Let’s Play Two
The fundamental gameplay structure of many slots by Live 5 Gaming is quite similar and incorporates elements of traditional slot machine gameplay, along with features that may remind some players of fruit machines in this market. Many games showcase simple yet stylish cartoonish graphics that are vibrant, colorful, and engaging. Notably, players can engage at various levels with different return rates, and have the opportunity to advance to higher levels through gameplay rather than requiring additional expenditure to unlock these features.
Turning to the games themselves, let’s commence with one of the newer releases, the Stairway to Heaven slot. This machine predominantly unfolds in a heavenly setting, with the reels positioned in front of the gates of heaven. Adorned with angels, blue skies, and fluffy clouds, this game undoubtedly exudes an ethereal charm.
The gameplay occurs on a 20-payline, five-reel machine, providing players with the flexibility to tailor their bets per line and the number of lines they wish to engage with. This customization is crucial here, as it can influence your odds significantly: at the minimum bet, the return-to-player (RTP) rate is a mere 86%, but this figure climbs to slightly over 95% if you wager at least £2 per spin. Additionally, the game offers players the opportunity to progress up to Level 9 through specific gameplay features, although even the highest bet initiates at Level 4.
In the base game, the goal is to match various symbols, starting with poker ranks from tens to aces and advancing to harps, cherubs, angels, and a 7th Heaven logo. To secure wins, players must align at least three symbols in a row, with longer combinations yielding greater rewards. Wild symbols may also appear, providing additional winning opportunities.
The true excitement, however, lies in the myriad special features of this game. Discovering a Stairway to Heaven symbol on the final reel triggers a complimentary spin at the subsequent higher level; attaining Level 5 or beyond awards a series of Super Spins, featuring a starting 2x multiplier that enhances as you play. Moreover, a Devil’s Wheel bonus transports players to hell for a chance to spin and win more prizes, potentially unlocking a Deal or No Deal-style game for added rewards.
Another current title available is Live 5’s original creation, The Sky’s The Limit. Once again, this is a five-reel slot machine with 20 paylines, themed around aviation. Employing a four-level betting system, this game categorizes low-stakes players as “Economy Class,” while Level 4 participants reside in “Business Class.”
Similarly, low-value wins in this game correspond to card ranks from tens to aces. To secure significant rewards, players must match pilots, stewardesses, and stamps from popular tourist destinations like New York, Dubai, and the illustrious Las Vegas, Nevada. Wild symbols also feature, substituting for other winning combinations.
Advancing levels in the game involves discovering an upgrade symbol, which grants a complimentary spin at the subsequent higher level. Transitioning to Upper Class from Business Class bestows players with a Mega Game, offering five free spins with sticky wilds that endure until the feature concludes, potentially leading to highly lucrative spins. Players should also watch for the In A Spin feature, providing accesses to the turbine wheel for additional rewards. An interactive suitcase game presents various benefits, from heightened multipliers on subsequent spins to guaranteed wins or direct entry into bonus rounds.
Despite the modest game collection, Live 5 Gaming has future titles in development. While Hotels Dot Cash is currently available for preorder on the Live 5 website, it has yet to debut on any online gaming platforms. Nevertheless, all titles in their compact portfolio are accessible at several physical venues across the UK.
Collaborating with Excellence
Live 5 Gaming has built its business around three key principles. First and foremost, the company focuses on crafting inventive games – a facet we’ve explored earlier. Punctuality in delivering products to clients is another crucial aspect, vital for their partner companies but largely unseen by players.
The third tenet emphasizes the company’s commitment to fostering relationships with potential partners. Despite being a nascent and modest-sized studio, Live 5 has successfully forged partnerships with industry giants, including Ladbrokes, Coral, and SkyVegas. Collaborating with such top-tier operators at such an early stage reflects remarkable confidence in this emerging studio. They also collaborate with prominent online developers and platforms like Scientific Games, OpenBet, and Core Gaming.
Encouragingly, Live 5 exhibits a keen interest in expansion. Their website features an extensive jobs section, indicating their intent to grow their development team. Hopefully, this signals forthcoming releases from the company, necessary for them to compete with established names like WMS slots and Quickspin slots.
Readily Overlooked, Yet a Hidden Gem
For a developer with a limited game portfolio, it’s easy for even dedicated casino enthusiasts to overlook their offerings. Many UK players may never chance upon Live 5 Gaming’s games due to sheer happenstance.
However, having read this, it’s crucial to understand that bypassing their games would be a missed opportunity. While the titles we tried share similarities, their unconventional structure sets them apart from major industry developers. This distinctiveness alone warrants exploration, coupled with the fact that the games offer an enjoyable gameplay experience. Live 5 Gaming may not boast a vast catalog, but we wholeheartedly recommend sampling their games if you have access to UK-based platforms featuring their slots.