Nudge Runner is a classic Stakelogic slot that emulates old, physical machines in appearance.

A simplistic design shows off not one, but two sets of reels, set in a classy-looking bar complete with many drinks and an aquarium. However, unlike old games, this one stands out because it offers a few bonuses. Players will encounter an overlaid win symbol, reel nudges, and a chance at hitting the progressive jackpot.

Nudge Runner Jackpot introduction, including RTP and variance

The game is played on two 3×3 playing fields with 10 fixed paylines between them both. Gamblers can choose to have the left, right, or both boards active by changing the total bet settings.  Some gameplay elements and the background image are shared with Magic Wheel 4 Player. Pays are awarded for collecting three identical symbols in adjacent positions, starting with the leftmost reel.

The theoretical payout (RTP) for this title is 95.00%, which is below the average. Nudge Runner has low to medium volatility, so players will see lots of smaller, more frequent wins, with a very rare, but decently sized jackpot occasionally making an appearance.

Nudge Runner Jackpot gameplay and paytable

There is no split into lower or higher paying symbols. Instead, gamblers will find lemons, oranges, plums, watermelons, cherries, golden bells, bars, red lucky sevens, and a star. Most of these icons are the default for physical machines, adding to the air of authenticity StakeLogic is trying to create.

There are also no special symbols such as Wilds or Scatters.

Bonus Features

There are unique star symbols that appear overlaid on top of the lemon, orange, plum or golden bell symbols. Any combination of fruits and bells will reward the star prize, so long as a star sits on top of them all. These mixed star/fruit or star/bell icons can also complete pays with regular fruits or bell symbols.

If you bet eight euros for a single reel or sixteen euros for both, you can trigger Reel Nudges. The nudge feature is activated randomly, and will automatically nudge the reels up and down to help create a winning combination. Up to three reel nudges are awarded per spin.

Finally, every time players spin the reels, 0.5% of their total bet is added to the progressive jackpot. It is guaranteed to pay at least 500 euros, and the higher your total stake, the greater your chances of triggering the mystery jackpot.

CasinoWizard’s verdict: 2 out of 5 stars

The special features are different than what you will find in other slots, but we do not think not including Wilds, or free spins was the correct choice. Reel nudges are an interesting idea, but forcing the bonus behind a paywall is something we did not like.

It can net you some good wins, but it is not nearly as versatile as re-spins or a proper free spins bonus. The overlaid star symbol acts as a quasi-Wild. It does not substitute for other icons. Instead, it attaches itself to other symbols, so you can potentially win twice if the icons beneath the stars align.

The mystery jackpot is the only special feature that we feel can stand on its own. The other two suffer from the fact they are not as good as what they should be replacing.

Nudge Runner’s RTP is below the average compared to other games by the same developer. Visually, there is nothing too eye-catching here. The graphics are serviceable, but mechanical reel slot machines were never the prettiest thing, and since we have two reels instead of one, the symbols look even smaller and less eye-catching.

The low to medium volatility makes it a decent slot for newer gamblers to try the basics out.

Despite that, we would not recommend it to more casual players, as there is a big toll you have to pay if you want to be eligible for all the special features on offer.

The maximum win is worth 890x the total bet, which does not impress CasinoWizard all that much.

For the fruit machine purists only.

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