Dice Express Slot Machine
Dice Express is a step up compared to many Viaden slots, in terms of both graphics and the level of engagement while playing it. This game is themed on the golden age of steam, with the reels being set inside what appears to be a double-ended stream train. While many Viaden slots are plain looking, this one is very detailed, with an amazing smog-covered city-scape in the background and a high level of detail on the reels. There are two break-out bonuses, as well as wilds on the reels. One is wheel based and the other one board-based. Unusually, the default number of lines in play is 21.
I like the use of grey on the design for this game. This really brings through the industrial feel, and means those few bright colours which do exist (for example the red on the dice) stand out nicely. Symbols include people with an original airman, woman wielding a giant spanner and Victorian explorer type all featured. There are also more mechanical symbols, for example the cogs of the ‘fortune wheel’ symbols. Playing card symbols are in use, though these are nicely styled. A dramatic guitar-based track plays in the background on a long loop. When the reels stop there are mechanical sounding clunks, and the occasional horn of a steam train for good effect. There are also animations when you hit winning combinations.
Break out bonuses include a ‘wheel of fortune’ where you can win up to 1000x your coin amount, and a wild dice game where you move around a board, collecting wins and avoiding the jail and police squares.
Setup and Play for Dice Express HD
This is the first time I have come across a 21 line slot. You can choose any number of lines you wish, and play from 5c per line up to 25c (for a top spin amount of $5.25c). As with all Viaden slots, the auto-play is configurable and lets you choose up to 2000 spins at a time.
Big wins are available via the wild symbol (woman with big spanner). This pays up to 10,000 coins for 5 on a line, and 2000 coins for 4. Remember that this wild will also make winning combinations on other lines much of the time. The steam engine symbol also has big wins. This is the scatter, paying out for 3+ anywhere on the reels. If you hit 5 you will win 1000x your total bet amount, 4 is 20x and 3 is 2x.
Regular wins come from the plane and car symbols (500 coins for 5) and the people (100 coins for 5). The playing card wins are smaller, though at 250 coins for 5 of Ace, King or Queen these are still generous compared to other slots.
Dice Express HD – Bonus Games
The Fortune Wheel bonus looks great, giving you the perspective of looking down on a giant wheel perched on top of some skyscrapers. You get between 1 and 6 spins, depending on how many wheel symbols trigger the game. 3 Symbols = 1 spin, 4 = 3 spins and 5 = 6 spins. The game itself is simple enough, you click a button which says ‘start’ and the wheel spins – stopping at a multiplier amount for your line bet. These are totalled and you’ll get a pop up at the end with you game winnings.
5 Dice symbols take you to a different game. Here you are faced with an industrial board that has a number of squares around it. You have up to 7 rolls of a dice which is in the middle of the board, along with results of the previous spins. Each roll moves you around, giving you a multiplier of your line bet. There are ‘back’ symbols (back to the start) and also a jail symbol and policeman which will prematurely stop your game. You simply spin the dice, though this is an entertaining and varied enough bonus for the first few times at least.
Dice Express HD – Conclusion
I enjoyed this game - it is distinctive and has great graphics. Even after a couple of sessions I am unable to work out whether this is steam-punk or steam-age – though whichever angle they are going for it does look visually stunning. The 2 bonus rounds keep you engaged in the action, these are not so frequent as to constantly interrupt, though often enough to stop you from getting bored of simply spinning the reels. This is a great introduction to what Viaden are capable of producing – make sure you check it out for yourself soon.
