All aboard the Riders of the Storm slot!
What do Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Captain Jack Sparrow all have in common? Apart from one of them being fictional, they were all swashbuckling pirates who took what they wanted and lived a life of excitement and adventure. Sure, there was a touch of murder here and there but let’s focus on the excitement and adventure, shall we?
Now, forget about the seven seas and imagine living a pirate’s life while sailing the heavens miles above the Earth. It sounds good, right? That’s what the Riders of the Storm slot from Thunderkick has in store for you.
So, grab your favorite peg leg, throw on your largest captain’s hat, and climb aboard because this ship is leaving port!
Avast, matey! Storm clouds ahead
Let’s get the basics out of the way before the plundering begins. Riders of the Storm is a 3×5-reel slot with 243 ways to win. It features a return to player rating (RTP) of 96.15% and offers you the chance to win up to €198,195.
As you set sail, the scale of the adventure you’re about to embark on comes into focus. In the opening seconds, you get to see your tiny ship tilting at windmills as ominous-looking storm clouds swirl around the buccaneer crew. As the reels appear in the foreground, the treacherous weather is given a voice with rumbling thunder and gusts of wind pulling you into an immersive experience. As another crack of thunder rolls over you, it’s time to spin.
Batten down the hatches
You’re going to need to hang onto that hat of yours because we’re heading into a storm of bonus features.
During base gameplay, the chance to get your hands on that booty (no, not that booty) will be limited. Apart from a wild symbol that will complete and multiple winning combinations, you’ll also want to watch the horizon for mystery wild spins. Once triggered, you’ll get a broadside of boosted wins with up to four entire reels turning wilder than Blackbeard’s beard.
If you’re in it for the real treasure, though, you’re going to want to get your hands on three or more scatter symbols to trigger the bonus game. Once you’re in, you’ll get to choose your pirate character. You can choose between two fearsome female pirates… and the repair guy. I guess things on ships break, and someone has to repair them. You’ll also be able to let the slot choose for you. But considering you could get the repair guy, that’s probably not the best idea.
Triggering the bonus game is only halfway to where X marks the spot. Walking wilds will guide you the rest of the way to the treasure.
Instead of walking the plank, during bonus game free spins, these devious little wilds shift one position to the left, sidestepping Davie Jones to hang about on the reels to complete more winning combinations. They’ll keep stepping left until they’re a few too many bottles of rum down, at which point they’ll fall off the edge. For every spin they’re a part of your crew, they’ll plunder an extra free spin for the cause.
Will Riders of the Storm walk the plank?
There’s no chance of a mutiny on this ship. Riders of the Storm has a great theme that is as well-executed as Captain Jack’s escape plans and bonus features that offer a chance to fill the ship’s hold with treasure. It’s also a great excuse to talk like a pirate and not bathe for a week to really get into character.
Once you return to port, you should also check out some of Thunderkick’s other games. Some of our personal favourites are Pink Elephants 2 and Barbershop: Uncut. The design studio excels in creating visually beautiful creations and few slots they’ve released have disappointed us.