9 Masks of Fire HyperSpins is a African-themed slot that builds upon the success of its predecessor, the original 9 Masks of Fire. The game features a vibrant red and gold color scheme, with flames flickering in the background to create an atmosphere of excitement and mystique.
The slot's main symbols are inspired by traditional African masks, which serve as the game's scatter symbols and key to unlocking the biggest prizes. Other symbols include classic slot machine icons like 7s, BAR symbols, and bells, giving the game a blend of African and classic slot aesthetics.
This slot is part of Microgaming's “9 Masks” series, which includes the original 9 Masks of Fire and variations like 9 Pots of Gold. The series is known for its scatter pay mechanics and wheel bonus features. 9 Masks of Fire HyperSpins builds on this foundation by introducing the HyperSpins feature, allowing players more control over their gaming experience.
Core Game Mechanics
9 Masks of Fire HyperSpins is played on a 5×3 grid with 20 fixed paylines. The game's RTP is 96.24%, which increases to 96.74% when using the HyperSpins feature. It has medium volatility, offering a balance between frequent smaller wins and the potential for larger payouts.
The base game follows standard slot mechanics, with wins achieved by landing matching symbols on paylines from left to right. The diamond symbol serves as the wild, substituting for all regular symbols to help form winning combinations.
The game's standout feature is the HyperSpins mechanic. After each spin, players have the option to respin individual reels for an additional cost. The cost of each respin is dynamically calculated based on the potential outcomes, allowing players to strategically aim for specific symbols or bonus triggers.
The mask symbols play a crucial role in the game. Landing three or more masks anywhere on the reels awards an instant cash prize, with the value increasing based on the number of masks in view. This scatter pay mechanic can award up to 2,000x the stake for nine masks.
Bonus Features
- Mask Scatter Pays:
- 3 Masks: 1x stake
- 4 Masks: 5x stake
- 5 Masks: 15x stake
- 6 Masks: 40x stake
- 7 Masks: 100x stake
- 8 Masks: 500x stake
- 9 Masks: 2,000x stake
This feature is active in both the base game and free spins, providing constant potential for significant wins.
- Free Spins Bonus: The free spins bonus is triggered by landing three Free Spin shield symbols on reels 2, 3, and 4. Upon activation, players spin a bonus wheel to determine the number of free spins and the accompanying multiplier. During free spins, all line wins are multiplied by the awarded multiplier. The free spins can be retriggered by landing three more scatter symbols, awarding the same number of spins and multiplier as the initial trigger.
- HyperSpins Feature: This feature allows players to respin individual reels after any base game spin. Each reel has a different respin cost, calculated based on the potential outcomes. This feature adds a layer of strategy to the game, as players can choose to respin reels to aim for:
- Additional mask symbols to increase scatter paysThe third Free Spin scatter to trigger the bonus roundCompleting or improving winning combinations
The HyperSpins feature is only available in the base game and cannot be used during free spins.
The most intriguing aspect of 9 Masks of Fire HyperSpins is the integration of the HyperSpins feature with the game's scatter pay mechanics. This combination allows players to strategically aim for high-value mask combinations, potentially turning near-misses into substantial wins. The dynamic pricing of respins based on potential outcomes adds depth to the decision-making process, making each spin more engaging and potentially rewarding.