Crank It Up (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

 Crank It Up: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play’s Crank It Up takes players into a vibrant party atmosphere where the spotlight is on energy, music, and multipliers. Released on July 4, 2024, this online slot is built for those looking to mix gameplay excitement with a groovy design. Its main attractions are high volatility, a decent 96% RTP (95% or 94% in other settings), and a potential to win 10,000x the stake. With 5 reels, 3 rows, and 20 paylines, the game features a Free Spins round where multipliers can reach dazzling heights. 

For fans of music-themed slots, Crank It Up feels like an adrenaline-filled nightclub experience. It offers an engaging setting that is uniquely styled to stand out from Pragmatic Play’s typical library. While the base game may feel lackluster compared to the Free Spins feature, the slot’s maximum payout and aesthetics are significant incentives for players to crank up the volume.

Design and Graphics

The design of Crank It Up exudes a flashy, nightclub vibe, perfect for players seeking something bold and energetic. The background is packed with neon lights and towering speakers, with a DJ-like character standing confidently to the right of the reels. The bright hues of purple and pink dominate the game’s aesthetics, setting a mood that is both funky and modern. The reels themselves are designed to reflect the musical theme. Symbols include stylized playing cards (J-A), designed to look like glowing neon signs, alongside thematic high-paying icons like retro sneakers, headphones, microphones, and shutter shades. The Wild symbol is represented by a glittery boombox, while the Scatter symbol features a golden record—perfectly fitting for a game all about cranking the beats. 

Though the visuals are polished and vivid, they can feel slightly overwhelming for players who prefer subtler designs. Nonetheless, the game’s graphical style aligns well with its party-centric theme.

Gameplay Mechanics

Crank It Up is a straightforward slot with a traditional setup of 5 reels and 20 paylines. Winning combinations are formed from left to right, requiring at least three matching symbols. Bets start at a modest €0.20 and can reach up to €240 per spin, making it suitable for both casual players and high rollers. 

The low-paying symbols (J, Q, K, A) offer payouts ranging from 2.5x to 5x the bet for five of a kind. High-paying symbols, such as microphones and shutter shades, significantly increase the stakes, awarding 15x to 30x the bet for five-of-a-kind wins. The Wild symbol not only substitutes for all other symbols except the Scatter but also serves as a crucial element during the Free Spins round. 

The game’s high volatility ensures that while wins may not come frequently, they can be substantial when they land, particularly in the bonus rounds. The Hit Frequency of 1 in 4.89 means that wins occur on roughly 20% of spins, keeping the gameplay exciting without being overly generous.

Sound and Music

A slot themed around music must have an equally groovy soundtrack, and Crank It Up delivers on that front. The game’s upbeat electronic music sets the tone, adding energy to every spin. The DJ-like character and neon-lit visuals complement the soundtrack, creating an immersive experience for players. 

While the music aligns with the game’s party vibe, it may not appeal to everyone. The beats are loud and repetitive, which could become tiresome over extended play sessions. However, for those who enjoy club-style music, the soundtrack perfectly matches the slot’s high-energy gameplay.

Bonus Features

The bonus features in Crank It Up are where the game truly shines. The Free Spins round, coupled with multipliers and sticky wilds, transforms the gameplay into an exhilarating experience. Free Spins Feature 

Landing 3, 4, or 5 Scatter symbols awards 10, 15, or 20 free spins, respectively. During the Free Spins, any Wild symbol that lands highlights its position, creating a multiplier. Subsequent Wilds landing on the same position further increase the multiplier in this order: x2, x3, x5, and x10. 

Once the Free Spins end, the highlighted positions with multipliers transform into sticky Wilds for an additional 3 special spins. If more than one multiplier is part of a winning combination, their values are added, resulting in potentially massive payouts. 

Buy Free Spins For players unwilling to wait, the Buy Free Spins feature allows instant access to the bonus round for 80x the bet. The RTP increases to 96.03% when using this feature, making it an attractive option for high-risk players.

Betting Options and Payouts

Crank It Up offers a wide range of betting options, catering to casual players and high rollers alike. The minimum bet is €0.20, while the maximum reaches €240. With a maximum win potential of 10,000x the stake, players can theoretically win up to €2,400,000 in a single spin—an enticing prospect. 

The RTP is slightly lower than Pragmatic Play’s usual standards, starting at 95% in some configurations and increasing to 96% in the most generous setting. The Hit Frequency of 1 in 4.89 ensures steady payouts during the base game, though the real action takes place in the Free Spins round. 

The game’s high volatility means that while wins can be significant, players should prepare for potentially long dry spells. The Free Spins feature is triggered approximately once every 224 spins, making patience a key factor for players aiming to unlock the slot’s full potential.

Conclusion

Crank It Up by Pragmatic Play is a slot designed for players who enjoy bold visuals, energetic music, and thrilling bonus features. While the base game may feel repetitive, the Free Spins round introduces a dynamic layer of excitement, especially with its sticky wilds and multipliers. The game’s 10,000x max win potential and wide betting range ensure it appeals to a broad audience, from casual gamers to high-stakes enthusiasts. 

However, its high volatility and lower-than-average RTP in some settings may deter risk-averse players. Additionally, the loud and flashy theme might not suit those who prefer understated designs. Still, for players seeking a slot that blends style, substance, and significant win potential, Crank It Up is worth a spin. Whether you’re cranking up the beats or chasing multipliers, this slot offers an electrifying ride.