Shippy D Pop (AvatarUX) Slot Review

Shippy D Pop: Slot Overview 

Developed by AvatarUX and released on August 1, 2024, Shippy D Pop takes players on a high-seas adventure where pirates, buccaneers, and whimsical characters set sail in search of fortune. Thematically, it blends pirate lore with AvatarUX’s well-known PopWins mechanic, delivering a dynamic gameplay style familiar to fans of the studio’s popular releases such as LooneyPop. 

At its core, Shippy D Pop is a 5-reel slot where rows can expand from 3 up to 9, creating a staggering 118,098 paylines when fully unlocked. It features a medium volatility setup, paired with a return-to-player (RTP) rate of 96.08% and a breathtaking maximum win potential of 50,000x the stake. With flexible betting options ranging from €0.10 to €40 per spin, the game caters to both casual spinners and high-rollers. 

From the moment you step aboard, the game promises excitement with innovative reel modifiers, thrilling bonus features, and the promise of treasures lurking beyond the horizon.

Design and Graphics 

AvatarUX has always been known for pushing boundaries when it comes to slot aesthetics, and Shippy D Pop is no exception. The game is set against a picturesque pirate backdrop, with calm seas, rugged cliffs, and pirate ships looming in the distance. The visuals feel playful rather than gritty, giving the slot a slightly cartoonish charm that makes it stand out from more serious pirate-themed games.The reel symbols are a mix of traditional card ranks (9 to A) and thematic icons such as rhinos, fish, boats, and a cast of quirky pirate characters. Each is drawn with bold colors and a lighthearted flair, reinforcing the idea that Shippy D Pop doesn’t take itself too seriously. 

Animations add extra energy: reels expand and burst open as symbols pop, creating fast-paced action that keeps the screen lively. Special features like the ZapReel bar above the reels enhance the visual spectacle, with glowing multipliers, split symbols, and synchronized reels adding to the excitement.

Gameplay Mechanics 

At the heart of Shippy D Pop lies the PopWins mechanic, one of AvatarUX’s signature innovations. Each time a winning combination lands, the symbols involved are removed and replaced by two new symbols, effectively expanding the reel. This continues until no further wins occur, allowing the reels to grow up to 6 rows high in the base game and up to 9 rows high in the free spins round. 

Wins can be created from both left to right and right to left, doubling the opportunities to land payouts. When fully expanded, the game can unleash its maximum 118,098 paylines, a thrilling prospect for any slot enthusiast. 

Adding more excitement, the ZapReel sits above the grid, displaying three random rewards that apply directly to the reels below. These can include: 

Multipliers (x2 or x3 in base game, up to x10 in free spins). 

Split Symbols, creating up to 5 identical symbols in one position. 

Expand Winning Symbols, which stretch across the entire reel if part of a win. 

Synced Reels, where two or more reels spin with identical symbols. 

The mix of PopWins and ZapReel keeps the base game dynamic, as no two spins feel alike.

Sound and Music 

The audio design of Shippy D Pop complements its whimsical pirate setting. The soundtrack is upbeat and adventurous, reminiscent of classic seafaring tales with a playful twist. Rather than leaning into ominous or dramatic pirate tropes, the music feels lighthearted, which suits the game’s quirky graphical style. 

Sound effects are equally satisfying. Popping symbols create sharp, energetic bursts, while expanding reels are accompanied by smooth swells of audio. Wins are punctuated with celebratory jingles, and the ZapReel features distinct sound cues that highlight the importance of each modifier. 

Overall, the soundscape enhances immersion without becoming overbearing, striking a nice balance between thematic flair and functional feedback.

Bonus Features 

Shippy D Pop is packed with features designed to elevate the excitement beyond standard spins.Free Spins 

Triggering free spins requires expanding all reels to 6 rows high, awarding 6 free spins. Players then have the option to gamble for more spins on the Pirate Wheel, with the chance of winning up to 18 free spins—though an unsuccessful gamble results in losing the feature entirely. 

During free spins, the reels start at 6 rows high and can expand to a maximum of 9 rows. Crucially, the reel height doesn’t reset between spins, allowing players to gradually build towards the full grid across the round. For each reel that reaches the maximum height, an additional +2 free spins are awarded. 

The ZapReel is always active during free spins, offering three rewards on every spin, including boosted multipliers (up to x10), more frequent splits, and synced reels that can synchronize up to three reels. 

Bonus Buy 

For players who prefer to skip straight to the action, Shippy D Pop offers three bonus buy options:Shippy Bonus – 6 free spins for 125x the bet. 

Pirate Wheel Gamble – Gamble for up to 18 spins (or possibly none) for 125x the bet. 

Bonus Max – 12 free spins for 500x the bet, with higher chances of x10 multipliers, 10 splits per symbol, and 3 synced reels. 

These buy-in features provide instant access to the game’s most lucrative mechanics, particularly appealing to high-risk, high-reward players.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Shippy D Pop offers a flexible betting range, starting at €0.10 per spin and maxing out at €40 per spin. This makes it accessible for cautious players while still offering enough headroom for those who prefer larger wagers. 

The game has a medium volatility profile, striking a balance between frequent smaller wins and the potential for big payouts. Its RTP of 96.08% is competitive within the industry, ensuring fair returns over time. 

Symbol payouts vary: 

Low-paying symbols (9-A) pay up to 0.6x the bet for five-of-a-kind. 

High-paying character symbols pay up to 1x the bet for five-of-a-kind. 

With the aid of multipliers, splits, and synced reels, these modest base payouts can escalate dramatically. 

The real draw lies in the slot’s maximum win potential of 50,000x the stake. At the maximum bet, this equates to a colossal jackpot of €2,000,000, making Shippy D Pop one of AvatarUX’s most rewarding titles to date.

Conclusion 

Shippy D Pop is a vibrant, feature-packed slot that successfully marries AvatarUX’s signature PopWins mechanic with an engaging pirate theme. While its roots are clearly tied to earlier games like LooneyPop, it still manages to feel fresh thanks to its quirky presentation and the inclusion of the ZapReel system, which keeps every spin dynamic and unpredictable. 

The game’s strengths lie in its engaging design, flexible bet range, rewarding bonus features, and massive win potential. The medium volatility makes it more approachable than some ultra-high-risk slots, yet the 50,000x max win ensures adrenaline-fueled potential for thrill-seekers. 

If you’re looking for a lighthearted pirate adventure filled with explosive reel expansions, clever modifiers, and jackpot-sized treasures, Shippy D Pop is well worth boarding. Whether you play cautiously with small bets or dive into the high-stakes bonus buys, this slot offers something for everyone.