Strength of Hercules

Hacksaw Gaming’s “Strength of Hercules” offers a vibrant take on the classic Greek mythology theme. This 5×5 grid slot distances itself from overdone tropes, providing a gameplay experience centered around innovative mechanics like the RotoGrid™ and Connecting Wilds. The game’s medium-high volatility and a maximum win potential of 10,000x the bet suggest that even seasoned slot enthusiasts will find something to appreciate. It’s a game that invites you to witness the power of its features, not just the might of its namesake.

Bonus Features and Unconventional Mechanics

“Strength of Hercules” has several features that work in concert to create dynamic gameplay. The core of these are:

RotoGrid™: This mechanic is triggered by the appearance of a special RotoGrid™ symbol after wins on the initial grid. It’s more than just a visual effect; it’s a fundamental shift in gameplay. When a RotoGrid™ symbol lands, it initiates between one and three clockwise rotations of the entire grid. What is vital here is that each RotoGrid™ symbol collected transforms into a Wild after the rotations are complete. This can significantly alter the outcome of a spin.

The strategic depth of the RotoGrid™ is that it makes players rethink their usual approach to slots. Each rotation is not just a “re-spin”; there is a complete position of all the symbols.

Connecting Wilds: After each grid rotation, any Wild symbols present on the same reel will connect.  This isn’t merely a cosmetic feature; it fills all positions between those Wilds with additional Wild symbols. This can drastically increase the chances of creating winning combinations. If the grid rotates, both the original and new Wild symbols may connect with other Wild symbols on their respective reels.  It’s a cascade effect of Wild creation.

Might of Hercules: When the grid is fully settled, it has chance that Hercules himself intervenes. He may strike the grid with his club or fist. All occurrences of a randomly chosen low-paying symbol (10, J, Q, K, or A) will be replaced with Wild symbols. Note that only low-paying symbols may be replaced. This is not just a simple symbol replacement; it’s a strategically targeted boost that is far more impactful.

Bonus Choice (Free Spins): Landing 3 or 4 FS scatter symbols simultaneously triggers the Bonus Choice menu. It offers two bonus game options:

• Labors Bonus Game: This grants 10 free spins, maintaining the base game’s mechanics. It has a higher chance of landing RotoGrid™ and Wild symbols. Landing additional FS symbols during the feature awards extra spins: 2 FS symbols for 2 extra spins, and 3 FS symbols for 4 extra spins. It’s a more volatile option, focusing on the base game’s core mechanics.
• Godly Labors/Godly Labyrinth Bonus Game: This is a significant deviation from the standard free spins concept. The Godly Labors/Godly Labyrinth bonus game has 8 free spins (Godly Labors) or 10 free spins (Godly Labyrinth). The symbols in this mode are different:
  • Skull Block symbols: Non-paying.
  • Cracked Stone symbols: Non-paying.
  • FS symbols: Adds extra spins.
  • Adding and Multiplying Coin symbols.
  • Skull Block and Cracked Stone symbols

The goal of these bonus games is to collect Coin and FS symbols in the Treasure Chests at the bottom of the grid. When a Coin or FS symbol lands above a Cracked Stone symbol, the Stone symbol will be crushed and disappear. The Coin or FS symbol will drop into the opened spot. This process repeats until a Skull Block symbol gets in the way, or the Coin/FS symbol reaches the bottom row of the grid, the symbols is collected in the Treasure Chest.

Each Treasure Chest has a progressive multiplier, paid out at the end, and multiplied with your bet amount to determine the final win. Adding Coins can have the values: 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x, 10x, 15x, 20x, 25x, 50x, 100x. Multiplying Coins have the values: x2, x3, x4, x5, x10, x20. Collected FS symbols award 1 extra free spin.

The Godly Labyrinth version uses larger coin multipliers. This offers players choice of how to approach the bonus.

Theme, Visuals, and Soundscape

The game presents a cartoonish, lighthearted interpretation of the Hercules myth. The background features rolling Greek hills, classic architecture, and animated characters like Hercules and a comical Cerberus.

The most visually striking moments occur during the bonus features. When the RotoGrid™ activates, the entire grid rotates with a satisfying visual and sound effect. The Connecting Wilds feature, with its expanding Wilds, provides a clear visual cue to the player about potential wins. During the Godly Labors/Labyrinth bonus, the stone-crushing mechanic and the appearance of the Treasure Chests create a unique, visually driven experience.

Slot Mechanics and Symbol Interaction

“Strength of Hercules” uses a 5×5 grid with a “ways to win” system, offering 3,125 ways to form winning combinations. Winning combinations appear on adjacent reels from left to right.

The symbols themselves are a mix of classic playing card values (10, J, Q, K, A) and thematic elements related to Hercules’ labors:

• Low-paying symbols: 10, J, Q, K, A.
• High-paying symbols: Various mythical creatures, including the Nemean Lion, the Hydra, the Cretan Bull, and others, all rendered in a cartoonish style.
• Wild Symbol: Substitutes for all symbols except the FS (Free Spins) symbols. Note, Wild symbols cannot replace FS symbols.
• RotoGrid™ Symbol: Triggers grid rotations and transforms into a Wild.
• FS (Free Spins) Symbol: Triggers the Bonus Choice menu.

The interaction between the symbols and the mechanics is where the game truly shines. The RotoGrid™ symbol isn’t just a visual element; its ability to shift the entire grid and transform into a Wild changes the entire dynamic of a spin. The Connecting Wilds, triggered by grid rotations, further amplify the potential of Wild symbols. If you prefer to read the official explanation, run demo version and click (i).

The Developer: Hacksaw Gaming

Hacksaw Gaming is known for its innovative approach to slot design, often breaking away from conventional formats and mechanics. “Strength of Hercules” is a clear example of this philosophy, showcasing the studio’s ability to create engaging gameplay experiences that stand out from the crowd.

The game has something for every free online slots player. The design, animation and music are very well done. It is worth trying this slot, if only for its original bonus games.