From Good to Evil and Back Again : A Review of Wicked Winnings II Online Slots
The slot machine industry is a volatile one, with games being released and withdrawn at an alarming rate. One such game that has managed to endure despite its somewhat checkered past is Wicked Winnings II. This slot machine was first introduced by Rival Gaming in 2008 but gained notoriety due to its association with wickedwinningsii.com the infamous online casino, All Star Slots. The latter was later shut down by the US Department of Justice for money laundering and other financial crimes.
In this review, we will delve into the history of Wicked Winnings II, examine its features, and determine whether it is a slot machine worth playing today.
The Story Behind Wicked Winnings II
As previously mentioned, Wicked Winnings II was released in 2008 by Rival Gaming. The game’s original version was well-received by players due to its unique theme based on the classic tale of Cinderella but with an adult twist. However, it seems that some online casinos took advantage of the slot machine’s popularity and began to promote it aggressively.
One such casino was All Star Slots, which started offering a 500% welcome bonus for new players who deposited using Wicked Winnings II as their preferred game. While this promotion may have seemed attractive to some players, it ultimately led to the demise of All Star Slots. The US Department of Justice conducted an investigation and found that the casino was engaged in money laundering activities.
Rival Gaming quickly distanced itself from the controversy by terminating its partnership with All Star Slots. The game’s reputation took a hit as well, but Rival Gaming decided to give it another chance by re-releasing it as Wicked Winnings II in 2011.
Features and Gameplay
Despite its somewhat tarnished past, Wicked Winnings II has managed to hold onto many of its original features that made it so appealing in the first place. The game is set against a dark and gothic background, with a soundtrack that perfectly complements its mysterious atmosphere.
Players are tasked with helping Cinderella’s evil stepmother win back her lost love by collecting various items and achieving specific goals. This adult twist on the classic fairy tale adds an element of humor to the game and makes it stand out from other slot machines.
In terms of gameplay, Wicked Winnings II features five reels and 50 paylines. Players can bet anywhere from one cent to $100 per spin, making it suitable for players with varying budgets. The game also has a Wild symbol that substitutes for all other symbols except the scatter symbol and bonus icon.
Bonus Features
One of the most attractive aspects of Wicked Winnings II is its bonus features. The game offers several ways for players to win big, including:
- Free Spins: Triggered when three or more scatters appear anywhere on the reels. Players are awarded 10 free spins and can retrigger the feature by collecting additional scatter symbols.
- Bonus Game: Activated when three or more bonus icons appear in any position. Players are taken to a separate screen where they must select one of Cinderella’s stepsisters, each of whom has a different prize associated with it.
Conclusion
While Wicked Winnings II has certainly had its share of controversies over the years, it remains a popular and engaging slot machine that is definitely worth playing today. Its unique theme, exciting bonus features, and generous payouts make it an attractive option for players looking to try their luck at online casinos.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience the magic of Wicked Winnings II for yourself, be sure to check out some reputable online casinos that offer this game. Just remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means.