Vikings

Vikings (NetEnt): Introduction

Earlier this year, during a notable iGaming conference, NetEnt unveiled two blockbuster games - Narcos and Vikings . During this reveal, the gaming community was abuzz with anticipation about the new competition with Yggdrasil's third installment of Vikings. Instead, what emerged were unique games that stood on their own. For those unfamiliar with the Vikings series, this historical drama follows the compelling adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok and his band, as depicted in medieval sagas like Ragnars saga Loðbrókar. Fans will be delighted to find familiar characters adorning the reels.

The game surprised us with its impressive visual setup that creates an immersive experience right from the outset, with an opening sequence that elevates expectations. Upon entering the game, the unlimited win ways feature was a pleasant discovery, lending an exotic twist true to NetEnt's innovative spirit seen in their 2017's Jungle Spirit.

If you're a follower of the series, diving into the game will feel delightfully familiar. For newcomers, the meticulously crafted visuals feature a striking Norse landscape dominated by rugged hills leading to a frozen lake. And don't be distracted by the vigilant raven watching over your gaming decisions!

As mentioned, Vikings eschews traditional pay lines. Instead, the 243 ways feature means a win occurs when 3 or more identical symbols appear on adjacent reels. Regular gameplay occurs on a 5x3 grid, while free spins expand this to a 7x5 layout, fantastically increasing the potential win ways to 78,125 .

The game is equipped with a variety of unique features explored here. Usable on multiple devices, bets range from €0.20 to €200 per spin, indicating a balanced risk-reward setup rather than extreme volatility. The 96.05% RTP aligns with standard expectations, offering fair play.

Vikings (NetEnt): Symbols & Features

Vikings showcases 10 symbols , with five low-value placeholders like steel-bathed 10, J, Q, K, and A. In contrast, premium symbols reflect iconic series characters, with the Vikings logo standing as the highest-paying symbol at 0.5x for a five-some. Premium symbols stack during both main and bonus rounds, while the absence of a Wild symbol highlights a focus on premium symbol mechanics.

This game also introduces the Hotspot feature . Here, reel 3 becomes a lightning-infused attraction. When a Viking symbol fully covers this reel, all Viking symbols on the screen transform, enhancing win evaluations without needing connectivity.

Another addition is the Shield Wall Feature , a random occurrence that can activate during the main game or free spins. It creates a 3x2 or 5x2 cluster of enigmatic shield symbols that unveil premium symbols to evaluate potential wins, although it remains dormant when Hotspot is active.

Secure 7 free spins by aligning 3 scatter symbols across reels 3, 4, and 5. While this bonus doesn't re-trigger, the Raid Spins maximizes excitement, altering the reel dimensions from 5x3, 243 ways to 7x5, 78,125 ways , with extended Hotspot coverage.

Just like in the main game, securing a Viking symbol on any Hotspot reel turns all Viking symbols into that version. Should two different symbols span the Hotspot, the leftmost becomes the chosen transform symbol. The Hotspot feature allows wins up to 10,000 times the stake per spin - a remarkable feature!

Vikings (NetEnt): Conclusion

Vikings might become NetEnt's standout creation since Jungle Spirit's release. Although frequent spins might yield small bonuses, among other providers, NetEnt's offering effectively balances entertainment with potential payouts.

As a mega potential slot, Vikings is far less harsh than typical Novomatic or Merkur games. Moreover, Vikings strikes a harmonious chord between intrigue and enjoyment, mesmerizing players.