In the latest edition of SlotBeats Game Play feature, we spoke to Irina Birsanescu, Marketing Director at ICONIC21, who revealed her success with Zelda and love of Bioshock.
Are you a PC or console gamer?
I’ve always preferred PCs for the extra control and dexterity you get from a mouse and keyboard. That said, over time, mostly out of convenience and because of how strong consoles have become, I started using them more and slowly grew to enjoy the PS5 and Nintendo Switch, especially for their exclusive titles.
What was your first home gaming experience?
My first home gaming experience was when I was around 10 years old. My dad gifted me a ripoff of the Nintendo Famicom console. I think it was called Dendy, and it was fairly popular in Eastern Europe. The console used cartridges also rip-off ones that you could rent or buy from corner stores, toy shops, and so on. At the time, I was obsessively playing Duck Hunt, a first-person shooter with moving ducks on screen, using a zapper light gun on a tube TV. I still remember the sound the TV made when I pulled the trigger. My second favorite was Circus Charlie, which was quite complex for its time. It was a Konami game with six different stages. I think I could still go through all of them flawlessly just from muscle memory.
What is your favourite game of all time and why?
Bioshock Infinite it just stayed with me. It’s such a perfect mix of theme, narrative, visuals, character development, and gameplay. The whole series is great, but Infinite in particular hits from every angle. It explores deep themes like American exceptionalism, racism, religion, and revolution, and it surprises you when you least expect it.
It’s set in a stunning floating city called Columbia. I remember being in awe the first time I entered that world steampunk skies and eerie airships. The story feels like a mind-bending novel with an intricate plot and an unexpected ending. The gameplay blends fast-paced shooting with magic-like powers. It’s one of those games I could easily play again and again.
What mobile game have you spent the most time playing?
Shamefully, Candy Crush and SimCity BuildIt. On mobile, where the experience isn’t as immersive as on a computer or console, I prefer games where you can progress steadily. I like cutting through levels and completely switching off my brain, especially after a stressful day. With SimCity, I enjoy watching my little city grow day by day. There’s something satisfying about seeing your skyline evolve with every decision you make.
Which mobile game are you currently playing?
UNO. I went back to the basics. When I’m waiting for a bus or traveling, I pass the time with a few rounds. It’s simple to understand, still challenging, and there’s something at stake I always go for the tournaments where the entry costs a big chunk of in-game currency. The multiplayer aspect and fast pace keep it fun. And I can finally use the “UNO Reverse Card” meme with full understanding.
Last video game completed?
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It left me in complete awe. The complexity and freedom of this game are probably unmatched. It might look silly or overly simplified to some, but it’s a beautiful game with stunning visuals and endless opportunities for creativity and exploration. I think anyone would get hooked and suddenly realize they’ve spent 48 hours playing. The world isn’t just massive horizontally there’s also a huge underground layer and floating islands in the sky. Words can’t fully describe the scale and beauty of this game. It proves once again that Japanese developers are ahead of the curve when it comes to open-world design.
Favourite video game character?
Circling back to Bioshock Infinite, I have to say the Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth duo. Elizabeth is the heart of the story, opening rifts in reality. She adds so much to both the gameplay and the narrative. Her character arc is key to the mind-bending ending of the game. Booker is a moral, spiritual character who deals with trauma, guilt, and ultimately redemption. And let’s just say, without spoiling anything, there’s something unexpected about who he is by the end of the game.
Favourite all-time slot?
Iconic Fruits Hold and Win by ICONIC21. I might be a bit biased with this one, but I’ve always liked simple slots the ones with classic mechanics and traditional casino symbols. They’re instantly recognizable and have a clean, straightforward entertainment feel. Plus, it features the ICONIC21 star symbol, which I always use in our branding materials, so it’s great to see it come to life in an actual game.
