Recently back from Vegas ... catch the highlights here!

[the Shamus]

Hi Folks:

There are lots of places to play slots -- but for me -- Vegas is the place to be!

I recently returned from Vegas and have plenty of highlights to share!

Here is a nice win on a slot called, "Red Rhino". Ironically ... I actually landed this one when I visited Detroit, a week after the Vegas trip. However, it did generate a nice multiple!



/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\

 

[the Shamus]

Another hit from Detroit ...

Okay ... I know I told you about Vegas ... but I loved this game from Detroit called, HOT HOT 8 -- it is a WMS game ... and it is only available in Detroit (MGM Grand) (to the best of my knowledge):



/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\

 

[the Shamus]

The Elton John Slot Machine!

Okay ... I promised Vegas ... and nothing says Vegas like the new ELTON JOHN slot machine! This one was all over Vegas this month!



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[Simmo!]

Nice videos Shamus. Can't wait for my trip later this year.

Here is a nice win on a slot called, "Red Rhino".

Is it me or are IGT just scared of innovation? WMS always release new and interesting games that push the envelope both in game-play and in design while IGT seem frightened to take a risk. They either regurgitate old staples (Red Rhino is just a clone of Kitty Glitter) or when they do try to innovate, they come up with safe low-variance slots like the Super Stacks games or Ghostbusters or they play safe by re-vitalising old games they know work (ie: Wild Wolf, Davinci Dual-Play).

As for online, the only decent slot IGT have produced in recent years in my opinion is the first Star trek game. They also did a sensible thing in launching the 15-line Pharaohs Fortune game online too although again, that is hardly breaking new ground.

And as for the "refreshed" version of Cleopatra: it is not only horrible but is a reflection of why, in my opinion, they are getting left behind. Which is a shame as they were the first of the big providers to embrace online and as such should be in a strong position.

 

[the Shamus]

IGT and innovation ...

Hi Simmo!

re: Can't wait for my trip later this year.
Any chance you will be in Las Vegas for the G2E this year ...? Would be fantastic to meet you and/or Brian. I get so busy on my trips there, but I would go out of my way to catch up with you for a meal or something.

re: Is it me or are IGT just scared of innovation?
While I do not have any insight into this company ... we are talking about a company who owned 90% of the slot machines on the casino floors over 20 years ago. That dominance has been eroded ... and IGT wisely got into the back office systems (with Bally as one of the major competitors in this space). By most measures, IGT is still a world leader in the industry ... and they still do well in the LEASED GAME space (think Wheel of Fortune or Sex and the City) ... but their "for sale" games have been horrible for years. That said, there are still a lot of casual players who play their low volatility games -- not a favorite of the internet crowd (they like high risk, high reward -- it makes for better videos). I get the impression a lot of the slot talent has been drained from this company. It seems to be run by accountants making decisions by dollars and sense instead of any kind of artistic vision. If you are an optimist, perhaps the new ownership will help this company make better games.

re: WMS always release new and interesting games that push the envelope both in game-play and in design while IGT seem frightened to take a risk.
WMS has always been a market leading company driven by innovation. They listen to players ... and they are passionate about slots. By the same token, they may have missed some opportunities to milk their successes to their potential. I always use the Cascading Reels as an example -- WMS invented them ... dropped them ... and IGT (High 5 Games) continues to successfully milk that play mechanic.

re: They either regurgitate old staples (Red Rhino is just a clone of Kitty Glitter)
Red Rhino doesn't bother me as much as you -- since tweaks were made to a classic -- this one is 20 free spins, and multi-days (instead of paylines). I felt this was one of the few newer games I would actually play ... and it can actually pay.

re:they come up with safe low-variance slots like the Super Stacks games or Ghostbusters or they play safe by re-vitalising old games they know work (ie: Wild Wolf, Davinci Dual-Play).
The games you mention reek of slot titles designed by a mathematician instead of a real designer. I'm not sure if that is the case, but I wonder ...

re: As for online, the only decent slot IGT have produced in recent years in my opinion is the first Star trek game. They also did a sensible thing in launching the 15-line Pharaohs Fortune game online too although again, that is hardly breaking new ground.
I wonder if IGT picked up the license because WMS owns the North American bricks and mortar license ... more of a jab ...?

re:And as for the "refreshed" version of Cleopatra: it is not only horrible but is a reflection of why, in my opinion, they are getting left behind. Which is a shame as they were the first of the big providers to embrace online and as such should be in a strong position.
Sounds like online struggles with the same headwinds as the "for sale" casino games.

Thanks for the great post ... I love the conversation!

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\

 

[the Shamus]

Huge win on a 3 reel game!

My buddy SLOTSPERT and I were playing an old WMS reel game (although it appears to be a recent remake) called WILD ZONE. We thought we hit a decent $30 win (on a 90-cent bet) ... ah, it was much much better than we suspected! See for yourself!



/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\

 

[Simmo!]

Hi Simmo!

re: Can't wait for my trip later this year.
Any chance you will be in Las Vegas for the G2E this year ...? Would be fantastic to meet you and/or Brian. I get so busy on my trips there, but I would go out of my way to catch up with you for a meal or something.

OK let's continue this conversation in Vegas Will PM you.