Just Jewels Slot Machine
Upon first sight, the Just Jewels fruit machine looks like a basic Novomatic / Novoline (often called Gaminator) slot. It has 10 pay-lines and not a lot that is remarkable when you first start playing. But, after a few spins you realize it pays from right to left as well as left to right — cool!
Featuring a classic, traditional slot machine look, Just Jewels is a 2005 release with a simple visual profile, basic gameplay and gems as the main slot symbols.
If you are the kind of player who prefers modern type of slots with complex design and plenty of bonus features, you will definitely not be intrigued by the raw appearance of Just Jewels.
The game is designed to resemble the actual, physical slot machine and younger crowd will without a doubt be surprised by the naivety of visuals and audio background.
Players who are not as demanding or who enjoy re-visiting retro-looking games should definitely give Just Jewels a shot, since it offers just the kind of vibe preferred by the traditionalists.
The symbols are divided according to their value, with the Crown, Gold Bars, Stack of Cash and € icons generating the highest payouts, while Gems come with lower payouts.
Gameplay, Betting Range and Return to Player Percentage
At the first glance, Just Jewels is likely to remind you of some kind of simplified command desk. The lines are adjustable and the players can choose to play on 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 paylines. To the left, you will be able to see the Auto option, which will activate the Auto mode and start an uninterrupted spinning session. The same button is used to stop the Auto mode and return the player to the regular gameplay spins.
To the right, Bet One and Max Bet commands are placed; selecting one of the options will automatically reduce the number of lines to a single payline or activate the maximum number of lines. The value of a single coin is $0.01 and up to 900 coins can be wagered across all active lines. An extended gameplay can produce a return to player percentage of 95.42%, which is lower than an average player might prefer.
Just Jewels Bonus Rounds and Special Features
This is where the game takes an anticlimactic turn as there are no free spins, multipliers or any other types of bonus rounds. The slot does have the Scatter € symbol, but when the combination of these icons land on the reels, it will not unlock an extra game; instead, it will only generate the higher winning amount and award 45,000 coins for the combination of 5 matching icons.
When a paying combination is formed, the player can select a Gamble feature and double the won amount. To increase the winning, the player selects one of the two colours, black or red, and the card facing down is revealed. If the guess is correct, the money will be added to your balance.
Strong and Weak Points of Just Jewels Slot
To objectively rate Just Jewels, one will have to take both the theme and the release date into consideration. Comparing the slot to recent Novomatic releases or even to some of the older titles from other software developers will not do this game justice and in order to appreciate it, one must see it for what it is — an old school, simplified, gem-themed slot machine.
Even so, the lack of any type of bonus features does catch the eye and apart from the Gamble feature, the game does not have any extras that would spice things up and provide a break from the regular base game spinning.
Closing Thoughts
Whether or not you will enjoy Just Jewels slot will mostly depend on your playing preference and motives. In the context of the release date and theme, the slot is adequate — as long as you don't allow your expectations to run high. The fact that there are no bonus games is still a major drawback however you choose to look at it, and had the developer decided to integrate no more than a Free Spin now and then, the game would be significantly improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Just Jewels?
Just Jewels has an RTP (Return to Player) of 95.42%, which is slightly below the current industry average of 96%. As a 2005 release with no bonus rounds, the lower RTP is worth bearing in mind — though players who enjoy the simplicity of classic gem slots may still find it an enjoyable experience.
Can Just Jewels be played for real money?
Yes, Just Jewels is available as a real money slot at online casinos that carry Novomatic's back catalogue. With bets from $0.01 per line and a maximum of 900 coins wagered across all active paylines, it is an accessible real money slot for traditionalists who prefer a stripped-back, classic experience.
How many paylines does Just Jewels have?
Just Jewels has up to 10 adjustable paylines, and uniquely for a slot of its era, it pays from both left to right and right to left. Players can choose to play on 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 active lines, with the Bet One and Max Bet shortcuts simplifying the staking process.
Does Just Jewels have a bonus round?
Just Jewels does not have a traditional bonus round, free spins or multipliers. The only Scatter symbol (the € icon) pays a fixed prize rather than triggering a feature, and the only extra is the Gamble feature — where correctly guessing the colour of a hidden card doubles your win after any paying spin.
How does the Gamble feature work in Just Jewels?
After any winning spin in Just Jewels, players can opt into the Gamble feature. You choose between black or red, and a face-down card is revealed. A correct guess doubles your win, while an incorrect guess forfeits it. The feature adds a simple risk-reward element to an otherwise straightforward classic slot.
Can Just Jewels be played on mobile?
Just Jewels is available on modern mobile browsers, as Novomatic has adapted many of its classic titles for smartphones and tablets. The simple reel layout and straightforward controls translate well to smaller screens, making it easy to pick up and play on the go.