Kung Fu Empress By Gaming Arts

By Mark Novak

Putting all of that aside, I decided to try Gaming Art’s newer slot, Kung Fu Empress. The monitor is massive and the topper advertised three Must-Hit-By progressives (MHBP) paying $50, $300, and $1,000. Plus, I noticed the two treasure chests on screen teasing two different persistent bonuses. I prepared myself for an experience very similar to what is available to us gamers across casino floors (that is, feeling trapped by a persistent bonus and the MHBP) and inserted $100.

Trying out new games in this current era of slots is similar to the first expeditions to the summit of Mount Everest in the early 1900s; dangerous, filled with the unknown and the uncertainty if anyone will even survive to tell the story.

That $100 bill allowed me to live out the everpopular modern slot experience of what we at the Arizona Gaming Guide call “The Slow March To Death.” This design is a poor choice for the math model of a slot. Our readers understand all to well what we mean, right?

Now, to be fair, that was my experience with one $100 bill, on one game, at one casino, once. But, to also be fair, based on my years of experience designing math models for slots, I looked at the help screen and immediately recognized multiple design flaws. I was not surprised at all by what happened during my play session so I feel comfortable saying this game isn’t for the casual gamer. In fact, it’s even a tough sell for slot players with large bankrolls. I’m sure the Inter-web has plenty of Look at this BIG WIN!” vapidity out there for this game, but it’s misleading, just like all of that style of noise.

Now, I may have enjoyed a few Kung Fu movies in college, and I am aware of the Animé style of art, however, this game is a little over the top for me, and will certainly be too much for the uninitiated. I enjoy intros to bonus events and, in casino gaming, those intros should be loud and noticeable. Unfortunately, this game attempts to knock you out of your seat with all of the Kung Fu moves directed at the player, literally. Honestly, the cartoon violence is just not in line with my vibe of a gambling experience. I want to see if a game will let me win, let me play, and allow me a good time, not immerse me in the violence of the original Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat video games.

But enough about my experience and opinion. Onward to the guts of the game! Randomly during a spin, the main character Chipao will place a wild symbol while performing Kung Fu. Once eight wedges are won, the player spins a wheel. Was there Kung Fu? Yes. Eight wedges and a wheel spin? No.

Also, when the Chipao symbol stops on the 5th reel, the picture symbols on all the reels are converted to Chipao symbols. That happened, but never paid me enough to make me sit up and pay attention.

Randomly, the Punch Bonus can happen. And, I’ll attest that it did. Prompted to touch the screen, I was assaulted with more Kung Fu again until the bonus win meter stopped incrementing. Apparently there is another random bonus if a Wild symbol appears on screen. Tiles break and then you either win a bonus amount or a jackpot. I didn’t experience it and I wasn’t willing to use more bankroll to find out how little it would pay me.

There is a Free Games bonus in this game, although my $100 at minimum bet did not allow me to experience it. Based on watching another player, the Free Games have a larger playing field with more pay lines. Those who want more Kung Fu will definitely get it. My Reel Result Two Thumbs Down. Maybe it just wasn’t my luck. (I did hit four Aces with a Kicker for $1,000 right after I left the game though!) Visit GamingArts.com, for more info on this game or any of their other slots. $

STRATEGY ALERT!

Always read the Help Screen. And, if a Help Screen is too verbose, you may want to move on to the next slot. Simple is frequently better.

REEL RESULT: Two Thumbs down