Exploring the Options Panel
Every software provider has its own distinctive options panel that features directly below the reels of each online slot released. August Gaming is no different. The purpose of this is to display your balance and the number of coins won on each spin. It’s also here where you adjust the size of your bet and click to spin the reels.
The golden options panel in each August Gaming slot also includes buttons for the pay table and a menu. From the menu, you can switch languages, turn the sound on and off, switch between normal and full-screen view, and activate turbo mode to make symbols fall into place almost instantly. It’s also worth noting that an autoplay function can be activated by holding the spin button when you click it. It’s just a shame there are no options to stop autoplay at specific points – such as when a certain amount has been won or lost – which so many other software providers offer.
Hallmarks of August Gaming Slots
In terms of visuals, if you enjoy 3D graphics and absorbing animations, you’re going to be disappointed while playing August Gaming slots. That’s because every release to date has been designed using flat 2D graphics. Wins are highlighted by basic animations that see symbols flash in and out, rather than the slot characters coming to life.
What really sets August Gaming apart from many other low-profile software providers is the desire to innovate. This is reflected in the team’s experiments with different structures, having released slots with a 3x3, 5x3, and 5x4 game matrix. In terms of the number of ways to win, they offer everything from 8-payline slots to those with 1,024 ways to win – so there’s something for everyone. Features are another hallmark of August Gaming, with the developer ensuring that each release includes at least one bonus feature. Wild and scatter symbols are common, but it’s the free spins and tumbling reels features that we reckon you’ll enjoy the most while playing their best slots.
Asian-Themed Slots at Your Fingertips
Online slots with an Asian theme dominate the portfolio of August Gaming, with 15 of the 17 slots released to date revolving around the history and mystique of the Far East. Zhuge Liang is one of the most fascinating slots in the lineup, based on the famous Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. If you’re fascinated by powerful emperors and empresses, Hail the Emperor and the Empress Dowager Cixi slot machine are a couple of games worth checking out.
Residents of the Far East are firm believers in fortune and luck, so you won’t be surprised to hear that August Gaming has released several online slot machines based on those beliefs. Among these slots are Mega Fortune God, Fortune Luck, 5 Blessings, Numbers Deluxe, 3 Treasures and Double 88. Other interesting Asian-themed slots worth checking out include Mythical Fire Qilin, Mr Tiger, The Red Phoenix, Samurai Warrior and The Third Lotus Prince.
Diversifying with Different Themes
Recognizing that players love a little variety during their slots sessions, August Gaming has attempted to diversify its portfolio in recent times. This has led to the release of King Kong and Super Fruit, a couple of slots that shy away from the tried-and-tested Asian theme.
The King Kong video slot is one of our favorites in the lineup, and we’re sure you’ll love it too. Transporting you to the heart of a jungle, the 5-reeled slot offers 243 ways to win as you search for fruits like coconut, banana and watermelon to entice the famous ape from his hiding place. Toppling reels is another name for the cascading reels feature, and its inclusion allows you to secure multiple wins from a single spin. You’ll also be hoping to see King Kong grow angry, as it means you’ve triggered a bonus game that sees him blast away symbols to form new combinations. If you can't get enough King Kong-themed gameplay, be sure to try the free Tidy slots and Blueprint Gaming slots based on the same character.
For some fruity fun, you’ve got to give Super Fruit a try. It’s a colorful fruit party that takes place across a 3x3 game matrix, with wins formed across a maximum of eight paylines. Strawberries and oranges are familiar symbols in fruit-themed slots, but it’s been given an oriental twist with the inclusion of gold ingots. However, the most peculiar symbol is the wild symbol, represented by a grenade. Whenever these appear, they’ll explode and transform into another symbol in the hopes of delivering a very juicy win.
Our Thoughts on August Gaming
Let’s begin with the negatives. The graphics and animations are a little too basic when you compare them to those which feature in the most recent online slots from the biggest providers. Hopefully, August Gaming goes on a recruitment drive and hires some 3D artists to bring its games to life sometime soon. The other criticism we have, and expect many of you to be disgruntled about, is that no return-to-player percentage is printed on the pay table of any of their slots.
Still, there is plenty to like about August Gaming slots. The themes are very interesting, while the varied game mechanics ensure there is a structure to appeal to every player. Plus, there are plenty of bonus features to help you win big. Finally, it will be interesting to see if August Gaming diversifies its offering to include table games. Baccarat is extremely popular among Asian players, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it offered first if August Gaming does branch out from its focus on developing slots.
