Zillion Gators Slot Machine
Zillion Gators is a very unusual name for a slot machine but that is the name US slots developer IGT has chosen for this 5-reel, 30-payline game. Yep, you read that right - it's another animal-themed slot from those guys.
The set-up for this slot uses the popular math model that's present in other IGT slot machines like the frenetic Cash Coaster and the delightful Fire House Hounds. Players of those two slots will be listening with interest straight away.
A couple of attributes in this game will grab the attention of players. Firstly, the '70s music soundtrack will stick out like a sore thumb on the casino floor. If you love your Earth, Wind, and Fire, then brilliant. However, if you can't stand a bit of the Jackson 5 then you had better bring your earmuffs.
Secondly, there are two progressive jackpots up for grabs in the form of the Raccoon Progressive and the Possum Progressive. One can be triggered during the base game and the other can be activated when playing on the free spins bonus round.
Theme
Animal themes have proved to be a guaranteed winner for IGT over the years. Zillion Gators follows in the footsteps of big guns in the developer's slots portfolio like the stunning 100 Ladies, the iconic Cats, and the fabulous Kitty Glitter.
The reels are rammed with symbols so there are lots of combinations to be triggered across the reels. Symbols include dragonflies, moonshine, lilies, banjos, swamp fish, and ducks. The regular symbols are represented by coloured number 7 symbols.
Wild symbols are also present on Reels 2 and 5 only. They are represented by a painted wooden sign symbol. They have the power to substitute for all other symbols on the reels except for the Scatters and the symbols that possess different coloured coin symbols.
These coin symbols can make things a little confusing. Basically, all symbols can appear with a different coloured coin symbol. Symbols that boast these coins can substitute for their respective symbols without sub-symbols. The coloured coin sub-symbols only appear on Reels 2, 3, and 4. Check the game's rules page to get a visual representation but that's unlikely to add much clarity.
Scatters also appear on the reels in the form of a frog symbol. These only appear on Reels 2, 3, and 4 but when they appear they have the ability to trigger the free spins bonus round so they are worth watching out for.
You're also probably wondering how the progressive jackpots are triggered? These also involve the different coloured coins. Three symbols with the gold coins attached to them will trigger the Raccoon Progressive. Three symbols on the reels with the blue coins attached to them will trigger the Possum Progressive.
Features
This Zillion Gators slot machine comes with a couple of features. These are available alongside the two progressive jackpots so immediately you can see that there is lots going on in this slot machine. Here is a look at those bonus features.
- Gators Gone Wild – If you ever watched the Girls Gone Wild series where inebriated adolescents got their boobs out on camera during Spring Break then fear not. This is not an alligator version of that! Instead, this feature will see Wild symbols positioned on Reels 1 and/or 5.
- Free Games – This is your typical free spins bonus round. It is triggered by hitting three Free Games symbols across the reels. Once triggered, Reels 1 and 5 will lock in position with Wilds for the duration of the free games.
Summary
If you have reached this stage of the review then give yourself a pat on the back. That was a fair challenge to take all of that in. It is surely possible for IGT to have found a more efficient and simpler way to allow access to two different progressive jackpots without all the fuss and feathers of the coin sub-symbols.
Unfortunately, it is that needless complexity that turns this game from being an absolute winner into a bit of a letdown. Players will frequently be checking back and forth the rules to see what they need to trigger different features and progressives. Even after hours of play we were still unsure about everything.
Still, there is a lot to keep you occupied. If you have the know-how and experience to get to grips with this slot from an early stage then you can enjoy some decent gameplay. It can be hard work at times but overall it is not a terrible release.
