When it comes to online casino games, finding one that captures the essence of a thrilling era like the ’80s can be a rare gem. However, NetEnt has taken a leap into the past and brought us a slot game that exudes the vibes of Miami Vice – say hello to “Hotline”.
A Glimpse into Hotline
Upon launching Hotline, you’ll instantly notice its striking resemblance to a video game. The game’s introduction and clips throughout the gameplay transport you back to the era of speed, action, and ’80s nostalgia. NetEnt has masterfully captured the essence of Miami Vice and translated it into a slot machine.
| Rating | 3/5 |
| RTP | up to 97,04% |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Max Win | £60,000 |
At first glance, Hotline may appear like a typical slot game, with 5 reels, 3 rows, and 30 paylines. However, NetEnt isn’t content with the ordinary; they’ve introduced a unique feature called “Bonus Bet” that adds a new layer of excitement to the gameplay.
The Hotline Mechanics
The Hotline mechanics are ingeniously simple: players get to choose a row, known as a “Hotline.” When Wild symbols land on the selected Hotline, they expand to cover the entire reel and stay in place during Re-Spins. This mechanic ramps up the excitement during Free Spins, where expanded Wilds remain sticky throughout the entire Free Spins round.
For an extra wager, players can activate the Hotline Bonus Bet feature. This allows them to select more Hotlines, increasing the chances of landing Expanding Wilds and Re-Spins on not one, but two or even three rows. The ultimate goal? Covering all reels with those lucrative Wilds.
Volatility & RTP
Hotline‘s maximum win limit stands at £60,000, or £2,000 on a single bet line (considering 30 bet lines in play). Additionally, the game’s RTP varies depending on the number of Hotlines activated: 1 Hotline offers a 96.13% RTP, 2 Hotlines increase it to 96.70%, and 3 Hotlines boost it to 97.04%.
Unveiling the Features
Wilds and Respins
The Hotline Bonus Bet feature isn’t just a gimmick; it significantly enhances your chances of securing those coveted Expanding Wilds and Re-Spins. Each row is essentially a Hotline, and players have the power to activate or deactivate them at will. At least one Hotline is always active, and your bet level corresponds to the number of activated Hotlines.
- One Hotline: Base Bet (15 coins per bet level)
- Two Hotlines: Double Bet (30 coins per bet level)
- Three Hotlines: Triple Bet (45 coins per bet level)
With more Hotlines in play, your odds of encountering Expanding Wilds and triggering Re-Spins skyrocket. These Wild symbols can make an appearance anywhere on the reels in the main game, Re-Spins, and Free Spins, substituting for all symbols except Scatters. If a Wild symbol lands on an activated Hotline, it expands to fill the entire reel, potentially leading to impressive winnings based on the Paytable.
In the main game and during Re-Spins, a Wild symbol landing on an activated Hotline results in an immediate Re-Spin once all other wins have been calculated. The Expanding Wild remains in place throughout the Re-Spins, providing ample opportunities for additional wins. Re-Spins conclude if no new Wild symbols land on an activated Hotline.
Free Spins Features
The real thrill begins when you manage to land three Scatter symbols anywhere on reels 1, 3, and 5 in the main game. This triggers 7 Free Spins, where the action intensifies. If a Wild symbol graces an activated Hotline during Free Spins, it stretches to occupy the entire reel and remains locked in place until the Free Spins round concludes. Unfortunately, additional Free Spins cannot be earned during this feature, and it cannot be activated during Re-Spins.
Maximum Win
The maximum win on a single spin appears to be capped at 400x with a full screen of expanded Wilds. Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope when it comes to the bonus rounds, as these sticky Wilds could, in theory, result in a hefty 2,800x win if all Wilds are triggered on the first spin.
During testing, the game quickly rewarded players with the first bonus, providing a modest 50x payout. However, the excitement seemed to fizzle out afterward. The Re-Spin feature, available in both the main game and bonus round, does add a touch of fun, but the low-paying symbols and the absence of substantial winning potential may leave players wanting more.
My opinion about Hotline
Hotline is a visually captivating game that might appeal to those seeking an ’80s nostalgia trip, showcasing NetEnt’s dedication to creating immersive gaming experiences.
However, aesthetics alone can’t carry a slot game to greatness; it needs solid mechanics to back it up, and Hotline falls somewhat short in this regard. Its potential for substantial wins and long-term engagement may not meet the expectations of all players. It’s a game that’s worth a try, but whether it becomes your go-to slot depends on your preference for both style and substance in your casino gaming experience.
I’d advise you to try Hotline 2, which is the sequel to this slot, still created by NetEnt, and which I think is better.
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