THE DROP TEST DRIVES IGT’S FIRE DRAGON
IGT’s latest game addition, Fire Dragon, is set to make a bold impact in venues across Australia. Available in both Link and SAP configurations, this new game family was well-received by industry managers when previewed at AGE in 2024. Matt Wright, IGT’s Director – Product Management (APAC) mentioned the positive feedback and input received from customers had been incorporated to the Fire Dragon series that has evolved from ‘good’ to ‘great’ with further enhancements to both gameplay and product presentation.
Fire Dragon features four titles themed with striking artwork and fiery elements. The innovative ‘Fire Frame’ on the central reel offers enhancements in all elements of gameplay, including an upgraded Hold ‘n Spin feature, elevating entertainment and boosting win opportunities for players. The Mega Reel Spin feature further amplifies player engagement, offering bonus prizes and the chance to win the Mega Jackpot. With multiple pathways to rewarding gameplay, Fire Dragon will drive player interest for venues looking to enhance their gaming mix.
The Basics
The Fire Dragon games will be released as both Link (initially), and then SAP, options with 4 game titles – Moon Blossom, Golden Panda, Jade Kingdom, and Samurai Sunset for IGT’s Peak Dual27 machine.
Denominations
The Fire Dragon games include 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, $1 and a $2 denomination option (for NSW only)
Link Jackpot range
The Dragon Fire Link startup options are $10,000, $15,000 and $25,000 for both NSW and QLD. As high volatility games the higher jackpot options will be best suited for the types of players that will enjoy these games. However, a lower link jackpot, that hits more frequently, ensures more winners.
The SAP startups are $6,500 or $8,000 with the $8,000 option the stronger choice for these games for any high traffic venue
Game Features:
One of the main points of interest for players in the Fire Dragon games are the many ways they can gain potential winning opportunities or enhancements while playing. As well as the Hold ‘n Spin and Free Games features, players will also look for the WILD transformation in the base games, the Mega Reel Spin, and most importantly the enhancement opportunities from the ‘Fire Frame’ on the central reel in all aspects of gameplay. Players will also be awarded any cash-on-reel prizes on screen in normal game play when the Fire Dragon lands in the ‘Fire Frame’ including credit prizes, bonuses and jackpots.
Hold ‘n Spin
The Fire Dragon games include a Hold ‘N’ Spin feature triggered by 6 or more ‘Dragon Eggs’ on any spin. Players are offered 3 respins for every prize landed on screen in traditional Hold ‘N’ Spin fashion.
The Hold ‘N’ Spin feature can be enhanced by landing the red ‘Dragon Egg’ in the ‘Fire Frame’ during or after the initial feature trigger. The red ‘Dragon Egg’ represents the minimum cash on reels prize available for the remainder of the feature showcased by all remaining empty positions on screen adopting the ‘Fire Frame’. These can quickly add up to good feature wins for players. Players can also land bonuses and progressives during the feature or fill the screen with 15 Dragon Eggs to win the Grand Jackpot.
Mega Reel Spin
In the Hold ‘N’ Spin feature players can also land the ‘Mega Reel Spin’ symbol, as a Dragon Egg. At the end of the feature the Mega Reel is spun for an additional high value credit prize or the Mega Jackpot.
Free Games:
In all games three or more scatters trigger the free games. If one of the scatters lands in the ‘Fire Frame’ upon initial trigger, 12 free games will be awarded
In Moon Blossom and Golden Panda, the picture symbols turn into a ‘Gold WILD’ in the ‘Fire Frame’ reel. If they land in the ‘Fire Frame’ position all symbols that match will also transform to wilds, increasing the chances for the wilds to form a line win.
In Samurai Sunset and Jade Kingdom, the lava symbol offers a symbol reveal with an opportunity for additional wins. All lava symbols transform to match the symbol in the central ‘Fire Frame’ at each spin, which can even be the red Dragon Egg. Land and/or reveal a total of 6 Dragon Eggs to trigger the Hold ‘N’ Spin feature during free games. Players also gain an additional free game for each scatter that lands during free games
Market Match
With a high feature hit rate (1 in 64), on a high volatility game, the mid to high tier players will see value in the Dragon Fire games.
While each of the game titles has its own colour profile and theming, when banked together, the strong red/gold colours of the overall fiery machine theme, will ensure the games stand out on the gaming floor, so a mid-floor high traffic area will suit most gaming room set-ups.
IGT’s Fire Dragon games offer players numerous ways to boost their play, from the Hold ‘N’ Spin and Free Games features to Mega Reel Spins and Fire Frames. With bonus triggers, jackpots, and credit wins, every spin holds exciting possibilities
Written by Justine Channing for The Drop
