Dragonz 2

Eight years have passed since Flint, Switch, Frost, and Gobble first graced the reels in Microgaming's original Dragonz slot. Now, Hammertime Games brings these beloved characters back in a reimagined sequel that pays homage to its roots while carving its own path in the modern slot landscape.

The original 2016 release marked a significant milestone for Microgaming, introducing four distinctive dragon characters, each with their unique bonus features. Fast forward to 2024, and Hammertime Games, though relatively new to the scene, has been entrusted with continuing this legacy. The studio's fresh perspective breathes new life into the franchise while maintaining the charm that made the original a success.

Visual Evolution and Character Continuity

The visual upgrade in Dragonz 2 strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation. The game's backdrop showcases meticulously drawn scenery, while the transparent reels replace the original's stark black borders. This design choice creates a more immersive experience without sacrificing the game's functionality.

A standout achievement is how Hammertime has preserved the personality of each dragon. Flint, Switch, Frost, and Gobble remain unchanged in appearance, serving as familiar anchors in this modernized world. This design decision creates a powerful connection for returning players while ensuring new audiences can appreciate the characters' distinct personalities.

Core Mechanics: Beyond Basic Rolling Reels

The game operates on a 5×3 grid with 243 ways to win, incorporating the Rolling Reels mechanic. However, Hammertime has elevated this standard feature by integrating it meaningfully with various bonus elements. Winning combinations trigger symbol removals, but it's the interaction with wild multipliers and character-specific features that adds depth to each cascade.

The Dragon Quartet's New Powers

Each dragon now commands a unique free spins variant, significantly departing from their original abilities. Flint's domain features stacked mystery symbols that transform into instant coin prizes or regular symbols, accompanied by a progressive multiplier trail. Switch controls reel synchronization, creating identical symbol patterns across multiple reels. Frost manipulates wild symbols with multiplication powers, while Gobble offers the most volatile experience with multipliers reaching up to x18.

Wildstorm: The Path to Maximum Potential

The Wildstorm feature represents the slot's highest winning potential, capable of delivering wins up to 15,000x the stake. This feature expands the reel set to a 1,024 ways format and can turn up to five reels completely wild. The anticipation builds through a unique multiplier system that grows incrementally throughout regular gameplay, adding a progressive element to what could otherwise be a standard random feature.

Character Jackpots: A Contemporary Addition

A modern addition to the Dragonz universe is the character-linked jackpot system. Each dragon maintains its own progressive prize pool, with Flint's jackpot reaching up to 1,500x the stake. The collection mechanism through character gems adds an engaging meta-game layer, while the Jackpot Wheel's random activation maintains suspense throughout the base game.

Mathematical Framework

The game's high volatility pairs with a top RTP of 96.30%, though operators can opt for lower settings of 94.30% or 92.30%. With stakes ranging from €0.20 to €20, the game caters to moderate bankrolls while maintaining significant winning potential through its various features.

Dragonz 2 successfully modernizes its predecessor while retaining the charm that made the original memorable. The combination of familiar characters with evolved gameplay mechanics creates a compelling slot that serves both returning fans and newcomers. While some players might question the inclusion of local jackpots, the comprehensive feature set and significant win potential through the Wildstorm feature provide ample excitement.

The game stands as a testament to how a sequel can honor its roots while embracing contemporary slot design principles. Whether it will achieve the same iconic status as its predecessor remains to be seen, but it certainly offers enough innovation and entertainment value to merit attention in today's competitive market.