Ink’d Slot
This is one for all you tattoo lovers out there, and there should be quite a few of you considering how much of the earth’s population has been inked at one time or another.
This Omega Gaming title, appropriately named Ink’d, is a buzzing 5-reel slot machine that has a lot going on. Granted a lot of that variety comes from the aesthetics of the game instead of the paytable, but that doesn’t make this real cash slot any less enjoyable to play.
In some respects, this is a niche slot, even despite how many people go under the needles to get their bodies decorated. The reason for this is the acceptability of tattoos in society. It’s a sad truth that many still deem them unsightly, and therefore many users will be as equally turned off (if not more so) than turned on. Thankfully, those that do play won’t be in for any physical pain, although mental anguish may come from losing should you play for long enough.
Bright, in your face, and rearing to go, it looks like Ink’d could be the badass slot machine we’ve all been waiting for. That being said, only a good ol’ fashion playthrough will let us know for sure.
No Need for Numbing Cream
The process of getting tattooed is painful, it’s a truth many of us know but can overlook in order to walk away with unique artwork, but here the whole process is pain free, especially when it comes to the betting threshold.
Finding where to set your totals can be a bit trying, for the design of the slot is hardly user friendly; Omega Gaming have been so concerned about creating a visually stunning game, they’ve made it difficult to differentiate between the controls and the grid. Upon the control panel you’ll see the words ‘one’ and ‘fifteen’, these are referring to the number of winlines you can have active; click the one you want and the game resets itself.
As for the monetary amount, that’s controlled by the ‘stake’ widget on the lower right hand side. The starting point is 0.01 credit per line, with the maximum being worth 1 credit per line. A max bet toggle is there for those of you who have cash to flash, and so too is the autospins option.
Let’s Get Inked!
Ink’d has an Ink Bonus, which refers to a specific icon upon the matrix: it’s a traditional looking day of the dead skull and roses. This symbol can give you big multipliers, provided you find the symbols in the correct formation, and yes, you did read that right. Instead of needing to make a winning line, you need to land on certain tiles upon the grid, thus creating a pattern.
This feature can only take place on the second, third or fourth reels, which means that you’ll have a challenge on your hands to land the groupings just so.
However, when you get them right, you’re looking at either a x20, x25 or a massive x100 multiplier. Those kind of figures can really increase your final payout. The maximum amount available is 10,000 credits for five wilds, but imagine that with some juicy bonuses added on top. Talk about a win win situation.
Not so Permanent
Real tattoos are for life, but with Ink’d you get to try them out for as long as your funds last, which is a lot more convenient for many. However, while the experience is a fleeting one in comparison, it’s a well rounded and entertaining playthrough, even though there’s minimal variety.
Our biggest issue is the graphics of the game, or more specifically how they’ve been arranged: the visuals are so overwhelming that it can be difficult to focus on the action. What is more, after too long you tire of the onslaught of imagery and long for a simpler aesthetic.
This is one of those times when less would have been more. Nonetheless, Ink’d is an excellent slot machine, even though there’s room for improvement.
