Flying Hippo

Flying Hippo Review

Flying Hippo, a cluster pays slot from Pragmatic Play, takes players on a whimsical journey through the night sky. This 7×7 grid game offers a unique blend of cartoon aesthetics and high volatility gameplay, making it an intriguing option for players seeking something out of the ordinary.

Game Theme and Design

The slot’s theme revolves around the fantastical concept of flying hippos, set against a dreamy backdrop of starry skies and fluffy clouds. The visual design features a charming mix of smiling stars, cloud-shaped card symbols, and the titular winged hippo. The color palette, dominated by purples and pinks, creates a soothing yet magical atmosphere that complements the game’s quirky premise.

Pragmatic Play has paired this visual feast with a relaxing soundtrack that has a subtle country twang, adding to the game’s unique character. The audio-visual package effectively transports players to a whimsical realm, setting Flying Hippo apart from more conventional slot offerings.

Gameplay Mechanics

Cluster Pays System

Flying Hippo utilizes a cluster pays mechanism, where wins are achieved by landing groups of 5 or more matching symbols connected horizontally or vertically. This system offers a refreshing change from traditional payline slots and can lead to multiple wins in a single spin.

Cascading Reels

The game incorporates a cascading reels feature, known here as the tumble feature. When a winning cluster forms, the contributing symbols disappear, allowing new symbols to fall into their place. This process continues until no new winning clusters are created, potentially leading to consecutive wins from a single spin.

Wild Symbols and Multipliers

Wild symbols, represented by smiley clouds, play a crucial role in Flying Hippo. These wilds can substitute for any other symbol, helping to form winning clusters. What’s more, they come with an innovative multiplier system tied to the game’s level progression:

• Level 0: Wilds appear with no multiplier or x2
• Level 1: Wilds can have x2 or x3 multipliers
• Level 2: Multipliers increase to x3, x4, x5, or x6
• Level 3: Multipliers remain at x3, x4, x5, or x6

Spawning Wild Feature

After each winning cluster is removed, a wild symbol is randomly placed in one of the empty positions. This feature can significantly boost the potential for consecutive wins and adds an element of anticipation to each tumble.

Wild Collection and Level Progression

Flying Hippo incorporates a unique level progression system. Every time a wild contributes to a winning cluster, it’s collected in a meter. For every 6 wilds collected, the game’s level increases, enhancing the potential multipliers on future wilds.

Colossal Wilds

Upon reaching Level 3, the game adds an exciting twist. When tumbles end, two 2×2 Colossal Wilds with random multipliers (ranging from x3 to x50) are added to random positions on the grid. This feature can lead to substantial wins, especially if multiple wilds contribute to the same cluster.

Volatility and RTP

Flying Hippo is rated as a high volatility slot, which means it has the potential for significant payouts but may have longer periods between wins. This volatility level makes it more suitable for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay.

However, it’s crucial to note that the game’s Return to Player (RTP) is 93.99%, which is considerably below the industry average of around 96%. This lower RTP may be a significant drawback for many players, as it implies a higher house edge over the long term.

Betting Range and Maximum Win

Flying Hippo caters to a wide range of players with its flexible betting options. The minimum bet starts at a modest 0.20 credits, making it accessible to casual players and those on a budget. High rollers can place bets up to 100 credits per spin, allowing for potentially substantial wins.

The game offers a maximum win potential of 5,000 times the total bet. While this isn’t as high as some other high volatility slots, it still presents the opportunity for significant payouts, especially at higher bet levels.

Pros and Cons

Final Thoughts

Flying Hippo offers a unique and visually appealing slot experience with its whimsical theme and innovative features. The cascading reels, progressive wild multipliers, and Colossal Wilds create an engaging gameplay loop that can lead to exciting wins.

However, the game’s low RTP and lack of a dedicated bonus round or free spins feature may deter some players. The high volatility also means that while big wins are possible, they may be less frequent, which could be frustrating for players who prefer more consistent payouts.

Overall, Flying Hippo is best suited for players who appreciate innovative mechanics and are willing to trade a lower RTP for the potential of substantial wins through the game’s unique features. It’s a slot that rewards patience and those who enjoy the thrill of high volatility gameplay.