Diamond Crush Slot
Looking for diamonds isn’t often part of our day jobs, for even though we like the idea of the good life, the good life doesn’t tend to favour us. Fortunately, we have a guardian angel in SimplePlay, a brand that is bringing crushing gameplay in the form of Diamond Crush. Presented in a 5-reel format, this looks like a classic slot machine, but is it what it seems?
We’ve come across a lot of titles that appear to be one thing and then deliver another, and so we’re always open-minded before we get playing. In this instance, we’re pleased that we didn’t doom this slot before it had even begun because it has some nifty features. That being said, don't go thinking you’re about to unleash a world of choices when all you’re getting is a series of free spins. We can be excited, but that doesn’t mean you’re about to uncover a diverse slot machine.
Progressively Winning
If you’re like us and like to do some research before you start gaming, you’ll have no doubt seen that Diamond Crush offers a progressive jackpot; broken down into three levels, it’s quite a big one. These tiers are constantly listed at the side of the action, helping to keep you focused on what could become yours - note the ‘could’ part of that comment. You see, SimplePlay have made this side of their slot randomly triggered, which of course means that it could happen instantaneously or not at all.
The only way you can up the odds of getting the money is by betting higher and higher. This is because the greater your wager, the more likely you are to unlock one of those payouts, and trust us when we say that even the Mini Jackpot is considerable. At the time of play, the figures stood at 13,243 for the Mini, 21,164 for the Minor, and 1,660,303 for the Major.
Bombs Away!
Interestingly, SimplePlay have included a feature that is called the Bombing Reels Feature. When you first read this it sounds like something all shiny and new, but once you see it in action, you realise it’s actually just another term for cascading reels. Therefore, while a characteristic we appreciate seeing, it’s not as innovative as it sounds.
Nevertheless, it’s still a feature we should break down and explain, especially if you’re new to online slot machines. This extra will only occur when you form a winning line, and it’ll only focus on the symbols making up that combination. Basically when you form a win, the icons that helped you obtain victory will shatter (or explode) and be replaced by new tiles, while the other non-winning icons stay in place. This will keep on happening until no more wins are formed.
Your Gemstone of Choice
Even though the special reels feature is good, the free games is where the excitement is at during Diamond Crush; as many as 18 rounds can be yours. All you need to do is secure at least three of the scatter icons, and then choose from the gemstones presented to you. There’s five in total, all of them different colours, shapes and sizes, as well as being associated with a different prize amount.
After selecting your jewel, the reels will start rolling and the countdown begins. Players should note that this is quite a stern bonus round because they won’t be able to retrigger the free games. This then means that the scatter won’t be included in the free games paytable. Although we can understand that extra spins can become boring, knowing they’re so closed off makes us less keen on the idea of playing them.
Just like Lanterns
Some might say that gemstones are like lanterns, in a way: they twinkle and project light, and are most beautiful to look at. If you’re one of these like minded souls, you’ll probably want to investigate the 5-reels of Star Lanterns from IGT. Using a drop down system of spinning like Diamond Crush, this is a slightly smaller online slot at 20 winlines instead of 30. Be warned though, the volatility is quite high with this IGT example, so you may find your patience tested a lot more than what it is here.
All That Sparkles
Diamond Crush isn’t a first rate game, this we can say without any sense of guilt; the 5-reels are heavily dated now, with graphics that are blocky and unpolished. That being said, the gameplay is solid and easy to understand, and the features are responsive if not immersive. This is a classically influenced slot machine that will appeal to old school gamers, or those looking to familiarise themselves with an easy set of slot machine mechanics.
