This game uses Aruze’s unique oversized top box for a bonus round based on the legendary Game of LIFE board game. The board game is used as the basis for a wealth of possible outcomes in the main bonus round, with several possible bonus “mini-games” that run through animated sequences on the big video screen.

The base game itself is strong, with wild symbols and a random on-screen bonus in a 30-line setup. During the base game, if the “Cranky Condor” symbol appears at random, it breezes across the screen and throws coins out of a bag to turn symbols into wild symbols.

Bonus symbols on the first, third and fifth reels trigger the main feature, called “The Game of Cranky Condor’s Life.” In GLI jurisdictions, the bonus is more frequent, thanks to an extra bonus symbol on each of those reels. In Nevada, a separate special feature is present—if bonus symbols appear on the first and third reels but not the fifth, the fifth reel re-spins for a second shot at the bonus.

When the main bonus is triggered, the top-box board game is activated. Dice symbols appear, and the player rolls the dice to proceed around a game board with spaces showing credit amounts (“Pay Day!”), several “Mini Game” spots, “Win or End” and “Turning Point” spaces.

If the player lands on “Win or End,” either a credit amount is revealed (a “win”) or the bonus ends. For “Turning Point,” the player selects “College” or “Job” to reveal a credit amount. The “Mini  Game” can be one of several bonus sequences, each involving a pick to be made by the player to reveal a credit amount.

There also is a “Derby Bonus” that has the player pick a horse for a race played out on the screen, with the top bonus awarded if the winner is picked; and a “Global Bonus” in which the player selects one of six  countries in which to expand his business. A successful expansion awards a credit amount.   

Manufacturer: Aruze Gaming

Platform: G-Deluxe

Format: Five-reel, 30-line video slot

Denomination: .01   

Max Bet: 175, 350, 525, 700

Top Award: 1,000 credits times line bet

Hit Frequency: Approximately 50%

Theoretical Hold: 1.35%—7.75%

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.