Smash the Pig

IGT's Smash the Pig slot brings a whimsical farmyard theme to the world of online gaming. This 5-reel, 20-payline video slot offers players a chance to indulge in some lighthearted pig-smashing fun while potentially earning substantial rewards. With its cartoonish graphics and unique bonus features, Smash the Pig stands out as a memorable addition to IGT's diverse portfolio of games.

Smash the Pig presents a colorful and comical take on the classic piggy bank concept. The game's visual style is reminiscent of over-the-top cartoons from the late 20th century, evoking nostalgia for shows like Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes. The reels are set against a cheerful farm backdrop, complete with rolling hills and blue skies.

Core Game Mechanics

Smash the Pig operates on a standard 5×3 reel grid with 20 fixed paylines. The game pays both ways, meaning winning combinations can be formed from left to right and right to left, increasing the frequency of wins. However, it's worth noting that many of these wins tend to be small, often returning only the amount of the bet or less.

The symbol set consists of four high-value icons (the Smash the Pig logo, a bundle of cash, a coin, and a wooden mallet with metal spikes) and four low-value playing card symbols (A, K, Q, and J). The Smash the Pig logo serves as the highest-paying symbol, offering a substantial 10,000x line bet for five across a payline.

Two special scatter symbols drive the game's bonus features: the Pick a Pig scatter (a regular cartoon piggy bank) and the Pig Smashing Bonus scatter (featuring three cartoon pigs and the word “Bonus”). These scatters are key to accessing the game's more lucrative features.

The betting range in Smash the Pig is quite wide, accommodating both casual players and high rollers. Wagers can be placed from as little as 0.20 credits up to a maximum of 400 credits per spin, with all 20 paylines always active.

Bonus Features

Smash the Pig offers two primary bonus features that add depth and excitement to the base game:

Pick a Pig Bonus: This feature is triggered when three or more Pick a Pig scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels. Upon activation, players are presented with a selection of pigs to choose from. Each pig reveals one of four possible outcomes, which include a random multiplier between 1x and 20x the total bet, a random multiplier between 1x and 15x the total bet plus an additional pick, all available awards, and entry into the Pig Smashing Bonus.

The Pick a Pig Bonus adds an element of strategy and anticipation to the game, as players must decide whether to take the current offer or risk it for potentially greater rewards.

Pig Smashing Bonus: This feature can be triggered in two ways: either through the Pick a Pig Bonus or by landing three or more Pig Smashing Bonus scatter symbols on the reels. The Pig Smashing Bonus introduces a unique “Luck Meter” mechanic that governs the duration and potential of the bonus round.

Upon entering the bonus, players are presented with seven pigs, each concealing a multiplier worth between 1x and 20x the total bet. Players smash pigs to reveal their hidden multipliers, with each smash depleting some of the luck from the Luck Meter. The bonus continues until either the Luck Meter is emptied or five pigs have been smashed.

If a player manages to smash five pigs and still has luck remaining in the meter, the remaining pigs scurry away and are replaced by new ones. The Luck Meter is partially refilled, granting more opportunities to smash pigs and accumulate winnings. This cycle can potentially continue for several rounds, leading to substantial cumulative multipliers.

In the event that the Luck Meter has some remaining luck but not enough for another pig smash, this residual luck is converted into an additional multiplier and added to the value of the last smashed pig.

The Pig Smashing Bonus is where the game's biggest win potential lies. Its open-ended nature, governed by the Luck Meter, creates a sense of unpredictability and excitement that can result in significant payouts.

The Luck Meter in the Pig Smashing Bonus stands out as Smash the Pig's most intriguing and unique feature. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy and tension to the bonus round, as players must balance their desire for bigger multipliers against the risk of depleting their luck too quickly. The potential for the bonus to extend over multiple rounds if luck holds out creates a thrilling “just one more” sensation that keeps players engaged. Furthermore, the conversion of residual luck into additional multipliers ensures that every bit of accumulated luck contributes to the final payout, adding value even in less fortunate bonus rounds.

In conclusion, Smash the Pig offers a lighthearted and potentially rewarding slot experience. While its base game may seem simple, the innovative bonus features, particularly the Luck Meter mechanic, provide depth and excitement that can appeal to a wide range of players. The game's quirky theme and cartoonish graphics make it a standout in IGT's portfolio, offering a refreshing change of pace from more serious or traditional slot offerings.