3.5/5
Updated
Staff Writer
ProviderYggdrasil
Type3 Reels
RTP96.30%
Min / Max Bet0.01 / 200.00
VolatilityHigh
Release Date14 November 2019
Play Avatars: Gateway Guardians at Roaring 21
3.5/5Updated
Staff Writer
Yggdrasil has broken the online slots mould with their uniquely mechanised Futuristic sci-fi slot, Avatars: Gateway Guardians. In place of traditional reels, the slot features a 3x6 circular grid with spinning concentric wheels. The intricately stone-carved and wheels are set within an ancient-looking circular stone frame, against the backdrop of an eerie, purple-hued alien cave. Glowing gems are set within pointed stone protrusions that jut out from the stone circle, giving the appearance of the game an otherworldly feel. An ambient sinister soundtrack completes the sensory experience. The game features Hotspots, Free spins and a Multiplier wheel as bonus features.
The hot spot feature is a highlighted segment of the wheel which triggers the Multiplier wheel feature. Landing a winning combination which would be a completed set of same colour dots or an entire guardian face within this segment causes a slot beneath the main wheel to slide open, revealing a spinning horizontal wheel that awards you various multiplier values.
The wheel will spin repeatedly until it lands on a stop icon, deactivating the bonus feature. The top potential of this feature is a total 101x multiplier.
Landing 3 scatters anywhere on the wheels triggers the free spins mode. The reel seems to transform into a techno-organic hybrid as it sprouts leathery wings. The number of hotspots on the wheels also increases to a maximum of 8 depending on how many scatters you managed to land within the initial hotspot.
Landing winning combinations within the hotspots while the free spins feature is active, gives you the added benefit of each combination having a turn at the multiplier wheel, creating a possibly huge cascade of winnings.
Avatar Gateway Guardians is undeniably unique in its mechanics and presentation and provides a fascinating and novel gameplay experience. The win potential of an ideal spin is impressive and the hotspot feature provides regular, lower value wins. There are, however, some let-downs in the form of the developer’s decision to cap the multiplier wheel at what feels like a very conservative 101x and long stretches of spins between the triggering of the free spins feature. The game’s high volatility is not quite matched by the top-end of its winning potential. This title is definitely worth a spin, for the novelty factor, if nothing else.
