Joker Open'Em Slot - Features, Demo, RTP, Free Spins & Bonuses

Modern bonus mechanics meet retro visual design

As expected from a game inspired heavily by classic slot machines, the visuals of "Joker Open'Em" don't disguise where it got its inspiration. The symbols used in this game have been common on classic slots for decades. Lucky sevens, bells, horseshoes and dice are matched with card suit symbols, and a jester serves as the centerpiece. The visuals include plenty of red and gold, giving the reels a lively casino show atmosphere. The boxes positioned above the reels resemble gift-wrapped presents, which fits perfectly given that the entire feature structure of the game revolves around opening one or more of these.

While it is clear that the designers took great care to create a contrasting design style between the visuals of the reels and the more modern nature of its bonus mechanics, this contrast may actually be one of its biggest strengths. Players who view this game for the first time might reasonably assume that it is a simple vintage-styled slot. However once the jokers and the various box-modifiers start becoming relevant in terms of gameplay, the game quickly becomes more complex.

The music in "Joker Open'Em" continues down this road. It is upbeat and fun to listen to, reminiscent of a stage performance - fittingly for a joker-themed slot, without adding too much distraction to the reels themselves.

How to play Joker Open'Em

In summary, playing Joker Open'Em is relatively straightforward. The game utilizes 5 reels containing 4 possible symbol positions per reel, and twenty permanent paylines. Standard winning combinations require matching symbols connecting from left to right across adjacent reels. As there are no adjustable payline options, players only adjust their overall wager and spin. The minimum bets have varied depending on which edition of Joker Open'Em you're playing; while minimum bets were sometimes listed as low as $0.10 or $0.20, and some editions had a maximum bet cap listed at $40.

The standard pay table contains mostly low-value icon combinations with card suits, followed by classic casino icons (dice, horseshoe, bell, lucky seven). Diamond-style Wild symbols serve as substitutes for most regular symbols except for joker. The joker plays a key role in activating the five boxes located above each reel, which provide access to unique modifiers. Where a joker falls will determine which box activates.

Red box - multiplier

The red box located above reel one allows for multiplier functionality. In order to qualify for a multiplier effect, prize/Bonus Symbol values that have previously qualified may be eligible to receive an increase. While not officially stated by Games Global/Wishbone regarding potential multiplier values, reports indicate that a maximum multiplier value of 5x can be reached using the gold box configuration.

The multiplier modifier works best in conjunction with other modifiers. If prize/symbols already contain high values and are further enhanced by cash adders, applying a multiplier can significantly enhance totals. A simple way to conceptualize this aspect is that multipliers act towards enhancing special values in bonus mechanics. It does not merely apply a multiplier effect to line-winning combinations.

Green Box - cash adder

The Green Box located above reel two enables activation of cash adder functionality. Cash adder functions by adding value to prize/cash symbols that meet specified criteria. There is a distinct difference between adding value and increasing value. The difference may seem minor but it has implications when considering multiple modifier configurations simultaneously.

For example: a prize symbol can initially receive increased value from a cash adder modifier, and subsequently receive additional multiplier-enhanced increases if multiplier modifiers are active as well. The cash adder modifier thus gains more relevance when combined with other box modifiers. On its own, it introduces a direct method for building values in bonus features; when combined with other modifiers (such as multiplier), it builds upon the concept of producing long chains of enhancement.

Gold box - super feature - 19 bonus spins

Located centrally on reel three, the gold box represents the most significant component in the game. Activating gold box unlocks the super feature & awards 19 Bonus Spins featuring all four major modifiers available simultaneously. This is where Joker Open'Em demonstrates its most fully realized feature-set.

All four modifiers (multiplier, cash adder, Symbol Upgrade and Respin) can function in tandem within this super feature round; with reported enhancements to these modifiers such as an increased multiplier up to 5x; cash adders capable of delivering increases up to 5x bet amount; and up to three respins. This transforms what otherwise might be considered a longer Free Spins round into what amounts to nearly the entirety of the game's feature-set engine.

Players interested in inter-related bonus mechanics are likely to consider this as their primary goal within Joker Open'Em. Standard bonus rounds already possess considerable aspects; yet when compared against the enhanced elements provided by gold boxes, they pale by comparison.

Purple box - Symbol Upgrade

The purple box situated atop reel four will enable activation of Symbol Upgrade functionality. Unlike cash adder or Respin mods, Symbol Upgrade modifies existing lower-value symbols so they can potentially hold larger values prior to application of subsequent modifiers. Symbol Upgrade thereby alters the inherent quality of existing symbols used in feature rounds rather than generating value itself, thereby providing greater benefit when utilized in conjunction with other mods.

Symbol Upgrade modifier enhances weak symbols and can leave them intact throughout Respin sequences; after which they can receive additional enhancement from cash adder modifiers; and eventually receive multiplier enhancements. It is this layered approach that contributes greatly to why Joker Open'Em possesses deeper layers of complexity than typical Free Spins rounds.

Blue Box - Respin

The Blue Box placed atop reel five activates Respin functionality. When Respin modifiers are activated, chosen symbols can lock in place while remaining reel spaces spin once again. Respin modifiers afford players additional opportunities to generate additional qualifying symbols before sequences conclude. In addition to concluding sequences when hearts representing remaining Respin attempts are exhausted, sequences also terminate when all available positions are filled with qualifying symbols. Reports indicate that in enhanced iterations of Respin modifiers, up to three respins may be made available.

Respin modifiers become significantly more beneficial when used in conjunction with other modifiers (i.e., Symbol Upgrade, cash adder or multiplier); since sticky symbols generated through Respin will inherently carry enhanced values while continuing attempts to introduce additional qualifying symbols.

Prize Symbols & stake Values

During bonus mechanics, the special Prize Symbols can be awarded anywhere between .2x and 1000x the stake. These symbols are referred to as either Bonus Symbols/cash symbols depending upon the website. They have a similar function. As stated previously, these symbols carry direct prizes which can be modified. Although, a 1,000x prize symbol is already a great prize, the ability to increase lower and middle-range prizes by the Cash Adder and Multiplier features creates a more interesting feature system.

The joker serves an additional purpose in regard to interacting with these prizes. The interaction of the joker with the special value prizes gives the joker a greater purpose than that of a standard Scatter symbol. Additionally, it is both the thematic center of the game and links the base reels with the bonus boxes and Prize Symbols.

What happens when 5 Jokers land?

According to the game developers, the maximum win of Joker Open 'em is achieved when 5 Jokers land. In this instance, the game pays out 6000 x max win. Therefore, the joker is the most important symbol in two aspects. The joker is responsible for driving the box mechanism and also represents the path to achieve the highest advertised payout. Compared to other slots with large max wins (i.e., five figures), the 6000 x ceiling is somewhat conservative. However, given the medium volatility designation of Joker Open 'em, this balance aligns with the overall design.

Default RTP of Joker Open'em

The default RTP of joker open'em is reported to be 96.25%. Using the default RTP, we calculate that the theoretical house edge is approximately 3.75% when playing on this configuration. Rtp's are typically calculated using a huge sample of spins. Therefore, RTP should never be considered predictive of how a particular session will perform. An important note about RTP is that joker open'em can be configured with lower RTP levels. Alternate configurations reported include 94.24% and 92.07%. The differences between these numbers are significant; therefore, players should always confirm their RTP in their in-game information screen instead of relying solely on assumptions made regarding RTP provided by casinos.

Hit frequency and volatility

Medium-volatility slots represent a midpoint in terms of payout distribution relative to low-volatility slots (which tend to produce fewer but steadier payouts) and high-volatility slots (which can experience prolonged periods of poor performance punctuated by large wins). According to reports, joker open'em has been categorized as a medium-volatility slot. The reported hit frequency for joker open'em is 28.14%.

Hit frequency and volatility should not be confused. While hit frequency describes how frequently a statistical winner is anticipated to occur within a session, volatility describes the distribution of winnings relative to frequency and magnitude. Therefore, having a hit frequency of 28.14% does not imply that you will make a profit on 28.14% of your spins. Some winning combinations could potentially pay less than the initial bet placed on that spin.

Bonus Buy feature

In versions of joker open'em where regulatory compliance allows for Bonus Buy features, players have the option to utilize a feature buy to directly enter into a higher-paying bonus configuration, thereby bypassing waiting for the feature to randomly trigger. Availability of feature buy varies among platforms and operators, and some jurisdictions might prohibit such purchases altogether. Price per purchase can also vary based on version and/or platform-specific configurations. For clarity purposes, players would be best served reviewing their options in-game rather than relying on quotes from external sources. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that purchasing a bonus significantly accelerates the total amount invested into a single round.

Mobile suitability & demo availability

Due to utilizing modern HTML5-based web technologies, Joker Open 'em supports both desktop computers and mobile devices/tablets/smartphones alike. While the five-reel arrangement functions adequately on smaller displays, mobile users may find themselves constrained space-wise when attempting to adjust various parameters (e.g., bet amounts, autoplay options, speed settings) via their mobile device's touch interface. Availability of a demo version for testing purposes depends entirely upon whether the provider offering the game has included a demo for public testing purposes.

If a review website offers a demo version of Joker Open 'em, it would allow readers to see firsthand how each of the bonus boxes operates. After observing said boxes being activated multiple times, understanding of Symbol Upgrade, respin, cash adder and Multiplier interactions becomes greatly simplified. It also provides an opportunity for readers to learn about and compare the standard bonus round (10 spins) and the golden box bonus round (19 spins) before risking real money bets.

Does joker open'em offer a progressive Jackpot?

No, joker open 'em utilizes a fixed maximum win system; therefore it does not possess a progressive Jackpot pool that changes dynamically over time. For players preferring definitive upper limits of possible max wins vs dynamic Jackpot pools, this may be beneficial. However, players seeking games containing a progressive Jackpot will need to seek alternative gaming opportunities.

Pros and Cons of Joker Open 'em

Undoubtedly, the primary aspect that sets Joker Open 'em apart from many other joker-themed slots is its unique bonus modifier system interaction. A majority of games featuring similar graphics under different names employ nearly identical underlying mechanics. At least in this case, each reel has a distinct responsibility. Another notable advantage is that its default RTP (96.25%) is quite competitive as well. Finally, as mentioned earlier, medium volatility positions this title as somewhere between extremely volatile titles (with extended runs of low-paying spins) and very stable titles (where little volatility exists).

However, there are some disadvantages. Most notably, if you're playing at a casino providing lower RTP configurations (such as 94.24% or 92.07%), you'll notice significant weakness in those configurations. Therefore, always check your casino's version before starting gameplay. Another drawback is that the bonus mechanics take more time to fully comprehend compared to simpler Scatter & free spins style games and most of the action surrounding box mechanics occurs within those areas. Lastly, unlike many modern high-volatility slots available today, there is no progressive Jackpot present in joker open'em, nor is its maximum win (6000x) particularly high.

Overall conclusion

As previously stated, it seems more logical to view joker open 'em as a feature-driven slot dressed in classic casino attire. The symbols, gold/red color scheme and central joker image seem familiar however the five boxes provide this game with its true personality. Each reel contains a box positioned above it: reel one houses the Multiplier red box, reel two houses the Cash Adder green box, reel four houses the Symbol Upgrade violet box and finally reel five houses Respins blue box. The gold-centered box houses the combination of all major modifier elements collectively creating a Super Feature comprised of 19 Bonus Spins. The inclusion of multiple boxes produces varying degrees of winning possibilities: one box can generate simple feature types while multiple boxes can increase both spin count and modifier count(s). When numerous modifiers exist simultaneously, it generates significance in the order that Symbol Upgrade, respin, cash adder and Multiplier modify the feature.

Mathematically speaking, the default RTP (96.25%) is acceptable for its class. Also, the medium volatility creates sufficient equilibrium for this title's overall risk profile and as stated, the 28.14% hit frequency previously implies frequent winning results without guaranteeing frequent profits in shorter sessions. As mentioned earlier, since there isn't an extraordinary max win cap (6000x), it matches this game's overall risk profile. For players desiring classic casino aesthetics but wish to engage with greater amounts of mechanical complexity than found in typical fruit machines, joker open'em presents sufficient feature system depth to maintain engagement.

Additional FAQs: Regarding Joker open'em

Q: What is joker open 'em?

A: Joker Open 'em is a 5-reel video slot developed by Wishbone & released globally via Games Global, utilizing 20 fixed paylines along with a bonus mechanism involving five interactive boxes situated on reels 1-5.

Q: What is the default RTP of Joker Open 'em?

A: The default RTP of Joker Open 'em was established as 96.25%.

Q: What is the volatility of Joker Open 'em?

A: Joker Open 'em is generally described as being a "medium" volatility slot, placing itself between very consistent low volatility games producing few larger payouts and extremely aggressive high volatility games experiencing long intervals between infrequent payouts.

Q: What are the largest possible payouts in Joker Open 'em?

A: According to game developers, the largest possible payout achievable in Joker Open 'em will be realized when five Jokers land, resulting in an award equal to 6,000x maximum win.

Q: How many paylines does Joker Open 'em possess?

A: The game utilizes twenty (20) fixed pay lines located across the 5 x 4 reel matrix arrangement.

Q: How do the five boxes function within the game?

A: Each reel position has an interactive box sitting atop it; however each type of box corresponds with a certain modifier applied to the reels:

•  Red box on reel one represents Multiplier.
•  Green box on reel two represents cash adder.
• Golden box in center represents golden super-feature.
• Violet box on reel four represents Symbol Upgrade.
• Blue box on reel five represents respin addition.

Q: How many free spins can I get in Joker Open 'em?

A: Based on standard bonus rules, Joker Open 'em awards ten (10) Bonus Spins initially. Any additional ordinary boxes can award up to three additional spins each. The Golden Box awards Nineteen (19) Bonus Spins along with all major modifier elements.

Q: Does Joker Open' em have a progressive Jackpot?

A: No