Quick answer: choose a theme you actually enjoy, read the rules, and set your spend limit before a spin. The graphics are decoration, not a forecast.
What makes a game catch my eye?
I usually notice the art first. A strange character or a nicely built little world can make me stop scrolling. Sometimes it’s all neon and noise, though, and I’m gone before the music finishes its first loop.
How do I judge the experience?
After that, I poke around the menus and listen for a bit. Can I find the paytable? Do the features explain themselves? I’m happy to be surprised by the game; I don’t want to be surprised by what a button does.
What should I check before playing?
Before playing, I check the cost and the rules, and see what account limits are available. The artwork can be brilliant; it still has nothing to say about the next result.
Before I give it a spin
- Look at the theme. Would I still find it interesting after the first minute?
- Open the paytable and read what the features do. Guessing is a daft way to start.
- Check the cost, then decide on a time and spend limit before you start.
- If it doesn’t fit the plan, I close the tab. There’s always a sandwich to make.
One last note: this is a way to choose a game by its design, not a way to predict results. Set your own limits and follow local rules if you play.