Vikings Go to Vegas with Dead or Alive Game Machines

The Dead or Alive game machine is a popular casino slot developed by NetEnt, one of the leading providers in the industry. Released in 2016, it has since become a favorite among players for its unique how to play theme and exciting gameplay features.

Theme and Design

Dead or Alive takes inspiration from the Wild West era of the United States, specifically during the late 19th century when lawlessness was rampant. The game’s backdrop depicts a dusty, abandoned street with several buildings, while the reels are set against a beautiful sunset sky. The design is reminiscent of old Western movies and adds to the overall theme of outlaws on the run.

The characters in Dead or Alive are also designed with this era in mind, featuring cowboys and outlaws as high-paying symbols. Each character has its own unique personality and style, adding an extra layer of depth to the game’s visuals. The low-paying symbols include standard playing card ranks from 9-Ace.

Symbols and Payouts

The payout structure in Dead or Alive is based on a classic five-reel, three-row format with 25 fixed paylines. Each symbol has its own unique value, ranging from 1 to 20 coins for the high-paying symbols. The Wild West theme continues even down to the lowest-paying symbols, such as the playing card ranks.

Here’s a breakdown of the game’s payouts:

• Low-paying symbols (9-Ace): x2, x5, and x10 coins
• High-paying symbols (Cowboys and Outlaws): 20-100 coins

The Wild West theme continues even down to the highest-payout symbol, which is awarded when five Dead or Alive icons appear on an active payline. This combination pays out up to a maximum of 25,000x the total bet.

Wilds and Scatters

In addition to standard symbols and payouts, Dead or Alive features two special symbols: Wilds and Scatters. The Wild icon appears as a pair of guns and substitutes for any other symbol in winning combinations except for Scatters and Free Spins icons.

The Scatter icon is represented by the whiskey bottle and only pays out when three or more appear anywhere on the reels, triggering one of the game’s bonus features:

• 3 Scatters: Trigger the Double Feature feature (explained below)
• 4 Scatters: Award a payout of x200 coins
• 5 Scatters: Award a payout of x2,000 coins

Bonus Features

Dead or Alive offers two exciting bonus features that enhance gameplay and increase player winnings:

• Double Feature : This feature is triggered when three or more Scatter icons appear on the reels. Players are presented with five random reels each filled with one symbol only (either Dead or Alive). The reels spin independently of each other, offering players multiple winning opportunities.
• Free Spins : This feature awards a set number of free spins based on the player’s total bet when three or more Scatter icons appear on the reels.

The Free Spins feature can be re-triggered during gameplay, allowing players to potentially win even bigger rewards.

Volatility and Betting Range

Dead or Alive has medium volatility, making it an attractive option for both casual and experienced players. The game offers a wide betting range from 25p to £250 per spin, catering to various bankrolls and player preferences.

The Medium Volatility ensures that wins are not too infrequent but also not too small compared to high-volatility slots.

Max Win and Game Over

In Dead or Alive, the max win is capped at 25,000x the total bet. This means players can potentially win up to £6,250,000 on a single spin (at a maximum stake of £250).

Once the game reaches its maximum payout, it resets, and players continue playing as normal.

Gameplay Experience

Playing Dead or Alive is an immersive experience that combines engaging graphics with exciting gameplay mechanics. The intuitive interface makes navigation easy for both new and seasoned slot enthusiasts:

• Players can adjust their bet amount using the “+” and “-” buttons.
• Auto-spin feature allows for automated play up to 1,000 spins.

The game also supports mobile devices, offering a seamless transition from desktop to handheld.

Mobile Play

Dead or Alive has been optimized for mobile devices, providing an excellent gaming experience on-the-go:

• The compact design and intuitive interface ensure easy navigation even with smaller screen sizes.
• Autoplay feature is still available in mobile mode.

Players can enjoy the thrilling gameplay of Dead or Alive from anywhere, at any time.

Player Experience

Dead or Alive offers a well-rounded experience that appeals to players seeking excitement:

• High RTP: 96.8%
• Medium Volatility ensures consistent wins and rewards
• Immersive theme with engaging graphics and characters

However, the slot’s high volatility in certain conditions can be intimidating for some players.

Overall Analysis