Play Epic City for Free

This slot machine is ostensibly set in 1937 in a period of hope and prosperity after the great depression in America, or so the game's narrative exposition tells us. But in actual fact, the game presents a city scape that is far more modern and futuristic than any city from the 1930s, because there are towering skyscrapers, huge intercity train systems and even a few flying air-ships transporting people from place to place. So, in essence this game is perhaps more like a vision of hope and idealism for what a modern capitalist city could be like, a bit like in that in Fritz Lang's 1927 film, Metropolis.

As such, the game is sophisticated in theme, filled with imagery of success and power. There are icons showing technological achievements such as the automobile, the steam powered ship, the locomotive train and the blimp airship. There are also a few jewel encrusted playing card suits as well as some special gameplay symbols with bonus characteristics.

Epic City is full of prosperity and opportunity – if Ayn Rand had designed a slot machine, then this would be it. As such, every individual player has the opportunity to seize their fortune for themselves, and this is somewhat helped by the presence of a wild symbol and free spins scatter icon.

Perhaps in homage to Rand, the free spin scatter is actually depicted by a statue of Atlas holding up a globe which says “Free Spins”. However, instead of shrugging off his duty, this icon will help spinners by awarding a number of free games when three or more appear in any position of the reels (three scatters award 8 free games, four offer 12 free spins and five will line up 20). All of these free goes will be played with a randomly selected multiplier (either 2x, 3x, 5x, or 10x) as well as some stacked wild symbols, represented by an image of a golden man.

The main attraction of the city, however, is the bonus-building icon. This towering symbol of human engineering only appears on reels 1, 3, and 5, but when three are seen at any one time, the bonus side game will begin. The lights of the city will go out and players will have the chance to power up the generators to save the day whilst also powering up their balances with a whole load of special prizes. Each fuse light awards a different bonus prize and some will even give punters the chance to “Win All” or “Advance” to the next fuse-box level. However, if you find a “Collect” prize then you will be taken back to the main game with whatever winnings you have gathered.

What kind of wealth lies within this Epic City slot machine? Well, not a great deal in reality, because the games maximum standard play jackpot is capped at a relatively unimpressive 2,000 credits. However, it should be noted that this is so low because the game's bet per line options are relatively small in scope. They are: 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00. All 20 lines are fixed in place, meaning that the chosen line bet amount will be multiplied by 20 to calculate the total bet.

The biggest prize is paid when five wild symbols appear on a payline, rewarding a 1,000x line bet multiplier. This is followed by the zeppelin, the train and the ship, which pay 500x, 200x, and 100x respectively when five are matched. The car icon and the hearts symbol both award a 50x line bet reward for five while diamonds, clubs and spades icons pay no more than 40x. The free spin scatter icon will pay a total bet multiplier of 25x when 5 appear, regardless of paylines.

Epic City is a very powerful slot machine. The theme is well thought out and expertly realised to present an air of hope and prosperity in a bustling urban environment. Plus, there is a decent spread of bonus elements to keep the spinning action interesting while making sure that spinners have every chance to seize their own slice of wealth and fortune. If you like this Old Skool Studios slot, check our review of the Aztec Gold game when you get a chance!