A desert setting is nothing new for a slot game, but Apex Strike Lucky Cache from Iron Dog Studios manages to bring a fresh spin to this theme with some interesting mechanics. The game feels like it's taking the usual desert slot and adding a bit more to the mix. The backdrop features rocky landscapes and desert wildlife, and the 5-reel, 30-payline setup might seem pretty familiar. But once you get started, you'll realise there's more to this game than meets the eye.
You can place a bet between 0.20 and 50.00 per spin, so it covers a nice range of players. But where it really gets interesting is with the mechanics. The game has a Hold and Win feature that adds some strategy to the usual slot play. Instead of just hoping for the right symbols, you’ll have to make some decisions about what to hold, which can affect your potential rewards. The added rows mechanic also keeps things fresh by giving you more chances to potentially hit those bonus symbols and trigger more bonuses.
The lower-paying symbols here are the usual suspects — cards 10, J, Q, K, and A. Nothing too fancy, but they do the job and help keep the game moving along with smaller payouts for those five-of-a-kind wins.
The higher-paying symbols bring the theme to life a little more with animals like eagles, lions, and raccoons. These aren’t just regular animals; they’ve been designed with some detail, giving them a realistic look that adds a bit of flair to the game. Then there’s the Wild symbol, which shows up as a treasure chest and substitutes for regular symbols. It’s not one you’ll see all the time, which makes its appearance feel a bit more special when it does land.
One of the biggest features here is the Hold and Win mechanic. This one’s activated when you land enough bonus symbols, and here’s where the strategy kicks in. You get to hold onto symbols that you think will give you the best chance of big rewards, while extra rows open up to give you more opportunities to land bonus symbols.
Then there’s the Coin Shower mechanic. It’s a bit of a wild card because it doesn’t follow a set pattern. You won’t know when it’s going to trigger, and the amount of rewards it gives you is always calculated dynamically.
If you like free spins, there’s a Free Spins feature too. You trigger this by landing Scatter symbols, and the more Scatters you land, the more free spins you get. It’s straightforward, but that’s what makes it satisfying.
For those who like to tweak their gameplay a bit, there’s an Ante Bet feature that lets you increase your stake in exchange for a better chance of triggering the bonus features. It’s not a guaranteed way to win, but it gives you a bit more control over how you want to play.
Apex Strike Lucky Cache is a blend of the traditional and the strategic. The Hold and Win feature gives you something to think about while you spin, while the Coin Shower keeps you on your toes. Throw in the free spins and the ability to adjust your stake, and you’ve got a game that keeps you constantly thinking about your next move.
If you enjoy this game, why not try some others at bwin like Eagle Strike, Rock the Reels Megaways and Dwarven Gems Megaways.