In the movie industry, movie sequels rarely equal the original work. In the slot machine world, things are not as "cut and dry".

While there is no "storyline" which needs to be followed. While there are characters we like, it's usually the game rules we fall in love with (eg. A bonus round with 15 free spins, all spins worth 3 times their normal value) -- maybe a soundtrack to generate a little heart pounding excitement.

Let's look at some examples of game sequels. IGT spun a sequel out of the popular "Texas Tea" game called "Texas Tina". The original had two bonus rounds -- one triggered by a scatter (where Ted writes a cheque) and one triggered by at least 3 oil derricks on a pay line. While I can't speak for why this game was so successful, I assume part of it was do to the frequent "hit" rate -- approximately 1 of 3 spins wins something. Having just two of many of the symbols pays back something (although it is often less than what you bet). The game also did not pay out many large sums in the bonus round. However, you could increase your bet, and you would be able to play for longer than you would on most of the newer style machines. Fast forward to Texas Tina. If you have played the IGT game, "Money Storm" then you have essentially played Texas Tina. The bonus round triggers "free spins", with the potential to re-initialize. The second bonus round requires 3 symbols vertically across on lines 1 or 2 or 3. Why both to make "Texas Tina" if they were just going to draw some new graphics and paste them over "Money Storm".

There are pleny of examples ... one of IGT's most popular multi-lines, "Little Green Men" came back in a sequel as "Little Green Men: Family Edition" -- which was better known as, "Enchanted Unicorn".

Not all sequels are destined to be re-treads. WMS Gaming came out with "Super Jackpot Party". They addressed the issue that people hated the abruptness generated by hitting a "POOPER" on your first pick in the bonus round. You are least have a change of "saving" your party. They spiced up some of the gifts with multiplyers, and some bonus rounds within a bonus round "The Dacing Bonus" or "Whack-A-Pooper". True, there are substantial changes to the pay table ... but the core of the game is the same for people who liked the original. The better graphics and sound all add to the experience.

It's not like IGT hasn't learned something. "Lucky Larry's Lobstermania" is a long time favourite with casino goers. In the sequel, "Super Sally's Shrimpmania" ... the dynamics are very similar ... but the onus round has lots of comedic surprises.

Slot companies have to learn not to "PIMP OUT" their best brands -- there are so many "Wheel of Fortune" games ... it feels so milked ... and I can't imagine that brand is not being driven into the ground. The Double Diamond brand from IGT has mostly become a subset of real graphics around a larger game.

Let's hope we get let "Texas Tina's" -- and more Shrimpmanias.

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\


I hope we get more