Vegas Jackpot (also known as Las Vegas Jackpot, Jackpot 64, and Jackpot) is a slot machine video game released in 1983 for the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron. It was ported to the VIC-20, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Commodore 16, Plus/4, Atari 8-bit computers, and MS-DOS.
Gameplay
The game simulates a gambling fruit machine. Players insert a coin into the machine’s slot and begin spinning the reels, hoping to land a winning combination on a single payline. To enhance their odds, players can hold specific reels or nudge them a limited number of times when permitted. As is customary with gambling in real life, the objective of the game is to win jackpots. The amount of reels on the machine depends on the platform of which the game is played on: there are three reels for the ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, and Dragon 32/64 versions, while other versions have four reels.
Reception
Steve Panak of ANALOG Computing said that Vegas Jackpot was his favorite out of four games he tested, though he states, “Combined with a potpourri of games of chance, the slot machine would have rounded out a nice package; alone, it’s a boring waste.” A.W. of Home Computing Weekly rated the game with five stars, saying it is a “beautifully written simulation giving superb graphics, animation and use of colour.”
JDC of Commodore User says he also likes Jackpot, though there were two issues: the white background was “a bit hard on the eyes after half an hour or so” and the instructions for the game “were not as clear as they should have been”, stating, “a novice at the game could waste a lot of time working out how all the features are operated.” Zzap!64 gave Vegas Jackpot an overall score of 20%, saying it is a “tedious fruit machine simulation which offers little playability or lasting enjoyment.”
References
External links
- Vegas Jackpot at MobyGames
Gamer24h Editor's Take
Having closely reviewed Vegas Jackpot, the Gamer24h editorial team considers it one of the most noteworthy titles of recent times. The visionary approach of developer R.H. Software, Shuttle Soft, Mr Chip Software, CME, combined with the expertise of publisher Mastertronic, Mr Chip Software, has resulted in an exceptionally refined product. Its innovative take on the Slot machine genre offers a breath of fresh air for fans of the category. All in all, the Gamer24h team stands firmly behind our rating. This is a unique journey you won't want to miss.