Thunderstruck II

Thunderstruck II: Overview

Packed with mythological deities, exciting features, and plenty of potential for wins, Thunderstruck II by Microgaming Microgaming remains a flagship example of slots inspired by Norse mythology and has paved the way for numerous others. The original 'Thunderstruck' came out in the mid-2000s and was a huge success among gaming enthusiasts. When its sequel was unveiled at the London iGaming conference in 2010, it ignited a whirlwind of excitement. This slot has become a legendary favorite over time. While it may not seem visually cutting-edge to newer players, its cinematic flair still holds strong, showcasing its impact when first released. Thunderstruck II made the Norse gods look spectacular at the time of launch, and it's rare they've been portrayed as well since.

Thunderstruck II makes use of a classic reel structure that was quite innovative for its time under the Microgaming banner. With five reels , three rows , and 243 win ways , players can secure a win by landing three or more identical symbols side-by-side from the leftmost reel. Although this might be standard now, such extensive winning possibilities were revolutionary back then, hugely contributing to Thunderstruck II's allure. Its compelling graphics, though seemingly subtle at first with some thematic accents around the reels, are enhanced by engaging in-game animations and a powerful soundtrack that offers an immersive gameplay experience.

Venturing into the grand realm of Valhalla means placing bets ranging from 30 p/c per spin up to $/€15 . Alongside its trailblazing gameplay, players enjoy a generous RTP of 96.65% , though the game's volatility is surprisingly rated as low. Wins occur more frequently at smaller amounts, yet Thunderstruck II can deliver significant payouts, as we’ll soon observe.

Achieving those wins involves aligning specific symbols, with a total of 12 regular and several unique ones on the deck. The basic symbols feature 9 to A royals designed in robust stone forms, succeeded by a ship, the Bifrost bridge, a Valkyrie, and the gods Loki, Odin, and Thor. The payout ranges from 1.67 times your bet for five ‘9’ symbols up to 16.67 times for five Thor symbols. The Logo Wild is particularly valuable because it can replace other pay symbols and doubles the value of any combination it completes. The Logo itself is a major component, with five together worth 33.33 times your stake.

Thunderstruck II: Features

More abundant features than Thor's hammer collection, Thunderstruck II offers extensive gameplay elements that keep players engaged. Some features are unlocked gradually, while others might happen unexpectedly, such as the Wildstorm feature appearing during any spin in the base game.

Although thunderstorms aren't usually welcome, in this context, they're one of the best phenomena imaginable. During the Wildstorm feature, Thor enters the scene to electrify the game by transforming up to all five reels into wilds. This can potentially lead to astounding profitability, especially if all the reels go wild, as it can bring a mind-blowing payout of 8,100 times your stake .

Equally thrilling is the Great Hall of Spins feature, offering four variations with distinct rewards and modifications. It starts with Valkyrie free spins, unlocked sequentially as players activate the bonus rounds. The key lies in the Mjolnir scatter symbols, with 3 or more triggering these enticing bonus features:

• Valkyrie becomes available upon the first trigger of the bonus game, awarding 10 free spins with all wins multiplied by x5. Players can also retrigger Valkyrie free spins.
• Loki , accessible after the fifth bonus trigger, provides 15 free spins along with the Wild Magic feature. When the Wild Magic symbol lands on reel three, it can transform other symbols into additional Wild Magic ones. During the bonus game, 2 to 5 bonus symbols can retrigger 1, 2, 3, or 4 extra free spins.
• Odin unlocks on the tenth bonus trigger, granting 20 free spins with the Wild Raven feature. Two ravens hover above the reels and occasionally descend to convert symbols into multipliers of 2x or 3x. If both ravens land, they can offer a multiplier of x6.
• Thor is reached with the 15th bonus trigger and brings 25 free spins with the Rolling Reels feature. Rolling Reels remove winning combos from the display, allowing new symbols to cascade into the vacated spots for additional winning opportunities on a single free spin. Furthermore, a win multiplier increases with consecutive Rolling Reel wins, ranging from x2 up to x5, resetting to x1 with each new free spin.

A final bonus to the Mjolnir scatter is that 2, 3, 4, or 5 present at once bring a payout of 1x, 2x, 20x, or 200x your stake, applicable from any position on the reels.

Thunderstruck II: Verdict

From just reading about it, it's easy to understand why Thunderstruck II remains one of the best-loved online slots to date. More than a mere update, it's a prime example of how slots can provide a groundbreaking gaming experience, becoming an instant fan favorite that consistently appeals to both loyal and new players.

Thunderstruck II was an outstanding achievement for Microgaming, and numerous factors contribute to its sustained success. Chief among them is the fantastic sensory experience reflected in visuals, animations, sound effects, and all-around cinematics. While it may now appear somewhat dated, it remains visually impressive and holds its own against more contemporary titles.

Moreover, the gameplay is a crucial reason for its triumph. Microgaming truly excelled with the innovative 243 win ways system, and Thunderstruck II is among the first slots to harness its full potential. Meanwhile, the numerous features available offer ample fun and profit potential. Particularly, the Wildstorm maintains suspense in the base game with its ability to deliver substantial rewards anytime.

The way bonus games are unlocked enriches the slot's life, ensuring that continued play in Thunderstruck II remains a worthy investment of time. Determining the best bonus game comes down to personal favorites, as each provides its own unique twist.

Some classic games are revisited out of sheer curiosity to gauge their influence in gaming's advancement. Thunderstruck II earns its spot among them, both as a respected staple and a timelessly enjoyable title. While Norse mythology-themed slots are numerous, much like the giants of Jotunheim, Thunderstruck II continues to match the might of the best.