Pieces of Eight Online Slot Machine Review
As you probably guessed from the title, this game is very much a pirate themed slot. This is a competitive theme, with just about every slot software house tackling it at some point down the line. This is a step up for Saucify in terms of graphics, with the world map in the background a nice touch. Another plus is the inclusion of a pick-em game (based on treasure chests). Many Saucify slots only have a free spins feature – so it is always good to see a second bonus game alongside. I liked this slot a lot, with just one or two reservations about the way it cycles through the wins.
The use of transparent graphics, rather than solid blocks for the symbols gives this game a smooth and modern feel to it. These symbols are all the clichés of pirate themes, including the parrot, compass, cutlass, pirates themselves (Blackbeard) and an anchor. While you are playing a jolly jig plays on a continual loop in the background. This will either drive you crazy or add to the entertainment of the slot. For me it added to the game, with the ‘pieces of eight’ squawk from the parrot an amusing addition. When the black bearded pirate is part of a win he says ‘arrrr’. This would be fine, except he is also wild, and often contributes to many win lines. You will find situations where this symbol moves and says ‘arrrrr’ 5 or even more times in a row. For me it just felt ridiculous, taking the slot from being slick to being slightly retarded!
All in all a great game, with the treasure chest pick-em round played on a completely different screen – plus the opportunity to win up to 30 free spins.
Setup and Play for Pieces of Eight
This game uses a 5 reel, 3 row and 25 win line setup. You are free to play any number of win lines, though I always recommend the maximum when wild symbols are in use. You can select your coin values and play up to 10 coins per line. This makes the smallest spin 25c and the largest $25, so this is what's classed as a low limit slot. If you can tolerate the slow speed at which win lines are totalled after each spin, then the auto-spin is also available. If you're looking to win really big money, check out these high-paying slots.
Blackbeard is the wild in this game, and will substitute for the regular symbols (though not the cannon or chest). He does not have a win of his own listed. If you get 5 this will count the same as the biggest regular win – 10,000 coins or the pirate with the big nose. Other regular wins are 2000 for 5 of the skull and crossbones flag, 500 for 5 parrots, 400 for the cross guns and 300 for the cutlasses. Smaller wins come from the compass, telescope, ships wheel and anchor.
The cannon brings the free spins bonus game. 5 cannons gets you 30 spins, with 20 and 10 for 4 and 3 respectively. The remaining symbol is the treasure chest. 3+ of these anywhere on the reels wins you a shot at the ‘Pick a Chest’ bonus game.
Pieces of Eight Bonus Features
Unusually, there is no multiplier for the free spins game in this slot. You can win up to 30, and can retrigger even more (or the Chest bonus) while playing. The only difference you’ll see is a countdown of remaining spins along with total accumulated wins on top of the reels. The symbols, rules and game-play are otherwise identical to the main game.
Hitting 3 chests leads to a pop-up asking you to hit ok to start the bonus feature. This will then load separately from the main game. Once loaded you are taken to a beach scene, and shown 5 chests. The entire game involves picking one, and having the number of credits you won shown. A parchment then appears, showing you the win, and you return to the main game. This is nicely produced, though it does feel like a shame to spend time creating and loading a break out game for a game which involves just one click.
Pieces of Eight – Conclusion
With the ‘arrrr’ problem set to one side, this is a really nicely produced game. Everything from the music to the graphics ties together to create a slick experience. The inclusion of two bonus games is a big plus, since Saucify often use only a free spins feature for their games. This slot does have the potential for big wins too, with 10,000 coins possible by hitting 5 of the pirates on a line.
If you enjoy the pirate themed games, or just feel like something different to your regular themes, then this is one I’d be happy to recommend that you check out. If you want to try your hand at other free games first, check out our free casino slots section.
