The set up in Fire 88 is very simple - the reels are set against a flame-filled red backdrop where you’ll see 6 standard symbols. In order of value are single, double and treble bars, coins, diamonds and the 88 symbol. Land 3 of the latter in a payline and you’ll win an award of just over 14 times your total stake.
The golden dragon is the wild - land 3 of these in 1 of the game’s 7 payline and you’ll pocket just over 35 times your total stake. Every time you land 2 wilds on the same spin, you’ll trigger the Respins feature – you’ll be awarded a respin. The original payout is made. The 2 reels with the wilds will remain locked with the 3rd reel spinning again. A second payout then follows.
The second extra is the Jackpot Bonus Game feature - this is triggered by landing 3 of the Fire88 Jackpot symbol on the same spin. You’ll then be taken to a new screen and offered a selection of 9 golden coins - keep on picking until you land 3 that are the same. That’s the jackpot prize that you’ll then win.
The Mini Jackpot pays 38 times your total stake. Better still is the Major Jackpot which awards 88 times your stake. The one you’ll really be hoping to see is the Major Jackpot though which delivers a mighty 888 times your total stake.
The name might be scorching hot but Fire 88 isn’t the most volatile game you’ll see. The variance sits in the medium range. Pragmatic Play has kept things simple here and for the most part it works well. The design is typical of this developer. The visuals aren’t particularly flashy but everything is clear and crisp. There’s a classic Chinese soundtrack that’s been given a modern remix. It’s all perfectly fine without really dazzling.
You could say that of the gameplay too where the respins and jackpots keep thing ticking over nicely. It’s not the most explosive slot game you’ll play but for some simple, Chinese-themed action with a retro flavour, you won’t go too far wrong with Fire 88. I do prefer other Pragmatic Play titles though with Chilli Heat and Aztec Gems recommended.