Contrary to many other sites purporting to assess gaming slots, our reviews are conducted with players' interests as the top priority. We don't just aim to convince readers to engage with the games. Our core principle involves rejecting any financial contributions or incentives from game makers that might jeopardize our neutrality. Liberated from any obligation towards game producers, we endeavor to provide honest and clear reviews, allowing our audience to make well-rounded decisions. Our dedication to truthfulness and our reputation as a credible and autonomous resource are our prized assets.
Although our reviews can sometimes be frank or critical, numerous game creators are still keen on having their games showcased on Bigwinboard. This stems from the respect we hold within the gaming community and the constructive criticism we and our audience offer, assisting developers in refining their creations. Over time, our scoring methodology has earned recognition as a credible measure within the slot game industry.
Nevertheless, not every developer is open to critique. Some may shy away from exposure due to fear of adverse attention. If certain suppliers are not visible on our platform, it might be attributed to substandard game features or even more serious issues such as dishonest dealings. A pivotal requirement for evaluating any new game is complete access to it ahead of its launch, devoid of any legal bindings that could affect our assessment framework. This means resisting external pressures to enter binding agreements that could affect our independence. Not adhering to these criteria could result in the revocation of endorsement and potentially lead to being blacklisted. You can access a list of our accredited game studios here . Additionally, any attempts, legal threats or otherwise, intended to sway our evaluations will be made known to our audience since such conduct severely questions a developer's transparency and trust.
If reviews of games from a specific supplier are absent, it’s most likely because of issues concerning the game's excellence. Restricting our right to access their games could also result in minimal attention or even an absolute omission from our platform. Understand that there are suppliers who might remunerate sites or casino streamers to highlight their products favorably – be alert to this possibility and always carry out your individual research.
What we review
We recognize that every player approaches the gaming experience differently. Some favor exploring new games, whereas others prefer sticking to known favorites. Casual gamers might not be overly concerned about requirements like variance or RTP, as they just perceive gaming as a leisurely pursuit. Then, there are the serious gamers who seek high variance and great risk, relishing the excitement of pursuing larger victories. This is what impels us to maintain a broader perspective and understand the wider scope when critiquing the games. It explains why we arrange for a test team to play the games before determining a final assessment. Every review concludes with a concise recap and personal insights.
Listed below are some of the primary elements we consider when evaluating new slot games:
- Balancing – Does the game offer enough playtime, or is its mathematical foundation too unforgiving? Inferior games often act as mere money extractors, but some developers excel at maintaining fair balance even in games with high volatility.
- Playability – Distracting cut scenes? Poor audio design? Slow counting of wins? Awkward and sluggish mechanics? These elements can significantly alter the enjoyment of the game.
- Variance – Many developers aim to cater to a broad demographic by creating a range of low, medium, and high-variance games. Interestingly, games designed to mimic high-variance slots sometimes turn out with the potential of low-variance games, which isn’t an optimal blend.
- Bonus frequency and RTP – How long do you have to wait between recurring features? Some game developers are renowned for having considerably lower bonus frequencies than others. RTP is another crucial consideration. By common standards, an RTP of 96%+ is still deemed typical, and figures below that are usually negatively perceived by the casino community. However, it’s essential to realize that stringent regulations have a substantial impact on the industry, reducing revenue, which might contribute to the lowering of RTP. This isn’t necessarily the fault of the developers or casino operators but rather a consequence of strict regulation.
- Originality – A game doesn’t have to be groundbreaking to be excellent. There are even clone games that surpass the original. What is off-putting are uninspired developers who systematically replicate and re-skin their or others' games.
- Potential – There has long been a demand for bigger potential and higher variance, sparked by immensely successful games like Bonanza and Dead or Alive 2. Regrettably, some developers seem to think that a 20x return constitutes an 'epic win'. It is not. That being said, since this is an entertainment-centric industry, a game doesn't need astronomical potential or extreme volatility to gain popularity.
Several suppliers allow for adaptable RTP (payout percentage), enabling casino operators to select from a set range of predefined RTP values. We assess games based on the highest RTP setting and advise readers to keep this in mind when reading our reviews. Varied 'performance' between a 96% and a 92% version can be very significant.
Scores are not written in stone
Although reviews depict a moment in time, slots aren’t like video games and need a distinct review approach. While visuals seldom change, the underlying math driving the game might. For instance, a slot's RTP might be lowered or revisited for re-certification owing to math rule changes, essentially classifying it as a new game. Generally, the score signifies the game's status around its release, but for reasons earlier mentioned, the score can sometimes change. Moreover, multiple elements might be factored in post-release, such as major win frequency, whether there's noteworthy disparities in the consumer sentiment that conflicts with our scores, or if the game handles differently when played live versus in demo mode. It's never about our own gratification, the chief concern is delivering value to players and guiding them in deciding how best to use their money.Slot critiques aren’t merely about determining if a game is 'good' or 'bad'. Bigwinboard’s reviewers, composed of both serious gamers and casual players, invest in offering insightful and well-rounded feedback by considering various aspects. While the final score serves as a reference, for a full understanding of whether a slot suits your preference, you should examine the review’s content itself, which often includes a demo play.
Bigwinboard Review Scale
Bigwinboard initially utilized a 100-point scale, transitioning briefly to a 20-point model in 2023. However, beginning February 2024, we've shifted to a 10-point system for rating slots. This decision was made because we believe this scale conveys the essence of our reviews clearly and effectively, minimizing entanglement in minor score distinctions.
The examples provided are intended to clarify and detail what these scores generally imply for us. Scores serve as a useful summary of the reviewer's perspective, but it’s essential to emphasize that they do not encompass the entire review. Post-launch, a score might change as live gameplay sheds more light on the experience.
1 (Abysmal): Represents a game that is either broken or egregiously bad, potentially even rigged. Offers no real value and should be avoided at all costs.
- 2 (Painful): At best, even in a generous mood, we might find a single redeeming quality, but the game still isn’t worth your time or money.
- 3 (Bad): A slot that fails to meet its objectives and lacks noteworthy attributes. Not worth spending your time on.
- 5 (Mediocre): A game that shows mediocre attributes. Other games likely surpass it, or its unique features aren’t as polished as they could be.
- 4 (Poor) : Disappointing or flawed.
- 6 (Fair): The slot has a few likable qualities but can only be endorsed with significant reservations.
- 7 (Good): A slot that is well-executed with reliable features, solid potential, and engaging visuals.
- 8 (Great): Not only is it good, but this slot also stands out in the industry.
- 9 (Amazing): Exceptional game. Among the greatest slots we’ve experienced, endorsed for all gambling enthusiasts.
- 10 (Masterpiece): Representing our top recommendation, recognized titles indicated as 'Masterpieces' by Bigwinboard approach what can realistically be expected of perfection.
- Bigwinboard's Policy on Online Slot Reviews - spin-samurai-app.com
Updated Reviews
Numerous websites claim to 'review' slot games, but our approach is different. We prioritize the interests of the players instead of merely pushing readers to gamble. Our strict policy ensures that we conduct thorough tests and evaluations of games while maintaining players' best interests at the forefront.
Platform's Stance on Reviewing Slots
Our site differentiates itself from others by focusing on the benefits of the players rather than just motivating them to play games. We are committed to transparency and honesty, refusing to take commissions or payments from game developers because that would compromise our impartiality. By operating independently from gaming companies, we provide sincere reviews to ensure our readers make informed choices. Our pillars of honesty and credibility set us apart as a trusted source in the gaming world.
Though our reviews can sometimes be blunt, game developers are generally keen on having their games featured on Bigwinboard. This interest is due to our reputable standing in the industry and the constructive criticism we offer, which aids developers in improving their games. Over time, our scoring system has set the standard as a recognized benchmark across the sector.
Some developers may shy away from our evaluation process, possibly due to concerns over the quality of their games or other problematic practices like fraudulence. Not all providers can handle intense scrutiny. Before a game is publicly launched, we require full access to it to conduct a review. This access must be untethered by legal ties that may influence our independent review process. Failure to meet our rigorous standards might lead to denial of accreditation or even blacklisting. Additionally, any attempts, whether legal or otherwise, to sway our reviews will be communicated to our readers, raising essential issues about a developer's openness and trust.