BountyPop (AvatarUX) Slot Review

BountyPop: Slot Overview 

BountyPop, developed by AvatarUX in partnership with Yggdrasil Gaming, is the fourth release in the acclaimed PopWins series. Following the colorful, fruit-driven CherryPop, BountyPop leans into AvatarUX’s Asian-inspired heritage for a darker, more mysterious theme. At its core, it features the same PopWins mechanic that has defined the franchise—expanding reels, escalating paylines, and lucrative free spin rounds—but adds its own twist with Mystery Wheels and high win potential. 

The slot begins on a 5×3 grid with 243 ways to win, but through the PopWins system, it can expand all the way up to 9 rows high, unlocking an impressive 59,049 paylines. With a high volatility model, an RTP of 96%, and a hit frequency of around 20%, BountyPop is built for risk-takers. The maximum win potential is jaw-dropping, topping out at 55,000x the stake, which firmly cements its place as one of the most ambitious games in the PopWins range. 

Playable from €0.20 to €20 per spin, BountyPop offers accessibility for casual players while maintaining serious appeal for high-volatility enthusiasts.

Design and Graphics 

BountyPop is a visual departure from its sibling CherryPop. Instead of playful and bright aesthetics, this game opts for a more gothic and mysterious vibe. The base reels sit against a Northern Lights-inspired backdrop, filled with cool tones and fantasy undertones. While the design is not as flashy as some other entries in the series, it exudes an atmospheric charm that grows during bonus play.The symbols reflect this mysterious theme: 

Low-paying symbols: Fluorescent J–A card royals designed in an ornate gothic script. 

Medium symbols: Cartoon-styled characters with distinct personalities. 

High symbol: The enigmatic masked man in white, paying 10x the stake for five on a line. 

There are no wilds or scatter substitutes here, which may seem unusual but is in line with AvatarUX’s design approach for PopWins games. The focus remains on the expanding reels mechanic and the payout potential of premium symbols. 

Animations are smooth, especially during expansions, where the reels light up and symbols cascade elegantly into place. The design may be subtler than its predecessors, but it offers a stylish, fantasy-driven atmosphere that balances well with the game’s intense mechanics.

Gameplay Mechanics 

At the heart of BountyPop is the PopWins mechanic. When a winning combination lands: 

Winning symbols are removed. 

Each symbol is replaced by two new ones, expanding the reels upward. 

This process repeats until no further wins occur. 

The game starts at 5×3 reels, with 243 ways to win. 

Reels can expand up to 6 rows in the base game. 

In free spins, reels expand to a maximum of 9 rows, unlocking 59,049 ways. 

BountyPop also uses a pay-both-ways system, meaning wins count from left-to-right and right-to-left, effectively doubling win potential on each spin. 

The balance between base game progression and bonus escalation creates a thrilling rhythm. While base play can deliver extended chains of PopWins, the game truly comes alive in its bonus features, particularly with the Mystery Wheel multipliers.

Sound and Music 

BountyPop’s soundtrack takes a more subdued and fantasy-driven direction compared to the upbeat swing of PapayaPop or the psychedelic tones of HippoPop. Gentle, atmospheric music accompanies the base game, with subtle hints of mystery to match the aurora-lit backdrop. 

During free spins, the audio becomes more intense, layering in stronger fantasy tones and effects that punctuate wins, reel expansions, and wheel triggers. While not as bold as some other PopWins titles, the soundscape fits the game’s gothic fantasy style, providing atmosphere without overwhelming the experience.

Bonus Features 

BountyPop’s features are built around free spins and multipliers, elevated by the Mystery Wheel system.PopWins Expansion 

Each win expands reels up to 6 rows in base play or 9 rows in free spins. The more rows you unlock, the greater the paylines and potential. 

Mystery Wheel 

If all reels reach 6 rows high in the base game, the Mystery Wheel activates: 

Outer Wheel: Awards multipliers of x2, x3, or x5, or an arrow to spin the inner wheel. 

Inner Wheel: Awards larger multipliers of x3–x5, x7, or x10. 

During free spins, if reels hit 7, 8, or 9 rows high, upgraded Mystery Wheels are unlocked: 

Bronze Wheel (7 rows): Outer x2–3–5, Inner x3–5–10. 

Silver Wheel (8 rows): Outer x2–5–7, Inner x3–5–7–10. 

Gold Wheel (9 rows): Outer x3–5–7–10, Inner x3–5–7–10–100. 

These wheels spin after free spins conclude, applying multipliers to the total win, potentially skyrocketing payouts. 

Free Spins 

Triggered by landing 3+ scatters: 

3 scatters = 6 free spins 

4 scatters = 9 free spins 

5 scatters = 12 free spins 

Reels start at their expanded state and can grow up to 9 rows high. 

Unlike the base game, reel heights do not reset between spins, only reducing to the lowest active reel. 

Bonus BuyPlayers can buy entry into free spins for 100x the stake, skipping the grind of base play. Before the feature begins, players may gamble to increase the number of free spins, with the risk of losing them all.

Betting Options and Payouts 

BountyPop accommodates a moderate betting range: 

Min Bet: €0.20 

Max Bet: €20 

RTP: 96% 

Hit Frequency: 20% 

Volatility: High 

Max Win: 55,000x the stake 

The game’s appeal lies in its sheer potential. While base game wins can be modest, the combination of free spins, reel expansions, and multipliers up to x100 allows for astronomical payouts. However, the high volatility means players should be prepared for stretches of low activity between major wins.

Conclusion 

BountyPop is a bold and ambitious entry in the PopWins franchise. It retains the core mechanics that fans love—expanding reels, pay-both-ways wins, and escalating multipliers—while adding its own twist through the Mystery Wheel system. With the ability to climb up to 9 rows high and unlock 59,049 paylines, every spin carries the potential to snowball into thrilling sequences of wins and multipliers. 

Visually, BountyPop is more subdued compared to its predecessors, opting for a fantasy-gothic aesthetic that may not be as immediately eye-catching as CherryPop or TikiPop. Still, the sleek animations and atmospheric design offer a polished look. The absence of wilds and scatter substitutes may seem surprising, but the PopWins mechanic ensures gameplay remains engaging without them. 

The game’s greatest draw is its max win of 55,000x, supported by multipliers that can soar up to x100 on the Gold Wheel. This makes BountyPop one of the most rewarding slots in the AvatarUX catalog, though its high volatility and 20% hit frequency demand patience and bankroll management. 

While some may find BountyPop less creative than earlier entries, it delivers a refined and high-stakes experience for fans of the PopWins system. For new players, it may not be the best entry point into the series, but for seasoned fans seeking massive win potential, BountyPop is a thrilling challenge.