Striking Joker

Striking Joker Overview

Created by GameArt, Striking Joker is a hybrid slot that combines the traditional format and aesthetics of an original slot game with the features and playing dynamics of the modern era. In this way, GameArt has tried to capture the best of both worlds. On the one hand, a core demographic of gamers enjoy the nostalgic reel set and the simple fruit symbols. However, the sometimes-dull playing experience of these types of slots can make people disinterested. Hence, the designer has incorporated features that, in addition to giving the game a bit more spice, also add to the lucrative aspect of this game.

The features here begin with the Card Reveal bonus. This feature is triggered when players land a matching symbol on all nine positions. You are subsequently shown five cards to pick from. The Card you pick will then determine the number of free spins you are granted. These spins will also be accompanied by a random multiplier. During these spins, an expanding wild is also at play. When it lands, it fills the entire reel and stays sticky for the duration of the feature. The base game also has a regular wild bonus and a re-spin feature. All features will be explained in more detail later in the review.

Theme and Symbols

Although called Striking Joker, the Joker character does not feature much in this game apart from when you see the Joker wild on the reels. Usually, designers lean on the aesthetic of the Joker to carry much of the visual appeal of a game. However, GameArt has chosen to keep things a little more straightforward with a simple screen punctuated by fireworks and a purple background that is easily overlooked. For us, this was seen as a relief as Joker-themed slots are usually gaudy, wacky, and painfully colourful.

The background for this game is an out-of-focus firework display that makes sense in tandem with the large bottle rockets seen on either side of the playing board. It is a gentle and calming background that works pleasantly with the overall colour scheme of the game. Little else can be said about the image as it is so simple.
The playing board for this game is a golden rectangle with a rich violet interior.

The symbols for this game are split into high-paying, low-paying and special symbols. The low-paying symbols are the X, the cherries, the lemons, the oranges and the grapes. The grapes are the most valuable of these, worth 1.4x the stake for the top combination. On the other hand, the more valuable symbols are the plums, the bar symbol and the lucky 7. The lucky 7 is the most valuable, worth 4x the stake for the top combination. The only special symbol here is the joker wild which is also the most valuable symbol in the game, worth 8x the stake for the top combination.

Game Play

Striking Joker is played on a 3-reel, 3-row machine with five fixed pay lines. To win combinations, players must land three or more matching symbols on pay lines moving from left to right, starting from the leftmost reel.

The betting range for Striking Joker is 5p to £100 per spin. To adjust their bet levels, players can toggle their stake up and down using the tool located at the bottom left-hand side of the screen.

Further information, including a short tutorial and a display of the paytable, can be found via the menu button in the right-hand corner of the screen. The spin and auto spin buttons are located in the centre of the screen.
Volatility for this slot is rated in the medium range. The return to player percentage of Striking Joker is 96.2%, which is about average. The biggest payout that players can win on one spin is 2,500x your stake.

Features

The main feature here is the Card Reveal bonus, triggered when players manage to land a matching symbol on all nine positions on the screen. Do this, and five cards will appear on the screen. You then pick one. The Card that you pick will reveal a number of free spins that you have won between 5 and 25. You’ll then go on to play your free spins.
Throughout this feature, a random multiplier will be in play, boosting the size of your wins. An expanding wild appears on the third reel too. If it lands, it will fill the reel and become stuck for another spin.

The base game comes with the regular wild bonus. These wilds, as with the other wilds, substitute for other symbols to help you score wins. Landing three of these wilds also pays out at 8x the stake.
Finally, this game also has a re-spin game triggered when players get two reels to match. The game will then freeze these reels and re-spin the third for a chance to trigger the Card Reveal bonus.

Conclusion

This game is unlikely to turn heads; however, it has a lot more going on than people might initially think. This is especially true of the features that are involved, which are generous and lucrative. This being said, you aren’t likely to find life-changing amounts of money in this game, even if the RTP is solid and the volatility isn’t too high. A solid slot for sure but nothing that is going to break records.