Rogue Rats of Nitropolis: Slot Overview
The sequel in ELK Studios’ Battle of Nitropolis series, “Rogue Rats of Nitropolis,” takes the stage with the toothy rodents leading the fray. If you’re just catching up, ELK Studios has embarked on an ambitious project, releasing four slots each dedicated to the clans of Nitropolis—Gritty Kitties, Rogue Rats, Dirty Dawgs, and Pug Thugs—before bringing it all together with the release of Nitropolis 5. The backdrop is set after the clans have been expelled from Nitropolis by Sergeant Nitro Wild, now honing their skills in their respective domains for an ultimate showdown.
The narrative for the Rogue Rats unfolds in a desert wasteland, a stark contrast to Nitropolis’s congested urban chaos. Here, the gameplay diverges from traditional slots; instead of a conventional grid, the rat navigates an endless expanse, collecting symbols, coins, causing explosions, and accumulating Nitro Fuel. This departure from the established Nitropolis formula, known for its Nito Reels and the vast number of winning ways, may come as a surprise. Yet, “Rogue Rats of Nitropolis” isn’t merely a detour but a refreshing and equally engaging exploration of Nitropolis’s lore, offering a novel perspective through the eyes of the rat clan.
In “Rogue Rats of Nitropolis,” the gameplay revolves around a rat navigating the map in one of four differently colored vehicles, each capable of collecting only the pay symbols matching its color. The twist comes when the rat switches vehicles mid-round, altering the collectible symbol colors. Initially, the rat operates within a 5×5 grid, but its field of vision—and thereby the gameplay area—can expand, guiding its movements based on visible symbols.
The game features four types of pay symbols, each starting with a value between 0.05 and 0.2 times the bet, which can escalate to between 1 and 5 times the bet at their peak value. The rat accumulates these symbols by moving adjacent to them, either horizontally or vertically. Encountering a cluster of differently colored payout symbols than its vehicle can prompt the rat to change its course. Moreover, the rat can gather coins that multiply the bet value.
A game round kicks off with the rat in a randomly selected vehicle, equipped with a certain amount of fuel. Each move depletes fuel, but acquiring payout symbols or hitting target feature symbols replenishes it. Achieving a full fuel gauge triggers a Nitro Fuel Boost, granting unlimited fuel until the next coin is collected. The round concludes when fuel is depleted without further collections or bonuses pending. “Rogue Rats of Nitropolis” is noted for its high volatility and a return to player (RTP) rate of 94%, consistent across all modes of play. Bets range from 20 cents to $/€100 per round.
Rogue Rats of Nitropolis: Slot Features
In “Rogue Rats of Nitropolis,” the rat navigates the wasteland in one of four different colored vehicles, collecting pay symbols matching the vehicle’s color. The game’s dynamics allow the rat to switch vehicles and, consequently, the color of collectible symbols during a round. Initially confined to a 5×5 grid, the rat’s field of vision—and thus the play area—can expand, with the visible area influencing its movement direction.
Pay symbols, pivotal to the game’s mechanics, can be upgraded across levels, with their value ranging from 0.05 to 0.2 times the bet at the lowest level and 1 to 5 times the bet at the highest. The rat collects symbols adjacent to its path and can change direction when encountering clusters of differently colored symbols. Coins collected along the way enhance payouts with multipliers.
Each game round begins with a randomly selected vehicle and a finite fuel supply, with movement consuming fuel. Collecting symbols and engaging with feature symbols can replenish fuel. Achieving a full fuel gauge triggers a Nitro Fuel Boost, granting unlimited fuel temporarily until the next coin collection. The round ends when fuel is depleted without the possibility of collection or pending bonuses. “Rogue Rats of Nitropolis” is known for its high volatility and a return to player (RTP) rate of 94%. Bets range from 20 cents to $/€100 per round.
The game also features a variety of symbols that introduce additional gameplay elements, such as Nitro Multiplier, which enhances coin and symbol payouts, and diverse feature symbols that upgrade payouts, change vehicles, and refill fuel. The inclusion of a bonus game, triggered by collecting scatter symbols, adds depth to the game with free spins that can start with a Nitro Fuel Boost. The X-iter bonus buys offer tailored gameplay experiences, ranging from enhanced chances of triggering bonus games to spins with increased starting fuel or visibility, alongside options to purchase regular or super bonus rounds directly.
Rogue Rats of Nitropolis: Slot Verdict
Following the review of Gritty Kitty, there was an anticipation that the slots leading up to Nitropolis 5 would bear resemblance to each other, featuring Nitro Reels, an increased number of ways to win, and innovative extras for a typical Nitropolis experience. However, ELK Studios shattered these expectations almost instantly with the release of Rogue Rats of Nitropolis, presenting a game that diverges significantly in its gameplay. While there are slight nods to the Pirots series, Jeff & Scully, and perhaps a hint of Push Gaming’s Mad Cars, Rogue Rats of Nitropolis stands distinct, bringing a fresh dynamic to the Nitropolis series without feeling derivative.
A key aspect of gameplay is the rat’s collection of symbols matching the color of its vehicle, a mechanic that, once understood, clarifies the game’s strategy and enhances enjoyment. Watching the rat navigate the map, causing destruction, consuming fuel, and accruing symbols and coins offers a unique and engaging experience. The game strikes a balance between the complexity of Pirots 2 and its own brand of chaos, enriched by a soundtrack that blends influences from Northlane and Skrillex, adding to the game’s high-energy atmosphere.
ELK Studios deserves commendation for Rogue Rats of Nitropolis; it defies expectations in the best possible way. It’s acknowledged that this game might not appeal to everyone, given its departure from traditional slot formats. Yet, it retains the capacity to frustrate or reward like any slot, with potential wins up to 25,000x the bet. This game underscores ELK Studios’ reputation as a bold innovator, delivering a uniquely entertaining slot experience.