Tapatio Slot

Tapatio Slot

Despite the prevalence of video slots in the gaming industry, there is still a niche for classic slots featuring mechanical reels. These traditional machines remain popular, despite their outdated appearance compared to newer releases. However, what if a slot machine could combine both styles of gameplay simultaneously?

This seems to be the innovative concept behind Tapatio, a game developed by Aristocrat. Tapatio features a distinctive format with two video reels and three mechanical reels, setting it apart from other slot games. Although the gameplay remains relatively straightforward, the unique format ensures that this machine will catch the eye of players.

Mexican Influence

Tapatio is a five-reel slot game played across 25 paylines. The title of the game is a Mexican term referring to individuals from Guadalajara or anything originating from the city, as well as a popular brand of hot sauce which serves as the machine’s inspiration. As expected, the game is themed around Mexican culture, evident in its artwork and music.

An unusual aspect of the game is that the first two reels are video-based, while the last three are mechanical, with a video overlay used to display payline results.

Players aim to match various symbols from left to right across their paylines. The pay table includes symbols such as peppers, maracas, bars, sevens, and the signature hot sauce. The hot sauce bottles offer the highest payouts, rewarding players with 1,000 coins for a five-of-a-kind combination.

Spice Things Up

Those lucrative hot sauce bottles also serve as scatter symbols, primarily on the first two video reels. If two or more scatter symbols appear on these reels, players can earn up to five free spins. During these bonus rounds, any additional bottles appearing on the video reels will transform into wild symbols, potentially triggering more free spins.

Another notable symbol is the Nacho Bonus symbol, triggering a special feature called the Nacho Pick Bonus. These symbols only appear on the mechanical reels. Landing three or more Nacho Bonus symbols initiates a pick’em style game where players can win instant coin prizes. In subsequent rounds, players can aim for larger rewards, but revealing a “collect” symbol ends the bonus game instantly.

A Spicy Twist

The Tapatio slot game is undeniably unique. Its unconventional format is sure to attract players seeking something out of the ordinary, though it may also be somewhat perplexing. The game’s distinctiveness might deter some players from fully engaging with it due to its unusual nature and lack of standout features. Hot sauce enthusiasts may find it worth a try, but other players may prefer other Aristocrat titles for a more enjoyable gaming experience.

Jack Barens iGaming Writer

Last Updated: December 11, 2024