Neon’s Bonus Blast from Ainsworth introduces groundbreaking animation
By Frank Legato
While there are several slot games featuring humorous alien motifs, Neon’s Bonus Blast from Ainsworth Game Technology elevates the concept of comedic alien characters.
This game offers an innovative take on the pot-collection feature. Neon’s Bonus Blast includes three games—Neon Blast Blazen, Lumina, and Geodia—displayed on the sleek A-STAR Raptor cabinet.
The game features a five-reel, 30-line setup, with each reel spot functioning as an independent reel.
The standout aspect of the game is “Neon,” a green alien aboard a spaceship flanked by two vibrant fuel pods. As gameplay progresses, Neon springs to life in 3D animation, using a “blaster” to shoot cash symbols and assisting players throughout.
Keith Kruczynski, Ainsworth’s VP of studios-North America, notes that the game’s appeal lies in its compelling animation. “Typically, a game is driven by its mechanics or math; this one was 100% driven by art,” he explains.
The game’s advanced visuals are made possible by the Unity platform. Neon’s Bonus Blast marks the first use of Unity by this Ainsworth studio. “Unity offers us greater control,” says David Cox, the graphic designer behind Neon’s 3D effects. “This is our first time creating a real-time 3D character in casino games, allowing us to blend animations seamlessly.”
In the search for a fitting theme, the team settled on an alien concept during Ainsworth’s annual “game summit.” In that December meeting, senior artist Danny Pan presented the alien theme idea.
“I didn’t see many thrilling alien or space themes in the field,” Pan recalls. “I was inspired by classic Disney and Pixar films, envisioning a fun character traveling through space collecting treasures and gems.”
Pan created the early sketches, while Cox and Peter Aponte, another skilled animator, utilized Unity to transform the 3D character’s skeleton into a dynamic image.
With Unity, Cox says, “we can manipulate events in real time and blend animations, which Pete and I perfected over several months.”
Unity’s engine allows for seamless animation blending, introducing dynamic lighting where Neon’s movements affect shadows and screen lighting.
Aponte compares the animation quality to live-action 3D, where movements are digitized post-capture. “I wish we had motion-capture suits for the humor,” he jokes, “but we did it the traditional way, carefully positioning and animating each skeleton structure.”
Selecting Neon’s voice involved numerous auditions, says Kruczynski, led by sound engineer Aaron Caroll. “When we found the right one, it was clear,” he says, likening Neon’s voice to Stitch from Disney’s Lilo and Stitch. “He’s cool, cute, with a playful attitude.”
The Game
The Ainsworth team combined these elements to craft a highly entertaining game where Neon engages in comedic antics and surfing routines.
Neon’s spaceship houses red and blue fuel pods that trigger an enhanced free-game feature. As orbs appear, vacuums collect energy, enlarging the pods until they burst, activating free games.
“Energy orbs cause the canisters to grow,” Kruczynski states, “building anticipation for the feature.”
When Neon occupies the center reel, he uses his blaster to
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