Slot Tex Mex — Game Review

La Fiesta de Muertos: Expert Review

Keep your life tucked away in La Fiesta de Muertos, a new exciting video slot by Mascot Gaming. With thrilling wild and scatters, a highly lucrative Bonus Game paired with creepy aesthetics, this isn’t definitely the typical game you are used to. And yet, which slot gaming companies could introduce the extraordinary Mexican tradition of giving honors to the departed into a video slot better than Mascot?!

Let us dive into this fantastic game to see what you can expect aside from goosebumps.

Technical Information

Set on a five-reel and three-row grid, La Fiesta de Muertos offers 15 paylines to grab money from the dead. The whole thing looks colorful and celebratory — the symbols, the background, the decoration … you feel in the heart of this Mexican fest and get the vibes perfectly! The RTP rate is 95.22%, and the Hit Rate is 43.4%. The game has low volatility. This, along with such low bets possible as 0.15 the spin, makes the game an ideal variant for slow-goers. If you are not in a rush after a million and prefer to enjoy the pace of the slot, you should not miss out on the La Fiesta de Muertos video slot!

Mascot’s game developers did a great job picturing “Los Muertos” in their best outfits, prepared for the fiesta! The game symbols for low value are playing card suits, richly decorated with flowers. They pay from 0.03 to 0.75 for three to five of a kind. Higher paying symbols are more interesting, depicting the spirit of the holiday the best. Here are they:

• A Tequila bottle with a shot glass and lime slice gives out 0.10 to 1.00 for three to five of a kind;
• The Dead Man in purple pays out a bit higher — from 0.15 to 1.50 for three to five of a kind;
• The Dead Woman with a rose tiara pays out 0.20 to 2.50 for three to five identical symbols;
• The Skeleton with a black sombrero is the highest-paying regular symbol, promising 0.25 to 10.00 for three to five identical symbols.

Aside from this array of regular symbols, the La Fiesta de Muertos game by Mascot slot gaming companies features special symbols, including the Wild depicted by a double skull. The latter can substitute all regular symbols to build winning combinations easier.

Mascot “granted” the slot two scatters — a Gold Skull Scatter and the Pink Skull Scatter. Land two and more Gold Skull scatters anywhere on the reels to get paid from 0.30 to 3.75 and more. The other function of the scatter is to trigger the Bonus Game. To do this, three or more scatters need to be landed on the reels in any combination.

If you are familiar with Mascot Gaming slots, you must have guessed that La Fiesta de Muertos has several extra features to spice up the gameplay. Portraited via colored skulls, these symbols are Multiplier, Super Multiplier, Modifier, and Upgrade. More on them later.

La Fiesta de Muertos Theme and Design

La Fiesta de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a national holiday celebrated in Mexico which lays the basis of the slots’ theme and design. This holiday is an opportunity for the locals to remember those family members who have passed on. In fact, it’s a merry holiday; hence, it serves as a captivating theme for the online slot. You can see the lit candles inside a Mexican house, and the grid takes on the central part. And once you get a winning combination, the symbols are set on fire. The entire scene is mesmerizing and thrilling.

Special Features of La Fiesta de Muertos

What game by Mascot slot gaming companies if it doesn’t have special features?! La Fiesta de Muertos has several special features that intrigue and give pace to the game.

Sticky Respin Feature

You will trigger a series of Free Respins by landing a winning combination with a scatter. When the feature starts, whatever winning combination you get will remain in its place. The round will end either when the whole grid is filled with winning combinations or when you land winning combinations no more.

Bonus Games

The Bonus Game starts when the Sticky Respin feature ends. At the start, you get three bonus spins to be played on the bet with which you have won the feature. And when you land a winning symbol on the screen, you will automatically reset the number of free spins to three.

However, what makes this in-game round so unique and attractive, is that you can land only the Multiplier, Super Multiplier, Modifier, and Upgrade symbols. At the end of the round, the game will calculate the total win multiplier and apply it to the total bet.

Risk&Buy

The brand feature Risk&Buy suggests the player risk the current win to launch the Bonus Game or buy the feature at a specific price. This offer is active regardless of your spin outcome, so there’s always a chance to pass straight to the fun part of the game.

Final Words

The slightly unusual but appealing theme of the game, coupled with amazing special features and interesting gameplay, make La Fiesta de Muertos video slot developed by Mascot Gaming a worthwhile option for gamblers. The game’s details are picturesque, and the game’s speed won’t let you get bored.

Mexican Train Dominoes Rules

Masters Traditional Games has given below the version of the rules to Mexican Train Dominoes that we believe are the most straightforward, elegant and which minimise the chance of repetitive or tedious elements of play. These should be easy to learn but contain all of the necessary ingredients for classic Mexican Train Dominoes. In summary, we think our version of the rules are the most fun! We are aware that some manufacturers and people play different versions of Mexican Train so we have also listed a bunch of variations at the bottom of the page.

Mexican Train Equipment

Mexican Train Dominoes are played with a standard set of Double Twelve dominoes. Each set has 91 dominoes and we recommend that dominoes with coloured spots are used because otherwise it becomes difficult to match dominoes at a glance. Unlike most other games of dominoes, Mexican Train requires some other equipment. Firstly, a special hub is used that has a slot in the middle for the starting double and 8 slots around its edge to start each domino train. Hubs range from expensive manufactured items that go ‘Toot Toot’ when pressed to home-made efforts that take only a couple of minutes to cut out from a piece of cardboard. Secondly, two types of marker are required for the game. These can be anything but coins are commonly used — say a penny for each player’s train and a 20 pence coin or a ‘nickel’ for the Mexican Train. Sets specifically marketed for the play of Mexican Train Dominoes usually have differently coloured little plastic trains that are used to mark each player’s train.

Basics

This applies to all domino games — if you’ve played any type of dominoes before, skip to the Preparation section. Each time a player places a domino on the table in Mexican Train, it must conforms to normal domino play. i.e. The domino must be placed so that one end is touching the end of a domino already on the table and such that the end of the new domino matches (shows the same number of dots) the end of domino it is adjacent to. Unless the tile is a double, the tile can be placed square in any one of the three directions as long as the two matching sides are touching fully. A domino with the same number at either end is called a ‘Double’. A Double too, can only be placed adjacent to a matching end of a domino already on the table. However, doubles are always placed perpendicularly across the end of the domino that is already on the table to make a ‘T’. A tile played to a double must also be placed accordingly — perpendicular to the double touching at its middle. So unlike the other dominoes, a double can never turn a corner. The shape of the domino chain develops snake-line at random according to the whims of the players and the limitations of the playing surface.

Preparation

To begin, the dominoes are shuffled face down in circles with the flat of the hand — producing an attractive sound that has been well-known for centuries. Depending on the number of players, each player draws a set number of dominoes. Up to 4 players take 15 dominoes each, 5 or 6 take 12 each, 7 or 8 take 10 each. In friendly games, players normally just place their dominoes on edge in a row facing them. The remaining dominoes are termed «sleeping» tiles or «the boneyard». The hub is placed in the middle of the table and each player selects a slot on the outer edge that is facing them to be the starting point for their train. One additional slot is chosen to be the starting point for the ‘Mexican Train’ and the Mexican Train marker is placed in this slot to denote it as such. The player with the highest double places it in the centre of the Mexican Train Hub.

The First Turn

The player to the left of the player who put down the highest double starts and players then take turns in a clockwise direction. The first turn made by each player at Mexican Train Dominoes is different to subsequent turns and can require some thought to give the best advantage. The player starts their ‘train’ by putting their first domino into their chosen slot on the hub. The end pointing towards the middle must match the central hub domino. They then continue to extend this ‘train’ by adding more dominoes from their hand until they can’t put down any more.

Subsequent Turns

1. If possible, the player plays a domino to one of the available trains (see below) and that is the end of the turn.
2. Otherwise, the player takes a domino from the boneyard. If possible, the new domino from the boneyard is played to one of the available trains (see below) and that is the end of the turn.
3. If the player still cannot play, then the player places a marker on the domino at the end of their train, thus making that player’s train available for all the other player’s to use.

Available Trains

• The player’s own train.
• The Mexican Train (if not yet started, the player can start the train with a domino matching the central Double).
• Another player’s train but only if it is has a marker on it.

Winning

The aim is to be the first player to get rid of all the dominoes in their hand. As soon as this happens, even if the last tile is a Double, the game ends. The winning player scores zero; the other players score the total of the number of spots on the dominoes still left in their hands. Usually, a series of games are played and whoever has the least points at the end of the series, wins the match.

Special Situations

In the unlikely situation that no player has a double in their hand at the start, players take from the boneyard until someone does pick a Double at which point it is immediately laid in the hub. If there are 8 players, then there won’t be a slot available on the hub for the Mexican Train so it has to start by itself a little way away from the hub. If a player is unable to start their train in their first turn, they simply put their train marker next to their slot. If, in a later turn, the player draws a domino that enables them to start their train, they can only play this one domino and remove their marker. The opportunity to play multiple dominoes only happens on the first turn. If a player is unable to play and the boneyard is empty, the player must simply pass and ensure that a marker is placed upon their train. In the rare case that a player plays out all their dominoes in their first turn, the other players are all allowed to also complete their first turn. Only once each player has completed their first turn does the game end and scores are counted up.

General Variations

Some people play a match by starting the first game with the Double 12, the second game with the Double 11 and thence on to the final 13th game of the match that starts with the Double blank domino. Some variations do not have the special first turn and players are allowed to put down only a single tile in their first turn as for their other turns.

Variations on Playing Doubles

There are a whole lot of extended variations for playing Doubles. Masters Traditional Games does not recommend these rules for beginners, children or people preferring more straightforward play as they add extra complexity to the game and new situations that slow the game down somewhat. The basic and most common additional rule for Doubles play is that where a Double exists at the end of any train, the Double must then be ‘satisfied’ (laid against) in the next turn, even if the Double is on another player’s train that is not marked. All other available trains are ignored and if the player cannot play against the Double immediately or after drawing from the Boneyard, the player must place a marker on their train and play passes to the next player. This rule would not normally apply during the special first round of play. A variation on the above Doubles rule that a player who plays a Double and who thus has immediately has another turn, is not for this bonus turn required to play against a Double. The player can play against any available train. This of course means that a player can play several Doubles in a row, so that players over the next few turns need to play against two or more Doubles before they can continue in the more normal fashion. People playing the previous variation, sometimes complicate things further so that in the situation where two or more Doubles are played by one player, each Double has to be played in the reverse order that they were laid down. When playing the compulsory Double play rule, it can happen that a Double is placed at the end of a train and that all dominoes to match that Double have already been laid. This Double has to then be ignored from that point on (otherwise the game would come to a halt). Some people will then stack the double on the previous tile of the train to indicate that the train has permanently stopped.

Esqueleto Mariachi Slot Review

Esqueleto Mariachi is a video slot which is powered by the innovative gaming studio Red Tiger. Obviously, the provider has derived inspiration from the Day of the Dead as players will see skeletons and skulls wherever they look. The odd thing about the game, which in practice makes it so thrilling is that the skeletons are dressed as mariachi.

This Mexican-style video slot plays over 5 reels and 40 fixed paylines, and it is available across both handheld and desktop devices. The maximum payout of 1,000 coins can be achieved during the free spins or once you have triggered any of the three special features.

Symbols and Winning Combinations of Esqueleto Mariachi Slot

Those of you who are intrigued by the idea to celebrate the Day of the Dead in the company of the Guitarrista, the Trompetista, or the Maraquero, should definitely give Esqueleto Mariachi a shot. What makes the game truly eye-pleasing are its sharp graphics. Not to mention the catchy soundtrack which accompanies every spin of the reels.

Upon loading the game, it will hit you that it has a truly Mexican flavor as some of the symbols players will stumble upon include tequila and a cactus with a sombrero. The background will also help you immerse yourself in the gameplay as the reels are set against one of the streets where the celebrations are held.

Prior to hitting the streets for even more rewards, you should make sure that you are familiar with the symbols you will run against while reveling in Esqueleto Mariachi. Although the lower-paying symbols are represented by playing cards, including 10, J, Q, K, and A, the provider has ensured that they will be in line with the theme as well as they feature a specific decoration.

The higher-paying symbols are also in the spirit of the Mexican theme as they are represented by a bottle of tequila, a cactus with a sombrero, and a skull. In the event that five skulls land on the reels at the same time, you will be awarded 300 coins, whereas 5 bottles of tequila will bring you 200 coins. In Esqueleto Mariachi, the wild symbol is represented by a musical note, as well as by a woman with a skeleton face paint. Getting five such symbols simultaneously will give your balance a nice boost as you will get 500 coins.

Bonus Features of Esqueleto Mariachi Slot

Esqueleto Mariachi is undoubtedly a hunting ground for players who wish to sweep some nice rewards. This game will give you plenty of options to win big, thanks to the special features it is overflowing with.

Triggering the Mariachi Free Spins is as easy as child’s play as this comes about when three Mariachi Spins symbols appear on the reels. When this comes off, players will receive a random number of free rounds. Perhaps, you will be pleased to find out that this video slot comes with three special features as well, which can be activated even during your free-spins session. In fact, each of the three features can be triggered at least once while you are making use of the free spins you were awarded, thus guaranteeing that you will enjoy larger rewards. It is important to note, however, that the exact number of features awarded will be specified before the round has commenced.

As likely as not, you have noticed that from the right-hand side of the reels, there are three doors. There are three mariachi musicians that are hiding behind the doors, and that will come out at random, thus bringing you more rewards.

Thanks to the Guitarrista feature, players will improve their chances to give their balance a build-up as this skeleton musician will summon even more wild symbols on the reels by strumming his guitar. Best of all, this feature can be activated on every spin of the reels.

As long as a skeleton mariachi musician comes out of the second door, this means that you have managed to trigger the Trompetista feature. When this occurs, the play of the skeleton will blast some of the symbols which have appeared on the reels, thus enhancing your chances to form new winning lines.

When the maracas-playing skeleton emerges on the reels, this means that you have activated the Maraquero feature. The musician will put out the finishing touches on the experience you will enjoy as it can shake up the reels both vertically and horizontally, so as to create room for more wins.

Verdict

If you are on the lookout for a video slot that combines superb visuals, amazing sound effects, and which grants some really bountiful rewards, Esqueleto Mariachi might draw your attention. The game does not simply award a specific number of free spins, but it boasts three bonus features which further enhance your chances to win bigger.

Quick Links

• Symbols and Combinations
• Bonus Features
• Verdict