Joker Gems

The wider cosmos provides the setting for Joker Gems, the latest slot from Elk Studios. Based on cluster payouts and free bonus re-spins, this slot is going nova.

Theme

There’s a cosmic expansiveness in this slot’s design. A 5x5 grid is set before a multi-colored nebula, with stars twinkling in the distance. Jackpot payouts tantalize players as they sit just outside the reels.

Gaming symbols include a space Joker, blue sevens, and purple and green bar symbols; gems in red, green, blue, and orange act as lower-value symbols. Brief, high tones shimmer like jewels in a soothing soundtrack worthy of public broadcasting documentaries on outer space.

Betting Options and Functions

Any discussion of outer space must involve design, whether astronautical or divine. Design is also a strength of Elk Studios’ excellent team here. Instead of a traditional payline structure, clusters of three identical symbols that are connected vertically or horizontally. This makes for a unique gaming experience.

There are 12 bet sizes ranging from 0.20–100.00 times the betting currency. Autoplay is available for up to 100 spins. The settings menu allows players to a just sound options, quickspin, and toggle between coin and currency displays. There’s also a “reality check interval,” which reminds players of how long they have been active and how much they have won or lost during that time. The overall theoretical return to player ratio is above-average at 96.3%.

Elk studios offers a truly innovative approach to betting with its ‘betting strategies’ options. Players can choose to have their bet size vary according to four possible strategies, or play with a traditional flat bet.

Features

Bonus mode is triggered whenever a cluster win occurs in base play: the winning symbols become sticky, while all other reel positions spin again.

Bonus spins are free and continue as long as the cluster expands or a new cluster is formed.

Not that the bonus features stop there – far from it.

The Light Chaser feature occurs randomly between spins in base play. Light snakes across the reels, creating a winning cluster of four or five identical symbols… the resulting win automatically triggers the bonus mode.

There are also three jackpots to be won.

It takes identical symbols appearing in a jackpot pattern to win these, but they are definitely worth the way. Should the same symbols appear on the middle 3x3 grid, the 16 outermost reel positions, and the entire reels, the bronze, silver, or gold jackpot will be awarded (respectively). The chances of winning a bonus increase on higher bet levels.

Our Take

Thanks to its unique cluster-based gaming structure, a handsome array of bonuses, and the delightful cosmic theme, Joker Gems is one of Elk Studio’s best offerings yet.

Players who enjoy this designer should explore DJ Wild, which has a similar structure but wildly different theme.