Description
It’s the 1990s quiz show that attracted a huge cult following thanks to countless telly repeats, and The Crystal Maze has been revived on Channel 4 in recent years with fresh features and a new host, Richard Ayoade. Essentially, teams of intrepid contestants tackle various games and challenges in a fantasy world, aiming to gather as many crystals as possible to bag a prize in the Crystal Dome.
Now you can get your fix of one of the UK’s biggest games shows with 90-ball Crystal Maze Bingo, based on the show and available via top operator Heart. Launched in autumn 2018 and powered by Gamesys software, it joins Heart’s other The Crystal Maze-themed offerings, which include a slot game and scratchcards.
How to play
Use the Quick Buy function to purchase your tickets for the next available Crystal Maze session. Prices vary depending on how many have been bought and the number of players.
Cards have 15 numbers and 90 numbers in all are called as you play. Following bingo convention, the idea is to be the first to mark off a horizontal line or two of them or call a Full House (i.e. ticking off all the numbers on your ticket).
You don’t even have to mark off your numbers yourself – the automatic daubers can do this for you.
You’ll see three columns: the panel with some mini-games; the middle one holding details of the current game, including a countdown to the next session; and a chat column on the right.
Crystal Maze Bingo Special Features
Getting into the Zone
Seconds before each game kicks off, in keeping with The Crystal Maze theme, you’ll be allocated one of these zones at random from the waiting area:
- Industrial
- Aztec
- Future
- Medieval
Crystal Dome Bonus Round
If you’ve bought at least half a dozen tickets, you can proceed to this quite tricky extra feature after a Full House is called. Opt in to play, and you’ll see some gold and silver tickets swirling around your screen. Click on the gold tickets and avoid the silver ones.
There are personal and community scores in this round, both of which earn you extra tickets for the next session.
Jackpots
Crystal Maze Bingo features a progressive jackpot, yours if you manage to complete a Full House before 38 numbers are called. Part of each ticket price contributes towards this prize pot. The size of the jackpot is clearly displayed in the game window, while the PJ symbol shows which games feature this progressive prize.
Another feature you’ll find is the jackpot timer; with these games, you need to complete a Full House before the timer runs out.
Return to Player (RTP)
RTP is the amount paid out to players relative to all wagering. In Crystal Maze Bingo, as with all of Heart’s bingo games, monthly Return to Player oscillates between 80.99% and 85.45%.
Chat Feature
Don’t forget to have a natter with your fellow Crystal Maze Bingo players! It’s a simple, user-friendly feature with Heart’s games, and, while not compulsory, we reckon you’ll have a lot more fun if you join in the conversation. Hosts are around to answer questions and run extra chat games to add to the fun and potential winnings.
Verdict
We reckon Gamesys has come up with a pleasing twist on bog-standard 90-ball bingo here. Clearly, The Crystal Maze fans are especially likely to love this one, whether you remember the show from the 1990s or got into it later on. But you don’t necessarily have to be an aficionado.
The game is playable across all devices, and reviewers have commented on how well the game’s layout suits mobile phones. Equally, the sound and graphics (which change in the game’s different zones) have been praised.
What’s more, Heart is a reputable operator with generous offers such as the welcome bonus of £50 to play bingo once you deposit a tenner.
But only you can know if this game works for you. Give it a go, and see what you think.
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