The Razor Returns slot is a casino game developed by Microgaming, one of the most renowned software providers in the gaming industry. Released as part of their popular "Thunderstruck" series, this 5-reel, 243-ways-to-win slot machine embodies the spirit of Norse mythology and offers an exciting experience for players.
Theme
As mentioned earlier, the Razor Returns slot is themed around Norse mythology, which find more adds a touch of mystery and adventure to the gameplay. The game’s background features a depiction of Thor’s Hammer, Mjolnir, while symbols on the reels are inspired by Norse gods and mythical creatures such as Odin, Freyja, Fenris Wolf, and Valkyrur.
The overall design is well-executed, with vibrant colors and detailed graphics that enhance the gaming experience. The sound effects complement the visuals perfectly, adding to the immersive atmosphere of the game.
Design
Upon loading the slot machine, players are greeted by a colorful interface that resembles a mystical portal from Norse mythology. The reels are positioned on either side of the screen, while the paytable and various control buttons are located at the bottom.
The Razor Returns slot features 243 ways to win, which means that there is no traditional payline system in place. Instead, winning combinations can be formed by landing matching symbols anywhere on adjacent reels, starting from reel one.
Symbols
As previously mentioned, the game’s symbols are inspired by Norse mythology and include:
- Low-paying symbols: 9-A (represented as runes), valued at between x0.5x and x1x
- Medium-paying symbols:
- Valkyrur, valued at x2.5x
- Freyja, valued at x4x
- High-paying symbols:
- Odin, valued at x10x
- Fenris Wolf, valued at x20x
The game also features three bonus symbols: Wild Razor (wild symbol), Mjolnir (scatter symbol), and Odin’s Eye (bonus trigger).
Payouts
Winning combinations are paid out according to the paytable, with all wins multiplied by the bet amount. The maximum win per spin is 500x the total stake.
Wilds
The Wild Razor acts as a substitute for any regular paying symbol in the game, except the scatter and bonus symbols. It appears randomly on reels two, three, or four to help players complete winning combinations.
Scatters
Mjolnir serves as both the wild and scatter symbol when appearing twice or more anywhere on the five reels. Landing three scatters triggers 10 free spins with a tripled multiplier, while four or five scatters award 20 or 50 free spins respectively.
Bonus Features
Odin’s Eye is the bonus trigger for the game’s main feature – the "Return of Thor" Bonus Round. This can be triggered by landing six Mjolnir scatter symbols anywhere on reels one to five, in a combination that does not contain any other winning combinations.
When the bonus round is activated, players are presented with 12 doors to choose from, each representing a unique set of prizes or multipliers. Players must select three doors at random, which can lead to a variety of outcomes:
- Door A: A single multiplier ranging from x10x to x50x
- Doors B and C: One of two available free spins packages (20/40)
- Door D: Two identical values chosen from a predefined list
- Door E: A "Best Buy" option with guaranteed maximum payouts for that particular game
Players also have the opportunity to select one door, called the "Take Risk," which may lead to either an additional multiplier or free spins. Players can earn up to 120 times their initial bet.
Free Spins
As mentioned earlier, landing three scatters on reels two, three, and four activates the Free Spin feature with a tripled multiplier (3x). Four or five scatter symbols award 20 or 50 free spins respectively. The Wild Razor remains active during these rounds to help players complete winning combinations.
RTP
The Return To Player for this slot is set at 96%, which is a relatively high RTP compared to other games in the industry. This indicates that, over an extended period of gameplay, approximately 96% of all funds staked on the Razor Returns slot will be returned as winnings to players.
Volatility
Microgaming has classified the Razor Returns slot machine as having medium-high volatility. The higher the variance, the more irregular and unpredictable payouts tend to become. This means that while some spins might result in significant wins, others may experience consecutive losses.
Betting Range
The minimum bet per spin is $0.10, with a maximum wager of $100 per round. Players can adjust their stake using the "Bet" option at the bottom of the game interface.
Max Win
As previously mentioned, the maximum win per spin in the Razor Returns slot machine is 500x the total stake. This translates to approximately 50,000 credits or $5,000 for players wagering a full house.
Gameplay
To initiate gameplay, simply place your desired bet using the "Bet" option and click on the "Spin" button. The reels will then spin automatically, displaying any winning combinations according to the paytable.
The slot machine has multiple betting options:
- Bet: Adjusts the total stake for each spin
- Spin: Initiates a single game round with the current bet amount
- Autoplay: Engages automatic spinning at specified intervals (5-1000 spins)
- MaxBet: Places the maximum wagerable amount per spin
Mobile Play
The Razor Returns slot is fully compatible with mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones. Players can access their favorite games through Microgaming’s online platform or from participating mobile casinos.
Microgaming has optimized its slots to provide seamless gaming experiences on various iOS and Android operating systems, utilizing HTML5 technology for compatibility across multiple platforms.
Player Experience
From a player’s perspective, the Razor Returns slot machine offers an engaging experience with several opportunities to win. Players must adapt their strategies according to game conditions, including the Wild Razor feature and potential bonus triggers.
Overall, the Razor Returns slot machine from Microgaming has been well-designed with respect to both gameplay and graphics. The Norse mythology theme contributes a mystical atmosphere while providing diverse opportunities for winning combinations.