Frutz (Hacksaw Gaming) Slot Review

Frutz: Slot Overview 

Hacksaw Gaming adds a fruity twist to their minimalist Pocketz series with Frutz, a high-volatility grid slot that combines simplicity with substantial payout potential. Released on April 28, 2021, Frutz aims to provide a serene yet rewarding gameplay experience. Featuring a 5×5 grid and a cluster pays mechanic, the game embraces the zen-like ethos of the Pocketz series while hiding an explosive payout potential of 10,000x the bet. 

While Frutz’s minimalism is the hallmark of the Pocketz series, it doesn’t compromise on thrills. Its high volatility ensures that while wins may be less frequent, the inclusion of cascading mechanics and multiplier symbols can quickly escalate payouts. With a 96.40% RTP and a hit frequency of 26.71%, Frutz balances its tranquil aesthetic with a gameplay style that keeps players on edge. 

Let’s peel back the layers of this fruity slot and see what it offers in terms of design, mechanics, and features. 

Design and Graphics 

Frutz presents a paper-cut art style that is both unique and visually soothing. The white and green forest backdrop, dotted with butterflies, ferns, and a tree canopy, exudes tranquility. The minimalistic design of the symbols, representing various fruits like pears, plums, oranges, and lemons, pairs perfectly with Hacksaw’s signature understated approach. 

While the base game visuals are simplistic, this minimalism is intentional. The clear, bold graphics stand out on the 5×5 grid, making gameplay accessible even on smaller mobile screens. This mobile-first design philosophy is central to the Pocketz series. As symbols cascade, a subtle popping animation adds an extra layer of satisfaction. However, despite the serene appearance, the game’s mechanics deliver anything but a mellow experience. 

Gameplay Mechanics 

Frutz’s gameplay revolves around its cluster pays system. Wins are achieved by landing five or more matching symbols in adjacent positions either vertically or horizontally. Cascades are triggered when a winning cluster is formed, removing the winning symbols and allowing new ones to drop into place. This feature can chain wins together in a single spin, leading to exciting payout opportunities. 

Symbols are divided into low-value card royals (10-A) and higher-paying fruits like lemons, pears, and apples. The most lucrative symbols include 11 or more matching clusters, which can reward 50x to 100x the bet. Additionally, wild symbols help complete clusters by substituting for any regular symbol. 

One key feature of Frutz is the persistent win multiplier. Each winning cluster containing multiplier symbols increases the global multiplier, stored in the “U” icon above the grid. This multiplier doesn’t reset during cascades, which means payouts can climb exponentially within a single spin. 

Sound and Music 

The audio design of Frutz complements its minimalist visuals. A relaxing, melodic soundtrack, combined with gentle sound effects for symbol drops and cascades, creates an ambiance that feels more meditative than adrenaline-inducing. However, there’s a stark contrast between the serene atmosphere and the intensity of the game’s high volatility. For some, the calm music may feel out of sync with the escalating stakes, while others may find it a refreshing break from overly aggressive slot soundtracks. 

Bonus Features 

While Frutz might seem straightforward on the surface, its bonus features provide depth and excitement: 

1. Cascades 

Triggered by every winning cluster, cascades remove the winning symbols and allow new ones to fill the gaps. This mechanic can lead to multiple wins in a single spin, especially when combined with multipliers. 

2. Multiplier Symbols 

Multiplier symbols significantly boost payouts. There are three types of multiplier symbols in Frutz: 

• Light Blue multipliers range from x1 to x5. 

• Dark Blue multipliers range from x10 to x20. 

• Striped multipliers provide massive boosts, ranging from x25 to x100. 

When more than one multiplier symbol lands during a spin, their values are added together, exponentially increasing the total multiplier applied to winnings. 

3. Free Spins 

The free spins feature is the heart of Frutz’s gameplay. Triggered by landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, this mode awards 8, 10, or 12 free spins, respectively. During free spins: 

• Multiplier values are added to a persistent win multiplier, which does not reset between spins. 

• This increases the potential for massive payouts, especially when cascades are involved. 

The free spins mode is notoriously difficult to trigger naturally, with a probability of 1 in 210 spins. Fortunately, Hacksaw Gaming includes a bonus buy option for players who prefer immediate access to the feature. 

4. Bonus Buy 

In jurisdictions where it’s available, the bonus buy menu lets players purchase free spins outright. There are three options: 

• 93x the total bet for 8 spins. 

• 142x the total bet for 10 spins. 

• 200x the total bet for 12 spins. 

Each of these options retains the game’s high RTP of 96.79%, making it a viable choice for players seeking big wins. 

Betting Options and Payouts 

Frutz caters to a wide range of players with its bet range of 0.20 to 100 per spin. High rollers and casual gamers alike can enjoy the game’s mechanics without feeling excluded. The game’s maximum win is capped at 10,000x the bet, a figure that makes it competitive with other high-volatility grid slots. 

While the hit frequency of 26.71% means wins occur roughly every four spins, the game relies heavily on its multipliers to achieve substantial payouts. Smaller cluster wins are frequent but modest, making the game’s free spins and multipliers crucial for reaching its payout potential. 

Conclusion 

Frutz by Hacksaw Gaming is a standout addition to the Pocketz series, balancing simplicity with explosive payout opportunities. Its minimalist design and cluster pays mechanic offer a user-friendly yet rewarding gameplay experience. While the visuals and soundtrack provide a sense of calm, the game’s high volatility and reliance on multipliers create an underlying tension that keeps players engaged. 

The free spins mode and bonus buy options are where Frutz truly shines, allowing for massive win potential with persistent multipliers. However, the difficulty of triggering free spins naturally may frustrate players looking for consistent excitement in the base game. 

Overall, Frutz is a must-try for fans of grid slots who enjoy straightforward mechanics paired with high stakes. With a maximum win of 10,000x, it proves that Hacksaw Gaming’s minimalist approach can deliver major thrills. Whether you’re in it for the zen-like visuals or the adrenaline rush of cascading wins, Frutz has something to offer for every type of slot enthusiast.