Blademaster: Slot Overview
“Blademaster,” developed by the emerging provider Backseat Gaming from Hacksaw Gaming buds, is a fantasy-themed slot game with a focus on combat. It’s one of the four games created by this new provider at the time of writing. The game is set in a fantasy world, reminiscent of popular franchises like Warhammer and World of Warcraft, and should appeal to fans of fantasy gaming or those intrigued by an orc-themed slot experience.
The game is designed with a 5×5 reel layout and features 19 paylines. Players form winning combinations by matching symbols from left to right, starting from the leftmost side of the grid. Blademaster is built on a medium volatility math model, rated 3 out of 5, and offers a return to player (RTP) percentage of 96.29%. Bets range from 10 cents to $/€100 per spin, with a bonus buy option available for those who prefer to skip straight to the bonus features.
In terms of symbols, Blademaster uses card ranks from 10 through Ace as its low-paying symbols, designed to resemble metal on wood. The high-paying symbols consist of four orcish characters. Landing five matching royals pays out 1 times the bet, while the high-pay symbols can yield 10 to 15 times the bet. Additionally, wild symbols offer even higher rewards, paying out 20 times the bet for five of a kind. These wilds are present on all reels and can substitute for any regular pay symbol.
Blademaster’s theme, set in a mountain village inhabited by orcs, adds a unique flavor to the game. The absence of humans in conflict with orcs offers a fresh perspective in the fantasy slot genre. Overall, Blademaster combines a compelling fantasy theme with engaging gameplay, making it an attractive option for both slot enthusiasts and fantasy game fans.
Blademaster: Slot Features
In “Blademaster,” players are engaged with features like the Blademaster feature, free spins accompanied by a global multiplier, and a buy bonus option, each adding depth to the gaming experience.
Blademaster Feature: This feature activates randomly in both the base game and during free spins. When it triggers, between 2 to 5 wild multipliers appear on the reels, with a maximum of one per reel. In the base game, these multipliers can be x2, x3, x4, x5, or x10. During free spins, the total of the wild multipliers equals the Global Multiplier’s value. These wild multipliers enhance any winning combinations they’re part of. If a win includes multiple wild multipliers, their values are multiplied together before being applied to the win.
Free Spins: Landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols simultaneously in the base game awards 10, 12, or 14 free spins, respectively. During these spins, landing blue flags increases the Global Multiplier by +2, +3, +4, +5, or +10. The Global Multiplier starts at x2 and can grow up to x50. In each free spin, a wild multiplier equal to the Global Multiplier appears on a random reel, unless the Blademaster feature is active. If the Blademaster feature triggers, the Global Multiplier is distributed into 2 to 5 wild multipliers, their combined value matching the Global Multiplier. Additionally, getting 3 scatter symbols during free spins grants an extra 5 free spins.
Buy Bonus: For players eager to jump straight to the action, there’s an option to buy into the free spins round for 100 times the bet. Opting for this feature slightly increases the RTP to 96.3%.
“Blademaster” thus offers an immersive experience with its unique features, providing players with multiple ways to amplify their winnings and enjoy the fantasy-themed slot game.
Blademaster: Slot Verdict
Backseat Gaming has shown a commendable willingness to explore diverse themes in their slot games, moving fluidly from one concept to another without heavily relying on common clichés. Their portfolio ranges from the quirky “Sleepy Grandpa” to the serpent-themed “Lord Venom,” and now to the fantasy world of orcs with “Blademaster.” This versatility in theme selection is a notable strength of the studio, showing their openness to creative risks and variety.
However, when it comes to features and gameplay, Backseat Gaming’s offerings have not yet made a significant mark in the wider context of slot games. While they have made efforts to provide varied gaming experiences, the features in games like “Blademaster” have not been particularly groundbreaking or distinct, especially when compared to the overshadowing presence of Hacksaw Gaming.
In “Blademaster,” for instance, the base game can feel somewhat monotonous and repetitive. The Blademaster feature, while technically present in the main game, was infrequent during the review period. Perhaps incorporating something like Hacksaw Gaming’s FeatureSpins could have enhanced the engagement level. Additionally, the frequency of triggering free spins naturally seemed to be low, potentially leading to long wait times for players.
Despite this, the game does have its moments of excitement. A noteworthy instance in the base game was a near 1,000x hit, showcasing the potential for sudden high payouts. This instance made the game’s maximum win of 13,000x the bet seem more achievable.
Overall, reviewing “Blademaster” was a mixed experience, starting on a high note, experiencing a lull, but ultimately concluding satisfactorily. While the game does offer moments of drama and excitement, and Backseat Gaming deserves credit for their adventurous theme choices, players might need patience to experience the game’s more thrilling aspects.