Cyclops Smash

Cyclops Smash Review

Pragmatic Play’s Cyclops Smash is a visually striking and innovative slot game that brings Greek mythology to life on a 7×7 grid. This cluster pays slot offers a unique blend of features, including tumbling reels, a smash mechanic, and free spins with increasing multipliers. Let’s dive into what makes this game stand out in the crowded world of online slots.

Game Overview

Cyclops Smash takes place on a sunny beach, with a massive one-eyed giant looming to the side, ready to influence the game at any moment. The game uses a cluster pays system, where wins are formed by connecting 5 or more identical symbols horizontally or vertically anywhere on the grid. This mechanic, combined with the tumble feature, can lead to multiple wins from a single spin.

Symbols and Payouts

The paytable features a mix of fruits and Greek-themed symbols. Here’s a breakdown of the highest-paying symbols for clusters of 15 or more:

Lower-paying symbols include grapes, olives, oranges, and lemons, with payouts ranging from 20x to 40x for clusters of 15 or more. It’s worth noting that there are no wild symbols in this game, which adds to its unique challenge.

Key Features

Tumble Mechanic

After each winning combination, the winning symbols disappear, and new ones fall into place. This process continues until no new winning clusters are formed, potentially leading to multiple wins from a single spin. This feature keeps the gameplay dynamic and exciting, as a single spin can turn into a cascade of wins.

Smash Feature

The game’s titular Cyclops isn’t just for show. On non-winning spins or at the end of a tumble sequence, the Smash Feature may randomly trigger. The Cyclops will either stamp his foot or swing his club, rearranging 5, 8, 12, or even all 49 symbols on the grid. This rearrangement is based on symbol value, with lower-value symbols moving to the top and higher-value ones to the bottom. While not guaranteed, this feature can often lead to new winning combinations and extend your winning streak.

Free Spins

Landing 4 or more lava stone scatter symbols triggers the Free Spins bonus round. The number of free spins awarded depends on the number of scatters:

• 4 scatters: 10 free spins
• 5 scatters: 12 free spins
• 6 scatters: 14 free spins
• 7 scatters: 16 free spins

During free spins, the Smash Feature becomes even more potent. Each time it triggers and results in a win, a win multiplier increases by 1x. This multiplier doesn’t reset for the duration of the bonus round, potentially leading to massive wins.

Volatility and RTP

Cyclops Smash is a highly volatile slot, which means it can offer substantial payouts but may have longer periods between wins. The default Return to Player (RTP) is 96.05%, which is competitive for a high volatility game. However, it’s crucial to note that some operators may offer lower RTP versions, so always check the game info before playing.

Betting Range and Maximum Win

The game caters to a wide range of players with a betting range from £0.20 to £240 per spin. The maximum win potential is capped at 10,000x your stake, which is quite impressive for a cluster pays slot. However, keep in mind that hitting this maximum is a rare occurrence, with Pragmatic Play stating a hit frequency of 1 in 70.4 million spins.

Tips for Playing Cyclops Smash

Manage Your Bankroll

Given the high volatility of Cyclops Smash, it’s crucial to manage your bankroll effectively. Consider setting a budget and sticking to it, regardless of wins or losses. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 100-200 times your average bet size in your bankroll to withstand the game’s volatility.

Understand the Cluster Pays System

Unlike traditional payline slots, Cyclops Smash uses a cluster pays system. Familiarize yourself with how clusters form and which symbols offer the best payouts. This knowledge will help you better appreciate the game’s potential as you play.

Leverage the Smash Feature

While you can’t control when the Smash Feature triggers, be aware of its potential. It can turn a non-winning spin into a substantial payout, especially during the free spins round where it also increases the win multiplier.

Aim for the Free Spins

The free spins bonus round is where the game’s biggest win potential lies. The increasing multiplier can lead to massive payouts, especially if you manage to trigger multiple Smash Features during the bonus.

Final Thoughts

Cyclops Smash is a visually appealing and mechanically interesting slot that offers a fresh take on Greek mythology themes. Its unique features, particularly the Smash mechanic, set it apart from many other cluster pays slots. While its high volatility may not suit all players, those who enjoy the thrill of chasing big wins will find plenty to like here. Just remember to play responsibly and within your means, as the Cyclops can be as unforgiving as he is generous.