Another One Bites the Dust?
Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out quite as the team behind Easter Island Studios intended and they’ve pretty much fallen off the radar as quickly as they burst onto it.
Listing Peter-Paul Feenstra as a shareholder and studio manager on their LinkedIn profile, the company only has five other employees associated with it. And just as that profile has seemingly been abandoned, so have their other social media channels as 2016 was the last time there was an update made to their Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram accounts.
An explanation for this could be that the company experienced difficulties with their license applications to the UKGC and the Alderney Gaming Control Council as they were filed around that time and their games still don’t seem to be available at any online casino.
Just when we were starting to suspect that this was another case of a software provider biting the dust, Easter Island Studios surprised us just a few months ago by releasing a trailer on their Vimeo channel. The 75-second video showcases the gameplay of Reef Rush, a 5-reeled video slot which boasts free spins and stacked symbols. While there have been no updates on their other channels, fingers crossed this is a sign that the company still have the desire to fulfil the promises they made.
Like Nothing You’ve Seen Before
That’s how Easter Island Studios describe their small collection of free online slots, all of which have been developed using HTML5 technology to ensure you won’t experience any compatibility issues no matter which device you use, and we agree with the bold statement as their ‘game-changing games’ have no trouble competing with the cinematic graphics delivered in Betsoft Gaming slots, the introductions always captivate your attention as a story unfolds, plus they’ve been packed with a variety of special features to help you win in style.
When discussing slots developed by Easter Island Studios, it would be criminal to start anywhere other than The London Heist video slot. Taking inspiration from the brazen Hatton Garden raid, their flagship slot consists of 5 reels with 30 paylines and sees you join forces with a trio of pensioners to pull off one last job. You’ll be following them down a lift-shaft before drilling through a wall and gaining access to the safety deposit room where boxes filled with other people’s valuables await. Boasting an impressive return-to-player percentage of 96%, The London Heist has been loaded with exciting bonus features, including a Wild symbol and click me bonus game, to help you pull off the ‘impossible’ heist.
As a sporting aficionado, The Champ is another of their online slots that caught my attention. You better be ready to rumble as the boxing-themed slot sees you fill the boots of a small, inexperienced boy to jab, hook and uppercut your way to victory against The Slugger to claim the World Championship. It’s a tough task and not one for the faint-hearted, but with Wild Fury’s, Scatter symbols and multiplier belts at your disposal, we’ve got every faith that you’ll be able to land the necessary knockout blow that will see you secure the riches your blood, sweat and tears deserve.
In addition to these magnificent releases, Professor Archibald and the Catacombs of Easter Island promises lots of good fun and mystery during a jungle adventure, Traffic Jam will quell your road rage as you experience the only fun traffic jam that you’ll ever encounter, Magitech Monsters transports you to the steamy jungles of Easter Island where other forms of life will greet you, Los Pollos takes you to the Nevada desert where you’ll be rewarded for helping chickens build a rocket to escape their fate of being served up on a plate, Pier 39 provides stunning views of the world-famous pier in San Francisco where a resident seal called Clyde will guide you to salty rewards, while Sprezzatura takes you witness a culinary war as you’re served up a host of tasty bonus features.
Fancy Spinning the Wheel of Destiny?
Well, we desperately wanted to as well after watching the enthralling promotional video at ICE Totally Gaming, but Wheel of Destiny is now nowhere to be seen on the company’s website.
Hailed as the world’s first 360 Reel slots game, Easter Island Studios clearly had big expectations for the Asian folklore-inspired slot as they claimed it was ground-breaking and would make your heart beat faster. Boasting 5 reels in a unique circular format, multiplied wins of up to 15x and Scattered gemstones were all promised in the much-anticipated slot, however, we can only assume that trademark issues are the reason it’s since vanished.
What the Future Holds
Easter Island Studios have clearly encountered some stumbling blocks during their short history in the iGaming industry. It’s something we encounter all too often with new software providers cropping up to tease us with incredible games only to fall on hard times. While it’s not clear whether financial problems or licensing difficulties are to blame for their hiatus, one thing we’re sure everyone will agree on is that it would be a massive shame to see the company fall by the wayside.
The collection of online slot machines that they’ve developed to date are quite exceptional, especially when you consider what a small company they are with just a handful of very talented employees, and despite the fierce competition they face in the 3D market, we think Easter Island Studios possess all the ingredients to make an impact and build a loyal fan base.
We’re keeping our fingers, and toes, crossed that their teaser video of Reef Rush is an indication that the company is ready to bounce back from their setbacks and that we’ll all be able to enjoy their casino slot machines for real cash in the very near future.
