Apparat Gaming brings a fresh perspective to the traditional joker-themed slot genre with Joker's Wild Crown. While joker-themed slots have been a casino staple since the mechanical era, this release demonstrates how modern gaming features can enhance classic entertainment without sacrificing its fundamental appeal. The game doesn't try to reinvent the wheel – instead, it polishes familiar elements to a mirror shine while introducing innovative mechanics through its Diamond Treasures feature.
Core Mechanics: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
At its heart, Joker's Wild Crown operates on a 5×3 grid with 10 paylines – a configuration that might seem conventional at first glance. However, the game's 96.11% RTP positions it favorably among modern video slots. What sets this title apart is its dual wild system, featuring both the Joker and the Joker's Hat symbols. The Joker serves as a standard wild, but the Joker's Hat introduces an interesting twist by not only substituting for other symbols but also transforming up to two additional symbols into wilds. This cascading effect can create unexpected winning combinations that keep players engaged beyond the initial spin outcome.
Diamond Treasures: A Side Game Worth Your Attention
The Diamond Treasures side game represents the most significant departure from traditional joker-themed slots. Unlike typical bonus features that trigger through scatter symbols, this optional side game activates randomly when enabled through an additional bet. The mechanic introduces three treasure chests that open sequentially from left to right – a simple but effective way to build anticipation.
What makes this feature particularly noteworthy is its prize draw system. When all three chests reveal diamonds, players enter a specialized prize draw where five reels display numbers that combine to determine the final prize. The inclusion of mystery ‘?' symbols, worth between 9 and 15 points, adds an extra layer of unpredictability to each outcome. With its own dedicated RTP of 96.00%, the side game maintains competitive odds while offering substantial winning potential.
Prize Structure and Strategic Considerations
The base game's prize structure peaks at 10,000x for five premium symbols on a payline, with cascading values for four and three-symbol combinations. However, the Diamond Treasures side game introduces additional prize tiers ranging from 500 to an impressive 5,000,000 points. The four distinct betting levels within the side game create meaningful strategic choices – higher stakes unlock improved winning chances and bonus multipliers, but require careful bankroll management.
Joker's Wild Crown succeeds in modernizing the joker slot concept without losing sight of what makes these games appealing. The Diamond Treasures side game adds meaningful depth to the experience, while the dual wild system creates interesting moments during base gameplay. For players seeking a mix of familiar comfort and fresh mechanics, this slot offers both in a well-balanced package.
The game particularly suits experienced players who appreciate traditional slot elements but want additional strategic layers in their gameplay. The optional nature of the Diamond Treasures feature means players can engage with the added complexity at their own pace, while the base game maintains solid entertainment value on its own merits.