Aftershock is a classic slot coming to us from the distant year of 2014. Initially devised by WMS, it is currently part of Scientific Games’ (SG) lineup.

This isn’t a game that will use its graphics to woo you. It doesn’t have eye-catching special features. But the bonuses it offers are incredibly profitable and will keep you coming back for more. Randomly triggered free spins, with multipliers reaching up to 6x? Sign us right up!

Introduction, including RTP and variance

Aftershock is played on a 3×3 board with 5 fixed paylines. Much more straightforward than the usual 5×3 playing field we are used to nowadays, and with far fewer win lines. At least it means any cash prizes you win are quite easy to track. Collect three identical symbols from left to right, following one of five active paylines.

The theoretical payout (RTP) for this SG release is 96.06%, which is pretty decent.

Our educated guess would place it as a medium volatility game.

Gameplay and Pay Table

While modern classic slots have gone a long way to fix the problems we had with physical machines, it’s not perfect. One of them is the inability to let go of the non-existent themes and boring symbol designs. Yes, the number seven and bar symbols are both quite cool. No, we don’t want several repeats of them in different colours.

If nothing else, at least the various Wilds stand out. Standard Wilds are just the word Wild spelt out over a black background. But the Double and Triple Aftershock Wilds are colourful and eye-catching. They incorporate the game’s logo in their design, which we like. Two Double Aftershock Wilds and one Triple Aftershock Wild is the most valuable winning combination, worth 2000x your total stake.

Bonus Features

Aftershock’s free spins round is randomly activated. Every wagered spin has a chance of granting up to seven extra turns. As a result, you cannot trigger more free spins while some are already playing. The real magic of free spins is two-fold. One, each spin is guaranteed to award a cash prize. And two, it gives you access to Double and Triple Aftershock Wilds.

Double Aftershock Wilds appear on the first and third reel, while Triple Aftershock Wilds only appear on the second one. They come with a 2x and 3x multiplier, respectively. These multipliers can combine: two Double Aftershock Wilds create a 4x multiplier. In the same way, a Double and Triple Aftershock Wild together will create a 6x multiplier.

When Double or Triple Aftershock Wilds land during free spins, they trigger the Shocking Wilds bonus. The Wild that activated said the special feature will remain on the playing field until extra turns end. The triggering Wild will nudge back and forth along the paylines.

CasinoWizard’s verdict: 3 out of 5 stars

We’re going, to be honest, we didn’t expect this much depth from such simple bonuses! It’s just free spins and multipliers at first glance. But with guaranteed wins, combining multipliers and sticky Wilds? You’re in for an experience of a lifetime! The only downside of the bonus feature is that it can be somewhat difficult to trigger at times.

We had fun with Aftershock, but not because of its graphics. Considering it’s five years old at this point, we’re willing to forgive the small details. But the background image being phoned in is clear as day as are the super boring symbol designs, which are just lucky sevens with different colours.

We don’t know the official variance of SG’s release. Our guess places it in the medium volatility range. However, we do know the RTP is 96.06%. Average for today’s slots, but far above most three-reel games. Despite its flaws, Aftershock was incredibly fun to play. It’s deceptively simple at first glance, and uses its bonuses to reel you in! Give it a go; we know you’ll love it.

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