Super Pachinko Casino Game
Want to make your game sound more exciting? There’s nothing easier than throwing the word “super” in front of the title. Obviously, this means more of whatever you were offering before, extra features, bigger prizes, or something that sets it apart from the original. After all, there has to be some reason that this game is deserving of such an evocative name!
Of course, sometimes a name is just a name. That seems to be the case with Super Pachinko, one of the many bingo-style games offered by Patagonia Entertainment. This online casino mainstay may have a high-powered name, but in most ways, it is just like the other games of this type. That’s not to say there aren’t a few surprising elements that spice things up a bit, but in most ways, this is a pretty run-of-the-mill game – though still one that we think fans of specialty games will enjoy.
Japanese Flavor, Classic Action
Super Pachinko derives the second half of its name from a popular Japanese gambling genre, though this game has nothing to do with those machines. Still, the Japanese influence can definitely be seen here: while the art is mostly a sharp and modern looking blue, white and black, there is a bit of imagery from Japan in the game, all part of an attractive package that is easy on the eyes and quite professional looking.
At the center of the game are four bingo tickets that each feature 15 numbers in three rows of five columns each. These cards feature numbers ranging from 1 to 90, as this game is based on the 90-ball variant popular in many parts of the word. Before each round, players have the option of using the new tickets button in order to generate new numbers.
In addition, players have the option of playing fewer cards if they want: each ticket can be turned on or off by clicking on it. Each card will have an equal amount bet on it: the total number of credits can be set below with the bet button, while a gold coin symbol will allow you to set the cost of each “credit.” By using each of these options, you should be able to play at whatever stakes level you prefer.
Once your wager is set, it’s time to hit the play button and get the action started! The game begins with balls falling from the top of the screen into the area at the bottom. In total, 30 balls will be released in this way, each one featuring a number. If a number matches one that appears on your cards, that spot on your ticket will be marked off. Should you make any winning patterns, the game will pause briefly to highlight the win before continuing on.
The goal of this game is to make a variety of prize-winning patterns on your tickets. There are 12 in total that can be earned, ranging from simple to difficult, high-paying combinations. All of these patterns are illustrated clearly in the game’s interface, but the following breakdown should give you an idea of what you need to shoot for:
- One Line: 3x
- Bent Line: 3x
- Cross: 8x
- Triangle: 10x
- Checkerboard: 40x
- Square: 40x
- Letter “M”: 100x
- Two Lines: 100x
- All But “X”: 200x
- Columns: 500x
- Perimeter: 750x
- Full Card: 1,500x
Many of these patterns are very difficult to make in your initial 30 balls. On some occasions, the game will give you the opportunity to purchase additional numbers for more chances to score wins. This is not offered after every round; we’re not sure if there is something specific that triggers this offer (possibly being close to high-value prizes) or if it is random, but you’ll know if you get an offer if the “extra ball” dialogue appears at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Each of these extra balls comes with a cost that is determined based on the opportunities you have for winnings. If you’re close to winning a major prize, you can expect to pay a lot of credits for your next ball; be aware of this before deciding what you’d like to do. If you want to make the purchase, click the yes button; if you’d rather end the game, you can press no. You may purchase a maximum of 10 extras before the round will automatically come to an end.
Freebies and Jackpots
Super Pachinko has a few different special features that offer a chance for players to improve their chances of winning or take home a special prize. For instance, there is a special jackpot that can be won under the right circumstances. In order to have a chance at this reward, you must play all four tickets, and spend at least three credits per ticket. If you’ve done this, and you manage to fill a complete card in your first 30 balls (without buying any extras), you will be awarded the jackpot amount listed in the upper-right corner of the screen.
There’s also the possibility of getting some free bonus balls during any given round. While most Patagonia games award these randomly, their website says that in this game, the possibility of getting free balls is related to the patterns you’ve made during the first phase of the game. That can lead to some rather generous bonuses, as it is possible to get as many as three free extras in any given round, something that can improve your chances dramatically at no cost to you.
Finally, this game will also occasionally give out free spins. If you are awarded one, you can take it by simply clicking on the button that appears, after which you’ll get a free play at your current stakes level. Be aware that while the main portion of the game is free, you’ll still have to pay for any extra numbers you want (if they are offered).
Take Full Advantage of What You’re Offered
Games like Super Pachinko are known for being light on tactics and big on luck. That reputation is well-deserved: nothing about the main action of this game is under your control, and there is nothing you can do as far as decision making goes to improve your chances of winning.
But there is an important exception in this game. That comes in terms of the extra balls that are sometimes offered to you at the end of a round. In general, the prices on these offers is too high to make them worthwhile: the game places the cost at too many credits for you to make a profit off buying them in the long run. However, the occasional offers of free balls changes this calculation quite a bit. Even if your free balls aren’t the first ones in line – meaning you’ll need to purchase one or more extras first to get to the freebies – the fact that these ones won’t cost you a penny can still make the earlier purchases worthwhile, since they may give you the chance to get a free shot at a big prize. You’ll want to think about these situations carefully, but it is typically correct to pay for two, three, or even more balls in order to get a free one.
A Fun Game, But Nothing Super
Super Pachinko may not quite live up to its name, but that doesn’t mean it is a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. The classic look, the big prizes, and the variety of special features are enough to make the whole package attractive and interesting enough to keep players interested for quite a while. Of course, if you don’t enjoy bingo, you’re not going to like this game; however, we think fans of bingo games will find a lot to like here.
There are a few things that we’d have liked to have seen in this offering. For instance, Patagonia has a reputation for poor documentation on their games, and this is no exception, as we’re not entirely certain about some of the features present here. A second-screen bonus round could also have livened things up, though it’s not entirely necessary, and the other features probably offer enough variety for most players.
Overall, Super Pachinko is a solid addition to the Patagonia lineup of specialty games. It’s not revolutionary or mind-blowing in any way, but if you’re someone who enjoys bingo-based action and likes having the opportunity to win big prizes on every round, then this might be just what you’ve been looking for.
