Overview
Prepare for an intergalactic adventure with Space Wars 2 Powerpoints, the highly anticipated sequel from renowned developer NetEnt. This visually stunning slot transports you to a vibrant corner of the galaxy, where an endearing cast of alien characters awaits across a dynamic 6-reel, 6-row grid. Moving away from traditional lines, wins are forged via innovative Cluster Pays, requiring three or more matching symbols in horizontal or vertical lines, which then tumble away for new chances. While the charming visuals are a testament to the original's quality, this high-octane slot truly shines with its High Volatility and a potential Max Win of 10,020x, appealing to players seeking thrilling, feature-rich grid gameplay.
Gameplay & Features
Better strap in for this section as there's a lot to cover, including Powerpoints, Column/Row Blasters, Zappers, Bombs, Wilds + Multiplier Wilds, Combos, Free Spins, and bonus buys.
• Powerpoints
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Whenwinning combinationsare formed,Powerpoints are generated. As Powerpoints are added to themeter, players attain higher levels, thereby increasing thewin multiplier.
• Column/Row Blaster
•
Scoring a4-symbol horizontal winning linein the base or bonus game awards aColumn Blaster symbol. Thisremoves all symbols except wilds or feature symbolsfrom the corresponding row andadds Powerpoints to the meter. The same thing happens when a 4 symbol vertical win hits, except this time, it's the applicable symbols in a reel which are removed.
• Zapper
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A5 or 6 symbol winin the base game produces a tile called aZapper. Zappersremove 1 to 4 types of symbolswhen triggered by a5-symbol matchor3 to 4 types of symbolswhen triggered by a6-symbol match. In free spins, Zappers are awarded when a 5, 6, 7, or 8 symbol match occurs.
• Bomb
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A specialBomb symbolis added to the grid for hitting a win consisting of vertical and horizontal matching symbols. Bombsexplodeafter wins are paid,removing themselves and all symbols around them,adding points to the Powerpoints meter. If the Bomb affects a Multiplier Wild, itmultiplies the number of awarded Powerpoints.
• Wild + Multiplier Wild
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A3 symbol matchin the base or bonus game has awild symbol placed in one of the empty positions. In free spins, these added wilds may also possess amultiplierof x2, x3, x4, x5, x10, or x25. If Multiplier Wilds are used in a win, they multiply the number of Powerpoints awarded.
• Combos
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If in the course of the game, Column/Row Blasters, Zappers, or Bombs are adjacent to each other, they combine, increasing their power. Combo 1– triggered by landing a Bomb next to a Blaster. If it's a Column Blaster, three reels of symbols are removed (not wilds or feature symbols). If its' a Row Blaster, three rows of symbols are removed (not wilds or feature symbols). Combo 2– this is triggered when a Bomb lands next to a Zapper. When this happens, 1 to 3 types of symbols change into Bombs, as well as the Zapper, then Bombs explode. Combo 3– land a Zapper next to a Blaster to trigger this combo to have 1-3 symbol types transform into Column or Row Blaster symbols.
• Free Spins
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Manage to collect at least1,000 Powerpoints, andfree spins are awardeddepending on how many points have accrued. In free spins, thegrid expands to 8 rows high, and players can win additional free spins from within the feature.
• Buy Feature
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Players in eligible territories that don't want to wait can instead stump up75x,140x, or250x the betto buy8, 12, or 16 free spins
Final Thoughts
If you're familiar with the firstSpace Warsslot, you'll clock in moments that this is a completely different sort of game altogether. Several years have passed between the original and the sequel, giving NetEnt plenty of time to utterly revamp the experience. So much so that if NetEnt had given Space Wars 2 a different name, maybe launched a new series altogether, it's unlikely too many eyelids would have been batted. No complaints, though, as the slot which has fired off the assembly line is a pretty darn good one, matching a cute band of extra-terrestrials with a pile of interesting features.
Not only interesting but many of the features intertwine to greater effect when the right symbols land next to each other. We are talking, of course, of Combos, which is a simple yet creative idea you don't see every day. The actual effects themselves might not be super original on their own, mainly consisting of symbol removals or wild/multiplier wild placements. However, factoring in all the individual quirks, such as different winning combo sizes triggering different feature symbols and Space Wars 2, adds up to a clever slot which should offer more than enough to entice curious grid slot specialists in for a spin or two. The final icing on Space Wars 2 is its impressive winning potential of10,020 times the stake, easily eclipsing slots it's going head-to-head with,ReactoonzorReactoonz 2, for example.
NetEnt had been a little quiet of late, and Space Wars 2 managed to both remind us how imaginative the studio can be and just how long they've been churning out charmingly playable slots. Space Wars 2 doesn't quite reach the status of an epoch changing event, but players looking for a high-performance grid slot that's fully decked out with features should be pleased with this.
