Phoenix DuelReels

Phoenix DuelReels: Slot Overview

From the fiery depths of mythological lore comes Phoenix DuelReels, a Hacksaw Gaming creation that pits fire against ice in a battle for supremacy. For those unaware, in mythology, the Phoenix is said to cyclically regenerate, rising from its ashes after bursting into flames, symbolizing immortality and renewal. In terms of gameplay, this slot is centred around the DuelReels mechanic, which was made famous in Wanted Dead or a Wild and now returns in full force.

The visuals do plenty to draw players into this elemental clash. Set against a backdrop of fiery skies and icy waters, the game's aesthetic exudes intensity and grandeur. We've seen similar aesthetics before, maybe most famously in Zeus vs Hades, though instead of Greek gods battling it out, we get vibrant red hues of the phoenix clashing beautifully against the frosty blues of the dragon. Add in a thumping soundtrack that leans heavily into the epic fantasy vibe, and you've got a slot that roars.

Phoenix DuelReels takes place on a 5-reel, 4-row grid with 14 paylines, where winning combinations require at least three matching symbols to align. Medium volatile, the game runs with a default RTP of 96.28%, though operators have the option to lower it through three alternate versions whilst stakes range from Hacksaw Gaming's standard €/$0.10 to €/$100 per spin, catering to a broad spectrum of players.

The paytable starts with the familiar 10 to Ace symbols as the low-paying icons, awarding between 0.10x and 1x the bet for a full line. Moving to the premium side, players encounter an orb, a grail, a dragon's egg, the icy dragon, and the fiery phoenix. These high-paying symbols offer rewards from 0.50x to 10x the bet for a full line. The wild symbol is just as valuable as the phoenix, making it an essential ally for forming those high-paying combinations.

Phoenix DuelReels: Slot Features

Phoenix DuelReels doesn't just rely on its visual presentation to keep players engaged; it comes packed with a host of features designed to amplify the action. From the fiery duels of the DuelReels mechanic to bonus games with escalating intensity. Let's dive into the main features.

DuelReels

When a VS symbol lands and forms part of a winning combination, it expands into a DuelReel, covering its entire reel. A duel then occurs between the Phoenix and the Ice Dragon, each with its own multiplier. The victor's multiplier is applied across the entire reel and affects any winning combinations that include the DuelReel. Possible multiplier values for DuelReels stretch from x2 to x200.

Resurrection Spins

If the Phoenix loses a duel during a spin, a Resurrection Spin is triggered. During this respin, at least one VS symbol is guaranteed to land.

Bonus Gamble

When entering a bonus game, players can either proceed directly to the bonus or gamble for an upgrade. Presented with 5 Phoenix Eggs, players can select up to 3 eggs to reveal either 2 to 10 additional free spins or a bonus upgrade to the Rise of the Phoenix bonus. If a bonus upgrade is found, the current bonus is replaced by the Rise of the Phoenix bonus. Players can gamble only once per bonus entry.

Fire and Water Bonus Game

Triggered by landing 3 FS scatter symbols, this bonus awards 10 free spins. The base game mechanics are retained but with an increased chance of landing VS symbols. Landing additional FS scatters during the bonus adds extra free spins: 2 FS scatters = +2 free spins or 3 FS scatters = +4 free spins.

Rise of the Phoenix Bonus Game

Triggered by landing 4 FS scatter symbols, this enhanced bonus also begins with 10 free spins. Here, the Resurrection Spins are upgraded to guarantee the same number of VS symbols as were present during the triggering spin. Additional FS scatters award extra free spins in the same increments as the Fire and Water bonus.

Bonus Buy

Phoenix DuelReels comes with four different feature buy options: Bonushunt Featurespins (3x the bet) - Each spin is 5 times more likely to trigger a bonus game; Phoenix Featurespins (60x the bet) - Each spin guarantees that at least 2 VS symbols land; Fire And Water (100x the bet) 10 free spins with enhanced base game features; Rise of the Phoenix (200x the bet) - 10 free spins with improved Resurrection Spins respins.

Phoenix DuelReels: Slot Verdict

Phoenix DuelReels is another strong addition to Hacksaw Gaming's library, built on the foundation of their popular DuelReels mechanic first showcased in Wanted Dead or a Wild - Hacksaw's magnum opus. While it doesn't stray too far from the formula that made its predecessors hits, the game introduces enough thematic flair and mechanical tweaks to stand on its own.

Visually, the fiery phoenix and icy dragon offer a striking contrast, giving the game a bold identity that leans heavily into its mythical theme. The DuelReels mechanic naturally remains the star of the show, creating a layer of anticipation as VS symbols expand into wild reels with potential multipliers. The gamble feature offers a refreshing twist - unlike most games where you risk losing the bonus entirely, here the gamble only adjusts the number of spins, ensuring you always walk away with something, even if luck isn't on your side.

Ultimately, Phoenix DuelReels doesn't seek to reinvent the genre or surprise long-time fans. Instead, it doubles down on the elements Hacksaw fans have come to appreciate: clean design, effective mechanics, and a consistent gameplay loop. Overall, Phoenix DuelReels is a polished and entertaining release that stays true to Hacksaw's strengths. While it may not deliver groundbreaking innovation, it's a well-executed slot that should appeal to fans of the DuelReels series and beyond.