Is it just me, or did AI get really good overnight? I remember trying ChatGPT out for the first time and being a little freaked out about it. Thankfully, I have not been able to replicate my weirdness regardless of what prompts I enter, ensuring my job writing for a living is safe for a little while longer. Still, though. It’s definitely game-changing. I don’t really use Google anymore unless I’m looking for something specific on the web. If I’m trying to win an argument, I go straight to ChatGPT.

Since it’s only a matter of time before AI turns on us, it’s best we prepare. Thankfully, Thunderkick has given us a chance to see a possible future with its new release Xterminate slot.

The new world order

Xterminate slot features an anyway pays win mechanic, which Thunderkick calls scatter pays. The Thunderkick name is a little confusing, considering it has nothing to do with scatter symbols. The addition of this win mechanic means that Xterminate slot has no paylines, ways to win, or cluster pays. Wins are paid out whenever eight or more of the same symbol appear on the reels at once, regardless of whether they’re adjacent to each other or on opposite sides of the reels.

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The slot also features cascading reels, which Thunderkick calls the avalanche feature. The feature removes symbols involved in winning combinations, allowing new symbols to fall into the empty spaces with a chance that a new winning combination could be formed. The Xterminate slot applies the feature a little differently, though.

Instead of a win being paid out after each cascade, the first win in the sequence will add a base multiplier to the global multiplier above the reels. Each subsequent win in the cascade will result in a multiplier that will be multiplied by the global multiplier before being added to the global multiplier. When no additional winning combinations are formed, the global multiplier will then be applied to your bet amount.

Then there’s the bomb symbol. When this symbol appears on the reels on a spin that does not include a winning combination, it will explode with only all instances of the most common symbol on the reels at the time of the explosion remaining. New symbols will then fall into the empty spots.

Finally, there’s the charged wild symbol. These wild symbols will act as any other substituting for other symbols to complete winning combinations. However, the Xterminate slot’s charged wilds also come with between one and three lives, with two or three lives essentially making the wild sticky. However, the wild is not sticky over spins but over cascades. It’s a little confusing. The feature’s very specific trigger scenario also makes occurrences few and far between, even during long game sessions.

Is Xterminate slot taking over?

Xterminate slot features an impressive 25,000x max multiplier, which gives you a chance to play for up to $250,000 in winnings when you’re betting at $10 or more. Betting on the slot starts at $0.10. Unsurprisingly, considering that huge multiplier, the slot does feature high volatility, which makes small, consistent wins unlikely. The slot offers an RTP of 94.12%.

There is a lot great about this slot. The illustration and animation are fantastic, and, of course, that impressive max multiplier certainly adds to the appeal of Xterminate slot. I was a little disappointed at the lack of bonus features, though. There are bonus features, but they feel anecdotal instead of a core part of the action. I just wanted more, especially from a slot that looks this good. I give this one a seven out of ten.

If you’re looking for a few other Thunderkick slots to try out, I recommend giving Pink Elephants 2 or Not Enough Kittens a try.