Robin Slot Machine
MGA real cash slots are a tad different from conventional ones, for they always seem to follow a specific format: two games, one main and one upper, and several small but rewarding bonus rounds. We’ve yet to play an MGA title that doesn’t follow this layout, and so when we loaded up Robin, we weren’t surprised.
A take on the legend of Robin Hood, a rogue that takes from the rich and gives to the poor, is presented in a 3x3 grid, with the paytable winnings listed on either side of the screen. The prize amounts are broken down into three levels, helping to make it easier to comprehend what you can hope to win with the wager you placed.
The imagery is busy, yet not overwhelming, giving users a charming and rustic design in which to work towards the jackpot of 646 credits; not overly amazing, but a nice money cushion nonetheless.
Moving on up
Everyone will start off with the lower game, and will have to earn bonuses to make their way to the next level of gameplay, which is where most of the features happen to be. Therefore, should you have a hugely unsuccessful experience, you could end up never seeing the full extent of what MGA has on offer for you.
Seeing as there’s only 1 payline, the volatility is very high in Robin. That being said, the paytable tries to accommodate that factor by allowing you to mix and match some of the icons to make a win. It’ll be a low paying win, no matter your initial wager, but it’s a win nevertheless. Once your wins have heralded in a bonus, the display above the grid will give you a total, with the ‘Change Game’ button now available for you to press.
Throwing in Your Hat
The main game has a rather primitive form of roulette going on, once you’ve lined up three of the hat symbols. You need only spin the dusty bottle and it will eventually land on one of the several prizes marked around the table; they’re indicated by target icons, helping to highlight the rewards.
While it looks good when you play, the basics of it are very simple, and give an indication of what to expect in the other bonus rounds. Although MGA provide many features, the actual variety found within them is less than impressive, for most tend to be pick me options or wheel of fortunes dressed up as something else.
Stop, Thief!
Our favourite bonus round by far is the Crown Feature, accessed via the top level game. Here a slumbering king will be your victim, as you attempt to pick his pockets for various treasures. We enjoy it so because it feels more in-keeping with the story of Robin Hood and therefore has relevance, while some of the others seem to have been included merely for the sake of variance.
Will you manage to steal the lot without the king waking? We didn’t, we got caught in fairly short order, but maybe you have what it takes to go the distance and become the local hero.
The Trouble with Robin
On the surface of this slot, there’s a lot to like about it - the mini games, the accessible betting system, the two tiers of gaming options - but then you start to pay attention to what is being delivered, and you notice small cracks start to appear.
MGA, for all intents and purposes, have a winning game on their hands, with many drawn to the novelty of the theme and the riches of the wins. But we think the longevity isn’t encompassing enough to have you returning for second helpings. You just might if you missed out on all the bonus features, but that’s about the only reason we can see for you wanting to play again.
Robin is a flash in the pan, a one hit wonder: it’s great if it’s all new to you, but if you’ve played it before you know what to expect and therefore the excitement is lost. A good effort from MGA, but not their best by a long shot.
