Lightning Strike Megaways (Blueprint Gaming) Slot Review

Lightning Strike Megaways: Slot Overview 

Released on February 13, 2019, Lightning Strike Megaways by Blueprint Gaming brings Norse mythology to electrifying life, combining ancient gods, powerful symbols, and the chaotic unpredictability of the Megaways engine. This 6-reel, high-volatility slot delivers up to 15,625 ways to win, an RTP of 95.96%, and a max win potential of 10,000x your stake, offering players a thrilling blend of thematic grandeur and mechanical innovation. 

At a time when Blueprint was riding the crest of the Megaways revolution, Lightning Strike Megaways stood out for breaking from the formulaic mold of basic Bonanza-style clones. Rather than leaning on the standard scatter-triggered free spins, Blueprint introduced a dynamic Mega Spins Ladder and Lightning Strike Respins system — features that brought a game-show-like tension and depth to the slot’s already volatile structure. 

Playable from €0.10 to €50 per spin, Lightning Strike Megaways is designed for players who crave high-risk, high-reward gameplay. Each spin holds the potential to unleash cascading wilds, respins, and powerful multipliers — all while immersing players in the mythic power of Thor’s hammer and the forces of the gods.

Design and Graphics 

Blueprint Gaming’s visual team delivers a stunning depiction of the Norse realm in Lightning Strike Megaways. Set against a backdrop of majestic Nordic mountains, stormy skies, and golden temples, the game feels both cinematic and mythological. The reels are bordered by runic patterns, glimmering with lightning energy that hints at the power lying beneath the surface.The artwork reflects a fusion of mythic illustration and modern slot polish. The low-paying symbols consist of A–10 royals carved with Nordic runes, while the premium symbols are the four Norse warriors, each rendered in exquisite detail with shimmering metallic armor and radiant eyes. The most valuable among them is Thor, whose appearance across six reels awards 50x your stake. 

The wild symbol, represented by Thor’s hammer Mjölnir, is the visual centerpiece of the slot. When it lands, it crackles with electric energy, expanding to fill its reel and transforming into a multiplier wild that triggers the game’s signature Lightning Strike Respin feature. Meanwhile, the Mystery Symbol — an ancient golden tree — adds a layer of unpredictability, transforming into matching symbols that can align for huge potential wins. 

Blueprint’s decision to make the reels pay both ways enhances the sense of balance and symmetry in the visual design. Whether lightning streaks across the screen or symbols pulse with divine energy, Lightning Strike Megaways exudes power and clarity in equal measure. Every animation feels sharp, deliberate, and thematically consistent, delivering one of Blueprint’s most visually cohesive Megaways slots to date.

Gameplay Mechanics 

At its core, Lightning Strike Megaways plays across 6 reels, each displaying between 2 and 5 symbols per spin, creating up to 15,625 ways to win. Unlike most Megaways slots, the paylines run both left-to-right and right-to-left, effectively doubling the chance of forming winning combinations. 

The base gameplay revolves around three key elements: mystery symbols, expanding multiplier wilds, and the Cash & Mega Spins Ladder. Blueprint forgoes the standard free spins structure here, opting instead for an evolving ladder-style system that introduces both strategic choice and additional volatility. 

Winning combinations trigger payouts based on symbol values and the number of Megaways in play. However, where the game truly differentiates itself is in its Lightning Strike Respin mechanic. When a wild hammer lands on reels 2, 3, 4, or 5, it expands to fill the reel, becoming a multiplier wild and initiating a respin. If another wild appears during that respin, it too expands and locks into place, triggering another respin — up to a maximum of four consecutive respins. This chaining potential can lead to monumental wins, especially when multipliers stack across multiple reels. 

Adding to the tension is the Mystery Symbol, which can appear anywhere on the reels. When it lands, all Mystery Symbols transform into the same random symbol type, helping form substantial combinations and increasing the overall volatility of each spin. 

The absence of traditional scatter-triggered free spins makes Lightning Strike Megaways a more streamlined experience. Its focus on short, high-intensity mechanics like respins and the gamble ladder keeps the action fast and unpredictable, appealing to players who enjoy immediate gratification and adrenaline-fueled sessions.

Sound and Music 

Audio design plays a crucial role in amplifying the grandeur of Lightning Strike Megaways. The soundtrack draws heavily from Norse cinematic motifs, combining deep percussion, resonant horns, and storm-like ambience. As lightning flashes across the screen, the bass rumbles like distant thunder, immersing the player in a mythological battlefield. 

The reel sounds are crisp yet atmospheric — metallic clicks and sharp zaps accompany every spin. When Thor’s hammer lands, the audio bursts into an electrifying crescendo, underscored by crackling energy and booming thunder. During respins, the tension builds with swelling orchestral layers, culminating in explosive audio cues when wins are registered. 

What’s particularly effective is the subtle variation between base game ambience and Mega Spins moments. The soundtrack transitions seamlessly from calm, brooding tones to high-tempo, triumphant music when the ladder gamble or respins kick in. Blueprint clearly invested effort into ensuring the audio progression reflects the volatility of the game, resulting in an experience that feels as epic as it looks.

Bonus Features 

Lightning Strike RespinsThe slot’s signature mechanic, Lightning Strike Respins, activates whenever a wild hammer lands on reels 2, 3, 4, or 5. The wild expands to cover the full reel and becomes a multiplier wild. Once expanded, it locks in place and awards a respin. If additional wilds appear during this respin, they also expand and trigger further respins, up to a maximum of four. The combination of stacked wild multipliers and respins can lead to exceptional win chains. 

Mystery Symbols 

During any spin, the golden tree Mystery Symbol can appear. When it does, all instances on the reels transform into a single matching symbol, significantly boosting the chance of forming a large win. This feature adds a dynamic element of surprise, ensuring that no two spins ever feel the same. 

Cash & Mega Spins Ladder 

This feature is the beating heart of Lightning Strike Megaways. Whenever you land a win worth 5x your stake or more, the Mega Spins Ladder activates. You’re then faced with a choice: collect your winnings or gamble them for a chance to climb the ladder. 

Each successful gamble moves you higher up the ladder, offering the possibility of Mega Spins or additional cash rewards. However, hitting a losing segment sends you tumbling back to zero. The thrill lies in balancing greed and caution — walk away with guaranteed profit or risk it all for the opportunity to trigger up to 100 Mega Spins. 

Mega Spins Feature 

If you successfully climb high enough, you’ll enter the Mega Spins feature, where the gameplay elevates to a whole new level. The reels are enhanced with additional Mystery Symbols and Wilds, increasing the likelihood of significant wins. The expanding multiplier wilds remain active, and their interaction during Mega Spins can produce breathtaking results. The feature continues until all Mega Spins are used up, after which you return to the base game. 

This unique combination of risk, reward, and strategic decision-making is what makes Lightning Strike Megaways stand apart from other Blueprint releases. It’s not just about waiting for free spins — it’s about actively controlling your destiny.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Provider: Blueprint Gaming 

Reels: 6 

Rows: 2–5 

Paylines: 15,625 (both ways) 

RTP: 95.96% 

Volatility: High 

Max Win: 10,000x your stake 

Min/Max Bet: €0.10 / €50 

Release Date: February 13, 2019 

Paytable Highlights 

Thor Symbol: 50x your stake for 6 of a kind 

Other Norse Warriors: 10x–25x your stake 

A–10 Royals: 1x–3x your stake 

Wild (Mjölnir): Expands into a multiplier wild, triggering respins 

Mystery Symbol (Golden Tree): Transforms into random symbols 

Despite its medium payout frequency, the slot’s high-volatility structure means that major wins tend to cluster around respin sequences or Mega Spins sessions. With the potential to hit 10,000x, the reward ceiling is immense, though patience and a good bankroll are essential.

Conclusion 

Lightning Strike Megaways exemplifies Blueprint Gaming at its most creative. Instead of recycling the same free spins model, the developer introduced a ladder gamble mechanic and respin system that make every session feel unique. The combination of expanding multiplier wilds, Mystery Symbols, and both-way payouts ensures that gameplay remains intense, unpredictable, and deeply engaging. 

Visually, the game captures Norse mythology with style, while the sound design amplifies every strike of Thor’s hammer with cinematic power. The Mega Spins Ladder injects a layer of interactivity and risk rarely seen in Megaways slots, rewarding bold players with escalating excitement and, potentially, massive payouts. 

While its high volatility might not suit everyone, Lightning Strike Megaways is a triumph of design and mechanical innovation — a reminder that even within Blueprint’s prolific Megaways lineup, there’s room for reinvention. For those who crave intensity, agency, and divine rewards, this thunderous slot delivers in every sense.