Out of the Ice (Print Studios) Slot Review

Out of the Ice: Slot Overview 

In Out of the Ice, Print Studios dives deep beneath the frozen surface of the Arctic to explore the mystical world of the merfolk. Released on May 18, 2022, this fantasy-themed slot combines natural wonder with high-concept gameplay in a unique grid configuration and offers a mix of expanding reels, respins, and three distinct free spin bonus modes. But this isn’t your average mermaid slot—there are no busty sea maidens here. Instead, players are introduced to a richly designed undersea culture, one that draws more from icy folklore than sunny tropical clichés. 

The slot begins on an unusual 3-3-4-4-5 grid format, evoking titles like Wins of Fortune from Quickspin. However, once winning combinations land, the Freezing Respin mechanic kicks in, expanding the grid to reveal its full 5×5 potential with up to 259 ways to win (up from a starting 76). Gameplay is enriched with Merfolk Multipliers, sticky symbols, and a trio of selectable bonus rounds with varying volatility levels. 

Out of the Ice is also notable for its multi-RTP system (96.55%, 94%, or 90%), implemented due to market conditions, and clearly communicated to players. With a max win of 6,000x, 20% hit frequency, and a max win probability of 1 in 282,000,** this game offers a strong blend of mystery, beauty, and moderate potential.

Design and Graphics 

The aesthetic of Out of the Ice is one of frozen tranquility. The reels float atop an icy ocean expanse surrounded by frosted cliffs and snowdrifts. Visual elements are cool-toned and subdued, with glowing crystals, delicate snowflakes, and intricately designed aquatic creatures. The evolving game grid reinforces the sense of discovery, transforming the icy stillness into kinetic activity when features kick in.The symbols include a range of original sea creatures, such as gold and purple shells, blue crabs, green snails, and icy dragons, rendered with rich detail and smooth animation. The merfolk themselves—introduced during the bonus rounds—add personality and a splash of color, with tridents, regal poses, and dramatic entrances through shattered ice. 

Compared to more whimsical Print Studios releases like Royal Potato, Out of the Ice is subdued and atmospheric. It may lack the visual pop of other fantasy-themed slots, but it delivers a cohesive and immersive design, transporting players to a world teetering between serenity and unleashed power.

Gameplay Mechanics 

At its core, Out of the Ice is a ways-to-win slot with dynamic reel expansion and sticky symbol mechanics. The game begins with 76 ways to win, which can increase to 259 during the Freezing Respin feature. Players spin on a 5-reel setup with an unusual 3-3-4-4-5 row configuration that gradually morphs into a 5×5 grid under the right conditions. 

The central mechanic is the Freezing Respin, which is activated upon every win. Here’s how it works: 

When a winning combo hits, the leftmost reel is removed, and a new 5-position reel is added to the right. 

Winning symbols are locked in place, while all other positions respin. 

This process repeats as long as new winning symbols are added, mimicking an avalanche mechanic but with reel progression. 

Up to four consecutive respins can occur before the bonus round is triggered. 

This mechanic not only increases the number of paylines but also keeps gameplay exciting and full of momentum—especially as bonus potential nears.

Sound and Music 

The audio design in Out of the Ice is subtle and soothing, featuring a dreamlike ambient score with chimes, soft synths, and fluid water-like transitions. It’s intentionally minimalistic, reinforcing the chilly setting and mystical underwater atmosphere. Compared to the more playful audio found in Royal Potato or Book of Destiny, this soundtrack leans into serenity over spectacle. 

Special audio cues signal winning spins, respins, and the appearance of multipliers or merfolk characters. These effects are sharp but unobtrusive, ensuring the game’s relaxing tone isn’t broken. During free spins, the tension and tempo rise slightly with a more rhythmic beat, adding excitement without going over the top. 

Overall, the soundscape is a good match for the theme: not overwhelming, but distinct enough to enhance immersion and elevate the arctic aesthetic.

Bonus Features 

Out of the Ice offers a variety of bonus features, focused on grid expansion, multipliers, and a customizable free spins experience.Freezing Respin

Triggered by any winning combination. 

The leftmost reel is removed; a new 5-position reel is added to the right. 

Winning symbols become sticky, and non-winners respin. 

Continues until no new wins occur or four respins are completed, at which point free spins trigger. 

Merfolk Multipliers

During base and bonus games, up to two Merfolk symbols can burst through the ice to apply multipliers. 

Values range from 2x to 40x, applied individually and independently. 

These can stack across multiple symbols in the same win, making for high-potential payouts. 

Free Spins

Triggered after four consecutive respins, players can choose from three bonus modes: 

10 Multiplier Free Spins: Merfolk multipliers may apply, but do not stick. 

8 Sticky Multiplier Free Spins: Multipliers stay locked in position for the rest of the feature. 

4 Sticky Multiplier Retrigger Free Spins: Multipliers stick, and each first-time application to a symbol grants an extra spin. 

All free spins play out on a 5×5 grid, with the same respin mechanic as in the base game. The addition of sticky multipliers transforms each spin into a strategic build-up toward large win chains, particularly when combined with expanding ways to win.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Out of the Ice accommodates a broad range of players with a minimum bet of €0.20 and a maximum of €100 per spin. While it isn’t a slot with towering volatility, its medium/high variance rating means that it balances prolonged play sessions with bursts of high-potential payouts. 

The game’s RTP varies based on jurisdiction and licensing requirements: 

96.55% (standard) 

94% (regulated markets) 

90% (German market) 

This tiered RTP model is clearly displayed to players, which is a commendable move by Print Studios, offering transparency rarely seen in the industry. 

Hit Frequency: 20% (1 in 5 spins yields a win) 

Max Win: 6,000x 

Max Win Probability: 1 in 282,000 

Symbols pay between 0.5x and 10x the stake for five-of-a-kind wins, with multipliers playing a key role in achieving high-value combinations. The presence of wild multipliers, sticky features, and respins makes each payout feel dynamic, though full-screen wins remain elusive.

Conclusion 

Out of the Ice stands as one of Print Studios’ most atmospheric and mechanically rich titles. With its ever-changing grid layout, stacked multipliers, and customizable free spins rounds, it strikes a clever balance between accessibility and depth. While it may lack the visual flamboyance of Royal Potato or the risk-heavy thrills of Book of Destiny, it carves out its own niche by offering an engaging, slow-burning experience ideal for thoughtful players. 

The art and sound design bring the chilly underwater world to life without overwhelming the senses. Its mathematical model offers moderate risk and consistent engagement, especially thanks to the respin mechanic, while the RTP flexibility ensures wide market compatibility. 

Ultimately, Out of the Ice is not just another fantasy slot—it’s a well-crafted piece of interactive storytelling. Whether you’re drawn in by the theme, the expanding gameplay, or the strategic free spin options, it’s a game that rewards patience and persistence, offering moments of brilliance under the ice.