Game of Thrones 2 Slot Review
While the Song of Ice and Fire series of novels were already one of the biggest fantasy franchises of all time, the series didn’t really become part of the global consciousness until 2011, when Game of Thrones debuted on HBO. The television adaptation of the books proved to be an instant critical and ratings success for the network, becoming one of the most popular shows in the world and keeping fans enthralled for what has already been six action-packed seasons.
Not surprisingly in the modern era of gaming, this led to a number of slot machine adaptations, including one for brick and mortar casinos that was developed by Aristocrat. But with the continued evolution of the series, there was clearly room for another game based on the comings and goings of the major players of Westeros, and the company debuted yet another Game of Thrones machine at the 2016 Global Gaming Expo.
Exploring North and South
The first thing you’ll notice when looking at this machine is the gorgeous display board: it is several feet high, and bordered by a fiery red and gold pattern. The upper portion of the display features plenty of imagery from the series, most of which is taken from the show’s well-known intro: the flyovers of various locations, for instance, along with the title screen. Just as attractive are the reels below, which feature high-resolution images of countless characters, icons, sigils, and more.
The game itself takes place over a set of two five-reel layouts. On the left, you have a set representing the North: the wall, the Starks, and the characters found in that part of the series’ universe. You’ll see dire wolves, forests, skulls, and a number of recognizable characters like Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly.
On the other hand, the right-hand side of the screen is all about the Lannisters and their seat of power in King’s Landing. You’ll see Cersei Lannister and her brother Tyrion along with helmets, ravens, the Iron Throne, and much more. Both sides of the reels also include wilds and a scatter: an image of Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons herself. All main characters (other than Dany) appear in extended forms that can cover two positions instead of one, increasing their earning potential.
Fighting for the Throne
With plenty of wilds that can appear on screen over the two games running in parallel, there’s always the potential for players to win big on every spin. But random bonuses can also increase your odds by adding two more reels on the side of the screen, turning one half into a seven-reel slot temporarily. When this occurs, added wilds also appear on this expanded version of the game, offering the chance to win big.
This is also a machine that offers plenty in the way of jackpots. There are actually four different progressives available, each tied to one of the great houses of Westeros. While the Baratheon, Stark, and Lannister prizes are all nice, the real jackpot comes if you can hit the Targaryen payout, which can award six-figure jackpots to players.
Winter Is Coming
With stunning visuals and double the action, Game of Thrones 2 is set to be a hit in for many years. The dedication to the theme – which includes occasional video clips from the series – should satisfy fans of the source material, while the two sets of reels should provide more than enough complexity for a general slots crowd.
