Last night I went out to the casino and played the new Big Sky slot machine by Aristocrat. It’s in their “Win Your Way” category of slot machines. While I didn’t do too hot on it last night I can definitely see the potential for big winnings. The player is allowed to choose between three different paytables, obviously targeted to a player’s desire for frequest pays versus big pays.  The player can choose low (green), medium (yellow), or high (red) and can change the paytable after any spin if they want to.  Also interesting was an area in the top box that showed you how much could have been won on each of the paytable settings.

I started playing the slot game on the high (red) volatility level. From what I can see all the money is in the bonus round on this setting and I, sadly, didn’t hit the bonus. I know, boo-hoo. But a quick search of You Tube finds a video of someone who did hit the bonus round on the Big Sky slot machine set at high volatility and it paid handsomely.

I then changed to the low (green) volatility setting on the Big Sky slot machine for a comparison. While I didn’t hit the bonus feature this time either (although I’m sure it wouldn’t have paid very well) I was having a good time getting the small pays. Most, if not all of the picture symbols in the slot game paid on 2 symbols. It was just enough to keep me going, stretching my dollar (or should I say penny?) so I was able to have an enjoyable experience without the game taking me out in a hot second.

Play Miss Kitty Online

The overall game play is just like Aristocrat’s Miss Kitty slot game. It has 50 Lines and the Wild symbol becomes ‘Sticky’ during the bonus feature free games. This is where the Wild symbols stay on the the same spot on the screen during free spins, so if you can get the Wilds early in the free games, your win can really build up.  While the Win Your Way category is not yet available at online casinos, the original Miss Kitty slot machine is and can be played for fun and real money online at:

Online Casino	Sign-up Bonus	Free Play	Excluded Countries
		/		Play Now Read Review

I believe I’m the target market for low volatility slot games. While I like big wins (who doesn’t?), I also like to enjoy the slot game I’m playing. Feeding the bill validator time after time is not my idea of enjoyment. I like the experience of sitting at a slot machine and playing. I like to win but I also like to feel that I’m not losing it all too fast. When I get up from the slot machine, whether I have won or lost, I want to feel I’ve received something for my money. If I can’t walk away a winner at least I want some entertainment for my money. Win or lose, the entertainment experience is important to me. Speaking of slot machine entertainment value, don’t get me started on slot machines without sound. This my biggest pet-peeve which I’ll save for another rant, errrr, post!

What is your volatility choice?

Update 06 February 2012: We have posted a slot review of Miss Kitty at MissKittySlotOnline.com. Check it out. Aristocrat has also added the Miss Kitty slot game to its line up of Win Your Way machines.