Christmas Control

PoggiPlay’s “Christmas Control” slot presents a unique take on the holiday theme, eschewing traditional saccharine imagery for a stylized, almost cartoonish aesthetic. Think less “cozy fireplace” and more “whimsical workshop,” where a bespectacled, elf-like character oversees the game’s mechanics. The visuals are crisp and vibrant, with symbols rendered as festive cookies and ornaments. The soundtrack complements the visuals with a playful, upbeat melody, creating a lighthearted atmosphere. Unlike slots that rely on generic holiday cheer, “Christmas Control” injects a dose of quirky personality, making it stand out in a crowded genre. This distinctive style, combined with a potentially rewarding bonus system, immediately grabs the attention of seasoned slot enthusiasts looking for something beyond the typical holiday fare.

Game Mechanics: A Blend of the Familiar and the Festive

At its core, “Christmas Control” operates on a 5-reel, 3-row configuration with 10 fixed paylines. Wins are awarded for matching combinations of three or more symbols, starting from the leftmost reel. The symbols themselves are a delightful mix of Christmas-themed items. High-paying symbols include a snow globe, a golden bell, a stocking, and a winter hat, each with distinct payout values. Low-paying symbols are represented by gingerbread cookies shaped like card suits – clubs, spades, hearts, and diamonds, alongside a candy cane and rhombus.

A crucial element is the Wild symbol, depicted by a purple ornament with the letter “W.” This symbol substitutes for all others except the Bonus scatter, increasing the potential for winning combinations. What sets this game apart is the inclusion of Multiplier Wilds. These appear as ornaments with values of x2, x3, x4, or x5, multiplying the payout of any winning combination they're part of. If multiple Multiplier Wilds contribute to a win, only the highest multiplier is applied. This mechanic adds a layer of excitement, as even a small win can be significantly boosted. The game’s theoretical RTP is 94,37%, which is slightly below average.

Bonus Features: Customizable Free Spins at Your Fingertips

The heart of “Christmas Control” lies in its Bonus Game, triggered by landing three or more Bonus Scatter symbols (a green gift box with a keyhole) anywhere on the reels. The bonus game begins with 5 free spins. However, before the free spins commence, the player engages in a selection process. They are presented with six “Boosters,” and must choose two. These boosters significantly alter the free spins experience, offering a blend of risk and reward.

The available Boosters are as follows:

• x2 Super: Doubles all wins during the Free Spins.
• + 3 Free Spins: Awards an additional three free spins at the beginning of the bonus round.
• + 5 Free Spins: Awards an additional five free spins at the beginning of the bonus round.
• Random Wild: Adds 1-3 wild symbols on random positions for each spin.
• X symbol: Choose one of the regular symbols. It becomes sticky on the screen until the end of the free spins round.
• Low symbol removal: Removes all low paying symbols from the reels for the duration of the free spins.

The ability to choose two boosters adds a strategic element to the gameplay. Players can tailor the free spins to their preference, opting for more spins, higher multipliers, or additional wild symbols. This level of customization makes each bonus round feel unique and engaging.

Buy Bonus Feature

For players who prefer immediate action, “Christmas Control” offers a Buy Bonus option. For a cost of 35 times the current bet, players can instantly trigger the Bonus Game, bypassing the need to land scatter symbols on the reels. This feature caters to those who are eager to experience the customizable free spins and are willing to pay a premium for it. The cost of 35x the bet is a fairly standard price for this type of feature.

Verdict: A Festive Treat with a Twist

“Christmas Control” is a refreshing addition to the holiday slot genre. Its distinctive art style, combined with the innovative customizable free spins, creates a compelling gameplay experience. The Bonus Game is engaging, and the ability to choose boosters adds a layer of strategic depth that is often lacking in other slots. While the RTP is slightly below the industry average, the potential for high payouts, especially with the multiplier wilds, keeps the game exciting. “Christmas Control” is recommended for players who appreciate a unique aesthetic, enjoy customizable bonus features, and are looking for a festive slot that offers more than just superficial holiday cheer. It’s a game that rewards strategic thinking and provides ample opportunities for thrilling wins, making it a worthy contender in the crowded world of online slots.