Always Hot Slots Novomatic is a developer that has had its hand in multiple pies over the years, but the foundations of the brand have been (and always will be) in the classic slots market. Looking at what has helped put Novomatic on the map, you simply can’t ignore the “Hot” series of games, with Always Hot arguably being the game that. One of those companies is Novomatic, whose game ‘Always Hot’, ticks several of the boxes in the classic slot sector. These types of games may not appeal to everyone, but there is a certain sort of antiquity to the feeling of playing such, providing an altogether different experience as to when playing a contemporary video slot.
There is only one way to win at this Novomatic designed slot – simply line up 3 symbols in a row on one of the 5 pay lines. These 5 pay lines follow the 3 rows of symbols from the left, and also the two diagonals from the top and bottom of the left hand reel. The number of win-lines you’ll play is not adjustable, though you will get the opportunity to play multiple coins per line.
The highest paying symbol shows a pair of red sevens, both of these seemingly on fire, which is a reference to the title of the slot. Line up three in a row and you’ll find 300 coins coming your way. Two stars on a bar is next and pays out 200 coins for three in a row, while a pair of melons is next at 100 coins. The grapes and the bells are each worth 80 coins, while the pay table is completed by the oranges, plums, lemons and cherries which all pay 40 coins.
You do have one added option when playing Always Hot slot game in the fact that you can choose to gamble any win. Hit the gamble button after any payout and you’ll be taken to a screen showing a face down playing card. You’ll now have to predict whether the card is black or red and if you are correct you’ll double your money, if you choose wrong you’ll lose the win. You can actually choose to gamble up to 5x in a row. This doesn’t sound a lot, but if you do manage to get it right 5 times in a row you’ll actually multiply your win amount by 32x, giving you the potential for some big wins.
Novomatic is a developer that has had its hand in multiple pies over the years, but the foundations of the brand have been (and always will be) in the classic slots market. Looking at what has helped put Novomatic on the map, you simply can’t ignore the “Hot” series of games, with Always Hot arguably being the game that kick started it all. Released in 2004, this is the game that showed everyone that there is still plenty of life left in the classic slots formula.
If it’s basic visuals that you want, it’s basic visuals you’ll get, as Always Hot sticks to the core of what matters when it comes to gambling. The reels are locked centre-screen, with classic symbols in stars, 7s, cherries, oranges, melons, and lemons being thrown your way. In the eyes of some, the 2D graphics in Always Hot haven’t aged all that well, but the reality is that the “theme” was never the draw of the game to begin with.
The hook of Always Hot is clearly its gameplay, as it is driven by pure, unadulterated nostalgia. There is absolutely minimal fuss to be found here, as all the usual frills have been checked at the door. Across the 3-reels, 3-rows, and 8-paylines a player only has a handful of symbols to work with, which means that getting your hands on a winning combination can certainly be a challenge at times.
Even in cost this game is effortlessly easy to understand, as you cycle through bet levels (between 5 and 25,000 coins) at just the click of a button. From there it’s all about hitting the spin button and seeing what prizes Always Hot has in store.
Did you load up Always Hot expecting to be greeted by a bevy of bonus features? If so, what were you thinking, as this game stands by what makes old-fashioned slots so great, as it is strictly all about the prizes here. No wilds, no scatters, and no nonsense, this is one game that gets straight to the point. The only bonus element in Always Hot (if you can even call it that) is the gamble round, which is the usual double or nothing way to wager your winnings.
The sheer age of this game can’t be ignored, as it’s safe to say that the world of slots has changed a lot since 2004. Sadly, this does make finding similar games a bit difficult, as most slots of this “standard” have been discontinued. If you are looking for more of the same, we would probably recommend that you stay within the Novomatic “Hot” series.
What’s great is that the “Hot” series has expanded massively over the years, so the choice is plentiful. The likes of Always Hot Deluxe, Sizzling Hot, Sizzling Hot Deluxe, Sizzling Hot Quatro, Super Hot, Super Hot 7s, Ultra Hot, and Ultra Hot Deluxe have all taken the Always Hot formula in a new direction, but still contain some obvious links to the game that started it all.
Does Always Hot appear a little dated now? There isn’t too much to say to go against that. But, with its dated visuals in mind, we still think that this game is seriously fun to play. Yes, visually it looks a bit cobbled together by today’s standard, but you would be foolish to not spin the reels of this pioneering game at least once.