Stormin' Jackpots Slot Machine
Storms are always a source of excitement and energy, whether it’s a fast moving thunderstorm on a summer day or a dangerous tornado ripping through the countryside. You might not normally associate the weather with gambling, but some casino manufacturers clearly disagree. If you need any more proof, you won’t have to look further than Stormin’ Jackpots by Aristocrat.
In this series of games, players will enjoy a mix of classic slots action and more modern video features, which creates a unique aesthetic that is a bit unlike most casino slot machines. However, the real attraction here is the jackpot system, in which you’ll be hoping that the storm rages for as long as possible in order to ramp your way up to the largest possible payouts.
The Clouds Gather
The Stormin’ Jackpots video slot machines are housed in what Aristocrat calls a hybrid cabinet. These machines do have full video capabilities, but the basic gameplay takes place on a more traditional mechanical set of reels. Given this unique setup, you won’t be surprised to learn that you can’t find these titles at online gambling sites, which means you can only play for real money at live venues.
This series is comprised of several different machines, each of which has its own theme. Some popular titles include Island 777, Lotus Garden, Bushido 7, and Indigo Cove. In each case, the game is presented in a five reel setup, though the number of paylines varies; in the case of Lotus Garden, you’ll even be able to use the Reel Power system, which offers players 243 ways to win on every spin.
As in standard slots, the object of each game is to match symbols from left to right across the reels. The symbols vary: in Indigo Cove, for instance, everything on the reels is thematic (flowers, pandas, and the like), while Bushido 7 uses mostly traditional bars and sevens of different types. These games are sometimes offered as penny slots, but even those that are not are generally marketed towards low limit players, meaning you won’t have to be a high roller to enjoy a spin or two.
Hear the Thunder
As the name suggests, the one feature that connects all of the Stormin’ Jackpots video slot machines is the Stormin’ Jackpots bonus. Above the main game reels, you’ll also see four boxes. On any spin, each of these could be filled in with a cloud and lightning bolts. Should all four of these appear on the same spin, you’ll trigger the special jackpot round.
In this round, you’ll see a weather map of the United States with 15 oval spaces covering the screen. Each of these acts like a reel. Players start with five spins, with the goal being to collect as many jackpot storms as possible. It’s also possible to hit numbers, which immediately award those number of coins to the player. Storms remain in place, however, and players are hoping to lock in as many as they can. Once your five spins are up, you’ll be able to continue spinning as long as you hit at least one new storm on each round.
Once you no longer hit any more jackpot symbols, the round ends. You’ll win your bonus credits, but you could also be awarded one of the game’s two progressives. Hit 12 or more storms, and you’ll get the minor progressive, while the maximum of 15 awards the major progressive instead.
Each of these machines also has its own unique special features. For instance, in Island 777, players could gain entry into two different free spins rounds, both of which offer players the opportunity to get extra wild symbols on the reels that increase their chances of walking away with large payouts.
Brave the Storms
It’s likely that many gamblers will be attracted to Stormin’ Jackpots by Aristocrat thanks to the unusual presentation style that comes with the hybrid cabinet that contains these machines. That might be a little bit of a gimmick, but it comes off rather nice looking, and we think it will appear to some users who like the feel of mechanical slots even while appreciating how video-based machines can offer up more bonus features. Of course, the inclusion of two progressive jackpots will excite lots of players, too. Overall, this is a very solid package, and shouldn’t be overlooked just because of its unusual look.
