Slot Review for The Border

Plot and Storyline

The Border Slot revolves around the security of the US-Mexico border, with players finding themselves in the darkness of the night, facing a daunting metal wall and encountering various colorful characters and animals living between two countries. The grim storyline of The Border may not appeal to everyone, but for those seeking borderland fantasy themes, this slot offers a thrilling narrative.

Design, Sound and Animation

The Border's soundtrack is laden with tension and gentle guitar notes that nod towards the Southern side of the border. Upon spinning, the music becomes more mournful, adding to the sense of hopelessness in the setting. The reels showcase a pistol-wielding lawman, a Latin heroine with a rose in her hair, a soldier, as well as American and Mexican mobsters. The variety of desert creatures among the symbols includes a scorpion, a vulture, and a snake. The stunning yet menacing animals contribute to the sense of danger in this high-stakes setting. The animations and music create a sinister, intimidating vision of life at the US-Mexico border.

Gameplay Review

The Border is a six-reel, six-row slot that awards wins for landing at least five matching symbols vertically or horizontally. When winning combinations have paid out, the symbols vanish, allowing new symbols to fill their place. The highest payout on The Border is 44,288 times the total bet of players.

Wilds, Bonuses, and Free Spins

The Wild symbol substitutes for all symbols except the Scatter symbol. The xWays symbols can turn into regular paying symbols 2x or 4x the size of a single symbol, and if players land multiple xWays symbols, they will all transform into matching symbols. The xSplit symbols appear on reels 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and divide all symbols to its left and doubles symbol sizes. The xSplit symbol turns into a Wild. The xNudge Cluster Wild symbol nudges either up or down if it is part of a winning combination. A win multiplier increases for each symbol it moves. The xBomb Wild symbol substitutes for all symbols except the Scatter symbol. Upon exploding, it destroys its adjacent symbols, with the exception of Wilds and Scatters. A win multiplier increases by +1 for each xBomb Wild collapse. The xCluster feature is triggered when players achieve a cascade with at least two unique symbol clusters, increasing a win multiplier by +1 for every unique symbol cluster. The Mule Spins feature is initiated with 6 Scatters, starting with 10 free spins, including special features. If players land an additional Scatter, the feature upgrades to Coyote Spins. Landing 7 or more Scatters triggers the Coyote Spins feature, starting with 12 free spins, enhanced special features, and 2 additional free spins per symbol for any additional Scatters landed. The Boosted xRIP feature can increase the bet of players, guaranteeing a Scatter symbol will appear on the first reel.

Stake Sizes, RTP, and Volatility

The game has an average RTP of 96.17%, which, at around 96%, is an average standard. The betting range for The Border is between a minimum bet per spin of $/£/€0.20 and a maximum of $/£/€100 per spin. With high volatility, The Border is an ideal game for slot machine strategies that aim for the highest possible volatility.

Conclusion

The Border is a game recommended for mathematically-inclined players with an average RTP and high volatility. The wide range of bonus features adds extra appeal to this gritty slot that might not be suitable for everyone.