Dead Or Alive Slot Review: Best Dead or Alive Casinos 2024
Dead or Alive Details
| Release date | 01/05/2009 |
|---|---|
| Software provider | NetEnt |
| RTP | 96.8% |
| Number of ways | 9 |
| Bonus | Multiplier Wins |
| Max Win | 12,000x |
| Volatility | High |
| Stake Range | 0.01 — 0.50 |
More slots by NetEnt
NetEnt’s Dead or Alive slot has become a firm favourite in the online casino world thanks to regular payouts, a fun theme, and fabulous graphics and sounds. The popularity of the first has only been eclipsed by the advent of the Dead or Alive 2 slot 10 years later. In this Dead or Alive slot review, we look at what makes both games so great.
- Top Casinos to Play Dead or Alive
- Dead or Alive Slot Review
- How To Play Dead or Alive Slot
- Dead or Alive 2 Slot Review
- How to Play Dead or Alive 2 Slot
- Dead or Alive Slot Promotions
- Dead or Alive Slot Mobile Play
- Dead or Alive Slot Strategy
- The Maker: NetEnt
- Dead or Alive Slot Alternatives
- Best Dead or Alive Casinos FAQs
Top Casinos to Play Dead or Alive
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Dead or Alive Slot Review
Released all the way back in 2009, the Dead or Alive slot by NetEnt is a high-volatility video slot set in the old Wild West. The theme is taken to the next level thanks to beautiful graphics, an eerie soundtrack, and a theme that takes the game to the next level (real-life outlaws Jesse James and Billy the Kid act as two of the main protagonists). Meanwhile, its mechanism is made up of five reels, three rows and nine paylines, and gives players the opportunity to multiply their bets by up to 12,000 times (max win).
All that, as well as the fact that the game is chock-a-block with features, including free spins, Wild and Scatter symbols, has created a game that has become an icon in its genre and theme.
Needless to say, you’ll be entertained for hours with this gorgeously executed video slot, but let’s look at things in finer detail.
(Source: NetEnt)
Dead or Alive Slot Special Features
The Dead or Alive slot has many features which players can make use of to make their gameplay even more exciting. For a start, the game has 9 paylines spread over the 5-reels by 3-row grid. The game also has a great controls panel located at the bottom of the screen, which allows you to set level (1 through to 4), coin value (0.10, 0.20 & 0.50), and bet size, which can vary from a minimum of 0.9 to a maximum of 36. Here you will also find the information centre, which explains everything from the symbol payout to winning bet lines.
Speaking of symbol payout, you can expect to find the Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10, with the size of their payout decreasing in that order. You will also find the Sheriff’s Badge, the Handgun Holster, the Cowboy Hat, the Cowboy Boots, and the Shot Glass, whose pay out decreases in that that order as well.
Of course, the main features users will be itching to discover are the Wilds, Scatters and free spins. So here is a run-down of what you can expect and what they mean:
-The Wild symbol, which features one of the five Most Wanted posters, substitutes all symbols bar the Scatter in a winning bet line. According to the Dead or Alive slot paytable, a wild symbol substitution actually pays the highest winning combination possible.
– The Scatter symbol, which features two revolvers crossed beneath a bull skull, only pays when it lines up with other such symbols. Two Scatter symbols starting from the leftmost reel will give you a pay-out of 2 coins, while five starting from the leftmost reel will give you a pay-out of 2,500 coins.
– You get free spins when you get three or more Scatter symbols on any reels, giving you up to 12 free spins with a 2x multiplier. Before playing these, you will also receive a pay-out of between four and 2,500 your initial wager depending on how many Scatter symbols you managed to land.
– The Sticky Wild, which may appear during the free spin feature, is the Most Wanted poster once again. Sticky Wilds award you an extra free spins and will keep the symbols in the same place for the whole duration of the bonus game.
Dead or Alive Slot RTP and Volatility
The Dead or Alive slot is a high volatility game. This means that you can expect fewer pay-outs than a low-volatility game, but larger wins overall. Indeed, the max win for Dead or Alive is 12,000x the initial bet.
The Dead or Alive slot RTP stands at 96.8%, which is quite high for casino games and pretty average for real money slots. What RTP stands for is return to player, which is the percentage the game will give back to players over a number of games (minimum one million). Having said that, as a high-volatility game with a good RTP, you can expect to receive some pay-outs if you play long enough.
Theme
The Dead or Alive slot is set in the Wild West of olden times, and the theme can be felt throughout. The symbols, for example, are those of a sheriff’s badge, pistols, cowboy hats, cowboy boots complete with spurs, and a shot glass. The Wild symbols, meanwhile, are Most Wanted posters of real-life outlaws, with two of them being of Billy the Kid and Jesse James, two of the most famous bandits to ever exist.
This Western theme is completed by the fabulous background, which includes wooden buildings overcast by stormy clouds, and eerie music that features gun shots, rolling thunder, bells and creaking signs, among others.
All in all, this game has truly managed to capture the spirit of the West and we’re sure it will give you hours of fun gameplay.
Sounds & Graphics
The graphics of the Dead or Alive slot are vibrant, engaging and very animated, particularly after every spin where the Scatters shoot their pistols. The level of detail in the setting is also to be congratulated, as the lightning in the sky and the moving lamps add a pretty spooky feel to the game.
The sound is crisp and the sound effects very fitting to the theme. While it is not constant and what you hear changes regularly, especially when you’re playing, you can opt to switch off the sound completely.
How To Play Dead or Alive Slot
For all its intricacies and high-levels of detail, playing the Dead or Alive slot is pretty easy. Given that you understand what all the symbols stand for (this is explained above), then all you have to do is the following:
Step 1: Choose your bet type from the control panel at the bottom. This is easy to do thanks to the Coin Value section which allows you to choose between 0.10, 0.20 and 0.50.
Step 2: With that done, simply press the ‘Play’ button, which is in the middle and features two spinning arrows.
Step 3: Once the outcome has been revealed, repeat Step 1 and Step 2.
If you don’t want to manually press the ‘Play’ button after every spin, then simply click on the ‘Autoplay’ button to the left of it and choose how many spins you’d like to be automatically played. The options range from 10 to 1,000 and they can be stopped at any time.
Autoplay can also be set to your preferred specifications by clicking on ‘Advanced Settings’ in the small box that pops up after you press ‘Autoplay’. This will give you the chance to choose if you’d like Autoplay to stop when you win a round, when you get free spins, or even when cash increases or decreases by a certain amount.
Dead or Alive 2 Slot Review
Released 10 years after the iconic original, NetEnt’s Dead or Alive II shares many similarities with the first instalment. Indeed, one of the first things you will notice if you’ve played Dead or Alive is that this game looks extremely similar: the layout, the grid, the background, and the symbols are exactly the same. The control panel, the RTP (96.8%), and the volatility (high) also remain unchanged.
Nevertheless, this crisp new addition to the Dead or Alive canon was created using HTML5 rather than Flash, and this can be seen from the graphics, which are a lot more animated and elevated than those of the original. The features have also been extended: while the Wild, Scatter and Sticky Wilds are still there, the free spins now come with three different options for players to choose from. Oh, and earlier this year, a Buy Feature was added to the game, which now lets you skip the main game entirely and head to free spin section.
Based on all this, our verdict is a simple one: the Dead or Alive 2 slot is a great reinterpretation of the first game, and will go down a treat with both fans and newbies alike.
(Source: NetEnt)
Dead or Alive II Slot Special Features
In the Dead or Alive 2 slot, many of the features remain unchanged from those of the original. The Scatters, for example, remain one of the most powerful symbols, with rewards starting when you line up two or more – though landing five will see you get a fabulous payout, indeed.
The main difference between this game and the original, however, is the choice players get when the free spins are activated by landing three or more Scatter symbols in a row. The choices are as follows:
- In Old Saloon Free Spins all wins are multiplied by two, while one or more Sticky Wilds will get you an extra five free spins.
- In High Noon Saloon Free Spins two Wild symbols on the same reel turn into Double Multiplier Wild symbols; three Wild symbols on the same reel will become Triple Multiplier Wild symbols; and each Sticky Wild, if any, will result in five extra free spins.
- In Train Heist Free Spins you’ll find a Multiplier. Also, if a Wild Symbol lands anywhere, the Multiplier will go up by one and you will receive an extra free spin. Once your Multiplier reaches 16x, you also get an extra five free spins.
Moreover, this year, NetEnt has also given players the opportunity to buy their way into a bonus version of the game. Known as Dead or Alive 2 Feature Buy, this version will give you the chance to trigger free spins faster.
Dead or Alive 2 RTP and Volatility
The RTP and volatility of the Dead or Alive 2 slot remain unchanged from the original. The Dead or Alive 2 slot RTP stands at 96.8% and the volatility is still high. Having said that, the Feature Buy version does change things around a bit. In this situation, buying into the bonus game will guarantee Scatter symbols falling on reels 1, 2 and 3, which of course increases the possibility of landing five Scatter symbols that guarantee a win of 2,500 times your initial stake.
Theme
The Old West still reigns supreme in this game, as do all the elements that made the original so beloved. The symbols are exactly the same as in the Dead or Alive slot, with Most Wanted posters, whiskey bottles, cowboy boots, and sheriffs’ badges all making a cameback.
Sounds and Graphics
The graphics of the second instalment in the Dead or Alive slot series are similar to those of the original, but their crispness and animation has been enhanced manifold. The sounds, however, are exactly the same – and they still do the trick!
How to Play Dead or Alive 2 Slot
As the majority of features and elements are the same in both games, then it stands to reason that the steps for playing the Dead or Alive II slot are virtually the same as those for the first game, which we explain above. However, just to recap, you still get to choose the Coin Value (the options are 0.10, 0.20 and 0.50) from the control panel, and you still get the Autoplay button, which can play between 10 and 1,000 rounds on your behalf. The only difference here is that when the free spins are activated, you will be taken to a different page where you get to choose between the three options explored above.
Dead or Alive Slot Promotions
Ever since it was released, the Dead or Alive slot casinos have offered players some fabulous Dead or Alive promotions to their players including no wager free spins and free spins. These have been periodical, so there will be times where you’ll find quite a few and others where you won’t find any. Below we list the ones we found at the time of writing.
Dead or Alive Slot Mobile Play
Similarly to many of the modern video slots, the Dead or Alive slot and Dead or Alive 2 slot optimise beautifully on mobile browsers, both on iPhone & Android phones. The only thing you need to keep in mind when playing the game at a mobile casino is that the control panel is activated by clicking the three-bar ‘More’ button in the bottom-right corner of the game.
Dead or Alive Slot Strategy
When it comes to video slots, Lady Luck reigns supreme. Even so, there are some steps you could take to give yourself a better chance of maximising your winning potential. So here is our Dead or Alive slot strategy:
Step 1: Find a no wagering casino or a low-wagering casino bonus. This allows you to increase your spending power without getting stuck in endless loops of having to wager a lot of money in order to withdraw your winnings.
Step 2: Set a budget and stick to it even if you land a very big win. Remember that winning is determined by a random number generator (RNG) so there’s very little you can do to give yourself a better chance of winning more often.
Step 3: If the Dead or Alive slot RTP works in your favour and you win big, cash out as soon as you can. This will help ensure that you’re not tempted into spending everything you’ve won on trying to win even more.
The Maker: NetEnt
As one of the most popular gaming companies in the world, NetEnt has a long history of delivering brilliant titles that stand the test of time. Based in Malta but originally from Sweden, NetEnt has won 27 EGR Awards and continues to be one of the best providers of video slots in the world.
Dead or Alive Slot Alternatives
The Dead or Alive slot may be iconic, but that doesn’t mean that you have to love it. So here are five alternatives for you to play!
Book of Dead
Gaming’s answer to Indiana Jones comes in the shape of Rich Wilde, an archaeologist who is always ready for a spinning adventure. In Play ‘n Go’s Book of Dead you’ll be transported to Ancient Egypt and your goal is get as many high-paying symbols on the five-reel, 10-payline grid as you can. The RTP for this game stands at 96.21%. For more Ancient Egyptian-themed games, follow our link.
Gonzo's Quest
Join Gonzo on the epic search for the golden city of Eldorado in NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest. As the provider’s first-ever platinum release, this game has become a firm favourite all across the globe. It has an RTP of 95.97%, and a mechanism made up of five reels and 20 paylines. Among the things to look out for are the Avalanche Reels, which give you the chance of winning up to five times your stake, and the Free Falls Bonus, which has up to 15x multipliers. For more Aztec-themed slots, follow our link.
Wild Toro
Elk Studios’ Wild Toro slot is about bullfighting, but in this world, the bull always comes out victorious against the evil, moustache-sporting matador. With a mechanism that is comprised of five reels and four rows, the game gives you 178 ways to win up to 2,250 times your initial stake. The game’s RTP is a healthy 96.4%. For more moustache-themed slots, follow our link.
The Goonies
Based on the famous 1985 film by the same name, Blueprint’s The Goonies slot includes all the characters you know and love, as well as pirate ships, treasure chests, corpses, and a treasure map. The game itself has five reels, 20 paylines and an RTP of 96%. Look out for the One-Eyed Willy Bonuses. For more adventure-themed slots, follow our link.
Captain's Treasure
Developed by Playtech, this game has five reels, nine paylines, and an RTP of 97%. Captain’s Treasure is, as you may have guessed, based on pirates and it comes with fabulous graphics and a hilarious soundtrack to boot. When playing, try out the turbo mode, where the wheels spin at a much faster rate. For more pirate-themed slots, follow our link.
Can I Play Dead or Alive Free?
Yes, you can totally play Dead or Alive slot free! Firstly, the official NetEnt site gives you the chance to check out both the Dead or Alive slot and the Dead or Alive 2 slot directly on their website. This is a great way to get a feel for the game, learn the paytable, and understand the symbols. Meanwhile, European players can easily play for free at many free play casinos and European online casinos without the need to even sign up. UK players can also do the same but they will need to register in order to be able to play for free. This relatively recent change in the law was done in order to safeguard minors and stop players from gambling excessively.
Best Dead or Alive Casinos FAQs
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The Dead or Alive online slot is a high volatile slot and has an RTP of 96.8%.
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We’ve listed the best 10 casinos for Dead or Alive and Dead or Alive 2 in our slot review above. However, our favourites are Video Slots and LeoVegas.
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Yes you can, and there is no difference between playing it on a desktop or mobile browser.
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Yes, we’ve got the list of the top 10 ultimate wild west slot games for you to enjoy.
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The Dead or Alive 2 Online slot has an RTP of 96.8% and has a high volatility.
Iggy Fenech
