Initially, the game unfolds on a standard 5×3 grid, providing 243 ways to win. However, when those flaming skull wilds enter, the game transforms, expanding the grid to a whopping 5×6 setup with a staggering 1,944 paylines. Betting options range from a modest 10p to an adrenaline-pumping £100 per spin, catering to players of various preferences. Yet, the pièce de résistance remains the flaming free spins feature.
The Flaming Skull wild symbol catalyzes respins, dynamically elevating the paylines from 243 to a jaw-dropping 1,944. Furthermore, landing the treasure chest scatters during respins furthers the grid. Skulls UP! online pokie boasts distinctive mechanics distinguishing it from the sea of generic pirate-themed pokies in the iGaming world.
Skulls UP! Game Features: Prepare for High Seas Adventure
Whether you embark on your Skulls UP! journey for free or with real money at stake, be prepared for a high-volatility ride. Winning streaks may be sparse initially, but the game’s respectable 96.62% RTP ensures that wins eventually come your way.
Bonus Features: Unveiling the Wild World of Skulls UP!
Within the game, you’ll encounter two types of wild symbols. The non-flaming skull wild serves as the regular wild symbol, while the flaming skull wild symbol triggers the coveted respins feature. These respins persist as long as at least one flaming wild skull graces the reels, making it impossible to predict how many extra spins you’ll be granted each time. To add to the excitement, any regular wild or flaming wild that lands increases the number of rows, potentially escalating from the initial 3 to an astonishing 6 and augmenting the ways to win from 243 to 1,944. Remember that flaming wilds revert to regular wilds after one respin, requiring you to secure new ones to keep the action alive.
Free Spins: Unlocking the Treasure Chest
The treasure chest represents the game’s scatter symbol, which is your key to unlocking the coveted free spins feature. Landing three scatters on a single spin instantly rewards you with 6 free spins. Flaming wilds expand the grid and paylines during these free spins, mirroring the base game’s dynamics. All unlocked extra rows and pay lines remain accessible throughout the free spins feature. This means that the initial 6 free spins, which may seem limited at first glance, can potentially yield far more spins than you might initially anticipate.
Game Symbols: Unraveling the Pirate’s Bounty
In Skulls UP!, the game’s symbols are meticulously designed to immerse you further into the pirate theme. Low-value symbols take the form of gleaming gold coins, while the highest-paying symbol features the female pirate captain and her loyal crew of two. You’ll also encounter a mischievous monkey and a colorful parrot, each requiring a minimum of 3 matching symbols on a payline to secure a win.
Even the lower-paying symbols have been thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the overall pirate theme, resembling coins one might unearth from a treasure chest. As detailed in the paytable below, the high-paying character symbols also bear intriguing names. Notably, the parrot goes by the name Biscuit, the monkey is known as Wrench, and the trio of pirates includes Smelly, Biggie, and No-Beard.
Wild and Scatter Symbols: Symbols of Adventure
The wild symbol takes the form of a menacing skull, while the scatter symbol is an alluring chest. Collectively, these symbols contribute to the immersive and captivating pirate theme that Skulls UP! masterfully encapsulates.
Skulls UP! Review Summary: A Pirate’s Delight
Skulls UP! is an aesthetically pleasing game characterized by vibrant, whimsical graphics and engaging animations, a hallmark of Quickspin’s design expertise. The game’s bonus features strike a harmonious balance, with the fiery wild respins injecting excitement into the base game, all while building anticipation for the main attraction. While some players might wish for a slightly higher potential, it hardly detracts from the overall gaming experience.
One standout aspect of Skulls UP! is its innovative and unique bonuses, particularly the expanded upper reels during respins and free spins. However, even the base game’s 243 paylines offer substantial winning opportunities despite the game’s high volatility. If you seek a visually stunning game that weaves an immersive storyline, Skulls UP! is a must-try adventure on the high seas of iGaming.