Rabbit in the Hat 2: Slot Overview
The original “Rabbit in the Hat” slot, launched by Games Global (formerly Microgaming) in 2015, captivated players with a unique feature where wild symbols activated various magic hats, each revealing different game features. Fast forward to the beginning of 2024, and “Rabbit in the Hat 2” makes its debut, crafted by Slingshot Studios under the auspices of Games Global. This sequel continues to enchant with its array of magical hat features, alongside additions like jackpots and free spins, ensuring that the magic of the original game not only persists but is enhanced.
The game setting transports players to an intimately draped room, evoking the ambiance of a cozy, theatrical environment where the stage is set for gameplay. The stage itself houses the gaming grid, establishing a performance-like feel to the spinning reels. Dominating the scene, a magician takes his place to the right of the screen, with his glamorous assistant, characterized by her prominent features and dynamic animations, positioned to the left. Their lively movements and roving eyes add a layer of interactive entertainment, complemented by an upbeat, oompah-style soundtrack that sets the rhythm for “Rabbit in the Hat 2.”
The visual presentation boasts a cool, retro vibe, drawing comparisons to beloved point-and-click adventure games such as “Sam and Max.” This aesthetic choice infuses the game with a vibrant, exaggerated art style that not only engages players but also stirs a sense of whimsy and nostalgia. The charm of this artistic direction lies in its ability to merge the whimsical nature of magic with the interactive fun of slot gameplay, creating an experience that is both visually appealing and engagingly nostalgic.
In “Rabbit in the Hat 2,” players can set their stakes by clicking the three lines icon located above the spin button, with options ranging from a minimum of 20 cents to a maximum of $/€20 per spin. This sequel introduces a higher level of volatility compared to its more moderately volatile predecessor, and it offers various Return to Player (RTP) models, with the default set at 96.08%. The game unfolds on a 5-reel, 3-row layout, providing 20 paylines for players to form winning combinations of three or more matching symbols, starting from the leftmost reel.
The paytable begins with the lower-value symbols, the 9 to A card royals, which deliver wins of 1 to 2 times the bet for securing a 5-of-a-kind (5 OAK) combination. The higher-value symbols include magical elements such as cards, wands, locked boxes, chests, the show’s female presenter, and the magician himself, with payouts ranging from 5 to 10 times the bet for a 5 OAK win. The wild symbol, represented by a bunny in a hat, appears across all reels and is pivotal in the game’s dynamics. Wilds offer up to 50 times the bet for a line of five and can substitute for any regular pay symbol, enhancing the potential for lucrative wins.
Rabbit in the Hat 2: Slot Features
In “Rabbit in the Hat 2,” wilds play a pivotal role not only as substitutes for regular pay symbols but also in activating the Hat Feature, which introduces a variety of effects. Additionally, players can look forward to free spins, the Upsizer feature, and a bonus buy option.
Hat Feature During the base game, between one and five different types of hats may randomly materialize above the reels. Securing a wild symbol beneath a hat bestows the corresponding prize, with the possibility of claiming multiple rewards in a single spin. Each hat shifts one reel to the left with every spin, and those that reach the first reel without triggering a prize are removed in the subsequent spin. Scatter symbols or specific hat positions are retained according to the bet amount placed. The hats can trigger several modifiers:
- Extra Scatter Hat: Delivers an additional scatter symbol, held until two or more scatters appear and activate free spins.
- Wild Multiplier Hat: Grants wild multipliers of x2, x3, or x5.
- Wild Reel Hat: Transforms an entire reel into wilds.
- Walking Wild Reel Hat: Creates a walking wild reel that moves one reel to the left each spin.
- Collection Prize Hat: In the base game, awards Mini or Minor letters, and during Collection Prize Free Spins, it can award Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand letters.
Collection Prize The collection prizes are valued at 15x (Mini), 50x (Minor), 250x (Major), and 2,500x (Grand) the bet. Completing a set of letters for any prize awards its value. The Major or Grand prize can randomly be won in the base game upon collecting all necessary letters, while Mini or Minor prizes are available both in the base game and free spins. Letters gathered during free spins carry over to the base game, and collections are specific to the bet amount.
Free Spins Achieving three or more scatters activates free spins, with 4 or 5 scatters additionally awarding 10x or 50x the bet, respectively. At the onset of free spins, hats are positioned above each reel, and a new hat is added above the rightmost reel on each spin. The Free Spins Feature Wheel determines one of four possible free spins features upon activation, each capable of retriggering:
- 20 free spins with the Collection Prize feature.
- 10 free spins with Walking Wild Reels.
- 10 free spins with Wild Reels.
- 10 free spins with Wild Multipliers.
After engaging the Free Spins Wheel, players may opt to enhance their feature via the Upsizer. Moreover, the Bonus Recharge feature allows for the purchase of an extra spin at the end of the free spins round at a specified cost. Lastly, direct access to the free spins phase is available for 50 times the bet.
Rabbit in the Hat 2: Slot Verdict
The release of “Rabbit in the Hat 2” years after the original is somewhat unexpected, yet it doesn’t draw significant criticism. The sequel offers its own set of enchantments, providing an entertaining magic-themed experience reminiscent of a night out at the theater. Its charm, evoking the whimsical vibe of Roger and Jessica Rabbit cartoons, makes it worth a few exploratory spins to uncover the magic it holds.
In the base game, the appearance of hats above the reels is less frequent compared to the free spins round, but they do add an element of surprise and opportunity with the potential modifiers they trigger when a wild lands underneath. The free spins round introduces a hierarchy of features, with Wild Multipliers, Wild Reels, Walking Wild Reels, and the Collection Prize feature ascending in value according to the Upsizer menu’s pricing. The Collection Prize feature, presumably the most costly due to its potential for a 2,500x Grand prize win and the tantalizing possibility of €/$200,000 in max exposure, suggests that higher multipliers could indeed be within reach.
While it’s debatable whether there was a clamor for a sequel to “Rabbit in the Hat,” Slingshot Studios has answered any such calls with a contemporary take on the theme. “Rabbit in the Hat 2” may not set the gaming world ablaze with groundbreaking illusions, yet it demonstrates a capacity for occasional surprises and a touch of magic that could captivate players looking for a light-hearted and engaging slot experience.