A game of slots featuring creatures that are not in the least bit frightening (in fact they’re rather cute) is “Monster Mania” by Microgaming. The title evokes the thought that maybe the classic Universal Studios Hollywood monsters are somehow tied in for a speculative spookfest of the traditional sort. Traditional is not the word to use.

The creatures, less monsters, resemble the characters from Where the Wild Things Are in their almost household harmlessness (snakes, geckos, eyeballs, tongue-monsters, and a horned-beast). They and a matching number of various fruits (plus a “monster wild” and “scatter brain symbol”) contribute to this 5-reel, 9-payline progressive-style slot machine that can pay up to 1000 coins.

Initial bets range from 25 cents to two dollars (1 coin max per line) should you decide to pay to play; there is also a repercussion-free version that allows players to just play for enjoyment’s sake (and treat the monster icons without regard for their monetary implications).

For those who treat the monsters like live-or-die opponents, there is an auto-play feature that provides the option to automatically play through as many games as are pre-set; such allows more furious spinning to occur per the slow-trudging spin of a clock’s second hand. This non-discriminatory game appeals to both impulsive gamblers and pencil pushing, time-wasters alike, and welcomes all walks/lurches/crawls/slithers of life to find amusement within itself.