This is the first game in a new series, Advantage 5, introduced by Konami at the Global Gaming Expo. Advantage 5 is a five-reel, multi-line stepper series with a striking new appearance. This is achieved partly because the games use full-size reels, the same as in a traditional three-reel slot, which makes the set of reels look giant in a five-reel setup.

The top box features a mirrored “Infinity” light box. Multi-colored LED lighting combines with mirrors to create an elegant cantilevered 3-D effect. It appears as if the front of the top box is transparent and you are looking inside at a festive light show.

The five reels on the games are all back-lit, and the lighting changes colors according to different events in the primary game. The multi-colored LEDs can display up to 256 colors. Even the colors in the etched-glass belly of the slot change according to different jackpot events in the game. In the middle of the top box is a 19-inch color video screen.

“Vibrant 7s” is a traditional-style game in a five-reel configuration with 25 paylines. The pay schedule includes multiple “7” combinations, each a different color. There is a four-level, stand-alone progressive jackpot that is won through a multi-leveled bonus round.

In the primary game, bonus symbols line up to trigger 15 free games. If five green 7s line up on an active payline, it triggers the “Numbers Bonus,” a progressive bonus round that awards one of the four progressives. The reels spin to match up different-colored numbers on the reels, which each correspond to a payline. Each payline corresponds to one of the jackpot levels.

Vibrant 7s and the rest of the Advantage 5 lineup are all multi-line games designed for low denominations and high volatility.

• Manufacturer: Konami Gaming
• Platform: Advantage 5
• Format: Five-reel, 25-line stepper slot
• Denominations: .01, .02, .05, .10, .25, .50. 1, 2, 5
• Max Bet: 250
• Top Award: 8,000 times line bet
• Hit Frequency: 53.84%
• Theoretical Hold: 2%—14%

By Frank Legato

Frank Legato is editor of Casino Connection and also editor of Global Gaming Business magazine. He has been writing on gaming topics since 1984, when he launched and served as editor of Casino Gaming magazine. Legato, a nationally recognized expert on slot machines, has served as editor and reporter for a variety of gaming publications, including Public Gaming, IGWB, Casino Journal, Casino Player, Strictly Slots and Atlantic City Insider. He has an B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in communications from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. He is the author of the recently published book on gaming, How To Win Millions Playing Slot Machines... Or Lose Trying.