Introduction
In 2014, Hipster Whale released a popular endless runner game called Crossy Road, which became an instant hit on mobile platforms. The game’s addictive gameplay and charming graphics captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. A few years later, the same developer decided to venture into the world of casino slots by creating a slot machine version of their iconic game. Crossy Road Released in 2017, Crossy Road Slots is a unique take on traditional slots that combines the excitement of spinning reels with the nostalgic charm of the original game.
Theme and Design
The theme of Crossy Road Slots is unmistakably inspired by its endless runner counterpart. The game’s visuals are colorful and vibrant, featuring familiar characters from the mobile game such as chickens, ducks, frogs, and even a tiger or two. However, unlike traditional slots that often rely on fantasy creatures or luxurious settings, Crossy Road Slots stays true to its original theme of being in a urban environment with pedestrians crossing roads. The design of the slot is reminiscent of classic arcade games from the 80s, complete with pixelated graphics and cartoonish sound effects.
Symbols
The symbols in Crossy Road Slots are all inspired by the characters and objects from the mobile game. Players will find familiar faces like chickens, ducks, frogs, dogs, cats, and even a tiger or two on the reels. There’s also a special symbol called "Pedestrian" which serves as the Wild in this slot. Each of these symbols has its own unique value, with higher-paying combinations rewarding players with more generous payouts.
Payouts
The paytable for Crossy Road Slots is relatively straightforward, offering rewards for matching three or more identical symbols on an active line. The payout amounts vary depending on the symbol, ranging from low-value matches of pedestrians to high-paying combinations of frogs and ducks. Players can refer to the game’s paytable at any time to get a detailed breakdown of the possible payouts.
Wilds
The Pedestrian Wild is a key feature in Crossy Road Slots, acting as both a substitute for other symbols and an expanding symbol during Free Spins. When the Pedestrian Wild appears on reel 5 (the far-right column), it expands to fill all three middle reels, covering them entirely and ensuring that players get additional wins.
Scatters
Unfortunately, there are no Scatters in Crossy Road Slots, unlike many other slots where they activate a Bonus Round or offer instant winnings. This lack of Scatters might be seen as a drawback for some players who enjoy the excitement of these bonus symbols.
Bonus Features and Free Spins
The main attraction in Crossy Road Slots is its Free Spin Feature, which can be triggered by matching two Pedestrian Wilds on reel 5 (the far-right column). The game awards ten initial free spins during this feature. If three Pedestrian Wilds appear on the reels within these ten free spins, players get an additional twenty more rounds. One unique aspect of Crossy Road Slots’ Free Spins is that any winning combinations formed with the expanded Pedestrian Wild symbol are multiplied by five.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Crossy Road Slots is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible to both casual gamers and seasoned slot enthusiasts alike. The game features a fixed number of reels (5) but variable rows (1-3), depending on how many symbols line up on the screen at any given moment. Players can adjust their stake by selecting from various bet levels or choosing to play with one of several preset wagering options.
Mobile Play
Crossy Road Slots is optimized for mobile devices, providing a seamless gaming experience whether players use smartphones or tablets running both iOS and Android operating systems. This accessibility means that gamers on-the-go can quickly join in on the fun without compromising their gaming expectations.
RTP and Volatility
According to official Hipster Whale reports, Crossy Road Slots boasts an above-average Return-to-Player (RTP) percentage of 95%, indicating a generous pay-out rate compared to other slots. However, this high RTP comes with higher-than-average volatility levels, which might result in some longer dry spells during gameplay.
Betting Range
Crossy Road Slots features adjustable betting options that cater to players across various budget profiles. Players can select from one of several preset bet levels or enter their desired stake amount manually using a numeric keypad on the bottom right side of the game interface. Bets range between €0.10 and €100 per spin, providing more than enough flexibility for most gamers.
Max Win
The top payout in Crossy Road Slots stands at 5,000 coins when players manage to collect five Pedestrian Wilds in a row across all active lines during the base game or Free Spins.
Overall Analysis
Crossy Road Slots provides an engaging gaming experience with its vibrant visuals and catchy sounds transporting players directly into the world of Crossy Road. The unique blend of endless runner gameplay elements merged with slot mechanics keeps things fresh even after multiple sessions spent spinning those reels. With higher-than-average RTP levels balanced by slightly increased volatility, this title manages to cater effectively to various player preferences.
Considering its diverse range of features, Crossy Road Slots offers a one-of-a-kind experience compared to many other modern slots on the market today. This slot game does not only maintain but even improves upon some classic arcade characteristics from its predecessor while adjusting them just enough for online playability purposes without losing any inherent charm.
Crossy Road Slots will appeal both to fans of the mobile title and newcomers alike due to numerous features such as expanded Wilds during Free Spins, an above-average RTP rate combined with medium-high volatility levels giving a balanced gaming experience.