KokeshiPop Slot Review – AvatarUX
It has been around a month since I last checked in with the studio Avatar UX. The provider is best known for the creation of the innovative Pop Wins mechanic, which has been used within a long list of games already. This list includes ‘PapayaPop‘, ‘PiggyPop‘ and ‘MonkeyPop‘ as just some of the best-known releases. All this success has resulted in Avatar UX being an award-winner in the Game Innovation Category at SBC Awards 2021 and Slot Supplier Rising Star at the EGR Awards in 2022. Today we are learning about the next game part of the Pop wins collection. Titled ‘KokeshiPop’, which is available to play now!
We have a new addition to the popular PopWins slot collection, the mechanic can really transform a slots gameplay and boosts the volatility on offer. With now 15 games part of this collection I do wonder when we will see other studios using this mechanic within their own creations. Similar to how Big Time Gaming has licensed Megaways over the years to a number of different studios.
Instead of the colourful galaxies featured in ‘CritterPop‘ we are taken to a beautiful Japenese landscape. With similarities to ‘MonkeyPop‘, using a unique colour palette and beautifully crafted artwork. The game background shows a simplistic landscape, with a lack of details to grab your attention. I imagined there would be Asian inspired structures or more depth to the landscape. Most of the focus can be seen on the reel set, within the reel border and symbol design. The reel border features a distinctive roof design and a lantern on the left side with a small glow. When the Free Spins feature is triggered the visuals are completely transformed. With the background now in darkness and flames floating and some floating around the screen. All animations match the game perfectly and gameplay runs smoothly. AvatarUX have once again impressed within their visual attention and know how to make a slot enjoyable to spin.
KokeshiPop has a classic setup of 5 reels by 3+ rows; this includes 486 to 19,208 set pay lines. This slot is high variance with a set RTP of 96.09% and a max win capped at 10,000x. You can bet from £0.20 to £50.
KokeshiPop Pay Table & Symbols
There are 14 symbols in total; this includes 5 low-paying symbols. These are represented by 10, J, Q, K and A. There are also 6 premium symbols; these are represented by Vases, Katanas, Masks, Blue, Orange, Red and Golden dressed characters. In addition to these regular symbols is a Wild Symbol and Bonus Scatter. The highest paying symbol is the Golden Dressed character premium, which pays 5x for 5 across a pay line. Wilds substitute for all regular symbols and only appears during Free Spins features.
Each winning symbol pops and is replaced by 2 new symbols. This will also increase the reel height; this is repeated as long as more wins occur on the spin. Reels can reach up to 6 symbols high in the base game and 7 symbols during Free Spins.
KokeshiPop Features
During base game spins, unlocking reels will award a random multiplier of 5x, 10x or 20x. This multiplier will double on each subsequent win and resets between spins. If all reels are unlocked, all symbols on the reels drop and are replaced with new symbols.
Landing 3 or more scatters during a base game spin will trigger the Free Spins feature. 3, 4 or 5 scatters will award 5, 8 or 12 Free Spins. All reels will begin at 4 symbols high and can increase to 7 symbols tall; the reel progress is fully reset between each Free Spin. Before spins begin, you have the option to spin the Gamble Wheel, with the chance to win more Free Spins. There are 3 gamble stages, the first Gamble can award 8 Free Spins, and the second Gamble can award 12 Free Spins. Which stage you start on will depend on how many scatters are awarded on the initial trigger.
Losing this Gamble will result in losing the Free Spins feature and returning to the base game empty-handed. This feature can also be purchased for 60x or 240x. 60x awards 5 Free Spins and 240x awards 12 Free Spins & all reels fully expanded. With the option to Gamble.
Free Spins begin with a 1x multiplier; landing symbol wins will double the multiplier subsequently. Fully unlocking reels will award the Kokeshi Multiplier. The existing multiplier is multiplied by a random multiplier of 5x, 10x or 20x. This multiplier will double on each subsequent win. During unlock, all symbols are replaced with a new symbol set across all reels. Unlocking reels will award 2 additional Free Spins too!
Conclusion
Visually I see some similarities to ‘MonkeyPop‘ with the art work style but nothing identical at all. More I think the artwork is inspired by this previous release. The slot background could have shown so much more relating to the theme choice, but there is nothing wrong with it being minimalistic. Symbols show off vibrant colours, with adorable characters and theme related items. Animations within the flames are beautifully made, along with the multiplier spin with the lanterns. The whole game plays so smoothly and a work of art to watch as you play.
There are a lot of different mechanics and features within this game in both the base game and Free Spins. Within the base game spins unlocking reels can award a multiplier of 5x, 10x or 20x. This multiplier is spun on screen which keeps the players attention very well. The animation of these reels unlocking keeps the gameplay entertaining along with the PopWins mechanic always active for all symbols wins. The base game is a fun part of the slot in itself, so you are not dependent on the main Free Spins feature to have fun while spinning.
The Free Spins feature grants reels being able to expand to 7 symbols high instead of 6 in the base game. With the hope of consecutive spins occurring on each Free Spin, to unlock reels for the chance at the multipliers and the opportunity for more symbol space being available. Plus an active multiplier which will double subsequently, this can reach an incredible number with no maximum number. For bonus buy lovers there are 3 different options to suit all play styles. With the standard buy, a more valuable high volatility buy and the chance to gamble for more spins while spending less. This slot is perfect for any players who love high volatility and an enjoyable gameplay experience. Be sure to try out the game for yourself and check out our exclusive casino offers.
