Game Review: Vegas Jackpot (Atari, Mastertronic)

Of all the games released by Mastertronic, Vegas Jackpot holds a special place in the hearts of many. The slot machine simulator is one that was probably the most well known of their early titles, and is significant for being converted to more platforms than any other Mastertronic game. But does the Atari version of Shaun Southern’s hit do the original justice?

Spin Those Reels

The format of the Atari conversion of Vegas Jackpot is identical to the Commodore 64 and Commodore 16 incarnations. You start the game off with £100 and each play costs £1. Play continues until you run out of cash or you manage to win enough to reach £250 in winnings. Essentially, replicating some of the high-stakes machines found in the closed-off areas of arcades we saw back in the 80s that we were never allowed into as kids growing up!

While this is only a game, it was interesting to see the difference in approach between the formats. The Atari, C64, and C16 all opted for a high stakes approach, whereas the Vic 20 and Dragon 32 were a more “family friendly” game that recreated the slot machines that kids would have been able to play in most arcades were they physical slot games.

Vegas Jackpot – The Game

But I’m digressing… The game features four wheels with a variety of symbols on them. At random intervals you’ll be able to hold each of these wheels before spinning them to try to get one of the winning combinations. If you do then you have the option to collect your winnings straight away or gamble them to try to get a higher amount using a quick reaction skill game.

Some of the symbols on the wheels have numbers next to the symbols and if these land on the winning line these build up the nudge function. Earn enough and the nudge feature is activated. Wheels are then nudged into place to try to get you a winning line, although this is done automatically for you.

Graphics And Sound

Ignoring the hardware limitations of the Dragon 32 and Vic 20, the ones this is likely to be compared to are the C16 and C64. While the graphics are pretty much the same in terms of detail, what does let things down here is the colour… or rather the lack of it. Vegas Jackpot on the Atari is presented in just 8 colours and to be honest, the palette is bland and somewhat murky and doesn’t do the visuals any favours. While the reels are smoothly animated and the game looks good enough, the colours really do let things down.

Sound is the same. There’s a piece of music on the title screen but very limited sound effects during play. I wasn’t expecting music throughout, but I did feel somewhat underwhelmed by the sound as a whole.

Playability

Computerised slot machines are something of an oddity. Take away the ability to win cash and you would think that most of the thrill – and appeal – would be taken away, but for some strange reason, they’re still strangely compelling. Vegas Jackpot is no exception and you’re quickly drawn in and even as you see your virtual cash dripping away you keep coming back for one more go.

The relaxed, casual gameplay helps as it’s the sort of game you don’t need to focus on completely so you can play while you’re doing something else or are in a position where you’re not able to give your attention 100% to it. This is the ideal game to load up when you want to play something but know you’re going to have to deal with interruptions and can leave the game alone without any issues.

Overall

The Atari version of Vegas Jackpot is a fun game and is a faithful port of the original. While it won’t go down as being one of the all time greats, it still offered plenty of fun for the asking price and you couldn’t say fairer than that.

* * *

You know what we think but why not share your thoughts on this game! Let us know what you think of it in the comments below, or add your own score using the slider in the summary box at the top of the review!

Please follow and like us: