Visually, Viking Runecraft is very nicely done - set against an icy, mountain backdrop with a mighty Norse warrior overseeing proceedings, the reels include a selection of 5 lower value runes, a necklace, axe, hammer and helmet as well as 4 wild symbols which are all based on a Norse god or goddess.
Winning combinations are created by landing 5 matching symbols in a line either vertically or horizontally. The winning symbols are removed and replaced by new ones and a new payout consideration is made. These cascades keep on coming as long as a new winning combo is created.
To the side of the reels, you’ll see a charge meter - every winning combination landed helps to boost this meter. Once the meter is fully charged, you’ll receive 1 of the following 4 Charge of Destruction extras:
- Fury of Fenrir feature - 4 diagonal lines of symbols on the grid are slashed. 2 lines are removed, the other 2 lines morph into a new symbol and a new payout is made.
- Judgment of Jörmungand feature - a random selection of symbols are destroyed, stretching from 1 edge of the reels to the other side. An assortment of symbols along that path are then transformed into the same symbol.
- Scorching of Surtr feature - a trio of symbols are set alight. This blaze can then spread to other symbols. All of the symbols that are on fire are destroyed and replaced by a new cluster of matching symbols. A new payout is made with the new symbols in position.
- Lure of Loki feature - 2 symbols are chosen at random. All of the symbols that match symbol 1 are removed from the reels. The second symbol, and all others that match it elsewhere on the reels then transform into the same matching symbol.
After the modifier extra has worked its magic, the game continues as normal. If you manage to fully charge the meter following 1 of the extras, you’ll activate then Ragnarök feature which awards 1 free spin. Double charging the meter before triggering a feature also activate the Ragnarök feature.
The Charge of Destruction is replaced with an End of the World Bonus meter during the Ragnarök feature which awards multiplier bonuses depending on how many symbol wins you managed to accumulate. 20 symbols award a x2 multiplier, 40 symbols award a x3 multiplier, 60 symbols a x5 multiplier and 80 symbols a x15 multiplier!
Viking Runecraft also comes with a quartet of extras based on the Norse gods - to trigger these features, you need to land a specific winning pattern. They can also trigger at random following a winless spin. They all award a special wild extra:
- God of Thunder feature - between 5 and 9 symbols will randomly turn into wilds.
- God of Wisdom feature - 2 pairs of vertically adjacent 2-high wilds are added to the reels.
- Goddess of Beauty feature - 4 different clusters of wilds appear at random on the reels until a winning combination is created.
- God of Guarding feature - 1 wild is added to all 7 lines (1 per line) on the spin that follows.
Each winning combination also contributes to the Runes of Valhalla features which is triggered by clearing the current active pattern. Once it’s been triggered, you’ll spin a wheel. If the pointer lands on a lit rune, you’ll win the associated prize.
As you can see, there’s plenty to get stuck into here. The gameplay is certainly a little more advanced than say, a classic fruit machine so a few spins in demo mode are recommended here, especially as Viking Runecraft is a volatile slot game. It does however offer wins of up to 5,000 times your stake on each spin!
Viking Runecraft is an unusual slot game - the features are pretty complicated and it certainly takes a little getting used to. The design is top notch though and once you’ve got used to the range of extras, there’s plenty to like here.
This won’t be a game for old school slot fans but if you’re after something that combines high-end visuals with an innovative range of extras, then Viking Runecraft is worth considering. Alternatively, I recommend the high variance Viking Vanguard by WMS which is excellent.