Dewberry said:
a number flashed on the credits ... and it turned out to be the actual amount I won on the spins
I think all free spin games are probably predetermined. For example, Moonshine, I think it is just an illusion that you are "choosing" boxes from that grid. Most likely, each box you uncover is just the next one in the sequence that the server has already chosen for you. And once you "find" the Start Free Spins box it fills in all the other boxes with random items so that you think to yourself, "Ohh.... I was SO CLOSE to another +1x multiplier, I knew I shouldn't have clicked that one!" but it doesn't make a difference your number of spins and your multiplier were already predetermined.
Also, have you ever played Cabin Fever or Elementals? Do you notice how loose those slots are (with small wins at least) UNTIL you get the free spins? For that matter, Avalon and Kathmandu boast an extra wild symbol during free spins. Well that's fine and dandy you think to yourself, because those symbols appear all the time during normal play. But where the heck are they during the free spins?! Oh, wait, there's one on the 5th reel, blocked by a scatter symbol so that you can't use it.
That's not to say that these games aren't still
FUN!! And the potential to win
BIG is still there.
To go even further off-topic (I'm allowed to do that since I started this thread, right?) Have you heard about the new slots game that Microgaming is coming out with, Cashanova? With
30 paylines, a free spins feature AND multiple bonus features? I can't wait until that comes out! Here's a snippet in case you missed it:
Cashanova - If you had to compile a list of all the player favorites for a really big, opportunities-rich and exciting game, you would probably end up describing Microgaming's latest new flagship video slot, Cashanova. This is the mother of all slots with 5 reels and 30 pay lines, together with free spins, mystery multipliers and multi-tiered bonus games.
Clear play guides, simple navigation and sharp, brightly coloured graphics accompany a great sense of humour with this cutting edge video slot game. Check out the unruffled, strutting hero, Roger Rooster's antics, as he pursues the voluptuous Henrietta Hen to her luxurious nest with a range of unique gifts from chocolate corncobs to eggcentric jewelry. Players should keep a lookout for Roger's favourite reading material, as Henhouse Magazine is the Scatter symbol that can lead to wins multiplied by the total bet placed by individuals.
Despite the features probably being predetermined as well... I can't wait for it to be released, it sounds like lots of fun!