XPander Slot Review
Writing reviews is an intelligent approach to expanding one's field of knowledge. So I look at this title, XPander by Relax and I think I can do this. I have always known that one’s brain starts working the moment you are born, but it never stops until you speak about XPander. So what expands? Cookie dough once baked, populations expand, Spandex expands, intelligence expands...
It’s a retro-futuristic approach. Music, style and fashion are retro, going back to a nostalgic, old-fashioned trend. This is a paradox to point out and perhaps Xpander will produce many a pound for the punter.
Game Play
When using a cluster pays system, wins occur when f or more symbols connect vertically or horizontally anywhere on the grid. The symbols used in Xpander range from low to high anare; grapes, watermelons,cherries, lemons, bells, horseshoes, 7s, as well as famous diamonds. Nailing clusters of 15 matching symbols or more is the ideal, and this triggers pays out 20 to 80X the stake. The wild is a blank hand of cards, it replaces all symbols except the free spin scatter.
The tumble feature is the first extra to cover, it removes winning clusters from the grid. This alows existing or new symbols to tumble into the open cells, potentially setting up repeat cluster wins. Tumbles continue triggering until no new wins present and then the next spin may occur.
The Hopper feature is comprised of a x2 multiplier icon that is perched on top of regular symbols. Initially, 1x1 in size and moves to a new position between free or paid spins. If it perches on top of a symbol part of a winning cluster, the payout of the cluster is multiplied by the Hopper's current value.
There are also numerous symbols that grow the size and value of the Hopper's multiplier. Double Up symbols can land anywhere to double the current multiplier up to a max of x128. Bear in mind, that landing multiple Double Up symbols stimaltaneoulsy is possible.
Keep your eyes peeled for the green arrow aka Grow Symbol, because when it lands, it is collected and every 3 Grow Symbols collected in a tumble sequence increases to the size of the Hopper from 1x1 - 2x2, 3x3 followed by 4x4. The players are also gifted a respin whenever the multiplier increases in size. The Hopper symbol resets in size after that as well as value in between paid spins.
And when you land at least 3 free spin symbols in the base game it gifts you the free spins feature. With this one, the multiplier value or size never resets though, despite both characteristics having the same limits – x128 and 4x4 dimension. When the round begins, players get 5 free spins, and landing 1UP symbols adds +1 free spin.
Where available, players may decide whether they want to buy free spins instead of patiently wait for them to trigger. In this case the cost for doing so is 129x the bet.
Features
XPander is a simple-looking game that fits perfectly on a mobile phone – whilst still operating perfectly on any device.
XPander has taken for a retro-futuristic avenue. And influenced by how you play the game, you may find a blue/purple background of featureless high-rise buildings standing behind the 7x7 sized panels. Hacksaw isn't necessarily known for their detail-heavy artwork though, but they are profesional at making the most out of what they do. I feel I must mention, the grid is however covered in old school fruit and classic slot symbols, which feel a little inappropriate for the theme. On some level, it comes across almost as a Cubes 2 fusion/ Hop'N'Pop.
Looks however aren't the main attraction anyway in any Hacksaw game (arguably we should say), it's their math model/feature combination providing the majority of their playability. In Xpander, this means an extremely volatile game, with a theoretical return value of 96.25% - slightly higher than the 96.2% when buying the feature.
Concerning the audio aspect, a tender Synthwave soundtrack enhances the 1980s era, possessing a wind chime feel that is low energy but rises when all rolls smoothly during free spins.
Performance
When XPander is flaring, the action on the grid is enough to take your mind off the prosaic visuals and seductive soundtrack. This isn't one of Hacksaw's breath-taking potential slots though, yet few will be complaining about the 10,000x it has to share. Above all, XPander is a well-made game that typifies everything the Pocketz range is famed for, making it a logical choice for fans of the series.
Max Coin
Maximum win of x10,000.
Conclusion
You never know something until you have given it a shot. The nostalgia of the 80’s may kick in and be good for you. So expand those memories and give XPander a moment.
Slot details
Software: Relax
Game Type: Video Slots
PaylinesPaylines are preset lines that run across the reels, and when you land matching symbols on them, that will result in a payout. The more paylines, the more ways you can win, but also the higher your bet per spin.: Cluster PaysUnlike traditional paylines, Cluster Pays can award wins when a minimum number of matching symbols land adjacent to each other (vertically or horizontally), forming a cluster.
Rows: 7
RTPRTP stands for “Return to Player.” The RTP describes the total bet amount that a game returns to players over millions of spins, and that figure is represented by a percentage. Table games, such as Roulette, typically have higher RTPs than many slots.
RTP needs to be considered in conjunction with a game’s volatility rate.: 96.25%
Bonus Round: No
Progressive: Yes
Free Games: Yes
Max Win: x10,000
Published by:
BitStarz, award-winning Bitcoin Casino
