There are many ways to take to the skies these days, you could fly in airplanes, microlights, gliders, helicopters and even use a jetpack. Despite all of their merits, these methods pale in comparison to the oldest form of flying - hot air ballooning. If you are not that fastidious when it comes to visual presentation, set out on an adventure high up in the air and jump on board of Microgaming’s Hot Air balloon for the top prize of 2,000 coins. Continue reading our full review to learn more about this unique reeled machine.

Hot Air Slot Machine [with a Fun Theme and Low Stakes] Reviewed

UP IN THE SKY

The release has a hot air balloon theme. The reels are set in the background of a sky dotted with hot air balloons. On the reels, the Pilot is the wild symbol and the Balloon is the scatter symbol. The other thematic symbols are Telescope Man, Plane, Hamper, and Bird. The symbols have been crafted in a cartoon sketch style. Brightly colored high-value cards from Ace to Nine also appear as symbols on the reels.

Only the wild symbol and the scatter symbol exhibit animations. In the Pilot animation, the shot zooms out to show the pilot in his hot air balloon. Other balloons can be seen in the background. In the Balloon symbol animation, the balloon can be seen sailing over the hilly landscape. None of the other symbols exhibit any animations. They only flash when occurring in winning combinations.

There is no background music in the main game, though the usual game sounds and win audio are present. However, the free spins round has a lively background tune.

PAYTABLE EXPLAINED

This non-progressive title has 30 paylines and you can wager up to 10 coins per payline. The coin denomination must be selected from 0.01, 0.02, and 0.05. This restricts the maximum line bet to 0.50 and the maximum total bet to 15.00. High rollers will not find this slot game to their liking as the max bet is quite low.

SPECIAL ICONS

• The Pilot is the wild symbol and substitutes for all symbols except the scatter Balloon symbol. It does not multiply payouts. Five Pilot symbols in an enabled payline result in the highest fixed jackpot of 2,000 coins. Though the payouts for five like symbols in an enabled payline are not high, many symbols start paying out when two of them appear left to right in an enabled payline. This increases the frequency of payouts.
• The second important symbol in the game is the Scatter containing the hot air balloon. This scattered symbol is special for several reasons. First, it can earn you a nice payout of up to 100x your bet regardless of the direction, in which the matching symbols line up on the reels. Unlike other icons in Hot Air that pay only from left to right, the scattered balloon can award a payout in both directions. What is more important, three or more scattered balloons anywhere on the reels are the secret to unlocking the free spins in this slot.

REGULAR SYMBOLS

Other than that, the ordinary symbols ordered from the highest to the lowest payers include:

• The passenger with the spyglass icon will deliver between 3 coins for just two, to 500 coins for five on the gameboard.
• The Airplane character is worth between 2 coins for two symbols and 500 coins for five.
• The Picnic Hamper and the Birds images will bring between 15 to 300 coins.
• Finally, the playing cards from Nine to Ace offer the lowest payout. You will receive between 100 and 150 coins for collecting five identical card pictograms.

BONUS AND ADDITIONAL POSSIBILITIES

Ten free spins are awarded all payouts doubled when three or more Scattered Balloons anywhere on the reels. The free spins feature cannot be retriggered. The free spins feature has an interesting innovation.

During free spins, the Pilot and the Balloon symbols are collected to enhance the value of the Hot Spins that succeed in the free spins. One free spin with a multiplier of 1x is guaranteed in the Hot Spins. For each Pilot symbol accumulated during free spins, an additional free spin is given in the Hot Spins round.

For each Balloon symbol accumulated during the free spins, the multiplier of the Hot Spins round is increased by 1.

Hot Air also offers a Gamble Game. After each payout, you have the option to collect your winnings or stake them in the Gamble Game. In the Gamble Game, you have two choices.

You can try to double the payout by choosing the color of the next card from red and black. Or you can try to quadruple their payouts by choosing the suit of the next card. If you guess correctly, then you enhance your staked payouts. If you guess incorrectly, you lose the staked amount.

BEST CASINOS TO PLAY HOT AIR SLOT MACHINE AT

Elevating in a hot air balloon is a dream of many, but unfortunately, not everyone can afford to take one such thrilling ride in person. But there is a rather feasible solution as Microgaming provides thrill seekers with the chance to experience the adventure of their lifetime. If you are ready for this, head over to four below-mentioned recommended betting locations.

• Mr Green was established over a decade ago. It holds two licenses given by the MGA and the UKGC. If you wish to move your funds in and out of the site, you can use all standard payment methods, including PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill.
• Lucky Emperor was opened in 2003. Banking options for deposits and withdrawals include bank cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and pre-paid vouchers. The webpage is licensed by Malta and the UK.
• Platinum Play has been in operation since 2003. It is powered by Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Fortune Factory Studios, Just For The Win. The site awards loyalty points to its customers based on the amount of money that is wagered on the site.
• EuroSlots was established way back in 1963 in Sweden. The website is licensed under the gambling regulations as specified by the Malta Gaming Authority. The only available options are credit or debit cards, Skrill e-wallet, or bank transfer – which is quite a small selection compared to the other online casinos.

MORE GAMES BY MICROGAMING

• RoboJack is a futuristic 5-reel video slot that offers 243 ways to win. The game features sophisticated graphics, attractive payouts, as well as free spins which come with five different bonuses attached to them.
• Karate Pig has a Free Spins Bonus Round with a top prize of £80,000 on offer as well as a multi-level bonus feature where you can 'pick' to win cash prizes and then gain access to the Final Showdown Bonus for even more prizes.
• Frozen Diamonds is a winter-themed slot that gives you the chance to explore a cold world of constant ice and discover its hidden treasures. It offers a top non-progressive jackpot of 1,000x your stake. There is a special Bonus Falls feature thanks to which you can experience slightly different gameplay.

WE RECOMMEND

Are you excited to learn what other adventurous games our database has? Well, we prepared a small list for you to find out.

• Cluedo Classic by IGT puts you in the role of the main cash detective to solve the mystery case that unveils a cash prize of 10,000 coins times your stake. The specialty symbol is the gold detective star that has Mystery written on it. Landing three or more of the Mystery symbol anywhere on the reels will lead to 15 free spins.
• Ninja Magic by Microgaming is a martial arts-themed game that is centered on the Ninja Magic Bonus feature where you can get up to 3 free spins with a 3x multiplier – you can add to this tally by picking from 18 giant bugs to get up to 40 free spins with an 8x multiplier.

Hugos Adventure by Play'n GO is a 5 reel, 10 payline slot that can be played from 0.10 to 100 a spin – on all devices of course. It comes with a pick me style game where you win cash bonuses and multipliers. It is all about the free spins where you can get up to 20 free spins with multipliers up to 16x.