Slingo Golden Envelope Review
Slingo Golden Envelope is the latest addition to the popular game's stable and the first new release of 2023. If you thought 2022 was a good year for Slingo then standby for an even better 12 months ahead. We can tell you that Slingo Cleopatra is about to come online and there's even news of a partnerhip with Tetris on the cards. Exciting times lie ahead, but for now let's look at Golden Envelope. Released to coincide with the Lunar New Year, Golden Envelope "draws from a rich cultural history, with its iconic symbols ready to capture your imagination". That's all well and good but is it just a basic version of this bingo meets slots game or does it have an interesting twist to make it more attractive? The good news is that it is the latter so read on below to discover why.
Slingo Golden Envelope draws it inspiration from The Orient. The design of the game is beautiful and features what we think is a Money Tree in the foreground whilst golden statues and chinese lanterns can be seen behind. The 5x5 grid as always takes centre stage but it's design, together with a collection of jackpots atop the grid combine to make a kind of temple design. The Slingo numbers are generated on an ancient scroll which rolls out beneath the main grid. To the left you'll find the pay table which again as a golden temple style design whilst the game buttons etc are located on the right. The play button is cleverly integrated as a large golden gong. Wagering on this version of Slingo, which can be set by selecting the cash button, starts at 20p. This can be increased up to a maximum of £3 although this is based on the game being hosted at William Hill Vegas. The minimum and maximum wager may vary from site to site.
How To Play Slingo Golden Envelope
The aim of Slingo Golden Envelope is to create winning lines - horizontal, vertical or diagonal - by crossing off numbers on the 5x5 grid. The more lines you complete the higher the prize you can win. At the start of the game you have just 10 spins which is typical for most versions of the game. On each spin the individual reels below the grid may reveal a number and if these match any on your playing card then they're removed. Numbers are marked with a lovely gold lotus flower so you can see your progress. Spins of the reels are automated so you don't have to do get too involved with the game play. However you are required to pick which numbers to cross off if/when wilds and super wilds appear on the reels. Wilds and super wilds appear as golden coins and sacks of coins respectively during game play. As far as we know there are no jokers in this particular version.
Red Envelopes
Another symbol to keep an eye out for is the firework as when this appears it lights up and provides you with an extra free spin. Joining the wilds, super wilds and rockets are red tickets. These can either appear on the reels or after revealing numbers on the grid. If you collect eight of the red envelopes then you automatically trigger a bonus game which allows you to select three of the envelopes. Behind them you'll find either cash wins, multipliers or extra turns. Any wins are in addition to any wins generated on the Slingo grid. The red bonus envelopes reset to zero after you have played them but in theory it's possible to trigger the bonus again. We guess this could happen if you choose to wager on for example and you're also incredibly lucky. Slingo Golden Envelope does limit you to a maximum of 40 extra spins and do remember each spin does require an extra wager. If the price per spin gets a bit pricey then you are asked if you're sure about making the bet.
Golden Envelopes
Whilst the Red Envelopes are in fairly good supply during gameplay, the Golden Envelopes aren't. In fact the only chance you have of getting to see them in action is if you achieve a full house. During the Golden Envelope bonus round you'll have a choice of 15 different envelopes. You have to click on them to reveal symbols until such a time that you make three of a kind. The symbols reference five different jackpots: Mini, Minor, Medium, Grand and Super. These represent between x150 to x5000 your stake. Achieving a full house of Slingos in any game is always a tough ask so you're more likely to win between x1 to x40 your stake by achieving between 4 and 10 lines. Although these prizes seem a little on the smaller side you can boost your wins with the Red Envelope bonus round - should you reach it.
Our Verdict
Slingo Golden Envelope is another excellent addition to the Slingo stable and it brings with it another twist on the popular game. Many of the early versions of the game - and indeed some later ones - always feel like you'll never win. However Golden Envelope with it's Red Envelopes feature does give you a fighting chance. It also adds a bit more strategy to gameplay as spinning on could get you the feature as well as more Slingo lines. It is worth noting that you're probably not going to win big with the Red Envelopes but it is a nice extra. The only real grumble with Golden Envelope is that you're pretty unlikely to ever get close to seeing one. Still the same applies to all versions of the game. Our advice is enjoy the design and accept that Slingo Red Envelopes would be a title that tells the real story!