NetEnt’s Long Awaited Dead or Alive 2 Slot Arrives

Saddle up for a wild west adventure in NetEnt’s Dead or Alive II Online Slot, released April 23, 2019.

NetEnt is without a doubt among the digital gambling software industry’s top three competitors. If ranking them myself, I’d put NetEnt right alongside Microgaming, and a notch or two above Playtech. What sets this brand apart from the majority of the crowd is the anomalous imagination and extraordinary design capabilities of their slot development crew.

Some of the games this team has created are beyond exception. Games like Mega Fortune (2009), Gonzo’s Quest (2013), Starburst (2013) and Divine Fortune (2017), as well as brand-licensed slots like Guns N’ Roses (2016), Planet of the Apes (2017) and Vikings (2018) – these are among the most sensational and timeless digital slot machines the online gambling industry has ever seen.

Last week, the Swedish content provider proved its dominance once more with the long-awaited release of the Dead or Alive 2 Slot. NetEnt first announced the production this game – the sequel to the immensely popular original, Dead or Alive Slot (2009) – back in September of last year. On April 23, 2019, it was unleashed at NetEnt online casinos.

NetEnt’s Dead or Alive II Online Slot

The graphics and musical score are everything we could have hoped for. The moment I loaded up the game for the first time, my dogs went wild. The background sounds aren’t overwhelming. They are just there for ambiance. But they provide a level of unparalleled immersion. When the thunder rolls or gunfire is heard in the distance, my beagle’s head rises to investigate. Every time the sound of a hanging sign squeaks in the wind, both dogs jump up from the couch and run into the room. It was quite hilarious, and something I’ve never seen them do before while reviewing a slot machine, so I have to give credit to NetEnt for some very realistic and moving sound effects!

The new version is similar to its 10-year-older sibling in several ways. Both have a 5×3 reel set with 9 paylines. They each carry a 96.8% RTP and come with a high variance. Both share a primary objective of hunting for the ever-illusive full line of wilds to strike a jackpot. However, this newer version has more features, outlaws based on real characters, and a bolstered max payout of a staggering 2,000,000 coins.

Dead or Alive 2 Game Features

The original game came with a free spins feature that awarded 12 free games with a 2x multiplier and sticky wilds. The developers infused the sequel with many more ways to boost a player’s winnings.

The wilds are all historical outlaws of the Old West, each appearing only on their own reel. On reel 1 is the nefarious The Apache Kid. Reel 2 is the home of Laura “Della Rose” Bullion (of Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch). Reel 3 hosts the infamous Jesse James; reel 4 the notorious Belle Star, and reel 5 the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid.

The cow skull and crossed pistols represent the scatter. Landing 2 or more awards scatter pays, while 3 or more triggers Player’s Choice Free Spins. The player receives 12 free games and must choose from one of these three features.

Train Heist: The lowest volatility option, this feature adds a 1x multiplier and +1 free spin for every wild that appears.

Old Saloon: The medium variance options, this feature mimics the free spins of the original Dead or Alive slot machine. All wins enjoy a 2x multiplier, and landing a wild in any position on all 5 reels in a single spin delivers +5 free games.

High Noon Saloon: This high volatility feature comes with sticky wilds and progressive multipliers. Every wild that appears stays put for the rest of the free games. If 2 wilds are on the same reel, they earn a 2x multiplier. Three eon the same reel increases to a 3x multiplier. At least one wild on each reel awards +5 free games.