Blocky 8-bit graphics and simple gameplay deliver a big slice of old school action in Pixel Samurai. Created by Playtech, this 5 reel, cluster pays video slot is played using a symbol drop game engine and offers payouts of up to 5,000 times your stake plus jackpots. Stakes start at 10p, rising to £10 per spin.
Pixel Samurai has the look of an old school computer or console game. The imagery reminded us of a classic Commodore 64 game. The blocky pink backdrop is filled with traditional buildings and floating clouds. On the 5×5 grid you’ll see 6 different characters you’d find in a Chinese historical epic. Very charming it all looks too.
To create a winning combination, you need to land at least 5 of the same matching symbol in a cluster. These clusters are made up of vertically and horizontally adjacent symbols (diagonals don’t count). The more matching symbols in the cluster, the higher the payout.
After the winner has been paid, the symbols are blasted from the reels and new ones drop in from above and replace them. If a new winner is created from this new combination, the process is repeated. These keep on coming until no new winner lands.
Payouts range from the tiny to the massive. The lowest value symbol is the Green Goblin – land a cluster of 5 of her and your reward will be 0.4 times your bet. Find a 16-symbol cluster and the payout increases to 50 times your stake.
The most rewarding symbol by far is the mysterious Red Samurai – land 5, 6 or 7 of this symbol in a cluster and the payout is 50, 500 or 2,000 times your bet. Landing 8 or more will get you 5,000 times your bet as well as a share of the jackpot prize.
You can win a % of the progressive jackpot, ranging from 1% up to 100%, depending on your bet size – if you play at £10 per spin, you’ll win the full jackpot on offer (if you get 8 or more Red Samurai symbols in a cluster).
That’s it as far as gameplay goes – you won’t find any features at all. All the action comes in the base game. The symbol drops deliver a steady stream of wins so you shouldn’t be lacking for action. The visuals here terrific and the bangs and bleeps in the background enhance the old school feel.
The lack of features means Pixel Samurai won’t be for everyone. Indeed, it’s not something we’ll be rushing to play all the time. For a quick blast of nostalgia, it does the job just fine though. When it comes to 8-bit graphics, Thunderkick’s Flame Busters is recommended – if you like Cluster Pays games, NetEnt’s The Legend of Shangri-La Cluster Pays is a good option.
