In the realm of online gambling, slots are like an unpredictable assortment of chocolates – you’re never certain of the outcome. Much like the ever-surprising nature of these treats, we transition from reviewing the undead world of Hacksaw Gaming’s Rotten to the heartwarming embrace of another slot – Pine of Plinko. Crafted by Print Studios in collaboration with Relax Gaming, this slot diverges from Print Studios’ usual complexity, offering a simpler yet endearing gameplay. Pine of Plinko’s charm comes in dual forms, one tied to the Dream Drop progressive jackpot network by Relax Gaming, and the other being a non-jackpot version, which we’ll delve into further.
Enchanted Woodland Adventure:
Pine of Plinko whisks players into a fantasy woodland adventure centered around a group of characters residing within a pinecone-shaped cuckoo clock. Reminiscent of the charm seen in Royal Potato, this narrative unfolds outside the pinecone in the base game, while the bonus game transports players inside the clock’s inner workings. The atmosphere exudes coziness, a slot worthy of the term ‘hygge’.
Game Mechanics:
Despite the cozy atmosphere, don’t let your guard down – this is a Print Studios creation after all. The game’s mathematical model leans towards high volatility, influencing the characters’ behavior. The layout features a 5×3 grid with 10 fixed paylines, offering a 96.48% return to player (93.48% for the Dream Drop version). In both the jackpot and non-jackpot modes, the base game primarily revolves around line wins, with certain symbols carrying substantial value. Winning combinations emerge from landing three to five matching symbols from the first reel, left to right. Symbol values range from 2-3x to 200x the bet, and notably, Pine of Plinko does not incorporate a wild symbol.
Slot Features:
In Pine of Plinko’s base game, features are minimal, and the primary excitement stems from achieving line wins. However, the Plinko Bonus round offers a delightful change of pace, either through triggers or purchasing, depending on the version.
Plinko Bonus:
Landing 3 or more scatter symbols initiates the Plinko Bonus round. Each scatter showcases a number, collectively determining the starting drops for the Plinko Bonus. As players release balls into the Plinko space, they land in gaps, each associated with a prize. Accumulated prizes vary from 0.1x to 1,000x the bet, offering a total winning amount.
Bumpers and Levels:
The field incorporates three bumpers that increase a meter when struck by a ball. A full meter rewards +10 drops at the next level. Ascending levels augments the number of balls released with each drop press, creating an escalating cascade of excitement and potential wins. Once drops or stages are exhausted, the accumulated amount is awarded.
Feature Bet:
The Feature Bet, where available, enables players to activate a Scatter Boost or purchase the bonus round. The Scatter Boost raises the stake by 75%, enhancing the number of scatters on the reels, with an RTP of 96.78%. Purchasing the Plinko Bonus costs 79x the bet and boasts an RTP of 96.94%.
Dream Drop:
For the Dream Drop version, landing 3 DD symbols triggers the Dream Drop Plinko Jackpot. The Drop Button releases a ball into one of five gaps, filling corresponding meters and awarding one of five potential jackpots, ranging from minor to mega amounts.
Final Verdict:
Unlike Print Studios’ complex offerings, Pine of Plinko embraces simplicity without sacrificing enjoyment. Its charming world resonates through every element, akin to a harmonious cuckoo clock. Despite the apparent simplicity, Pine of Plinko exudes a high level of replayability, especially within its bonus round. The act of releasing balls during the Plinko round exudes joy and addictive appeal, creating an unexpectedly entertaining experience. With non-jackpot wins soaring up to 10,000x the bet, the game’s allure supersedes any initial concerns about the absence of conventional extras.