Original Release: IGT, 1999
One of the earliest video slots, still found kicking around older casinos on Game King machines providing a true “nickel slot” experience
Leopard Spots (IGT, 1999)
Where to Buy: Was included in PC/Mac game collection IGT Slots Texas Tea (listed at Amazon)
Review by: C. M0use
Tucked away on select Game King machines in fading boomer casinos is Leopard Spots, which looks like some chintzy Newgrounds Flash game at first glance. It’s interesting for a couple of reasons, though. One is the unusual 3×3 reel setup. It’s also one of the last true nickel slots hanging in there, allowing you to just bet the center line if you want (adding nickels adds more winning paylines and then doubles or triples wins when you’ve covered all of them). But the main feature that interested me is that you win free spins when three of the leopard pelt symbols appear anywhere on the playfield, and you don’t have to bet any more than the center line to get them … I just ran a couple bucks through and I hit 9 and 12 free spins within just a couple of minutes.
Now, the free spins may not be too lucrative if you’re just betting the center line, as you’re stuck with whatever lines you were betting when they pop up. The frequency with which they appear definitely interested me though. At the very least, it seems like a good game to camp if you just want to cheaply pass some time and maybe get some free drinks.
Though it looks like something whipped up just for Game King by a UNLV student or something, this is actually a very old game from the era of the big switch to video slots in the early 00s that started out with its own cabinet and a 3×5 version. I don’t know if you can find that one around anymore, but IGT did make an ongoing series out of this and recently released a “Boost!” version that’s significantly fancier.
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