JiGong Slots
When you look through the back catalogue of SimplePlay, what you’ll find is that this casino software developer has tried its hand at everything over the years. From farmyard animals to Japanese schoolgirls, they’ve shown absolutely no restraint when it comes to what they are willing to try. This way of thinking comes through clear with JiGong, as the game takes a humorous look at Ancient Chinese culture.
There are tons of Ancient Chinese and Far East Asia themed online slot games around. Practically every software creator from around Europe has created at least one, leaving the market bursting at the seams. Actually being able to muscle in on this genre is no easy feat, so does JiGong from SimplePlay have what it takes? The jury is out in our humble opinion.
Having a Boozy Good Time
The theme of JiGong is bumbling to say the very least, but it is bumbling in the best way possible. Directly to the side of the screen is what appears to be a drunken martial artist, who is dancing around with a jug in his hand. This image really does set the tone for the game, as the backdrop of the Chinese cityscape looks fantastic. The level of detail really is in another league when compared to other SimplePlay releases. The theme of this game is also worthy of big time praise, as not only is it funny, it has seemingly done a great job of staying true to Ancient Chinese culture.
The reels actually push the fun loving nature of this game to one side for a moment, with the symbols investing further into details. The icons used all carry an Ancient Chinese vibe that works to make the reels a sight to behold. Element for element, we simply love the design and look of JiGong.
Drunk and Disorderly
JiGong looks so good, so you can only imagine our disappoint when we started actually playing it, as the game is simply boring throughout. Across the 5 reels and 30 paylines featured, the game is more or less sleep inducing, as there is absolutely nothing that jumps out here. Even the payscale just screams boring, as the SimplePlay stalwart of betting between 6.00 and 60.00 makes yet another appearance. Considering how much money has clearly been invested into this game, we expected so much more on the gameplay front with JiGong.
JiGong could have easily been a gameplay write off, but its prizes make sure that such isn’t actually the case. The usual style jackpots are here, but it is three progressive jackpots that work to make things extra interesting. Mini, Minor, and Major offerings are the call of the day, with each prize in JiGong being bigger than the last.
Striking Out
Considering that it is medium variance in nature, JiGong really does need a good selection of bonus features if it wants to become a true flagship title. Sadly, it shoots slightly wide of the mark in this department. The wilds and scatters add what you would expect to the game, while the Bombing Reels feature is fun, but the lack of a bonus round is a glaring omission here. For our money, no bonus round really does mean no party when it comes to JiGong.
A Challenger Has Emerged
Have you managed to get a real kick out of what JiGong brings to the table? If so, you are probably going to have your eyes peeled for similar games. Thankfully, you won’t actually have to look too far for games that can match JiGong on the gameplay front at least.
Visually they can’t exactly reach the heights of JiGong, but both Fruit Poppers and Diamond Crush have similar gameplay credentials. The same 5-reels, the same 30 paylines, and a few other common features certainly mean that JiGong fans should give these games a look.
JiGong Just Misses the Mark!
When we look at JiGong we do ask ourselves what might have been. Visuals wise this game looks amazing, with the detail being fantastic, but in other areas JiGong just lacks some serious oomph. Overall, JiGong is well worth playing, but we do have doubts regarding the game’s replayability.
