3 Lucky Hippos Pokie Review

This game is situated in the heart of Africa, with the hippos being the main characters. The central reels of the game are skillfully framed by a picturesque scene: lush green grasslands stretch into the distance, meeting the silhouette of mountains that echo Mt. Kilimanjaro. The game’s design symbolises the trend that modern-day providers, like Pear Fiction or Yggdrasil, turn to: the goal is to enrich the spinning reels with bright imagery and special effects for a visually rich gambling environment.

The game’s lower section cleverly depicts a swamp, transitioning upwards into the rich greens of the savannah. This blend of landscapes not only enriches the visual impression, but deepens the thematic experience of the game. A lively jazzy tune accompanies the gameplay, setting a rhythm that complements the African-inspired theme. Above the reels, the game’s stars – three hippos – add personality and a sense of fun to the experience. 

How to Play 3 Lucky Hippos

The structure of 3 Lucky Hippos proves its inclusive design. The game utilises a 5-reel setup, each holding 3 rows, initially offering 243 ways to win. However, this is not just a static playing field, as this pokie online can go as high up as 7,776 ways to win due to the inclusion of symbols and features which will be further discussed below.

The game’s volatility is high, which should be considered when starting to play the game. It comes with a default Return to Player rate of 96%, which is slightly above industry standards. Moreover, the game offers flexibility in betting, accepting wagers ranging from $0.20 to $50 per spin.

On the left side of the screen, one is able to find a jackpot metre. This innovative aspect of 3 Lucky Hippos showcases several jackpot tiers: Micro, Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega jackpot. This kind of jackpot structure similar to that found in the famous Mega Moolah pokie is a central aspect of this casino game.

3 Lucky Hippos Pokie Symbols

3 Lucky Hippos offers a variety of symbols, each contributing uniquely to the narrative and excitement of the game. Australian players achieve winning combinations by lining up three or more identical symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. It’s important to note that each symbol carries a different value, which, in turn, affects how the pokie will unfold. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the symbols:

Low-Payout Symbols

The lower-value symbols in 3 Lucky Hippos are represented by the classic card ranks: 10, J, Q, K, and A. These symbols, while offering smaller payouts, are a common sight on the reels. They provide players with a higher chance of forming winning combinations but yield lower payouts compared to the game’s high-value symbols. This is a typical design choice in pokies online Australia, as this mechanic maintains a balance between regular small wins and hitting more significant payoffs.

High-Payout Symbols

In contrast, the high-value symbols in 3 Lucky Hippos deviate from the traditional African savanna theme, presenting a variety of unexpected items. These include elements like poker chips, money bags, gold bars, and money vaults. Each of these symbols not only stands out visually but also holds the potential for higher payouts. The inclusion of these symbols brings an element of surprise and diversity to the game, moving beyond the conventional imagery often associated with African-themed pokies.

Special Symbols

The array of symbols extends beyond the regular with some unique special symbols. These symbols also bring additional excitement and opportunities to the gameplay. However, it is important to mention that 3 Lucky Hippos sets itself apart by not featuring a scatter symbol which is a common element in many popular online pokies, like ‘Unusual Suspects or Jack Hammer 2’.

Wild

The Wild symbol in the game is easily distinguishable, represented by a striking golden icon. Its primary role in the game is to substitute for all regular paying symbols, thereby increasing the player’s chance of forming winning combinations. This symbol can potentially appear on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Cash Symbol

Another intriguing aspect of this pokie online is the Cash Symbol, represented by a green stack of money. This symbol holds individual values ranging from 0.2x to 100x the bet, making each appearance potentially significant. The game adds another layer of interaction with the introduction of a purple toad symbol. When this toad lands on reel 5, it activates a unique feature by collecting all visible Cash Symbols.

Lotus Symbol

Found on the top row of the reels, the Lotus symbol becomes a key to unlocking the game’s coveted LockNWin features. When a player collects a Lotus symbol on each reel, it activates all three LockNWin features simultaneously.

Split Symbol

Another innovative feature in 3 Lucky Hippos is the Split Symbol. Visually, it’s a green rectangular symbol decorated with the numbers 4, 5, or 6. These numbers are not merely decorative; they indicate the exact number of additional rows that will be added to the reel where this symbol lands. This unique feature significantly boosts the game’s dynamism, and increases the number of possible ways to win (up to 7,776).

Hippo Coins

Another distinctive feature is the inclusion of Hippo coins, which come in three colours: orange, yellow, and pink. They play a crucial role in the game’s Lock N’ Win feature. Each time these coins appear on the reels, they are collected by the corresponding coloured hippo.

Symbols Paytable

3 Lucky Hippos Pokie Bonuses

This popular pokie is not just about spinning reels and lining up symbols; it’s a game enriched with a variety of engaging bonuses that contribute significantly to its gameplay. The relationship between the base game and the bonus features adds depth to the overall gameplay, which keeps players engaged and continuously on the lookout for lucrative opportunities. Find out more about the bonus features in the following sections.

Lock N’ Win Bonus Feature

A standout feature in 3 Lucky Hippos is the Lock N’ Win bonus. As previously mentioned, this feature springs into action when one or more Hippo Coins symbols appear on the reels. Players are initially granted three respins. During this feature, only Cash, Coin, and blank symbols are present on the reels. Each time a Cash or Coin symbol lands, it locks in place, resetting the re-spins back to three. This mechanic not only adds a layer of strategy but also prolongs the feature, increasing the player’s chances of accumulating substantial wins.

Multiply Lock N’ Win Feature

The Multiply Lock N’ Win is a feature triggered by landing an orange Hippo coin. Once activated, all values of the Cash Symbols on the reels are multiplied by the current Multiplier value. After the feature concludes and payouts are made, the Multiplier value resets to 1x.

Jackpot Lock N’ Win Feature

Here, players have the chance to win prizes from a spectrum of jackpots which were mentioned above, where they can offer multipliers of 10x, 20x, 100x, 500x, and up to 5000x the bet. The jackpot awarded is determined by the number and colour of the Hippo Coins amassed during this feature.

Supreme Lock N’ Win Feature

The Supreme Lock N’ Win feature is activated with a pink Hippo coin. This feature introduces a unique mechanism where Orange Cash Symbols and Purple Cash Symbols become key players. The Orange Cash Symbol has the special ability to collect all Green Cash Symbols when it lands on the reels, potentially aggregating considerable winnings in a single move. Similarly, the Purple Cash Symbol takes this a step further by collecting both Orange and Green Cash when it makes an appearance.

Lotus Bonus Feature

Triggered by landing a Lotus Symbol on the top row, this feature activates all the Lock N’ Win features simultaneously, presenting players with a chance to significantly boost their winnings. The Lotus Symbols can be collected over several rounds of spins. Another interesting aspect of this feature is the carry-over of the multiplier starting value from the base game.

Bonus Buy

For players seeking a more direct route to excitement, 3 Lucky Hippos offers the Bonus Buy Feature. With a single click, players can purchase this feature. The cost of this feature varies, ranging from 35.1 times the bet to 81.7 times, depending on the specific bonus the player chooses to activate.

3 Lucky Hippos: Starting the Safari Adventure

The game’s ability to capture the essence of the African savanna while providing a dynamic pokie experience sets it apart in the Australia online gambling world. The inclusion of various symbols and bonus features ensures that each spin offers a new opportunity for excitement and potential wins.

Tailored to cater to a wide range of players, 3 Lucky Hippos demonstrates a fine balance between aesthetic appeal and gameplay depth. The game is a reflection of Pear Fiction’s commitment to creating immersive and enjoyable gambling experiences. For players in Australia and beyond, it offers a unique adventure that combines the thrill of Aussie online casino gambling with the beauty of the African wilderness.