Few developers in the casino industry push the boundaries quite like Nolimit City. Known for their provocative themes, bold mechanics, and unrelenting commitment to shaking up the slot space, they’ve developed a reputation for delivering games that are as intense as they are innovative. And when Bigwinboard, one of the industry’s most respected review sites, hands out a rare 10/10 score, you know something truly special has arrived.
That game is Mental 2 – the long-awaited follow-up to Mental, one of Nolimit City’s most iconic releases. Steeped in psychological horror and relentless unpredictability, the original became a cult classic. Now, under the guidance of game producer Lars, Mental 2 has taken things to an even more extreme level, refining its predecessor’s DNA while injecting fresh, contemporary madness.
We sat down with Lars to talk about the weight of expectations, the fine line between pushing boundaries and going too far, and what it’s like to create a game that feels more like an experience than just a slot. And, of course, we asked about that perfect 10.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): Hi Lars, and congratulations on the perfect 10! How did you feel when you saw the score on Bigwinboard? It’s quite a rarity around here!
Lars: First things first; Thanks! No matter the grade, we always appreciate the well-written reviews on BWB. Bigwinboard is the goat. And when the goat gives you a 10, it’s not taken lightly. So, of course, we’re humbled and thankful!
Bigwinboard (Daniel): Good to hear! The original Mental is an iconic title and has become something of a cult classic. It’s also the creation of Jonas, one of NLC’s co-founders. Now that you’ve taken the lead on the sequel, how did it feel to step into that role? Did you feel any pressure to uphold the legacy of the first game?
Lars: Jonas has been looking over my shoulder from time to time during the production of Mental II, and I’ve appreciated that a lot since it’s the deranged sibling of his original creation. You need “daddy” to give a thumbs-up from time to time to keep you extra motivated and ensure the train stays on track. I loved making the game, and the only pressure was, as usual, time. But the team worked super hard, and now the game is done and ready.
“I personally often go overboard and have to scale back to avoid really overdoing things”
Bigwinboard (Daniel): Mental II has obviously taken everything to an even more extreme level. What was the core vision behind this sequel, and how did you decide what to enhance or change?
Lars: Nolimit City’s approach to sequels is to take the original game and make it contemporary in terms of feel, vibe, and mechanics. You juggle between “less is more” and “more is more.” It’s a fine line, and I personally often go overboard and have to scale back to avoid really overdoing things. For Mental II, I just wanted it to be like what Terminator 2 is to Terminator (yes, I’m old): new, but with clear roots.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): Nolimit City games often tap into extreme and unconventional themes. When working on Mental II, how do you decide where to draw the line between pushing boundaries and going too far? Have there ever been ideas that were scrapped because they felt like ‘too much’?
Lars: Very valid question. Mental II originally had a lot of what you could call “too much” in it, and some of it was removed, while some of it still remains in the game. But we never really ask, “Can we really do this?” Instead, it’s more like, “This might be a problem,” and then you assess what types of problems might arise and if they’re worth it or not. We’re not here to give you golden coins and rainbow themes just to stay out of trouble, though. At the same time, our products aren’t designed to create trouble either. We want to push what can be done in slots. It’s as simple as that.
“Storytelling is in Nolimit’s DNA. It’s also the glue that holds our products together.”
Bigwinboard (Daniel): Makes sense! Mental II isn’t just a slot; it’s an experience – one that feels more like an art piece than a typical casino game. Do you see yourself as a game developer first and foremost, or is there a part of you that views what you create as interactive storytelling or even a form of digital art?
Lars: Storytelling is in Nolimit’s DNA. It’s also the glue that holds our products together. The goal is to blend these elements into the one beast of a slot, one that gives you much more than just “a spin”. I personally dabble in many things – game development/design and music primarily, but also graphics – and I’m a sucker for popular culture (movies, books, music, art). For me, our slots are often like the perfect mini storytellers.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): The soundtrack in Mental II is intense, reminiscent of bands like Disturbed or Slipknot, adding to the game’s raw, unsettling atmosphere. What are your musical influences?
Lars: I’m a sponge. I listen to – and write/produce – just about everything and enjoy most genres, as long as it has quality and strikes a nerve. The musical references for Mental II were more like 70s horror movies mixed with bands like Cattle Decapitation, Nine Inch Nails, and Dimmu Borgir. But I could have also gone the Wendy Carlos (The Shining, etc.) route, for less sonic impact but more unsettling vibes. Maybe next time.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): Cool, I’ll check out those bands! With so many features, modifiers, and boosters, Mental II can feel like controlled chaos. How do you balance complexity with accessibility so both casual and hardcore players can enjoy it?
Lars: This is why you have superb colleagues who actually have brains that can comprehend things leading to other things, and then perhaps spiral. I often go by the motto, “Keep it simple, stupid!” Doing that in a machine like Mental II is easier said than done, but thanks to the brain trust of the game team, we made the best of it.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): I’ve known many of the guys for a long time, and they’re really cool people! Last question, Lars. If you could sum up the essence of Mental II in just one sentence, what would it be?
Lars: Let me do two versions. The corporate way: Mental II is a wild, immersive journey that pushes the boundaries of game design, blending intense gameplay, dark storytelling, and art to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience. And the Nolimit way: This game is fucking mental.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): That’s a wrap!
