Tomb Raider is an outstanding example of an online pokie that has successfully used other media platforms as its inspiration.
Lara Croft first appeared in a computer game back in 1996, then she hit cinema screens in the person of Angelina Jolie in 2001, followed by a sequel in 2003.
TheTomb Raider pokie machine was first released in 2004, with the sequel Tomb Raider II—Secret of the Swordappearing in 2008.
This Microgaming slot has remained an extremely popular game through its engaging gameplay and the integration of images and themes from both games and the movies.
On the Tomb Raider slot, coin values range from $0.05 – $0.50 and a maximum of five coins can be wagered per spin. Featuring 5 reels and 15 paylines, the maximum bet ranges in size from $3.75 to $37.50, although the smallest bet available is $0.05 per spin (1x coin, 1 payline). Wins pay left to right (except for the scatter which pays anywhere on the reels) and are multiplied by the line bet (maximum $2.50), so it always pays to play the maximum number of coins.
The 10x free spin feature is activated when 3x, 4x or 5x scatter symbols are hit anywhere on the reels. During this bonus round, all wins are multiplied 3x, and so the maximum jackpot available is between $45,000 and $56,250.
The Tomb Bonus is triggered when you hit 3x, 4x or 5x Idol symbols on any payline. On a separate screen, you are shown 12 golden idols, each of which conceals a multiplier value—you choose 3x idols and the multiplier values are added together, with payouts ranging between $750 and $1,250. The number of idol symbols you hit to activate the bonus features determines the potential size of the payout.
The biggest jackpot that can be won on the Tomb Raider slot is $56,250, when you hit 5x wild symbols during the 10x free spin feature, while hitting 5x scatter symbols in this round has a payout of $45,000. During base play, the maximum jackpot is $18,750 for hitting 5x wild symbols on any payline. Playing the Tomb Bonus feature, there is a maximum jackpot on offer of $1,250.
The game uses images and themes based upon the computer game series and, to a lesser extent, the films, this is the trend with online pokies these days and another example for this would be The Incredible Hulk pokie. The sound effects in the game are excellent; there is a pulsing drone running throughout in the mold of a cinematic thriller, but this gets broken up dramatically on winning spins by loud electronic blasts. The music during the free spin feature is a driving drum beat, which is the perfect accompaniment as it helps to build tension. Overall, this is a visually impressive, fast-paced game where the sound and images enhance the rapid gameplay.
The Tomb Raider slot machine has remained a favourite because of the Lara Croft character and the way the gameplay draws on themes from the films and games. Additionally, it is potentially a very lucrative game, the main draw being the 10x free spin feature where wins are tripled, so it’s possible to win a jackpot worth up to $56,250. In addition, the Tomb Bonus round, along with the wild and scatter symbols, enhance both the gameplay and payout opportunities.
