Slot machines of the late 90s and early 2000s in Ukraine are legendary slots with cherries, 777 and "Cleopatra's Gold", which were played 50 kopecks directly in grocery stores in the area. In this nostalgic review we remember, what did the Ukrainians play?, what kind of winnings did you get on watermelons and sevens?, and why tube machines of that time still arouse interest.
Late 90s - early 2000s. Time, when slot machines were not in pretentious halls with security and not online on the phone, but literally next door gastronomes. Where is the bread?, milk and seeds - and right there in the corner he stands. Sometimes two. Sometimes there is only one, but there is always life around him.
It was a separate world inside a regular store. Bright backlight, tube drums, characteristic click of buttons, the sound of falling coins - all this creates a feeling, which can no longer be repeated. It seemed commonplace back then, and today - with warm nostalgia for the era, When 50 kopecks could give adrenaline for the whole evening.
Played differently. Those who had less money went to the “cherries”. The machine was officially called “Russian Roulette”, but among the people almost no one called him that. For us these were the “cherries”. Why? It's simple - if the cherries fell out, they could be “stuffed” and multiplied x2. Everyone knew this moment. Children often stood around the machine, who masterfully knew how to catch timing and prompt adults: "Press now!», "Stop!», “Come on again!"After work, the older generation came to relax, and the children turned into kind of strategy consultants.
When watermelons appear on the reels, it’s already serious. 50 hryvnia - a decent win at that time. And if you fell out 777 - All, jackpot. The sevens glowed especially solemnly, as if the machine itself understood the significance of the moment. All this was painted directly on the body: fruits, numbers, combinations. Simple graphics, but memorable.
Separate atmosphere - sound. Not electronic ringtones, namely the mechanical “zhzh” of drums and the clinking of coins. When the machine gave out the winnings, coins fell into the tray with a characteristic metallic roar. And you feel not just numbers - you literally hear your success.
There were also incidents. If the machine runs out of coins for payments, he just hung. There is a win, but there is nothing to give out. Then the saleswoman called “that same guy”, who serviced the machines. He came, opened the case with a key, counted, paid. Everything happened without haste, homely. No regulations or call centers.
There was also a more “solid” option - “Cleopatra’s Gold”. These are no longer gimmicks 50 kopecks, and the stakes are higher. Egyptian theme, Pharaoh (aka Cleopatra), gold, books, symbols - one might say, one of the founders of Egyptian slots, which then filled the halls, and online platforms. Two playing fields, and most importantly - the top super game. Getting there was no easy task. When someone did launch a bonus on the top screen, spectators gathered around.
It was a local attraction - without the Internet, without streaming, no screenshots. Everything happened here and now.
Sometimes I think: I would buy such a machine gun for myself - like an artifact of the era. On OLX used options start from approximately 300 dollars. The idea is modern. Put it at home? In the office? Like an unusual gift? It seems cool. But the main question is whether there will be the same effect? Or that's why the magic worked, that the machine was in the grocery store, to the hum of refrigerators and conversations at the cash register?
Today everything has gone online. Interfaces have become brighter, animation is more difficult, bonuses are more varied. But that feeling of the yard, queue of boys at the machine and an adult, who after the shift puts the last 50 kopecks "for good luck", can't be returned.
AND, Maybe, that is why these machines seem so lamp-like and cozy - because they were part of a specific time, specific yard and specific childhood.
In conclusion, Don't you think it's an idea?, to revive the casino now? I would play demo Cleopatra.
