Area 51 is the fabled secret testing facility in Nevada which has been linked to alien encounters and conspiracies since the mid 1950s. This video slot combines those alien myths with the game of Blackjack; but it’s not a Blackjack machine but a 5 reel, 25 payline video slot.

The game includes a number of features such as wilds, multipliers and scatters. It also boasts a Blackjack inspired bonus game which can unlock free spins by taking on an animated card dealer.

Area 21 Theme

A purple backdrop is masked with spiral etchings which remind us a little of Ministry of Sound decals and dance clubs of the 90s. Some of the icons also use a blend of crazy colors to create a strange but unique appearance.

There are three different aliens on the reels; a female alien dealer, purple alien dealer and red alien dealer. There’s also a ringed planet and psychedelic styled Poker icons represented by the figures 9, 10, J, Q, K and A.

Betting Options and More Functions

The slot features a skill stop button which can not only start spins but can also stop them. The user need only press the button again to stop the reels whenever they want; or wait for them to stop of their own accord.

An auto play panel is included too; simply use the left or right arrow to choose your preset number of spins. You can even switch on advanced mode which allows you to choose when and if the reels should stop for wins etc.

Area 21 Slot Features

The Galactic Wild icon can substitute for any other apart from the Area 21 scatter symbol. It also has the ability to double all regular paytable prizes which means up to 2,000 coins can be won when the wild is used.

Three or more Area 21 scatter icons will trigger the Blackjack bonus round. As the name suggests this pits you against an alien dealer with the aim of beating them at a game. The end result will be free spins which vary depending on how successful you are. For example:

Losing will gain you 10 free spins with x2 multipliers

Winning gains you 10 free spins with x3 multipliers

If you split and win both hands you win 10 free spins with x3 multipliers

If you decide to double down you can win 20 free spins with x3 multipliers

If you hit and gain a natural Blackjack (21) you win 25 free spins with x5 multipliers

This cool feature then kicks out the free spins; during which you can retrigger the bonus round.

Our Take on Area 21

The first time we saw it we thought Area 21 was a but strange; it does include a load of aliens dressed in retro gear after all. Once you have played it for a while it soon becomes apparent that there’s a lot more on offer and it includes a bonus round which is sheer joy. Take on this classified slot at any Cryptologic powered casino, if you’re lucky you could win up to $80,000 - that really is out of this world!