Retro Tokyo
Retro Tokyo Game Demo


Retro Tokyo Slot Review
“Retro Tokyo” by Onlyplay is a visually striking slot that channels the vibrant energy of 1980s Tokyo. This game stands out with its unique approach to free spins, jackpots, and an engaging theme that differentiates it from the typical slot experience.
Bonus Features and Special Mechanics
“Retro Tokyo” offers an array of bonus features that are central to its gameplay. The Free Spins feature is activated when three Arcade Machine scatter symbols land on the reels. This grants the player 10 free spins, during which a special mechanism comes into play. Unlike conventional free spins features that might add multipliers during the bonus, “Retro Tokyo” applies a multiplier to the total win at the end of the free spins round. This multiplier, determined by a separate on-screen animation of a retro arcade cabinet at the end of free spins, can be x2, x3, or x10, adding a layer of suspense to the conclusion of each free spins round. It’s important to note that the maximum possible win during the free spins round, prior to the application of the multiplier, is capped at 50 times the total bet. Additionally, if a player wagers the maximum bet of $50, the maximum win achievable is $2500, to which an additional multiplier can then be applied. It is interesting to note that the bonus win limit of x50 the bet amount is set in stone and does not change even if less than three scatter symbols fall during the free spins (i.e. if 2 of the 3 reels contain scatter symbols).
Another noteworthy feature is the Jackpot system, which provides static rewards independent of the player’s bet size. There are three levels of jackpots:
- Mini: Awarding 25 units regardless of the bet amount.
- Major: Offering 100 units.
- Grand: The largest, awarding 1,000 units.
These jackpots are triggered when the corresponding number of the highest-paying symbol, the Golden Car, fills the reels. For example, nine Golden Car symbols award the Grand Jackpot. The amounts of winnings (jackpots) when collecting nine identical symbols do not depend on the size of the player’s bet and are fixed at the following values: for 9 “Grand Jackpot” symbols (car) the winnings are x1000 of the bet amount, for 9 “Major Jackpot” symbols (motorcycle) – x100, for 9 “Mini Jackpot” symbols (dagger) – x25. For other symbols, in case of collecting nine identical symbols, the payout is equal to: x10 the bet amount for the “TV” symbol, x5 – for the “Joystick” symbol, x5 – for the “Pager” symbol, x2.5 – for the “Watch” symbol and x2.5 – for the “Game Cartridge” symbol. It should be noted that during the review and testing of the demo version of the slot, not once did nine identical symbols of any value fall out on the reels of the slot, which may indicate a high level of requirements for activating this option. This can serve as a certain confirmation of the average level of volatility declared by the provider (Onlyplay). It should also be noted that the value of the winnings when three identical symbols are collected per spin is directly proportional to the size of the bet. The largest payout, in this case, is for three Golden Car symbols and is x10 of the bet amount. For the remaining symbols, the winnings, with three identical symbols falling out, is in descending order: x7 – “Motorcycle”, x4 – “Dagger”, x2 – “TV”, x1 – “Joystick” and “Pager”, x0.5 – “Watch” and “Game Cartridge”. As you can see, in addition to its entertainment and jackpot functions, some of the symbols in the game, depending on the number of their appearance on the reels of the slot, play the role of a kind of multiplier of the bet amount, acting as peculiar factors. If any details about the Golden Car symbol and its correlation to the bonus features remain unclear, you can run the demo version of the slot and consult the game’s built-in help by pressing (i) for detailed information.
Theme, Atmosphere, and Style
“Retro Tokyo” immerses players in the neon-drenched, bustling atmosphere of 1980s Tokyo. The game’s background depicts a stylized cityscape at night, complete with neon signs and a glimpse of Tokyo Tower. The color palette is dominated by purples and blues, punctuated by the vibrant neon accents typical of the era. The reels themselves are framed in a simple, clean design that allows the colorful symbols to stand out.
The symbols themselves are a mix of retro-futuristic elements and iconic Japanese imagery. The most valuable Golden Car symbol reflects the era’s fascination with sleek, advanced technology, while the Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) statue on the left of the screen adds a touch of traditional Japanese culture. Other symbols include a Motorcycle, a Katana, a TV, a Joystick, a Pager, a digital Watch, and a Game Cartridge.
The animations are smooth and engaging, particularly during wins and bonus feature activations. For instance, during the activation of the free spins feature, the screen transitions to a close-up of an arcade cabinet, complete with joystick and buttons, further emphasizing the retro gaming theme. A special mention should be made of the animation that accompanies the receipt of winnings from any combination of symbols during the bonus game, for example, such as a “Pager” symbol, when at least one reel is filled with symbols of this type (when at least one reel is filled with “Pager” symbols, regardless of the number of reels containing such symbols). In this case, on all reels containing a “Pager” (or other) symbol, this symbol is highlighted in a peculiar way (inflated in size) and the amount of winnings is shown on top of it in large print, followed by a reduction in the size of the symbol itself and a simultaneous reduction in the amount of winnings. In this case, the text indicating the size of the winnings moves from top to bottom and is centered on the corresponding reel. The visual presentation of the winnings in this format is quite unusual and is an interesting innovation of the developers. The soundtrack complements the visuals with electronic music reminiscent of classic arcade games. The overall effect is a cohesive and immersive experience that transports the player to a romanticized vision of 1980s Tokyo.
Slot Mechanics
“Retro Tokyo” is a 3×3 slot with 5 fixed paylines. This compact layout makes for fast-paced gameplay, as wins and bonus features trigger relatively frequently. The game’s mechanics are straightforward, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned slot players. The betting range is designed to accommodate different playing styles, with a minimum bet of 0.1 and a maximum of 50 units.
Wins are awarded for landing three matching symbols on any of the five paylines. The Golden Car is the most valuable symbol, while the Game Cartridge and Watch are the least valuable. The Arcade Machine serves as the scatter symbol, triggering the free spins feature.
One distinctive aspect of “Retro Tokyo” is its approach to multipliers. Unlike many slots where multipliers are applied directly to individual line wins, this game reserves the multiplier for the conclusion of the free spins round. This delayed gratification adds a layer of excitement and anticipation, as the player watches their total win accumulate, knowing it could be significantly boosted at the end. Another interesting fact is that while the game’s volatility is officially rated as medium, the presence of static jackpots and the unique multiplier system creates a dynamic where large wins feel achievable, even if they are not frequent.
Final Thoughts
With its striking visuals, thematic consistency, and unique bonus mechanics, “Retro Tokyo” is likely to resonate with players who appreciate attention to detail and a departure from standard slot formulas. Its retro theme, coupled with the thrill of chasing jackpots and the end-of-bonus multipliers, makes it a slot worth checking out. However, those who favor traditional gameplay mechanics may find the distinctive multiplier system somewhat unconventional. In my opinion, this is a slot that rewards patience and an appreciation for a well-crafted theme.
Author: Vlad Hvalov