One Step Beyond

Being based on a classic arcade machine, the appearance of the One Step Beyond slot is rather limited. It also seems to be more targeted towards those playing on a mobile device, due to the minimal user interface and large spin button. However, one area in which this game does stand out from the crowd of other traditional-themed online slots games, is the features. The main bonus mode can seem relatively complicated at first, but ultimately, it revolves around a 'Pick Em' style mechanic. 

One Step Beyond comes with 20 paylines, with any potential winnings being based on the bet per line. This means that the stake size must be first divided by 20, before multiplying it by the value of the matching combination. With that being said, the paylines in this title are fixed, making the minimum stake size 0.20 per spin. 

This title was produced by Slot Factory, a company that likes to release casino slots with a classic appearance. When looking at their portfolio, this is made obvious, with games such as Mega Gorilla, Instant Replay, and Wild Gold all having a variety of similarities. 

Of course, being a title that is based on a traditional arcade machine, most of the symbols are based on different fruits. There are also the standard J, Q, K, and A symbols that appear in many slots online, representing the least desirable symbols in One Step Beyond. Next up are two cherries, a plum, a melon, a bell, and the logo of the game, which can award players with up to 80x, 100x, 120x, 150x, or 200x their stake size per line, respectively.  

Clearly labelled wilds can also be found in this release, with the ability to substitute for any standard or premium icon as part of a combination. Last but not least is the 'Pick' scatter symbol which is covered in more detail in the upcoming section! 

At the start of each spin, the meters on either side of the board will illuminate and stop at a random position. If 3 of the 'Pick' symbols land during the same spin, players can select three icons on the board, in order to reveal either potential winnings of up to 10x the stake size or entry into one of the special free spin modes! 

There are six different types of bonuses that players can find, all of which are very similar. First up is the Cherry, Plum, Melon, and Bell rounds, awarding a total of 5 free spins. During each of these modes, the corresponding symbol will be on the only premium on the reels. For example, in the cherry free spins bonus, all other premium icons will be replaced by cherries. 

Last up are the +1 and +2 bonuses, both of which are linked to the bell symbols. These work in an almost identical way to the other modes, except players started with 6 or 7 free spins, respectively. On a final note, none of these bonus modes can be retriggered. 

Traditional slots need something a little extra to stand out in such a competitive space. Slot Factory was certainly up to the task when making One Step Beyond, with the title containing some interesting bonus modes, alongside being well-optimised for play on mobile devices!