HippoPop PopWins

HippoPop PopWins Slot Review

Are you ready for the latest instalment in this fun and quirky series of online slots? Avatar UX are back with the newest PopWins title – and this time, they’ve brought a whole cast of neon characters to dial up the fun. With the same kitsch appeal as the other slots in the series, there’s also a top prize of up to x48,150 waiting to be won.

Marketed under the Avatar UX studio name, HippoPop PopWins is part of the more comprehensive catalogue distributed by Yggdrasil. Avatar UX is a Hong Kong-based developer who joined the Masters programme at Yggdrasil, and they specialise in Asian-themed, interactive games that have beautiful 3D graphics. Their particular unique aspect is the trademarked PopWins mechanism which creates new icons and increases the ways for a player to win – but more about that below.

As the game commences, the grid looks relatively standard with a 5×3 configuration and 486 ways to win. However, every time you land a winning combination, the board will expand, which can lead to all sorts of different layouts and a maximum of 65,536 ways to win. Low rollers will be pleased with a min bet of 0.20, but those aiming for the big money payouts will be disappointed with a max bet of just 40.00. Volatility is high, so you’ll need to have an ample stack of cash to bide your time before a win turns up.

Feature Symbols

If you can imagine Raging Rhino set in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, rather than on the savannah, and with all the creatures turned into a bright neon colour, you’ll get the idea of what HippoPop PopWins is like. With the fierce gaze of so many glowing creatures turned in your direction, the effect can be somewhat daunting! And don’t even ask why African animals are hanging out in a South American location – it’s best not to mention it…Why not play more slots online, where you can look for your favourite animal-themed game?

On the board, there are several categories of symbols. Card royals make up the low pays, with a prize of x1 for matching five. A fish, bird and frog are the medium pays, rewarding players with up to x1.5. High pays are a zebra, flamingo and big cat with a maximum sum of x2 but the highest value of them all is the “super-high” golden hippo with up to x4.

Bonuses and Jackpots

The PopWins mechanism is the most significant feature on this slot, and this becomes active every time you win. A matching combination removes the winning tiles from the board, and new ones prepare to cascade into position. However, before they do that, the reels “pop”, and the winning tile splits into two, creating an extra row or reel.

Under the PopWins mechanism, the reel can grow up to six symbols tall in the base game. If you reach the maximum, you’ll unlock the free spins bonus round. This will begin as soon as your cascading has finished on the base game. You can also begin to rack up multipliers in the base game once you have reached the maximum height. This multiplier will be transferred across to the free spins round for even bigger wins and payouts, with a maximum height of eight symbols high (rather than six).

There is the chance to win more free spins by having a go on the Bonus Wheel that you’ll be offered.  You’ll begin with five free spins, but landing on the most lucrative square on the Bonus Wheel could give you up to five more.

If you’re impatient to have a go at the Free Spins round, you can buy your way in with the Buy Bonus option. This will cost you x85, and you can choose to either proceed straight to free spins round or gamble on the Bonus Wheel. Gambling could win you up to 12 free spins with a multiplier of up to x10. But if you lose, you’ll instantly return to the base game. A tricky decision and the choice is yours!

Play HippoPop PopWins at PartyCasino

HippoPop PopWins from Avatar UX is a fun slot with an upbeat feel and a modern look. Compared to other games, it’s a bit devoid of features, and the bonus features are hard to trigger. However, if you’ve got stacks of patience and don’t mind hanging out with some groovy-coloured creatures for a while, it’s a pleasant way to spend some time.