Xpander (Hacksaw Gaming) Slot Review

Xpander: Slot Overview

Released on July 28, 2021, Xpander is a unique addition to Hacksaw Gaming’s Pocketz series, offering players a highly volatile slot experience with a nostalgic yet futuristic vibe. Its 7×7 grid format, coupled with cluster pays, ensures that players enjoy dynamic gameplay packed with cascading wins and high-paced action. Designed for mobile-first gaming, Xpander thrives on simplicity while delivering engaging features that can lead to substantial wins of up to 10,000x the bet. 

With an RTP of 96.25% in regular play (slightly reduced to 96.20% for bonus buy options) and a high volatility engine, Xpander caters to players looking for thrilling sessions. Its retro-inspired design combined with Hacksaw Gaming’s signature features ensures that it stands out in a crowded slot market. 

Design and Graphics 

Xpander’s aesthetic is a mix of retro and futuristic themes. The backdrop features towering high-rises bathed in a neon purple hue, reminiscent of 1980s synthwave visuals. The 7×7 grid is populated by traditional fruit machine symbols such as cherries, lemons, watermelons, and bells, alongside horseshoes, diamonds, and the number 7. While the symbols may feel classic, they contrast sharply with the futuristic setting, creating a quirky yet appealing visual style. 

The animations are smooth, especially during tumbles and feature activations. When multipliers grow or the Hopper expands, the visual effects ramp up to emphasize the excitement. Though the artwork is simple, Hacksaw Gaming ensures the presentation remains engaging throughout the session. 

Gameplay Mechanics 

At the core of Xpander lies its cluster pays system. Wins are achieved by forming clusters of 5 or more matching symbols connected horizontally or vertically. After a winning cluster is formed, the tumble feature activates, clearing the winning symbols and allowing new ones to drop into place. This cascading mechanic creates opportunities for multiple wins in a single spin. 

The Hopper feature is Xpander’s standout mechanic. The Hopper starts as a 1×1 multiplier symbol that can attach itself to clusters and double the payout of any cluster it participates in. With each tumble or feature activation, the Hopper can move across the grid, increasing the anticipation of where it will land next. 

Other features like Double Up symbols allow the Hopper’s multiplier to grow exponentially, reaching a maximum multiplier of 128x. Meanwhile, Grow symbols expand the Hopper’s size from 1×1 to 2×2, 3×3, and finally 4×4, making it easier to cover multiple clusters in one spin. 

Sound and Music 

Xpander’s audio design leans heavily into its retro-futuristic theme, with a synthwave soundtrack that perfectly complements the neon visuals. The calming tones of wind chimes dominate the early stages of the game, creating a laid-back atmosphere. However, as the gameplay heats up—particularly during tumbles and bonus rounds—the soundtrack becomes more dynamic, amplifying the sense of excitement. 

Sound effects are minimal yet effective. Wins are marked by subtle chimes, while Hopper activations and multiplier increases are accompanied by energetic audio cues, ensuring players feel rewarded for every significant event. 

Bonus Features 

Tumble Feature 

The tumble mechanic is central to Xpander’s gameplay. Each time a winning cluster is formed, the symbols in the cluster are removed, and new symbols fall into the empty spaces. This feature continues until no new wins are achieved, creating the potential for chain reactions and increased payouts. 

Hopper Feature 

The Hopper symbol starts as a 1×1 multiplier that moves around the grid between spins. When it lands on a cluster, it doubles the payout of that cluster. The Hopper’s multiplier can grow in value through the following: 

• Double Up Symbols: These symbols increase the Hopper’s multiplier by 2x, with the potential to stack up to a maximum of 128x. 

• Grow Symbols: After collecting three Grow symbols, the Hopper expands in size, eventually reaching a maximum of 4×4. 

The Hopper resets to its default size and value after every spin, except during bonus rounds. 

Free Spins Feature 

The free spins round is triggered by landing at least 3 Free Spin symbols. Players start with 5 free spins, during which the Hopper’s multiplier and size do not reset between spins. This feature provides an opportunity to maximize the Hopper’s potential, with multipliers reaching 128x and sizes growing to 4×4. 

During the free spins round: 

• 1UP symbols add +1 free spin to the total, extending the bonus session. 

• The cascading mechanic remains active, providing the potential for multiple wins per spin. 

Bonus Buy 

For players eager to jump straight into the action, Xpander offers a bonus buy option at 129x the bet. This grants instant access to the free spins feature, bypassing the need to land Free Spin symbols naturally. While the RTP for this option is slightly lower (96.20%), it’s an attractive choice for players who want to experience the game’s most lucrative feature. 

Betting Options and Payouts 

Xpander accommodates a broad range of players with a betting range of €0.20 to €100 per spin. This flexibility makes it accessible to casual gamers while providing high-stakes options for seasoned players. 

Symbol payouts vary based on cluster size: 

• Low-paying symbols (cherries, lemons, and grapes) provide smaller returns for clusters of 5-15+. 

• High-paying symbols (watermelons, bells, horseshoes, and diamonds) offer larger payouts, with clusters of 15 or more paying between 20x and 80x the bet. 

The Hopper feature significantly enhances payouts, especially when its multiplier reaches higher values. The potential for a 10,000x max win ensures that Xpander remains appealing to players seeking big rewards. 

Conclusion 

Xpander is a prime example of Hacksaw Gaming’s ability to deliver innovative mechanics within a simple yet effective framework. Its retro-futuristic design, coupled with the highly engaging Hopper feature, creates a slot experience that feels fresh and exciting. The cascading wins and growing multipliers keep players engaged, while the potential for a 10,000x payout adds an extra layer of excitement. 

The game’s high volatility ensures that big wins are possible, though they may require patience to achieve. The bonus buy option provides an alternative for players eager to experience the free spins feature without waiting for natural triggers. 

While Xpander’s visuals and theme may not appeal to everyone, its gameplay mechanics and rewarding features more than make up for it. The combination of cluster pays, cascading wins, and a growing multiplier system ensures that every spin is packed with potential. 

For fans of Hacksaw Gaming’s Pocketz series or players looking for a unique slot experience with a high-risk, high-reward dynamic, Xpander is well worth exploring.