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[ferg]

Hi all, been looking around the forum trying to pick out my first machine but had some general questions.

Are Pachislos entirely skill based or is there an element of randomness in the reels like in slot machines here in the UK?

If that's the case does adjusting the skill level simply make the reels spin faster so they're harder to stop in the right place?

And conversely are mini-games and LCD videos just random events/shows based on what's happening on the reels or can you actually 'play' the games depending on your skill or strategy with the buttons? Or should I be asking, which machine has the most fun mini-games?

[Tulsa]

The reels are allowed to stop within 4 positions of where you press the stop button. This is called slipping. The outcome is still based on a random number generator but you have a bit of control, mostly on the first two reels. Adjusting the odds does not change the speed of the reels. The LCD's and other 4th reels are clues for you to know when events are about to occur.

[slotter]

Everyone pretty much agrees that you can win slightly more by eye-shooting and trying to stop the reels where you want. (Don't know on a long term basis if the random number generator would would eventually even things out or not?)

[rupan777]

The skill is in knowing one thing: data.

[johntofva]

The skill is in knowing one thing: data.

I know dattia..........does that help?

[rupan777]

I know dattia..........does that help?

Guess it doesn't hurt! but let's ask her husband that...

[ferg]

Thanks Tulsa. It was the demonstration videos where it seems there's a high level of success that threw me. But I guess I was just seeing the highlights.

What about mini-games, generally just random events or are there games you actually control with the buttons?

For example, in Super Blackjack can you play a rudimentary game of Blackjack or do you just watch a game being played and get rewarded based on the random outcome?

[Tulsa]

With the SBJ it gives you the appearance that you're playing blackjack. You're not actually choosing to hit or stay, it just unfolds for you. There is a roulette wheel that you play and you have three choices to make. That's not too bad. Other games Dragon Dice all you to choose "Big or Small" when determining the outcome of the spinning dice. Big being 6 or greater and small being 6 or smaller. You have to hit that three times in a row to get into a chance round.

Remembering that these are first gambling devices and rendering too much control to the player is never going to be in the houses best interest, there's certainly more interaction with these than in an American sytle slot machine. It's not a video game yet though.

[slotter]

Remembering that these are first gambling devices and rendering too much control to the player is never going to be in the houses best interest, there's certainly more interaction wit these than in an American sytle slot machine. It's not a video game yet though.

Exactly. Nicely said, and needs to be restated now and then.

[rupan777]

Yeah, in reality, all the machines are like that: there are odds-affecting events that can occur but that's about it. I think adding to the near-videogame image, many pachinko machines have a "chance" button installed in them but this feature never lets you control odds but rather makes you believe you are.

[ferg]

Thanks guys, think I have a better understanding of the nature of the game now and will maybe place more importance on the theme rather than the game mechanics.

But, just out of interest, if they are first gambling devices what are they intended to lead to?

[Tulsa]

Profits for the Parlors.

[rupan777]

and the manufacturers. As well as entertainment for us.

[dishpan]

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