Bison Strike

Bison Strike Features Overview

Feature Name	Description	Trigger / How it Works
WILD Symbol	Substitutes for all standard paying symbols to help form winning combinations.	Appears on all reels.
BOOST Symbol	A special symbol that collects the values of all BONUS and JACKPOT symbols on the reels.	Appears only on reel 2.
BONUS Symbol	Carries a cash value or a Jackpot (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand).	Appears on reels 1 and 3 during the base game and all reels during the Bonus Game.
Bonus Game	A free spins round where the BOOST symbol is active, collecting all visible BONUS and JACKPOT values.	Land at least one BONUS symbol on reels 1 and 3, plus a BOOST symbol on reel 2.
Upgrade Feature	An additional reel above the main grid that appears during the Bonus Game.	Triggered automatically with the Bonus Game.
MULTIPLIER Symbol	Appears on the Upgrade Reel, multiplying the value of symbols below it (x2, x3, x5, x10).	Lands on the Upgrade Reel during the Bonus Game.
Extra Bonus Game	A second-chance feature that can add extra BONUS and BOOST symbols to trigger the main Bonus Game.	Can trigger randomly when any BONUS symbol lands in the base game.
Buy Bonus	An option for players to purchase direct entry into the Bonus Game or a Super Bonus Game.	Click the “BONUS” button and pay a set price (e.g., 140.00 for Bonus, 300.00 for Super Bonus).

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Understanding the Bison Strike Gameplay

The Bison Strike slot presents a straightforward 3-reel, 3-row setup. Unlike many modern games, it doesn't rely on complex payline structures. Wins are awarded for landing three matching symbols on a horizontal line. This design choice places it firmly in the category of classic slots, making it accessible for anyone to pick up and play the demo. The real depth, however, comes from its collection of special symbols that transform the simple grid into a dynamic hunt for big payouts.

How do the Paytable and Symbols work?

The paytable in the Bison Strike demo is a mix of high-value thematic icons and traditional fruit symbols. Landing three 777 symbols yields the highest standard payout of 100.00 on a 2.00 bet. Following that are the Bells at 60.00 and the BAR symbols at 40.00.

The mid-tier symbols are represented by Watermelons and Grapes, both paying 32.00 for a set of three. The lower end of the paytable consists of Oranges, Lemons, and Plums, each paying 8.00, with Cherries being the lowest at 2.00. The core of the game, however, isn't about these standard line hits but the special symbols. This structure is common in many fruit-themed slots where base game wins keep the balance steady while you wait for the features to activate, much like in Pragmatic Play's Fruit Party 2.

What is the role of the WILD symbol?

The WILD symbol in Bison Strike acts as a traditional substitute. It can appear on any of the three reels and will stand in for any of the standard paying symbols (777, Bells, BARs, fruits) to complete a winning line. It does not substitute for the BONUS, BOOST, or JACKPOT symbols, as they are tied to the game's special features. Its primary function is to increase the frequency of line wins in the base game, serving as a helpful bridge between the more explosive bonus features.

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Core Mechanics of the Bison Strike Slot

The true identity of the Bison Strike game emerges through its special mechanics. These features move the focus away from simple paylines and toward a dynamic collection and multiplier system. The entire game is built around the interaction between just a few key symbols.

What is the BOOST Symbol and How Does it Activate?

The BOOST symbol is the most important symbol in the game; it's the engine driving all the major wins. This special symbol appears exclusively on the middle reel (reel 2). When it lands, it performs one crucial action: it collects the values of all BONUS and JACKPOT symbols currently visible on the reels.

This “collect” mechanic transforms the game into a two-part objective. First, you need to land as many high-value BONUS or JACKPOT symbols as possible on reels 1 and 3. Second, you must land the BOOST symbol on reel 2 to cash them all in. This creates a thrilling tension on every spin, similar to the popular Money Collect feature found in games like Sahara Riches Cash Collect. The key difference here is the concentration of the trigger onto a single reel, making its appearance a pivotal moment. The goal is to fill the screen with golden BONUS coins and then hit that central BOOST to trigger a payout stampede.

The Upgrade Reel: Multipliers and Extras Explained

During the Bonus Game, an additional horizontal Upgrade Reel appears above the main 3×3 grid. This reel introduces two game-changing symbols: MULTIPLIERS and EXTRAs.

When a MULTIPLIER symbol (displaying values like x2, x3, x5, or x10) lands on the Upgrade Reel, it multiplies the value of all BONUS and JACKPOT symbols on the reel directly below it. If a MULTIPLIER lands above the second reel, it applies its multiplication to all active BOOST symbols. This feature dramatically elevates the win potential, turning modest bonus values into significant payouts. It functions somewhat like the multiplier mechanics in Gates of Olympus 1000, where multipliers accumulate to create massive wins, though here it's applied on a reel-by-reel basis.

Vlad Hvalov's Expert Take:
“Honestly, the Upgrade Reel is where this game shows its true colors. A common mistake is just watching the total bonus value. Don't. Your focus should be on landing a big multiplier on the Upgrade Reel above a reel stacked with high-value symbols. A single x10 multiplier is far more powerful than several small bonus symbols.”

How to Trigger the Bonus Game?

The main Bonus Game is activated by a specific combination of symbols. A player must land at least one BONUS symbol on reel 1 and at least one BONUS symbol on reel 3, combined with a BOOST symbol on reel 2, all in the same spin. This combination immediately triggers the feature round.

For those who find the wait too long, there is the Extra Bonus Game feature. This can trigger randomly whenever a BONUS symbol lands during the base game. It acts as a lifeline, adding enough BONUS and BOOST symbols to the screen to force an activation of the main Bonus Game. This adds a welcome layer of unpredictability to this animal-themed adventure.

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Advanced Features and Strategies

Beyond the main spin, Bison Strike offers players ways to directly influence their gameplay through bonus buys and presents a game model that requires a certain strategic mindset.

The “Buy Bonus” Option: Is It Worth It?

Yes, players can use the Buy Bonus feature to instantly trigger the game's main attractions. There are two options available: purchasing the standard Bonus Game for 140.00 (based on a 2.00 bet) or the Super Bonus Game for 300.00.

The Super Bonus Game presumably offers a higher potential for big wins, likely through more frequent or higher-value symbols on the Upgrade Reel. Whether it's “worth it” depends entirely on your strategy for playing the free demo. Using the Buy Bonus is an excellent way to understand the full potential of the Bonus Game and Upgrade Reel without waiting for a natural trigger. It is a feature seen in many modern titles, like Wanted Dead or a Wild, appealing to players who want to get straight to the action.

The Contrarian View: Why the Base Game Can Feel Uneventful

Let's be direct. The biggest argument against Bison Strike is the simplicity of its base game. Without the interaction of the BOOST and BONUS symbols, the gameplay consists of a 3-reel slot with just a few paylines. The payouts for standard fruit symbols are modest, and the core experience can feel repetitive while waiting for the features to align. If you are a player who needs constant action and features on every spin, the base game loop might test your patience. The entire design prioritizes the explosive potential of the bonus features over a consistently engaging base game, a trade-off that won't suit everyone's taste.

Vlad Hvalov's Expert Take:
“People sometimes get frustrated with the base game. My advice for the demo is this: treat the base game as a setup phase. You aren't playing for small fruit wins. You are playing to arrange the golden coins for the BOOST symbol. Adjust your bet size to allow for enough spins to see the features trigger. This isn't a game for quick, small hits.”

Secrets of the Stampede

1. Reel 2 is Everything: The entire game's design hinges on what happens on the middle reel. The BOOST symbol only lands there, making it the focal point of every single spin.
2. A Classic-Modern Hybrid: The choice to use symbols like Cherries, Lemons, and BARs alongside a modern collection mechanic is deliberate. It bridges the gap between old-school fruit machines and today's feature-heavy video slots, creating a unique Retro feel.
3. Jackpot Symbol Value: The BONUS symbols can land with fixed Jackpot values: Mini (50.00), Minor (100.00), Major (300.00), and Grand (2,000.00). These are not progressive but fixed prizes that can be collected by the BOOST symbol, adding another layer to the hunt for gold.

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Slots with Similar Mechanics to Bison Strike

If the core collect mechanic of Bison Strike appeals to you, the world of online slots offers many variations on this theme. The obvious comparison is the entire Big Bass Bonanza series from Pragmatic Play, where a Fisherman symbol collects the values from Fish symbols. Games like Big Bass Bonanza Keeping it Reel share that same fundamental thrill of matching a collector with cash values.

For those who enjoy the powerful Buffalo theme, Buffalo King Untamed Megaways offers a more complex experience with a similar majestic North American animal focus. If the combination of a simple grid with powerful features is what you like, Money Train 3 by Relax Gaming takes the concept of a bonus-round collection feature to an extreme level. Finally, for a straightforward jackpot hunt, Jackpot Blaze offers a classic feel with a focus on hitting those big fixed prizes. You can try thousands of other free games on our platform.

Final Thoughts on the Bison Strike Demo

So, what's the final verdict? Bison Strike is a game of moments. It doesn't provide a steady stream of small rewards. Instead, it asks for patience, and in return, it offers the potential for sudden, electrifying payouts when the BOOST and BONUS symbols align perfectly. The design is sharp, the theme is classic, and the core mechanic is compelling.

I think it's an excellent slot for players who enjoy “hold and win” or “money collect” style features but want it in a more condensed, fast-paced format. The reliance on reel 2 for the BOOST symbol is a bold design choice that creates a clear focal point for excitement. It can feel a bit slow between features, no doubt about it. But when that BOOST symbol lands on a board full of gold coins, especially with a multiplier from above… well, that's the stampede you were waiting for. It’s definitely worth a few spins in demo mode.

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