Animal Instinct

This 2023 release from Playtech Vikings invites players to experience the raw energy of the African savanna. “Animal Instinct” is a 5×4 video slot with 40 fixed paylines, drenched in the hues of a vibrant sunset. The visuals are sharp, with each animal symbol – from the imposing lion to the sturdy buffalo – rendered with a lifelike quality that adds to the slot’s immersive atmosphere. It’s clear that a lot of care went into the design, setting the stage for a gameplay experience that’s as visually appealing as it is engaging. The background of mountains and the mighty savanna, with the sunset painting the sky with pink and yellow colors, all contribute to a perfect environment for a great slot game.

Core Mechanics and Symbol Dynamics

“Animal Instinct” operates on a straightforward principle: land three or more matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel, to form a winning combination. The game features a minimum bet of $0.08 and a maximum bet of $240, catering to a wide range of players.

The symbols themselves are a mix of classic card ranks (10, J, Q, K, A) and the titular animals: the buffalo, rhino, leopard, elephant, and the majestic lion. The lion and the Wild symbol are the kings of this jungle, each offering a payout of up to 3,000 coins for five on a payline with a maximum bet. It’s worth noting that the Wild symbol can substitute for all other symbols except the Scatter and Power Collect, potentially completing or enhancing winning combinations. The game’s wild symbol has the design of a picture of the African savanna with the text “Wild” written on it. The Scatter symbol is a symbol of an African tribesman. This game provides an action-packed experience with a well-used theme. The African savanna makes for a perfect environment for a great slot game.

Power Collect: The Heartbeat of the Game

The Power Collect feature is where “Animal Instinct” truly distinguishes itself. Landing one or more Power Collect symbols on reels 2, 3, or 4 triggers this feature. Each Power Collect symbol corresponds to a specific animal and reel color (blue, red, yellow, purple, or green). When activated, the Power Collect symbol gathers all instances of the corresponding animal symbol, transforming them into Wilds.

This not only results in a payout but also fills the respective animal’s meter above the reels. The dynamic of collecting animal symbols to fill meters adds a layer of strategy to the base game. It’s not just about spinning and hoping for the best; it’s about anticipating which Power Collect symbol might land and how it will impact the current game state. If you are confused about the intricacies of the Power Collect feature or any other bonus, simply launch the demo version of the slot and access the built-in help by clicking the “(i)” button.

Animal Free Games: A Stampede of Features

Landing three Scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5 triggers the Animal Free Games feature. The specific Free Games mode activated depends on which animal’s meter is most filled at the time of triggering. If there’s a tie, a random mode is selected. Each animal offers a unique twist on the free spins concept, adding considerable replay value to the slot.

• Lion Free Game: Each spin sees a random animal symbol transforming into a Wild, increasing the chances of landing significant wins. This is a straightforward but effective feature that can lead to some truly wild combinations.
• Elephant Free Game: This mode introduces a row of multipliers (2x, 3x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 20x, and 25x) that apply to wins from Power Collect symbols. The rightmost multiplier is applied first, and once used, it disappears, with a new multiplier appearing from the left. This dynamic multiplier system can dramatically boost payouts, especially if you manage to land multiple Power Collect symbols in a single spin.
• Leopard Bonus: Three Scatter symbols appear, with the left and right ones revealing a cash prize and a win multiplier (up to 5x), respectively. The prize is multiplied by the total bet before being awarded. This feature offers a guaranteed win, making it a welcome sight during the free spins.
• Rhino Free Game: During 10 spins, all Power Collect symbols are viewed as double-stacked. This effectively doubles the chances of triggering the Power Collect feature and collecting those valuable animal symbols. It’s a simple but potent enhancement that can lead to some of the most lucrative free spins rounds.
• Buffalo Free Game: This mode adds a significant number of Wild symbols to the reels over the first four spins: 55 Wilds to reel 2 on the first spin, 40 Wilds to reel 3 on the second spin, and 65 stacked Wilds to reel 4 on the third and fourth spins. These Wilds remain on the reels until the end of the feature, creating a massive potential for huge wins, particularly in the later spins.

Final Verdict – A Roaring Success or a Tame Experience?

“Animal Instinct” offers a compelling mix of engaging mechanics, a visually appealing theme, and a variety of bonus features that cater to different playstyles. The Power Collect feature is a standout, providing a unique twist on the standard Wild symbol dynamic and adding a strategic layer to the base game. The Animal Free Games, with their diverse modifiers, ensure that each bonus round feels distinct and exciting. While the RTP of 95.51% is slightly below average, the medium/high volatility and the potential for a maximum win of 7553x the bet make this slot an attractive option for players seeking a thrilling experience with substantial payout potential. I can confidently recommend “Animal Instinct” to any seasoned slot player looking for a fresh and engaging experience on the reels.