Into The Storm

Summary of Into The Storm Bonus Features

Feature Name	Description	Trigger / How it Works
Wild Respins	Awards respins with 2-4 Walking Wilds that move across the reels. Wilds landing on wilds add a persistent +1 multiplier for the feature.	Triggers randomly on any base game spin. Respins continue until no Walking Wilds remain on the reels.
Into the Storm Bonus	A streak respin (hold & win) feature played on an expanded 9×5 grid. Aims to land multiplier or modifier symbols to increase the total win.	Triggered by landing 3, 4, or 5 Kraken Bonus Scatter symbols, awarding 1, 2, or 3 starting Kraken Hot Zones respectively. Starts with 3 spins, resets when symbols land.
Kraken Hot Zone	Krakens create zones covering adjacent positions. These zones apply multipliers (x2-x5) to any multiplier symbols landing within them.	Awarded at the start based on triggering scatters or can land during the bonus. Overlapping zones multiply their values (e.g., x2 and x3 overlap = x6 zone multiplier).
Symbol Modifiers	Special symbols (Viking Ship, Hammer, Axe, Treasure Chest) land during the bonus game to enhance multipliers or collect values.	Land randomly on the 9×5 grid during the Into the Storm Bonus, resetting the spin count. Each has a unique function to boost potential winnings.
Buy Pass (Bonus Buy)	Allows direct purchase of entry into the Into the Storm Bonus feature with a guaranteed number of triggering scatters.	Accessed via the “Buy Pass” button. Costs 105x, 145x, or 185x the bet for 3+, 4+, or 5 guaranteed triggering Kraken Bonus Scatters respectively.

Core Gameplay Mechanics and Symbols

Navigating the High Seas: Theme and Visuals

The Into The Storm game sets its scene effectively aboard a sturdy Viking longship, navigating relatively calm waters under a mostly clear sky – initially. The visual design, while not overly complex, is clean and thematic. The wooden reels are framed by traditional Norse carvings, complete with dragon heads prow figures. The backdrop features the vast sea and distant coastlines. Animations are functional; wins are highlighted clearly, and the movement of Walking Wilds or the expansion during the bonus round is smooth. The sound design is somewhat minimalistic in the base game, primarily featuring ambient sea sounds and the clunk of reels, but it intensifies significantly during features, especially the bonus round, with more dramatic musical cues and sound effects accompanying big wins or modifier actions, successfully amplifying the storm metaphor. The art style for the Viking characters is robust and fitting, while the Kraken elements in the bonus add a touch of mythological menace.

Game Structure: Reels, Rows, and Paylines

The primary action in the Into The Storm slot unfolds on a conventional 5-reel, 3-row game grid. This structure supports 20 fixed paylines, meaning all lines are active on every spin. Wins are awarded for landing three or more matching symbols consecutively on a payline, starting from the leftmost reel (reel 1). This standard layout is easy to follow for players of all experience levels. The bet structure accommodates various budgets, typically ranging from a minimum bet of €0.20 to a maximum bet of €20 per spin, though this cap might seem modest to high rollers, possibly set to manage the game's substantial win potential. The structure dramatically changes during the Into the Storm Bonus, expanding to a large 9×5 grid, completely altering the dynamic and focus of the gameplay.

Symbol Manifest: Payout Values

The paytable in Into The Storm is divided into distinct tiers. The lower-value symbols consist of five different colored Runes, etched onto stone tablets. These offer payouts ranging from 1x to 2x the total bet for a five-of-a-kind combination. The higher-value symbols are represented by three distinct Viking characters – presumably the ship's crew – and a horned Viking helmet. These provide more substantial rewards, paying between 4x and 20x the bet for landing five identical symbols on a payline. The highest paying standard symbol is the fiercest-looking Viking. There's also a standard Wild symbol, appearing only in the base game and during Wild Respins. It substitutes for all regular paying symbols (Runes, Vikings, Helmet) to help form winning combinations but does not substitute for the Kraken Bonus Scatter.

Base Game Feature: Walking Wild Respins

Triggering the Calm Before the Storm

Beyond standard line wins, the base game of the Into The Storm casino game holds a randomly triggered feature: the Wild Respins. This event can activate unexpectedly on any spin that doesn't trigger the main bonus round. Its random nature adds a welcome layer of unpredictability to the base game, offering potential for significant wins outside the primary Into the Storm Bonus feature. There's no specific symbol combination required; it's purely a chance event determined by the game's internal mechanics during a standard spin.

How Walking Wilds Operate

When the Wild Respins feature triggers, between 2 and 4 special Walking Wild symbols are added to random positions on the reels. These are distinct from the standard Wilds. Once landed, they initiate a series of respins. On each respin, all active Walking Wilds move one position horizontally across the reels – either all move left or all move right, maintaining the same direction for the duration of the feature. A crucial detail emerges if a Walking Wild moves onto a position already occupied by a standard Wild symbol: a +1 multiplier is added to that Walking Wild. This multiplier persists for all subsequent respins within that feature activation, applying to any win line the multiplier Wild contributes to. Respins continue as long as at least one Walking Wild remains visible on the reels. The feature concludes once the last Walking Wild has walked off the edge of the grid.

Impact on Gameplay Flow

The Walking Wild Respins feature serves as an effective bridge between standard spins and the high-intensity bonus round. While not guaranteed to produce massive wins every time, its potential is boosted significantly by the multiplier mechanic. Getting multiple Walking Wilds, especially if they gain multipliers early on, can lead to several consecutive spins with enhanced winning potential. The perceived frequency might vary, but its presence breaks the monotony of the base game grind and keeps players engaged while hunting for the main Kraken Bonus symbols. It directly addresses the user intent of experiencing varied gameplay without necessarily waiting for the main bonus trigger.

Main Attraction: The Into the Storm Bonus Game

Summoning the Kraken: Activation

The gateway to the most potent phase of the Into The Storm free play and real-money versions is the Into the Storm Bonus game. This highly anticipated feature is triggered by landing three or more Kraken Bonus Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels during a single base game spin. The number of triggering Scatters directly impacts the initial setup of the bonus round:

• 3 Scatters: Trigger the bonus with 1 starting Kraken Hot Zone.
• 4 Scatters: Trigger the bonus with 2 starting Kraken Hot Zones.
• 5 Scatters: Trigger the bonus with 3 starting Kraken Hot Zones.
  These starting Hot Zones provide an immediate advantage as the feature begins.

The Expanded Arena: 9×5 Grid Dynamics

Upon activation, the standard 5×3 reel set dramatically transforms into an expansive 9×5 grid. This larger playing area is the stage for the streak respin mechanic. Initially, most positions will be blank. The core objective shifts from forming paylines to landing specific symbols within this grid. The increased size allows for a higher number of symbols to potentially land and lock, creating space for significant value accumulation and strategic interactions between symbols and Hot Zones.

Hold and Win at Sea: Streak Respin Mechanics

The bonus operates on the popular hold-and-win or streak respin principle. You begin with 3 ‘lives' or spins. Each position on the 9×5 grid spins independently. If a spin results only in blank spaces landing, the spin counter decreases by one. However, if one or more Multiplier symbols or Modifier symbols land on any position, they lock in place for the remainder of the feature, and crucially, the spin counter resets back to 3. This cycle continues until either the spin counter reaches zero, or the entire 9×5 grid is filled with symbols. This mechanic creates escalating tension as players hope to continually land symbols to reset the counter and build up winnings.

Understanding Multiplier and Modifier Symbols

During the Into the Storm Bonus, several key symbols can land:

• Multiplier Symbols: These display values of x1, x2, or x3 the current bet. When they land, they lock in place, contributing their value to the feature's total win.
• Modifier Symbols: Four special symbols can appear, each performing a unique action to enhance the bonus potential:
  • Viking Ship: Collects the values of all currently visible Multiplier symbols on the grid and adds them to its own value.
  • Hammer: Doubles the value of up to 4 random Multiplier or Modifier symbols already on the grid.
  • Axe: Adds its own value to up to 4 random Multiplier or Modifier symbols already present.
  • Treasure Chest: Collects the values of all Multiplier symbols within its row and adjacent positions.
    Landing these Modifiers is often key to achieving substantial payouts, as they interact with existing values in powerful ways. Like Multiplier symbols, they also lock and reset the spin counter.

The Power of the Kraken: Hot Zone Mechanics Deep Dive

The defining element of the Into the Storm bonus is the Kraken Hot Zone feature. Triggering Kraken symbols initiate these zones, and additional Kraken symbols might land during the respins. Each Kraken creates a ‘Hot Zone' encompassing itself and all 8 adjacent positions (forming a 3×3 square centered on the Kraken, potentially wrapping around edges). Each position within this zone is assigned a multiplier value, ranging from x2 to x5. These zone multipliers are not additive symbols themselves; they enhance symbols that land within their area.

If a regular Multiplier symbol (x1, x2, or x3) lands on a position covered by a Hot Zone, its value is multiplied by the zone's multiplier for the final calculation. For instance, an x3 Multiplier landing in an x5 Hot Zone position contributes 15x (3 * 5) to the total win.

Crucially, Hot Zones created by different Krakens can overlap. When this happens, the multiplier values for the overlapping positions are multiplied together. If an x2 zone overlaps with an x3 zone, the shared positions become x6 Hot Zones. This overlapping effect is vital for creating positions with significantly boosted multiplier potential, allowing standard x1-x3 symbols to contribute much larger values. Understanding and leveraging these Hot Zones is fundamental to maximizing returns in the Into The Storm slot demo and real play.

Aiming for the Hoard: Winning Potential

The bonus round concludes when spins run out or the grid is full. The total win is the sum of all values displayed on the locked Multiplier and Modifier symbols, taking into account any enhancements from Hot Zones or Modifier actions. Filling the entire 9×5 grid with symbols awards a fixed jackpot of 10,000x the total bet, overriding the summed value if it were lower. The game's overall stated maximum win is 10,500x the bet, suggesting there might be rare scenarios, perhaps involving high-value modifier interactions just before filling the grid, that slightly exceed the full-grid prize, although filling the grid is the most direct path to the largest advertised potential.

Navigating the Numbers: Volatility, RTP, and Betting

Brace for Impact: High Volatility Explained

SG Digital has classified Into The Storm Volatility as High. This means players should anticipate potentially significant fluctuations in their balance during a session. Wins may be less frequent compared to low or medium variance slots, but they have the potential to be much larger when they do occur, especially during the feature rounds. High volatility demands patience and careful bankroll management. Players might experience longer periods without substantial wins, punctuated by bursts of high payouts if the features align favorably. This profile suits players who enjoy the thrill of chasing big wins and are prepared for the inherent risks. Trying the Into The Storm demo is highly recommended to gauge personal tolerance for this level of variance.

Deciphering the Return: RTP Analysis

The Into The Storm RTP (Return to Player) has a default value of 96.0%. This figure represents the theoretical percentage of wagered money the slot is designed to pay back to players over an extensive period of gameplay (millions or billions of spins). However, operators can configure the game with lower RTP settings, such as 94.0% or even 90.0%. It is crucial for players to be aware of this variability. Reputable online casinos usually display the active RTP for a game within its information or help files. Playing on a 96% RTP version offers better long-term theoretical returns compared to the lower settings. Always check the RTP at the specific Into The Storm casino you choose to play at.

Setting Sail: Bet Levels and Max Win

The betting range in Into The Storm typically starts at €0.20 per spin, making it accessible for casual players. The maximum bet often caps at €20 per spin. While accommodating for many, this maximum might be lower than some other high volatility slots, perhaps a deliberate choice by SG Digital to manage the exposure given the game's high win potential. The maximum achievable win is stated as 10,500 times the stake. As noted, a significant portion of this potential is tied to the 10,000x jackpot for filling the grid during the Into the Storm Bonus feature. This substantial max win figure is a major draw for players seeking high-payout slots.

Optional Maneuver: The Buy Pass Feature

Charting a Direct Course: How Bonus Buy Works

For players who prefer to bypass the base game grind and head directly into the high-potential bonus round, Into The Storm includes a Buy Pass feature. This option allows instant purchase of the Into the Storm Bonus activation. The cost varies depending on the guaranteed minimum number of triggering Kraken Bonus Scatters:

• Buy 3+ Scatters (guarantees at least 1 starting Hot Zone): Costs 105x the current bet.
• Buy 4+ Scatters (guarantees at least 2 starting Hot Zones): Costs 145x the current bet.
• Buy 5 Scatters (guarantees 3 starting Hot Zones): Costs 185x the current bet.
  Selecting this option immediately initiates the bonus round with the corresponding number of starting Krakens.

Strategic Considerations for Buy Pass

The Buy Pass is a high-risk, high-reward proposition intrinsically linked to the game's Into The Storm Volatility. While it guarantees entry into the feature with the most win potential, there's absolutely no guarantee that the resulting bonus round win will equal or exceed the purchase cost. Paying 185x the bet for a potentially lackluster bonus outcome is a distinct possibility. Conversely, a purchased bonus could lead to wins significantly larger than the cost, potentially even reaching the max win. This feature appeals to players with larger bankrolls, less patience for the base game, or those employing specific strategies, but it should be used cautiously due to its cost and the inherent unpredictability of the bonus round outcome. Availability may also depend on jurisdictional regulations.

Performance Across Devices

Into The Storm on Mobile

SG Digital has ensured that Into The Storm performs capably across various platforms. The game utilizes HTML5 technology, making it compatible with desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets (iOS and Android). The interface adapts well to smaller screens, with buttons repositioned for easy touch control without obstructing the view of the reels. The visuals and animations retain their clarity and smoothness on mobile devices, provided a stable internet connection. The core gameplay mechanics, including the Walking Wild Respins and the detailed Into the Storm Bonus round with its 9×5 grid, translate effectively to the mobile format. Players seeking Into The Storm free play or real money action on the go will find the experience consistent and engaging.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

Into The Storm by SG Digital is a robust and engaging Viking-themed slot that successfully iterates on the popular streak respin format. Its primary strength lies in the well-executed Into the Storm Bonus game, particularly the innovative Kraken Hot Zone mechanic. This feature adds a compelling layer of multiplicative strategy, elevating it beyond a standard hold-and-win round. The way Hot Zones interact and multiply upon overlap creates genuine potential for escalating excitement and significant payouts. The Walking Wild Respins feature also provides valuable action and potential in the base game, preventing it from feeling like mere filler.

However, the game's high volatility means it requires patience, and the reliance on the Hot Zone feature for big wins in the bonus is notable – standard multiplier symbols alone are quite low value. While the 10,000x full grid win is enticing, achieving near-maximum payouts through other symbol combinations within the bonus might feel less attainable compared to some competitors known for explosive modifier interactions (like the mentioned Money Train 2 comparison point in some reviews). The variable Into The Storm RTP also necessitates checking the version offered by the casino.

Overall, I recommend the Into The Storm slot particularly to players who enjoy high-variance games and appreciate detailed, multi-layered bonus features in the streak respin genre. The Kraken Hot Zone is a genuinely interesting mechanic worth experiencing. If you like Viking themes and the thrill of potentially volatile bonus rounds with unique twists, trying the Into The Storm demo is certainly worthwhile. It may not redefine the genre, but it's a high-quality offering from SG Digital (Light & Wonder) with solid mechanics and significant win potential.