Cryptologic is a company based in Ireland that was first founded in 1995. Since providing software to their first casino back in 1996, they’ve licensed their software out to dozens of different casinos. Cryptologic has also created a number of other online gambling products, such as poker room and bingo software solutions.
Cryptologic provides their casino operators with both a downloadable client and a browser-based version of their software, each of which comes with a full suite of casino games. Cryptologic has also taken advantage of several licensing opportunities in order to add some exclusive games to their lineup based on movies, video games and other franchises.
Cryptologic Slot Machines
Cryptologic has well over 100 different slot machines available, ranging from some very simple standard three-reel slots to complex five-reel games, as well as progressive jackpot slots. The real standouts among their lineup are their licensed slots. It’s possible that Cryptologic may have more licensed slots games than any other casino software provider, including licensing agreements with both DC and Marvel Comics.
These licensed games are clearly ones that have had a lot of work put into them, and they do a great job of evoking the imagery and feel of their source material. Take, for instance, the Superman slot machine. This game starts out as a five reel, 50-line slot that uses familiar faces and images from the legendary comic: Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, the Daily Planet, kryptonite, and others. However, there are also two very fun bonus features that play right into the Superman theme. If you hit three of the wild Superman symbols, you’ll earn 10 free spins. On each of these spins, an expanded wild Superman will take up one entire reel, giving you tons of chances to win. Not only will you win more often, you’ll win more when you do hit a winning combination; all of your wins using the Superman symbol are multiplied by 5x their normal value!
In addition, there’s a Save the World feature that can only be activated if you’re in the “Bonus Bet” mode – betting 60 coins even though you’re only playing 50 lines. This game, which is triggered by hitting three scatter symbols, allows you to pilot Superman through a meteor shower, destroying missiles to win small prizes. You’ll then have a chance to pick from between three doors. One has deadly kryptonite, ending the game; another allows you to save some hostages and win a prize. The third allows you to capture Lex Luthor and win up to 100x the amount of your original spin.
The Superman game is just one example of many in which Cryptologic does an excellent job of really exploring a game’s theme. Another example is Street Fighter II, which is based on the classic arcade game. At first glance, it looks like just another slot machine that just uses symbols and characters from the game. However, once you start playing, it’s clear they really tried to find a way to incorporate the fighting aspect into the game. At the beginning of the game, you have the opportunity to select one of the fighters from the game. Should your fighter appear on reel two while M. Bison appears on reel four, you’ll get to play a fighting bonus game, where punches, kicks and special moves appear on the reels to help your character fight M. Bison and win you extra cash.
We could go on with plenty of other examples, but trust us – if you’re a fan of any of the many properties Cryptologic has licenses for, you won’t be disappointed by their games. Just a few of the others that we haven’t mentioned yet include Braveheart, Conan the Barbarian, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
Video Poker at Cryptologic Casinos
Okay, so after that glowing review of Cryptologic’s slots, it would be hard for their video poker machines to be just as impressive. But they do have a nice selection, with over 20 different video poker games on offer. Classics like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild are presented with very good pay tables, while more exotic games are available for those who want to branch out a bit.
For instance, one rather unique game is called Over Poker. In this game, you begin by being dealt two cards, either of which you can choose to hold, discard, or move up to a new hand, which will then be played at the same stakes as the original hand. You can keep moving cards up each time the mood suits you, allowing you to play as many hands as you like – or, if you prefer, just one hand at a time. It’s definitely an interesting game with a lot of strategic depth.
Cryptologic Casino Table Games
Cryptologic has enough table games to satisfy just about any casino veteran; if you’re looking for a game that’s spread in your local casino, chances are they have it here. There are a dozen different kinds of blackjack available, including versions that have progressive jackpot side bets, and variants like Pontoon and Super Fun 21. The casino also spreads both European and American roulette, depending on which format of the game you prefer.
Other casino favorites on tab include Let it Ride, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Casino War, Red Dog and Sic Bo. There are also a couple of games you might not have seen before, such as Three Card Rummy and Triple Action Hold’em.
Other Cryptologic Casino Games
Cryptologic offers a number of other casino games, such as a couple of scratch card games and a progressive jackpot keno game. But the most enjoyable game they have that doesn’t fit neatly into one of the other categories would have to be their Jenga game, based on the popular party game in which you build towers out of blocks. In the Cryptologic version – which is listed under their slots section, but definitely doesn’t resemble a standard slot machine in any way – the goal is to have levels of your towers composed of blocks of the same color. If this happens, you not only win an immediate prize, but blocks of that color will also be pulled out of your tower. If this causes your tower to collapse, you win a free second game where you can win additional prizes.
This game is surprisingly addictive and fun, as trying to predict whether your tower will fall adds just the right amount of drama to your gambling experience. It’s a nice way to round out the Cryptologic casino, which really does a great job of crafting games that evoke the themes they’re meant to represent, rather than just using their licenses as skins on otherwise generic games.
