Infernus

Infernus, from Backseat Gaming, plunges players into a fiery realm, but not in the traditionally terrifying sense. While the name suggests a descent into the underworld, the game’s visual presentation is more of a stylized, cartoonish depiction of a volcanic landscape, complete with a starry sky and a visible moon. This slot stands out with its Wild Blocks feature, a mechanic that offers the potential for significant impact, albeit with high volatility. This is not a slot for the faint of heart; it’s a game of potentially big swings, where a single, powerful symbol can dramatically shift the game’s momentum.

Bonus Features and Unique Aspects of Infernus

The core of Infernus’ gameplay revolves around its Wild Blocks. These aren’t your typical single-tile wilds. They appear in formidable blocks, ranging in size from 2×2 to a massive 5×5, capable of completely dominating the 5×5 grid. The number of heads visible, from two in 2×2 Wild Block up to full 5 in the 5×5 version, determines the multiplier values.

Each of these heads on a Wild Block reveals a multiplier, anything from a modest x2 up to a blazing x100. The true power of these Wild Blocks lies in how these multipliers interact. Instead of applying individually, all multipliers revealed on a single Wild Block are summed together, creating a single, potentially colossal multiplier for that block. For instance, a 3×3 Wild Block with three heads showing multipliers of x4, x6, and x10 would result in a combined x20 multiplier for that entire block. This is a relatively rare mechanic, as Wild Blocks are more common in FeatureSpins. If it happens that, after launching the demo version, you want to find the game guide, the full game description, click on (i).

This consolidated multiplier significantly amplifies any wins that the Wild Block contributes to. It also substitutes other symbols on the field according to the game rules.

Infernus features two distinct bonus rounds, both offering 10 free spins but with crucial differences:

• Inferno’s Gate: Triggered by landing 3 scatter symbols in the base game, this bonus round simply increases the probability of Wild Blocks appearing. It’s a straightforward enhancement of the core mechanic.
• Cerberus’ Rage: Activated by 4 scatter symbols, Cerberus’ Rage introduces a critical twist: Wild Blocks become sticky. This means any Wild Block that lands during the free spins will remain in place for the duration of the round. Furthermore, a larger Wild Block can replace a smaller one, leading to the possibility of progressively increasing multipliers and coverage.

The potential for accumulating multiple sticky Wild Blocks, each with a combined multiplier, is where Cerberus’ Rage truly shines. This can create a chain reaction of wins, turning a seemingly ordinary spin into a substantial payout.

Thematic Presentation and Artistic Style

The game presents a visually appealing, if somewhat stylized, depiction of a fiery realm. Instead of an outright hellscape, it leans towards a more cartoonish aesthetic, like the landscape from some fantasy cartoon. The reels are set against a backdrop of glowing embers, jagged rocks, and a surprisingly serene night sky.

The symbol design reinforces this aesthetic. The high-paying symbols – a fiery cauldron, a demonic crown/ring, a menacing skull, and a majestic phoenix – all possess a bold, chunky design. They’re not overly detailed, but they’re impactful, fitting well with the overall theme. The animation of the Wild Blocks, particularly the multi-headed Cerberus, adds a dynamic element to the gameplay. The way the heads emerge and reveal their multipliers, followed by the fiery animation of winning combinations, creates a visually satisfying experience.

Particularly well done are the effects during winning spins. Fire effects, when Wild Blocks fall, have distinctive features; they look spectacular, powerful, and natural.

Slot Mechanics and Symbol Interplay

Infernus utilizes a 5×5 grid with 19 fixed paylines. Wins are awarded for matching symbols appearing on these paylines, starting from the leftmost reel. The symbol payouts are as follows:

It’s clear that the premium symbols offer significantly higher payouts than the royals. The Wild symbol, beyond its substitution and multiplier capabilities, also awards a substantial payout for a 5-of-a-kind win. The interplay between symbols is straightforward in the base game, focused on forming winning combinations. However, the introduction of Wild Blocks adds a layer of strategic depth. A single, well-placed Wild Block, especially with a high combined multiplier, can transform a losing spin into a significant win, highlighting the game’s volatile nature.

Developer Insights: Backseat Gaming

Infernus is a creation of Backseat Gaming, a partner studio of Hacksaw Gaming. This explains certain stylistic and mechanical differences one might observe compared to Hacksaw’s core titles. While Hacksaw often emphasizes intricate mechanics and subtle nuances, Backseat Gaming tends towards a more direct, impactful approach.

Backseat Gaming’s approach can be seen in the design of Infernus: A game that can be perceived as more like a direct punch than a series of tactical strikes. The main emphasis is on creating a strong emotional response in the player. This slot demonstrates Backseat Gaming’s signature.

Infernus is not a simple slot, it needs a “careful” study.

Other Features: FeatureSpins™

FeatureSpins™ allow players to modify the game’s behavior in the main game for an additional cost. This is not a straight ‘bonus buy,’ but rather a way to increase the chances of triggering certain events.

• BonusHunt FeatureSpins™: For 2x the base bet, each spin has a 3 times higher chance of triggering a bonus game. This doesn’t guarantee a bonus, but it significantly alters the odds.
• Hellfire FeatureSpins™: At a cost of 75x the base bet, these spins guarantee the landing of a Wild Block on each spin. This is a high-risk, high-reward option, as the guaranteed Wild Block doesn’t necessarily guarantee a large multiplier or a win.

These FeatureSpins™ provide an alternative way to engage with the game, allowing players to tailor their risk/reward preference. They are not essential to enjoying the core gameplay, but they offer interesting strategic options for those seeking different levels of volatility.

Backseat Gaming’s Infernus, it should be said that it offers a solid combination of captivating graphics, an interesting theme, and an interesting Wild Blocks mechanic. For me, this game is worth playing!