A video slot based on the adventures of Columbus from the Novomatic developer was introduced in March 2008. The device is recognized as a classic due to simple rules and the absence of a complex system for calculating winnings. The slot is especially attractive for beginners due to low volatility and average RTP.
| Provider | Novomatic |
| Release | 19.03.2008 |
| Game type | Video slot |
| RTP | 95,10% |
| Volatility | Low |
| Lines | 10 |
| Max. possible win | x1218.50 |
| Win frequency | 39% |
| Min. bid | $0,02 |
| Max. bid | $200 |
| Topic | Adventures |
| Technology | Flash, HTML5 |
Main characteristic
The playing field is standard – 5×3. The soundtrack is classic for Novomatic games and is activated only when the reels are spinning. Music is missing. The control panel is located at the bottom of the screen. Active lines are indicated to the left and right of the playing field.
What is available to the user:
- choice of bet: from $0.02 to 200 per spin;
- changing the number of active lines: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9;
- launch of continuous rotations;
- turn on/off the sound.
The game was written in Flash technology, then rewritten using HTML5. When launched on a smartphone, it adapts to the screen of the device. The rotation button is moved to the right to prevent accidental clicks. During testing, the Columbus gaming machine loaded quickly on an Android-based smartphone, worked without failures and errors.
The variance of the automaton is from low to medium. He often gives out small payments. The return rate of 95.10% is considered average, but big wins are still possible.
There is no progressive jackpot in the slot. There are also no thematic rounds.
Game Symbols and Odds
There are 3 types of symbols involved in the machine: standard (card designations), thematic and special. The minimum and maximum payouts for them are as follows (the bet multiplier is indicated):
- ten and jack: from 5 to 100;
- queen, king, ace: from 10 to 150;
- sextant: 5 to 250;
- necklace: from 5 to 500;
- Queen Isabella: 5 to 1000;
- Columbus (Wild): 10 to 5000.
When a winning chain appears, the animation of thematic symbols is activated. Successful combinations are highlighted. The “wild” symbol replaces any symbols on the field, except for the Scatter, it does not perform any other functions in the game.
The denominations of the cards form combinations of 3-5 symbols on the active line. Thematic pictures are collected in chains of 2–5 characters. All combinations are formed from left to right, starting from the outer reel. Scatters are paid regardless of their location on the playing field. Winnings on them are added to the amounts for combinations on active lines.
Free spins
In the Columbus slot, you can get 10 free spins by collecting at least 3 scatters per spin. A special symbol is the image of a sailing ship.
Free spins rules:
- the reels spin according to the last bet made by the player before receiving the bonus;
- you cannot change the number of active lines;
- during free spins, scatters can land to activate 10 more spins;
- there is a special wild – a ship against the backdrop of sunset.
When testing in the demo, free spins were knocked out after the 45th spin.
Risk game
After each successful spin, the Gamble button is available. The player is invited to risk the amount won and guess the color of the hidden card. There are only two options: black or red. If the answer is correct, the winning amount per spin is doubled.
You can pick up the prize money or try your luck again, but if you don’t guess right, the entire amount will be burned. The risk game will end, the basic spins will begin. The Gamble button is also active after a successful series of free spins. The player can also try his luck or take the winnings without doubling up.
