Posted in Game Reviews, New Games February 12, 2019
Third Tomb Raider Slot by Microgaming
There is a common trend in the gaming community where fanbases expect nothing special from their favorite companies and end up feeling disappointed. This is often because many large companies are creating games exclusively for mobile phones.
In 2018, the announcement of Diablo 4 was met with disappointment by hardcore fans. They were hoping for a new game in the franchise, rather than a mobile version. It seems that companies like Blizzard are prioritizing mobile gaming, which leaves their dedicated fans feeling left out. This is just one example of the changes we have seen in the gaming industry.
Last week, Microgaming made an announcement that emphasized the significance of their third Tomb Raider slot game. While other companies are solely focused on making money, Microgaming is doing something special for their fans.
Square Enix, the company behind the Tomb Raider games, was acquired by Square Enix in 2009, giving them ownership of the franchise. Microgaming had to make a deal with Square Enix to create the third game in the series. Releasing the game a year ago would have been a better idea, as it coincided with the release of the Tomb Raider movie, which was a huge success. However, Microgaming has a reputation to uphold and a well-thought-out business plan.
The First Tomb Raider Game
Microgaming released the first Tomb Raider slot game in 2004. Despite its age, the graphics still hold up well. The game features 5 reels, 3 rows, and 15 optional paylines. The minimum bet is 0.05, while the maximum bet is 37.5 coins. The game’s RTP (Return to Player) of 95.22% may be low by today’s standards, but it hasn’t stopped millions of players from enjoying the game over the past 15 years. The game offers entertaining features, such as Wild symbols that help create winning combinations and Free spins that triple all wins.
The game also includes a bonus game where players select from twelve available Idols to reveal prizes. While the game’s RTP may not be the highest, its complete storyline and faithful portrayal of the main character make it worth playing.
Learn more about RTP and payouts here!
Was the 2nd Release Better?
The second release of the Tomb Raider slot game introduced several improvements. One notable change was the implementation of an integrated paytable, making it easier for players to check the possible prizes. The game also increased the number of paylines by 50% and widened the betting range. These changes, along with new bonus features like rolling reels in Free spins, made the second release an overall improvement compared to the first game.
Microgaming also introduced two completely new features, Super Mode and the Global Adventure Bonus, which added more excitement to the gameplay. Super Mode randomly awards 5 spins and places random Wilds on the reels, while the Global Adventure Bonus offers a multi-page explanation of how it works in the paytable.
Third Game Expectations
It has been eleven years since the last release, and fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcement of the third Tomb Raider slot game in February. Microgaming is expected to deliver an advanced game with stunning 3D graphics, rather than a replica of the outdated 2008 release. Fans hope for a high RTP, rewarding features, and beautiful animations.
If you’re a fan of Microgaming’s games, check out our list of the top 5 Microgaming casinos.
