Pixel Reels, developed by SYNOT Games, is a nostalgic journey back to the era of 8-bit and 16-bit video game consoles. The slot's visual design embraces a pixelated aesthetic reminiscent of classic arcade games, particularly evoking memories of Space Invaders from the late 1970s.
The game's background is simple yet effective, featuring a stark black backdrop that allows the vibrant, pixelated symbols to stand out. The alien symbols, varying in color and design, serve as the lower-paying icons, while traditional slot symbols like diamonds, stars, watermelons, plums, and cherries make up the higher-value tiles. The blue spaceship acts as the wild symbol, while an orange spaceship serves as the bonus symbol.
Core Game Mechanics
Pixel Reels operates on a 5×4 reel layout with 30 fixed paylines. Winning combinations are formed from left to right, requiring at least three matching symbols on a payline. The game offers a wide betting range, allowing players to wager from 0.10 to 100 credits per spin.
The slot's RTP (Return to Player) is 94.18%, which is slightly below the industry average. Pixel Reels is categorized as a medium variance game, striking a balance between frequent smaller wins and the potential for larger payouts.
The maximum win potential in Pixel Reels is 2000 times the player's stake. This can be achieved through a combination of high-value symbols and the game's bonus features.
Bonus Features
Pixel Reels incorporates several engaging bonus features that enhance the gameplay:
- Expanding Wild: The blue spaceship wild symbol appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4 during the free spins round. When it contributes to a winning combination, it expands to cover the entire reel, potentially creating multiple winning lines.
- Invasion Feature: This feature is triggered when 1, 2, or 3 orange spaceship bonus symbols land on reels 2, 3, or 4. Each bonus symbol expands to fill its reel and then “shoots down” 10 symbols in the column above. This guarantees a win and also collects free spins, coins, and multipliers for the subsequent free spins round.
- Free Spins: The free spins round begins after the Invasion feature. The number of free spins and the starting multiplier depend on the symbols collected during the Invasion. During free spins, the expanding wild feature becomes active, potentially leading to more substantial wins.
- Gamble Feature: After any win, players have the option to gamble their winnings. This feature involves guessing the color of a face-down playing card. Players can choose to risk their entire win or half of it, with the potential to double their money. The gamble feature can be used up to ten times consecutively.
A particularly intriguing aspect of Pixel Reels is its Invasion feature. This innovative mechanic not only guarantees a win but also determines the parameters of the free spins round. By shooting down symbols and collecting various bonuses, players actively influence their potential rewards in the subsequent free spins. This creates a dynamic and engaging experience that goes beyond simple random number generation, adding an element of skill and anticipation to the slot gameplay.