Balloon

Balloon (Smartsoft Gaming) Game Review

Balloon by Smartsoft Gaming is a straightforward Crash or Burst mechnaic game, where a bright yellow balloon takes center stage. A purple inflation button, marked with a mouse-pointer icon, invites you to press and hold your mouse button to pump air into the balloon. As the balloon swells, so does your potential prize. When the balloon reaches a certain size, it floats into the air and ominously changes color to red. This "color of danger" is a reminder that the balloon can pop at any moment, even long before it lifts off.

In fact, the balloon can burst on the very first inflation if luck isn't on your side. That's the inherent thrill and risk of Busta games. To secure your winnings, you need to release the inflation button and cash out before the inevitable pop. If the balloon bursts before you let go, your bet is lost, and you start a new round. The rhythmic sound of air filling the balloon creates a sense of progress and anticipation as it grows, eventually filling the entire screen. The balloon continues to change color the longer you hold on, and reaching the elusive 10,000x win cap is a nerve-wracking challenge that tests your courage and timing.

Balloon Casino Game – Gameplay Screen

The game's RTP, ranging between 95.5 and 98 %, is influenced by your strategy, as is the volatility. The longer you keep the ride going per round, the more volatile your experience will be, and vice versa. Balloon is a Busta game that keeps things simple with only one bet allowed per round and no auto cash out feature. This puts the control entirely in your hands, making every decision a calculated gamble. Will you play it safe and cash out early, or will you push your luck, chasing the ever-increasing rewards with the looming threat of the balloon bursting?

Balloon Features

There are no special bonus features, free spin rounds, or bonus games to look forward to in Balloon game by Smartsoft. However, we will explain how to play this game in detail below.

How To Play Balloon

You start by choosing your bet level between €0.1 and €100, and then you hit the big purple button with a mouse-pointer icon on the right-hand side of the screen. This button inflates the balloon gradually as you hold down the button. The bet multiplier starts at your chosen bet level and increases gradually as the balloon grows. The balloon can pop at any time, so you need to let go of the button to cash out before that happens to win anything.

Pros and Cons of Balloon

Our Verdict

Having tried my fair share of Busta mechanic games over the years, especially since their rise in popularity with titles like Aviator, I approached Balloon by Smartsoft Gaming with a degree of familiarity. However, Balloon distinguishes itself with its stark simplicity, offering no additional features or betting options. The gameplay loop is straightforward. Press and hold the inflation button, and release it to cash out before the balloon bursts. While other Busta games offer ways to hedge your bet with multiple wagers and preset auto cash out levels, Balloon keeps things barebones. It's a game that either resonates with you or doesn't, and personally, I'm not a huge fan of Busta games in general.

The reason for my lukewarm reception is simple. Chasing the win cap or substantial wins is a high-risk endeavor, as you're likely to lose everything in each round. In contrast, regular slot games offer a steady stream of small to decent wins, with the possibility of larger wins always on the horizon. This isn't the case with Balloon or other Busta games. The path to larger payouts is frustratingly difficult and expensive, and you're aware of this from the outset. There's no element of surprise, and while slots reward you regularly, games like Balloon punish you regularly for not letting go of the button quickly enough.

For me, Busta games are the ultimate palate cleanser and something to play occasionally to reset my mind before returning to online slots. Balloon serves that purpose perfectly, but it's not a game I would actively seek out beyond that. Its simplicity and high-risk nature make it a fleeting distraction rather than a game I would invest significant time or money in. While some players may enjoy the adrenaline rush of pushing their luck to the limit, I prefer the more balanced and rewarding experience offered by traditional slot games.