive casino games had social media elements built into them, because social media is, to paraphrase Homer Simpson, the cause of and answer to all of life’s problems.
Whether such games are truly the future of casinos remains to be seen, but experts in the field of casino gambling feel it’s a direction worth exploring.
Youtube Newest Slot Wins
In the meantime, we’ll stick to our favorite slot machine, Top Dollar. You know, the one that’s interactive (you push buttons), has skill-based bonus rounds, and which we occasionally play with a friend, you know, socially.