The Crown Reloaded

“The Crown Reloaded” by Swintt immerses players in a gritty, British gangster aesthetic, with a dash of royal flair. The backdrop suggests a heist-in-progress, featuring the iconic Union Jack, shadowy figures, and the tools of the criminal trade. The game's atmosphere is a blend of suspense and high-stakes action, further amplified by the presence of Vinnie Jones, a real-life tough guy who adds an authentic edge to the experience.

The artwork is sharp and detailed, with symbols ranging from brass knuckles to getaway cars and the all-important crown jewels. The color palette is predominantly dark and moody, creating a sense of intrigue that draws you into this underworld saga. The soundtrack completes the package, creating a tense ambiance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The overall presentation is high-quality, delivering a visually and aurally engaging experience.

Mechanics of the Heist

“The Crown Reloaded” utilizes a familiar 5-reel, 50-payline format. But it's not just another run-of-the-mill slot. The gameplay is straightforward yet satisfying, with wins awarded for matching symbols from left to right, except for the Scatter, which pays in any position. The Wild symbol, represented by the imposing figure of Vinnie Jones himself, substitutes for all symbols except the Scatter and the Crown. The Scatter symbol, depicted as a ticking time bomb, is your key to unlocking the Free Games feature, while the Crown symbol is your gateway to the XtraLock™ bonus.

One notable aspect of the game is the slightly varying RTP depending on your bet level. At a 0.1x bet level, the RTP stands at 95.66%, but it drops to the range of 94.18% – 94.32% for higher bet levels. This is an interesting detail that seasoned players will appreciate, as it adds a layer of strategic decision-making to the game. It's worth noting that the XtraLock Buy Feature has a slightly different RTP range, from 94.17% to 94.30%. The maximum potential payout of up to 200,500 times your initial bet is a powerful lure, promising the thrill of a monumental score for those daring enough to chase it.

XtraLock™: The Crown Jewel of Features

The real centerpiece of “The Crown Reloaded” is undoubtedly the XtraLock™ feature. This is where the game truly distinguishes itself from the crowd. Triggered by landing six or more Crown symbols, this feature awards five Crown Spins. During these spins, each Crown symbol that lands will lock in place, and if you manage to cover all 15 positions with Crowns, or if the five spins run out, the feature concludes.

What makes XtraLock™ special is the potential for massive wins through the formation of large Crown Shape symbols. These symbols can cover anywhere from 4 to 15 reel positions and award various bonuses, including the Minor, Major, Super, and Mega jackpots. The size of the Crown Shape directly correlates to the potential reward. For example, a shape covering 4 to 9 positions can award the Major or Minor Bonus, or up to 100x the total bet. A shape covering 10 positions can yield the Super, Major, or Minor Bonus, or up to 150x the total bet. And a shape covering 12 to 15 positions can award the coveted Mega or Super Bonus, or up to a staggering 750x the total bet.

Free Games: A Wild Ride

In addition to the XtraLock™ feature, “The Crown Reloaded” also offers a Free Games feature, triggered by landing three or more Scatter symbols. This awards you 12 Free Games, during which the third reel becomes a “Full Reel Wild,” significantly increasing your chances of landing winning combinations. This feature can be re-triggered, granting an additional 12 Free Games if you land three or more Scatters during the bonus round.

The Free Games feature, while not as innovative as XtraLock™, provides a welcome change of pace and a chance to rack up some wins without risking your own credits. The presence of the Full Reel Wild adds an extra layer of excitement, as it can create multiple winning combinations on a single spin. It's a classic feature that complements the game's overall theme and mechanics.

Bonus Buy: A Shortcut to the Action

For players who prefer to jump straight into the heart of the action, “The Crown Reloaded” offers a Bonus Buy feature. This allows you to purchase direct access to the XtraLock™ feature, bypassing the need to trigger it organically during the base game. Selecting the Bonus Buy option presents you with a user interface where you can choose your desired bet level and settings.

Once you confirm your selection, the feature-triggering spin will play out at the selected bet, and any winnings from the Scatter combination will be paid out. After the Bonus Buy feature concludes, your bet will automatically revert to the setting used before the feature was purchased. This is a convenient option for players who are eager to experience the thrill of the XtraLock™ feature without having to wait for it to trigger naturally.

Final Verdict

“The Crown Reloaded” is a slot that successfully blends a captivating theme with engaging mechanics. It is a slot that stands out from the crowd with its unique XtraLock™ feature, offering a fresh and exciting twist on the traditional bonus round. The presence of Vinnie Jones adds a touch of star power and authenticity to the game's gritty atmosphere. Also, the game's presentation is top-notch, with sharp graphics, a moody soundtrack, and a user-friendly interface.

While the slightly variable RTP might be a point of consideration for some, the potential for massive wins, especially through the XtraLock™ feature, more than compensates for it. The Free Games feature, while more conventional, provides a solid secondary bonus that complements the main attraction. This game is recommended for players who appreciate a well-crafted slot with a unique bonus feature, a compelling theme, and the potential for significant payouts. The game's mechanics are easy to grasp, yet offer enough depth to keep even seasoned players engaged.