Holmes vs Moriarty

ThunderSpin's “Holmes vs Moriarty” invites one into a world of deduction and intrigue, mirroring the classic rivalry between the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. This slot, set to release on January 7, 2025, offers a captivating experience steeped in Victorian-era aesthetics. The game's visuals are meticulously crafted, from the dimly lit cobblestone streets of London to the ornate interiors of 221B Baker Street. Every detail, from the fog-laden backdrop to the intricate symbols, contributes to an atmosphere of suspense and mystery. It is similar to stepping into the pages of a classic detective novel, where every spin could uncover a hidden clue or a substantial reward. It is worth noting that before reading this review, you can try out all the mechanics and evaluate the design in the demo Holmes vs Moriarty version of the slot.

Game Mechanics and Symbols

“Holmes vs Moriarty” uses a conventional 5×3 reel layout with 20 fixed paylines. The betting range is flexible, accommodating both cautious players and high rollers, with a minimum bet of 0.2 and a maximum of 200 currency units. The game's high session volatility suggests that while wins may not be frequent, they have the potential to be quite substantial, offering a maximum win potential of over 1,500 times the total bet. This high volatility adds an element of thrill, reminiscent of Holmes' most challenging cases.

The symbols are a blend of thematic characters and items, each meticulously designed to fit the Victorian setting. The high-paying symbols feature characters from the Holmesian universe, such as Dr. Watson, Inspector Lestrade, and, of course, Holmes and Moriarty themselves. Payouts for these symbols can reach up to 1,500 coins for five Holmes symbols on a payline. Lower-paying symbols include items like a magnifying glass, a violin, a pipe, and playing cards adorned with intricate Victorian designs. The game also features a Wild symbol, represented by a golden “W” emblem, which substitutes for all other symbols except the Scatter and the special FS Scatter, aiding in the formation of winning combinations. It's like finding a crucial piece of evidence that ties everything together in a complex case.

Bonus Features: A Trifecta of Excitement

“Holmes vs Moriarty” boasts a trio of bonus features, each designed to heighten the excitement and potential rewards. Let's break down each feature with the precision of a Holmes investigation.

• Pick Bonus: This feature is triggered by landing three Carriage Scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5 in the main game. Not only does it initiate the Pick Bonus, but it also awards an instant win of 5 times the total bet. Players are then into one of three distinct locations: a misty street, a shadowy dock, or a mysterious train station. Each location offers a mini-game where players select from five hidden clues, each revealing a win multiplier. With three attempts, players can amass a maximum multiplier before moving on to the Free Spins round. This bonus resembles Holmes' method of gathering clues at a crime scene, where each piece of evidence contributes to solving the mystery.
• Free Spins: Upon completing the Pick Bonus, the Free Spins round is initiated. Before the spins begin, players choose a side: Holmes or Moriarty. This choice adds a layer of strategy, as each character comes with its own unique benefits during the Free Spins. The gathered win multiplier from the Pick Bonus is applied to every win during the Free Spins round. Each character begins with five lives, and every FS Scatter symbol that appears on the reels removes a life from a random character. The Free Spins continue indefinitely until one of the characters runs out of lives. It is comparable to a strategic battle of wits between the two archenemies.
• Duel Bonus: If the character chosen by the player wins the Free Spins round (i.e., has lives remaining when the other character is out of lives), a Duel Bonus of 100 times the total bet is awarded. This feature epitomizes the ultimate confrontation between Holmes and Moriarty, a duel where only one can emerge victorious, with the rewards reflecting the high stakes of their legendary clashes.

Buy Bonus Feature: Fast Track to Action

For those who prefer to jump straight into the action, “Holmes vs Moriarty” offers a Buy Bonus feature. Players can purchase direct entry into the Free Spins round for a price determined by their current total bet. After the purchase, the next spin will guarantee the appearance of the necessary special symbols to trigger the Free Spins, along with an extra instant payout of 5 times the bet. This feature is like using a well-placed bribe to bypass the usual investigative process and get straight to the heart of the case.

Unveiling Unique Aspects

“Holmes vs Moriarty” stands out with its Duel Bonus mechanic. Unlike standard Free Spins rounds, the added layer of competition between Holmes and Moriarty, each with their own life count, brings a new dimension to the gameplay. This feature provides an engaging narrative element and increases the potential for significant rewards. This mechanic is akin to a chess match between the two masterminds, where every move can lead to victory or defeat.

Furthermore, the interconnectedness of the bonus features is a notable aspect. The Pick Bonus determines the multiplier for the Free Spins, and the outcome of the Free Spins can lead to the Duel Bonus. This creates a sense of progression and continuity, similar to following a trail of clues that lead to a dramatic conclusion.