Microgaming combines Classic Gameshow with iPad Pokies to produce Bullseye

Microgaming launches a number of new poker machines into the virtual gaming world each month, but December’s line-up will be especially entertaining thanks to the developer’s latest mission to tickle the funny bones of their players. Bullseye is one of three new creations slated to hit Microgaming casinos next month, and for iPad pokies fans whose generation goes back far enough to remember its origins, this humorous new reel spinner should be quite the hit.

The new online poker machine is based on a classic British TV gameshow of the same name, Bullseye, which ran from 1981-1995 and generated as many at 17 million viewers in its second year. One look at the Bullseye teaser video released by Microgaming earlier this month produced a throng of whimsical memories for myself, including the perpetual angst of the show’s host, Jim Bowen and his dart-pro sidekick, Tony Green. And who could forget the show’s lovable mascot, Bendy Bully.

Microgaming pulled the whole ensemble back together in the new Bullseye poker machine. As players spin the reels, the thick British accent of the host encourages them along the way, announcing their wins, commending their efforts and inducing applause from the virtual audience.

Features of Bullseye Poker Machine by Microgaming

The game has been optimized for desktop, smartphone, tablet, iPhone and iPad pokies play. The outlying graphics remind me of a classic jukebox, utilizing neon lighting on the edges to signify the 5 reel game’s ‘243 Ways to Win’ feature.

All of the original gameshow’s most notable features are represented on the reels. Typical prizes like a speedboat, caravan trailer and shiny new hatchback grace the reels, along with the series’ renowned consolation prizes, including a silver tankard (for male contestants) and silver goblet (for the ladies), and of course the rubber action figure of Bendy Bully that all contestants receive just for playing. Other symbols include a trio of darts, dart flights, the host’s sunglasses with question cards, and more.

Wild: The headshot of Bendy Bully is the Wild, helping to create more winning combinations on the reels.

Bonus Feature: The Dartboard is the Bonus symbol in Bullseye. When enough bonus targets appear on the reels, the bonus round is activated and the screen changes to the Bullseye gameshow floor. This feature plays out very similar to the actual gameshow, but without having to answer trivia questions to earn throws.

Of the 8 segments on the Dartboard wheel, players are asked to pick 5 of them to throw their darts at. Behind each segment is a prize straight out of the 1980’s, like a Tersmade TX247 coffee pot, Megamix food processor or VHS player. Each prize is worth anywhere from 20 to 2,000 credits. At the end of the bonus round, the host congratulates the player and announces the total value of all prizes.

Free Spins Feature: A different dartboard scatter symbol, denoted by the Free Spins label, awards players with—you guessed it—free spins. Players can earn 15+ free spins for landing 3 of these scatters or more anywhere on the reels. All pays are doubles with a 2x multiplier during free spins.

Bullseye Coming December 2015

The exact date of release has not been issued, but Microgaming is known for launching all of its new poker machines within the few days of each month. Therefore iPad pokies fans can expect Bullseye to appear at their favorite online casinos as early as tomorrow, or at least sometime before the weekend is out.