Rusty & Curly (Hacksaw Gaming) Slot Review

Rusty & Curly: Slot Overview

Rusty & Curly, developed by Hacksaw Gaming, is an engaging online slot that combines the charm of the Wild West with quirky humor and unique characters. Departing from the usual gritty and serious take on Western themes, Rusty & Curly injects a lighthearted approach that sets it apart. The slot introduces two humorous protagonists—Rusty, a lean and lanky cowboy, and Curly, his pudgy partner—accompanied by their trusty animal sidekicks, Crispy and Chewy. Together, they navigate a cartoonish world filled with saloon antics, sheriffs, and cowboy clichés. 

This game operates on a 5×4 grid with 14 paylines and features an RTP of 96.29%, adjustable depending on the feature buys. With medium volatility, a hit frequency of 32%, and the potential for wins of up to 10,000x your stake, Rusty & Curly offers a thrilling yet accessible experience. It’s designed for both casual players and seasoned slot enthusiasts looking for an amusing twist on traditional Western slots. 

Design and Graphics

Hacksaw Gaming has outdone itself with the visuals of Rusty & Curly. The game boasts vibrant, cartoon-style graphics that exude charm and humor. The dusty Western town setting is brought to life with a bright and colorful palette, creating a lighthearted atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the game’s comedic tone. 

The main characters, Rusty and Curly, are animated with exaggerated features that add to the humor. Rusty, with his long legs and sheepish expression, contrasts hilariously with Curly, whose rotund figure and cowboy hat give him a comical presence. The reels are filled with symbols that enhance the Western vibe, including cowboy hats, horseshoes, skulls, sheriff badges, and Wild Posters. The animations are smooth, and the background details—like wooden buildings and cacti—immerse players in a whimsical Wild West adventure. 

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay in Rusty & Curly is straightforward yet packed with engaging features. Players win by landing three to five matching symbols on any of the 14 fixed paylines, starting from the leftmost reel. The game has a variety of low and high-paying symbols, with the Wild Poster serving as a crucial element. The Wild Poster not only substitutes for all regular symbols but also comes with multipliers that enhance your wins significantly. 

The slot’s medium volatility ensures a balanced mix of smaller and larger wins, making it appealing to a broad audience. The hit frequency of 32% means players can expect relatively frequent wins, maintaining excitement throughout the session. 

Sound and Music

The soundtrack of Rusty & Curly is a delightful mix of Western-themed melodies with a comedic twist. The music features banjos, harmonicas, and upbeat rhythms that set the scene for a fun-filled Wild West adventure. It complements the lighthearted visuals perfectly, creating an immersive experience that feels more like an animated movie than a traditional slot game. 

Sound effects, such as the clinking of spurs, gunshots, and cheerful yee-haws, add an extra layer of enjoyment. The audio design adapts dynamically during bonus features, ramping up the excitement when players trigger a big win or enter a special round. 

Bonus Features

Rusty & Curly shines in its bonus features, which bring the theme and characters to life. Here’s a breakdown of the main features: 

Almost Sticky Wild Posters 

Wild Posters are a unique twist on the traditional wild symbol. They appear with hearts and multipliers (ranging from x2 to x10) and remain on the reels as long as they have at least one heart left. Each respin decreases the number of hearts, and when no hearts remain, the Wild Poster is removed. This mechanic adds strategic depth and excitement, as the Wild Posters can significantly boost payouts during their lifespan. 

Stick to the Plan! Bonus 

Triggered by landing three FS scatter symbols, this feature awards six free spins. During these spins, Wild Posters are more likely to appear with larger multipliers and additional hearts. Players also receive respins that don’t count toward the awarded free spins, extending the potential for big wins. 

Who Shot the Sheriff? Bonus 

Landing four FS scatter symbols activates this feature, awarding 12 free spins divided into three cycles: one Collect Phase spin and three Payout Phase spins per cycle. During the Collect Phase, Rusty, Curly, or their animal companions expand to fill a random reel. These wild reels hold multipliers ranging from x1 to x200. After three Payout Phase spins, the cycle resets, and players can potentially earn extra cycles by landing additional scatter symbols. 

Bonus Buy Options 

Players eager to jump into the action can use the Bonus Buy feature, which offers several options: 

BonusHunt FeatureSpins: Costs 3x the bet and increases the likelihood of triggering a bonus game (RTP 96.4%). 

The Stick-Up FeatureSpins: Costs 50x the bet and guarantees at least five Wild Posters (RTP 96.29%). 

Stick to the Plan! Bonus: Costs 100x the bet and activates the Stick to the Plan! feature (RTP 96.29%). 

Who Shot the Sheriff? Bonus: Costs 300x the bet and activates the Who Shot the Sheriff? feature (RTP 96.41%). 

These options provide flexibility for players who want to explore the bonus features without waiting for them to trigger naturally. 

Betting Options and Payouts

Rusty & Curly accommodates a wide range of players with its betting options, allowing wagers from as little as $0.10 to as much as $100 per spin. This flexibility makes it suitable for both casual players and high rollers. The game’s theoretical RTP ranges from 96.29% to 88.31%, depending on the feature buys and base game configuration. 

The slot’s maximum win potential is 10,000x the stake, which can be achieved through the Who Shot the Sheriff? bonus round. While the base game offers moderate payouts, the bonus features and Wild Poster mechanics significantly enhance the chances of hitting larger wins. 

Conclusion

Rusty & Curly is a standout slot in Hacksaw Gaming’s portfolio, combining a humorous take on the Wild West with innovative mechanics and engaging features. The game’s vibrant design, lighthearted theme, and quirky characters make it an absolute joy to play. Hacksaw Gaming has masterfully blended humor and gameplay depth, creating a slot that feels fresh and entertaining. 

The bonus features, particularly the Who Shot the Sheriff? round, add layers of excitement and potential for massive payouts. The Almost Sticky Wild Posters and their multipliers keep the base game engaging, while the Bonus Buy options cater to players who want to dive straight into the action. 

With its medium volatility, accessible betting range, and a maximum win of 10,000x the stake, Rusty & Curly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a casual player looking for a fun experience or a seasoned slot enthusiast chasing big wins, this game delivers on all fronts. Rusty & Curly proves that Hacksaw Gaming can take a well-worn theme and turn it into a memorable and entertaining adventure.