Michael Jackson King of Pop Slot Review

Bally Technologies is an enduring slot developer with roots dating back to the dawn of modern slot machines in Las Vegas. Perhaps more known in North American markets, it is nonetheless an innovative developer of online slot games, with many successful products available.

The King of Pop is known to have had “a few” successes in his life, as well, which is what gave Michael Jackson the regal nickname. These two forces are combined in this stylish slot game.

First Impressions

The reels and symbols pop out from the start, recognisable gloves, sunglasses, shoes, and famous hat, graphics that immediately make you start humming your favourite Jackson tune. Moreover, you can actually hum, because the music does not start before you begin playing, a refreshing way to use the music, instead of having it constantly running.

The music seems to be a collection of full-length Michael Jackson songs, which fade to mute if you, pause playing for too long. The background is an amazingly colourful stage with pouring rain. What is less attractive are the play and options buttons. They stand out, literally! They are poorly designed and unintegrated with the rest of the features.

How to Play

Understanding the setup is easy enough. You have 5 reels and 25 pay lines. In the options menu, you can set your bet from as low as 40c to a risky €80, which is a wide enough range that gives everyone a suitable option. The Wild symbols are called Moonwalk Wilds, to maintain the theme, and they substitute any of the other symbols to create winning combinations, with the exception of Scatters and Jackpot symbols. They can also be both Wild and Bonus or Jackpot symbols at the same time. There are also stacked Wilds, as well, with the same double function. 

There are many symbols to keep track of, so keep your focus! The bonus symbols on reels 2, 3, and 4, trigger a Wheel Bonus, a spinning wheel with random prizes with 2 of them as free spin features – Beat It Free Game, and Smooth Criminal Free Game. The former gives 10 free spins and the latter 5, but with stack Wilds alternating on the reels.

All in all, the functions are easier to understand when playing than in description, so despite the many different names to keep track of, it should be relatively easy to understand after a few spins.

Thoughts

The King of Pop is so universally renowned and revered that a slot game would be hard pressed to fully live up to the name. Although the game is a good effort, it would be nice to have a little more production value on the game itself. That said, it is a well-made slot, with fair wagers and fair prizes, and an amazing soundtrack.