The sound is practically synonymous with the high rolling casinos of Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other gambling holes around the world.  The lights flash, the bells ring, the spinners which around.  It is like a gambler’s version of pinball.  This is the Slot Machine, The One Armed Bandit, The Money Pit…and more.  They all have creative names, some even offer the allure of huge prizes.  All you have to do is slip your dollars into the mouth of the machine, yank the handle and watch your money spin away into oblivion as you roll a cherry-cherry-cher…orange.  Of course, one you have run out, you can always slink back to your room and sip a complimentary margarita while you try to explain the loss of another paycheck.

Now, Real Dice offers the solution for all of you slot machine fanatics.  All of the fun of slots with none of the risk.  Feed it dollars all day without worrying about how you will pay next month’s rent.  The bells ring, the lights flash, and your wallet stays safely tucked in your pocket where you left it.  Le’s take a closer look.

[Note: Before reading on, you should read my review of Real Dice World Launcher, which will give you an overview of the environment in which this game exists.]

Installation and Registration: There are two ways to download the game. First, if you have subscribed to the full Real Dice Service, then you can download it over the air using the Real Dice Launcher. Additionally, you can download the desktop installer and install it via ActiveSync. If you are not a Real Dice member yet, there is a limited trial which you can use to test out the game.

Slots Overview: Slots is one of the most common machine games in the casino.  Each slot machine consists of there reels behind a window, and a handle which sends them spinning when pulled.  When the reels stop spinning, each will display three images in a column, for a total of nine displayed images.

To play, simply determine which of the five pay lines on which to bet (your bet will be the same for each pay line).  There are a total of five pay lines: across the middle, across the top, across the bottom, and two diagonals.   The machine pays out based upon the symbols displayed across the pay line(s) on which you bet. 

To determine which combinations will pay out, check in at the payout table for the quick reference chart.

Single Player Game: When you start a new game, the first thing you will have to do is create a profile.  You can have up to three different profiles saved at the same time, keeping track of your winnings and (more likely) losings.

The next thing you will do is determine the value of the game.  Here, you can decide how much money to start with (up to $500) and how much each coin will be worth ($1, $5, or $10).  Of course, the higher the value of the coin, the more you will use for each round.  On the other hand, a higher coin value can always mean a much larger payout if you win.

Having set the value of the game, it is time to step up to the machine and get ready to play.  Now, it is decision time again, champ.  How many coins are you going to play this round?  Play one for the center line.  A second will add the bottom line.  The third coin gives you the top line.  Fourth and fifth give you each of the diagonals.  Each line is marked by a different colored star which lights up when that line is being played.

Now, just tap the "6" button to pull the handle and set the reels spinning.  Of course, if you were in Vegas, this is where the chanting would begin, "bar…bar…bar…come on bar…orange, OK…come on second orange…yes, second orange.  How about three?…come one…cherry.  Dang!"  And with that, the second round will begin.

Of course, if you ever have trouble remembering what combinations pay out and how much they pay, just tap the "?" on the "2" button.  That will display a handy chart of each payout combination.  Of course, the highest payout is three bars, with a 1000 to 1 payoff.

Internet Game: The Internet Game is virtually identical to the Single Player Game.  The only difference is that the Internet Game will save your statistics in your online profile.  This makes slots a great way to bankrupt your online profile or use it to shoot the moon.

There really is not an opportunity to play head to head against another player, because slots is a uniquely individual gambling experience.  However, by logging onto the Slots server, you can play alongside people from around the world, chat with them, and share your experiences.  Additionally, because it affects your online profile, winning (or losing) at slots can have a significant impact upon your ability to participate in other online games in the Real Dice family.

Conclusion: Typically, I am not a fan of computer slots.  Without the thrill of the live action, it really becomes little more than watching a cartoon on the screen.  The reason I say this is, unlike most gambling and table games, slots is a game which requires absolutely no skill and minimal interaction.  Regardless of how well drawn the graphics may be, in the end, it is still the same game.  All you do is spin the reels.  Everything else is happenstance.

Of course, in a real casino, the crowds, the feel of the coins, even the bells, whistles, and lights, make for an overall experience which masks what is really at play.  With these experiences taken out of the equation…well, it can be a lot like watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show on video.  You suddenly come to realize that what made it fun was the experience…the interaction of the crowd, not the movie itself.

Real Dice, by offering an online version of the game, attempted to remedy this problem.  They put a piece of the experience back into the slots by allowing your successes and failures to affect your online profile, and your ability to compete in other games.  This makes the game well worth playing.  Not only are you gambling your imaginary profile’s money, but also his standing in the community.  Now we are watching a real movie.  Send in the bells and whistles, because I’ve got me a One Armed Bandit to Attend.

Vital Statistics:

Name: Real Dice Slots

Platform: WM 2003 SE, WM6

Also Available: WM5, Palm OS, Blackberry, Symbian, PC, Windows Mobile Smartphone,and more… 

Developer: Real Dice

Price: $6.95, or free with a subscription to Real Dice World

Available From: Real Dice

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