As usual for a slot game from Yggdrasil Gaming, there are few causes for grumble about the design in Penguin City. This is another terrific looking offering. The setting is Emperor Penguin’s restaurant kitchen. On the reels you’ll see heart, diamond, club and spade symbols as well as 5 higher value foodie-themed symbols.
They include a chopping board and knife, a bowl of Chinese broth, a fish pot, bottles of soy sauce and a carton of noodles. Instead of hitting symbols in paylines, winning combinations are created by landing 3 or more matching symbols vertically or horizontally.
The main feature here is the Penguin Escape Mode feature - this becomes active following a winning spin where a wild has hit on reel 2 or 4. A re-spin is awarded with the triggering wild sticking in place. 1 penguin tries to escape on each re-spin. If the penguin successfully jumps onto the reels, you’ll receive 1 of 2 extras.
Either a sticky wild will be added to reels 2 or 4 or a symbol will swap on reel 3 to turn a losing spin into a winner. The re-spins continue until you have a losing spin.
Look out for the Emperor Penguin who can appear on the middle reel during the Penguin Escape Mode feature. The Emperor spins 3 high and is wild. If any part of the Emperor Penguin lands on the reels, you’re guaranteed a win. When the Emperor lands, he drops down the reels 1 position at a time until he falls off the bottom.
Even by Yggdrasil Gaming’s usual high standards, the visuals here are top notch. They have managed to throw an unusual feature too. There aren’t any free spins here but the Penguin Escape Mode feature with the re-spins and potential extra wilds is a more than adequate substitute.
Variance wise, it’s in the middle with potential payouts of 1,647 times your stake on each spin/re-spin. This is a strange but enjoyable slot game. If you fancy playing something that combines high-end looks with a crazy bonus feature, then a trip to Penguin City is recommended. If you fancy something a little more volatile with more bonus features, you cannot go wrong with Vikings Go To Hell.