Carnival Joker

Carnival Joker: Slot Overview

In mid-2024, software provider Slotmill introduced its Legends series, 'where classic-style slots meet modern excitement,' with the release of Raging Riches and hasn't done a whole lot with it since. That is set to change with Carnival Joker, another slot released under the studio's Legends label. Or is it? Because peel away the outer coating of this carnival-themed slot, and you've got the same engine and features that caused Raging Riches to stampede. In other words, original gaming is out, but in its place is a return of the expanding free spins feature and the Coin landing hold 'n' win Fortune Frenzy round.

With a name like Carnival Joker, it makes logical sense that we find ourselves outside a big top tent, striped red and white, covered in glimmering light bulbs. Off to the left can be found a crystal ball tent for a spot of fortune-telling, while over on the right is the popcorn stall. The artwork has a pleasingly chunky presence, and the jazzy backing track is a vibe in its own right. Trigger the Fortune Frenzy, and it takes you on a dazzling journey through a golden-lit dimension to a funk track thing, while free spins move into the big top for some red curtain stylings. No matter the phase, an upbeat, positive atmosphere oozes from the game.

Carnival Joker uses a ways system to evaluate wins, and there are 2,000x of them when the grid is in its resting 4-5-5-5-4 mode. Reels 2-4 can expand at certain points, and when fully grown, there are 5,488 ways to win in play. Gamblers may stake from $/€0.20 to $/€100 in this medium-volatile game, and the higher of the two RTPs comes in at 96.08%.

The symbols on the paytable include 9-A royals, worth 1.25x-1.5x for 5 OAK, then cherries, plums, lemons, sevens, and jokers worth 2.5x-3.5x the bet for a 5 OAK combination. Wilds appear on the three middle reels where they substitute for anything except scatters and Coins.

Carnival Joker: Slot Features

Carnival Joker uses the same features found in Raging Riches, namely free spins with expandable reels, the Fortune Frenzy hold 'n' win round, Xtra-Bet and Burst Mode.

Free Spins

Hitting 3, 4, or 5 scatters in the main game awards 8, 10, or 12 free spins, respectively. During the round, landing 2, 3, 4, or 5 scatters awards a further 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatters, respectively. Wild symbols that land during the feature do so with a multiplier of x2 or x3. UP symbols may land as well. When an UP symbol hits, it increases its reel by 1 row. UP symbols may land twice per reel, increasing the reel up to 7 positions high. When a reel is fully expanded, +2 free spins are granted. UP symbols are present on the three middle reels, and Coins do not appear in free spins.

Fortune Frenzy Bonus

In the base game, landing 6 or more Coins triggers the Fortune Frenzy Bonus, and 3 spins are awarded. If new Coins land, they stick to the reels and reset the spin count to 3. Regular Coins have values of 0.5x-10x the bet. In addition, the 20x Mini Coin, the 50x Minor Coin, or the 250x Major Coin may land. When the bonus round ends, the values of all Coins on the grid are awarded. If all 25 positions are filled with Coins, the 5,000x Grand Prize is awarded on top of the total sum of Coins on the reels.

Xtra-Bet & Burst Mode

Activating the Xtra-Bet increases the stake by 50% to have double the chance of triggering either bonus round. Burst Mode is available as well, as a super-fast way of going through a set number of spins using the game engine and minimal visual effects.

Carnival Joker: Slot Verdict

When Raging Riches stampeded onto the scene, it felt very different to Slotmill's usual line of work, which made sense, considering it was made with a specific customer in mind. Not one that might have been drawn to slots like Coin Quest 2 or Tyrant's Fall, for example. The game was more mainstream, both in terms of theme and look, yet also in the types of features it came with. Big top carnivals are less mainstream than bison, but lift up the flap, and the same mathematics and gameplay power Carnival Joker - making it almost as much of a surprise as Raging Riches was. Slotmill knows how to make top games, and it likely has an audience in mind for this one as well, and the thinking is that whoever that may be will enjoy what Carnival Joker brings to the reels.

The issue is that players who have already spent time with Raging Riches may find Carnival Joker a little too close for comfort, particularly when the core features, reel expansion mechanics and bonus rounds are bang on the same. The carnival setting does a good job of giving the game its own personality, and the presentation is bright and energetic, but underneath the colourful exterior there is a total sense of having seen it before. For a Legends series that is looking to blend classic-style slots with modern excitement, a little more innovation would not have gone amiss.

But Slotmill no doubt had someone in mind when making Carnival Joker as well, and targeted gamblers will probably enjoy the expanding reels and hold 'n' win jackpot angle. The classic side of things is catered for, while the bright visuals provide some character. Those shocked and repelled by what the studio created when it spawned Raging Riches on the gambling world need not apply, but those firmly rooted in the classic camp may find this carnival worth a visit.