Cubes (Hacksaw Gaming) Slot Review

Cubes: Slot Overview 

Hacksaw Gaming continues to innovate with Cubes, an engaging and minimalist addition to their Pocketz series of online slots. This 5×5 grid slot embraces a unique geometric aesthetic, offering players a clean, Tetris-like interface that is as easy on the eyes as it is on the mind. Designed for mobile-first gaming, Cubes builds on Hacksaw’s ethos of delivering simple yet compelling games, perfect for players looking for something different from the typical slot machine experience. 

The gameplay centers around cluster pays and cascading wins, with clusters expanding the grid up to an 11×11 configuration for bigger winning opportunities. With medium volatility, a 31.94% hit rate, and a 96.35% RTP, Cubes is designed to keep the wins flowing at a steady pace. Despite its minimalist vibe, this slot can deliver thrilling moments, especially when the multiplier features and free spins kick into gear. With a max win of 3,167x your bet, Cubes provides enough excitement to satisfy both casual gamers and those seeking substantial rewards. 

Design and Graphics 

Cubes takes a “less is more” approach to its design, which sets it apart in the flashy world of online slots. The game features a simple, clean aesthetic centered on brightly colored cubes. These cubes come in six distinct shades—green, yellow, red, light blue, purple, and dark blue—creating a harmonious and visually pleasing gaming environment. The backdrop is a neutral, cuboid-like grid that lights up subtly, letting the action remain the primary focus. 

The minimalistic design is complemented by smooth animations that enhance gameplay without being distracting. For instance, when a cluster forms, the cubes light up and shift seamlessly, providing players with satisfying visual feedback. The simplicity is refreshing, offering a stark contrast to the overly complicated or theme-heavy slots often seen in the market. 

Gameplay Mechanics 

At its core, Cubes revolves around cluster pays and expanding grids. Players need to form clusters of at least five matching cubes, which can connect either vertically or horizontally. Once a winning cluster lands, the grid expands from its initial 5×5 size to 7×7, 9×9, or a maximum of 11×11 as more clusters are formed. The expansion not only increases the chances of landing more wins but also adds an exciting layer of progression to each spin. 

The cascading mechanic means that winning clusters disappear, allowing new cubes to fall into place. This creates the potential for chain reactions and multiple wins in a single spin. However, if no new winning clusters form, the round ends, and the grid resets to its original size. 

A unique feature is the Middle Multiplier cube. Positioned at the center of the grid, this cube contains a multiplier that grows based on the size of the winning cluster. For example, a cluster involving the Middle Multiplier cube adds 1 to the multiplier for every cube in the cluster, up to a maximum of x22. 

Sound and Music 

The soundtrack of Cubes perfectly complements its minimalist theme. A relaxing tribal beat underscores the gameplay, creating a calming atmosphere that’s ideal for extended sessions. This rhythmic audio blends well with the visual simplicity of the game, enhancing the overall player experience without becoming monotonous or intrusive. 

Each spin is accompanied by subtle sound effects that highlight the movement of the cubes, while winning clusters produce a satisfying chime that punctuates the gameplay. The sound design strikes a delicate balance between immersion and minimalism, reinforcing the clean and modern aesthetic of the slot. 

Bonus Features 

While Cubes may appear simplistic at first glance, its bonus features add depth and excitement: 

Middle Multiplier: 

This feature is tied to the center cube of the grid. If the Middle Multiplier is part of a winning cluster, the multiplier increases with each cube in the cluster. This multiplier applies to the total win for that round, significantly boosting payouts when the right combinations land. 

Free Spins: 

Free spins are triggered by illuminating the letters in the word “CUBES” displayed above the grid. Each time a cluster of a unique color lands, a letter in “CUBES” lights up. Once all letters are illuminated, players are awarded 10 free spins. During the free spins feature: 

A random color is chosen, and all clusters of this color become sticky for the duration of the free spins. 

The grid remains expanded between spins, further increasing the potential for massive clusters and big wins. 

Colour Blast: 

This feature is exclusive to the free spins round. If a cluster of 70 cubes forms during free spins, players are awarded an instant win of 2,500x the bet. Though challenging to achieve, this feature adds a layer of anticipation and excitement to every free spins round. 

Betting Options and Payouts 

Cubes caters to a wide range of players with its flexible betting options. Bets start as low as €0.20 and go up to €100 per spin, making it accessible to casual players and high rollers alike. The 96.35% RTP is solid for an online slot, ensuring fair returns over time. The medium volatility strikes a balance between frequent smaller wins and the occasional big payout, making it ideal for players seeking consistent entertainment. 

The maximum win potential of 3,167x the bet may not compete with higher volatility slots, but it’s respectable for a game of this nature. The Color Blast feature and Middle Multiplier are pivotal in achieving those higher payouts, giving players something to chase during both the base game and free spins. 

Conclusion 

Cubes by Hacksaw Gaming is a testament to the saying “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Its minimalist design, straightforward gameplay, and clever use of features like the Middle Multiplier and expanding grids make it a refreshing alternative to more traditional slot games. The relaxing audio and clean visuals create a stress-free gaming environment that’s perfect for mobile and desktop play. 

While it may not boast the massive payouts or elaborate themes of some high-volatility slots, Cubes offers plenty of engaging moments thanks to its unique mechanics and balanced math model. The inclusion of the Color Blast and sticky free spins adds depth and replayability, ensuring that players always have something to look forward to. 

In conclusion, Cubes is an excellent choice for players who enjoy grid slots and value originality in their gaming experience. It may not appeal to those chasing life-changing jackpots, but its charm lies in its ability to deliver steady entertainment and the occasional thrilling win. If you’re in the mood for something different, Cubes is well worth a spin.