La Gelateria Slots
Sometimes a video slots game arrives on the scene that has seldom further prerogative than to provide players with the pleasure of getting stuck into an insanely delectable and good looking theme. Though it is extremely rare for a game’s developer to announce prior to releasing such a title that this in fact their mission, maybe because it is something often achieved by mistake, these games are usually very recognisable even before they hit the market.
In this highly connected world news spreads quick. So, when screen grabs or stills from an upcoming game due out from one of the world’s premier video slots developers start circulating, it does not take long at all for them to land in the cosy surroundings of our inbox.
We’ve seen it countless times during the years we’ve been involved in this thrilling business, hype grows to an unparalleled level during the run up to a games launch and speculation spreads regarding the attributes of said game. Ultimately, it all ends in disappointment. Even for the individuals who do enjoy the end product, their buzz has been well and truly ruined by the lethal combination of a long, drawn out hype period and the dismissive nature of the naysayers!
One video slots game which received its own fair share of pre-launch hype was La Gelateria, a recently emerged hatchling from the classics-producing nest that is SGS Universal. Kind of like an actual Gelateria (a shop in which one purchases the insanely tasty Italian ice cream), this title was subject to all kinds of hipster-minded mania during the weeks before it was unleashed.
So, what was it all about? Let’s try and get to the bottom of it, shall we?
Ice, Ice Baby
La Gelateria is praise worthy on account of its engaging and good looking theme alone, on this we’re sure we can agree (we: as in, all of those who have played it – not just had a look at the assortment of pre-launch pics in circulation!).
The backdrop to the game is that of a charming local market or shop, with red and white striped canopies and an assortment of brightly coloured features all of which scream ‘quaint local establishment’. Moreover, the game’s 3 reels (that’s right, just 3) are dressed up with all manner of delicious looking gelato creams. If you weren’t hungry before you loaded up this slot, you will be shortly after your first or second spin.
A Petite Treat
As mentioned the game is home to just three independent reels, upon which there is a maximum of just 5 win lines. Petite indeed, unlike anyone who indulges in gelato more than semi-regularly! For anyone who would usually be put off by a slot of such slender means, it may do some good to know that across the lines, there is a minimum bet of 1.00 and a maximum of 20.00 – far more than many traditional 5 reelers. This of course makes for a max bet of 100.00 per spin and can result in better odds given that there are fewer reels in play.
Some of the symbols only require a match of two in order to lodge a win – wins which are multiplied by 10x in the event that a third symbol falls into place! Furthermore, the game offers players not one, not two, but three routes towards free games, two which are triggered by the scatter symbol and award a gigantic 30 and 45 free spins respectively – not too bad for a game of such small stature!
La Gelateria is also home to a potentially lucrative free spin re-triggering function, as well as a gamble feature which enables players to put the entirety of their winnings on the line for a chance to double them. Cool little add-ons that make this game even more special.
Worth the Hype?
To refer back to our (much) earlier point of this game being subject to a great deal of hype in the run up to its release, deciding whether or not this was justified was a) always going to be a matter of personal opinion, and b) never the point of this review in the first place. So you’ll just have to give it a go and decide for yourself!
There’s a great deal lot to get excited about here, for sure. Through the fog of its brilliant theme and the unorthodox structure of its minimal reels, there is a powerful game that offers a great deal of opportunity to leave the Gelateria with more money than when you entered.
