The chilly allure of the Arctic has inspired a range of interesting slot games that mirror a world of ice and adventure to players. These games often feature stunning visuals, unique mechanics, and exciting gameplay, making them very entertaining for those seeking a frosty experience as the colder months of autumn and winter arrive.
Titles such as Frozen Gems, Arctic Valor, and Penguin City are considered some of the best Arctic-themed titles in the online slots UK community. This article will explore the mentioned titles and describe how each game resembles the nature of Arctic settings, alongside the differing symbols and bonuses in play and the aesthetic graphics that appeal to slot enthusiasts and casual players alike.
Frozen Gems
Released by Play’N Go in 2020, Frozen Gems is a video slot machine that offers up to 243 ways to land symbol combinations by default. Bonus features like the splitting scatters could raise the pay line count, offering 8748 ways to land winning combinations across 5 reels. This dynamic slot game is set amid a frosty, rocky Arctic background while snow falls from the sky, and a gentle yet esoteric tune accompanies it. The gameplay table has somewhat of a grand appeal as the top border is bright gold, and each symbol is presented prestigiously, from classic playing card symbols to the different coloured gems.
The game incorporates frozen bonus symbols positioned at the top of the reels, which, when unfrozen, unleash special effects on the reels below. A persistent multiplier increases by 1 with each successive combination; this applies to all combinations, resulting in cascades that create further opportunities to match symbols but are reset after every spin. Among the bonus symbols are two x2 splitting scatters and either two bonus wilds combined with one x3 splitting scatter or one bonus wild paired with two x3 splitting scatters. Their appearance on the reels is randomised with each spin.
These effects may be activated should a player land three matching symbols or scatter symbols on the corresponding reel to unfreeze the bonus symbols. The bonus wilds could transform all other symbols into wilds. The splitting scatters expand symbols into two or three segments, therefore increasing the number of potential winning combinations across the rows and reels. While wilds appear on the standard reels, scatters are excluded from this mechanic. Landing three scatters activates the frozen spins feature, granting an initial set of 9 free spins, with each additional scatter providing an extra spin during this bonus. Achieving three scatters at the start results in a 5x bet return, with each additional scatter also contributing another 5x bet return. It is important to note that successfully landing scatters are not affected by the multiplier, which is instead carried over into the free spins and continues to build progressively.
Arctic Valor
Together with a relatively new American company named Crazy Tooth Studio, Microgaming developed Arctic Valor, blending a majestic mythology aspect with the wonder of the Arctic. The grid encompasses a 6×4 grid set amid an enclosed Arctic temple with shimmering icicles forming from the roof, creating a stunning visual experience. Arctic Valor has an RTP of 96.7% with medium volatility representing the 4096 paylines embedded within the game.
In the main gameplay of Arctic Valor, the icicle feature adds an interactive twist. With each spin, one or more icicles cascade onto the reels, which could reach heights of up to three symbols on each reel. Players are then invited to click on the icicles, revealing a range of different outcomes or wild symbols. This feature, while activating frequently, also adds an element of anticipation to the game.
When three or more scatter symbols appear anywhere on the reels, the Arctic Valor bonus is triggered, offering a total of seven free spins. During this bonus round, the icicle feature activates on every spin, delivering wild symbols consistently. Additionally, a set of Valkyrie symbols, which could also reach three symbols high, is introduced. When these Valkyrie symbols land on the reels, the icicles will specifically target them, adding to the immersive features of the bonus.
Cool Jewels
This online slot game from WMS focuses on a unique match-style mechanic. Unlike traditional slots, it features a 6×6 grid layout where symbols fall into place rather than using the classic spinning reels. An icy backdrop represents the Arctic theme for Cool Jewels, and other cold-themed and retro-style symbols that reflect its cool, gem-like aesthetic are visible on the game table and surrounding view.
The cascading reels feature in this title causes any combination of four adjacent symbols, either horizontally or diagonally, to explode, clearing space on the grid and allowing new symbols to fall into place from above. This mechanism provides ongoing chances for sequences of successful outcomes as the cascade continues.
Several types of wild symbols exist in Cool Jewels, such as Shocking Wild, Unstable Wild, Shattering Wild, and Persisting Wild. Each type serves a specific function, which activates when three of the same wild symbols appear in play. These wilds also have the potential to merge to create a stronger wild symbol, which activates further features. The game also includes a free spin bonus, which could be activated when bonus symbols appear in conjunction with wilds, which will then explode. Destroying four Cool Jewels logo symbols grants five bonus spins, while eliminating up to seven symbols could result in up to 20 free spins. These free rounds could also be retriggered, enabling the feature to continue during bonus play.
Summary and Responsible Gambling
These Arctic-themed slot games each present distinctive gameplay elements and immersive visuals that reflect the icy landscapes they are based on. From cascading reels and dynamic bonus rounds to unique symbols and features, these slots echo the nature of the Arctic in an entertaining manner to appeal to their audiences.
While playing, it’s essential to engage responsibly to ensure the entertainment remains enjoyable and within personal control.