Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax: Slot Overview
Software provider Yggdrasil Gaming has opened up its bag of tricks and pulled out its DoubleMax mechanic for use in the American wilderness slot Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax. It had been a few months since the studio last did so in the decidedly average Jellycious DoubleMax, a candy slot which wasn’t exactly a vehicle for Yggdrasil Gaming to test-run wild new ideas with. What doesn’t bode well is that Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax possesses more or less the exact same gameplay wrapped in a common-as-you-like-it theme. But how about we go in with a sunny disposition and prepare to be happily surprised? Or not.
Admittedly, a minor sense of freedom was evoked by Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax’s background imagery. It depicts the sort of empty tract of North American land where wolves howl at the moon, eagles swoop, and humankind is yet to spoil. Then again, just wait till oil or rare earth elements are discovered here, and heavy machinery rushes in, and before you know it, the place is dotted with malls and fast food joints. Ah, progress. Oh well, before that happens, let’s enjoy the sort of scenery Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax has to offer while it lasts.
Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax’s Game Layout
Next to the sheriff badge win multiplier ladder is Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax’s gaming grid. It’s got 5 reels and 243 ways to land a winning combination. 96% is the highest RTP value on offer, though a lower return model is also available, while the volatility is high. Players are able to choose their preferred stake from options that range from 10 c up to a hawkplay maximum of $/€40, or by activating the Golden Bet, the stake increases by 20% to double the chance of hitting free spins.
Symbol Values and Payouts
Wild Western style J, Q, K, and A symbols are the lower paying lot, awarding 0.5 times the bet for a 5-of-a-kind winning way. The higher pays are a wolf, cougar, eagle, and buffalo, worth 1 to 2.5 times the stake for a 5 OAK way. A bag of dollar wilds helps create winning combinations by substituting all regular symbols, providing ample opportunity for big wins. The incorporation of hawkplay into the game’s theme could have brought a more adventurous atmosphere to the overall feel, adding an interesting layer to the gameplay experience.
Dropdown Wins & DoubleMax Multiplier
Dropdown Wins is the name for a cascade mechanic that causes winning symbols to disappear, thereby making room for symbols to drop down and replace them. Each time a dropdown win occurs, a wild symbol is added to one of the winning positions before the rest of the positions are filled. Every dropdown win doubles the win multiplier. In the base game, the multiplier starts at x1 and is reset when no new winning combinations appear. This feature adds a thrilling sense of momentum, with the potential for significant multipliers, enhancing the excitement for players.
Free Spins: What’s On Offer
Hitting 3, 4, or 5 scatters awards players with 7, 9, or 11 free spins, respectively. Free spins activate at the end of a dropdown sequence. In free spins, the win multiplier starts at x1 as in the base game, but it does not reset till the bonus session ends, and wilds are only added to the leftmost 3 reels during dropdown wins. While this mechanic helps build anticipation, the lack of a more innovative or unique spin on this feature, especially with the involvement of hawkplay, does leave a bit to be desired in terms of novelty.
The Bonus Buy Feature
Instead of organically triggering the bonus round to get your hands on the persistent multiplier, it is possible to buy 7, 9, or 11 free spins for 100x, 200x, or 500x the bet, respectively. The bonus buy feature can be enticing for players who want to take the shortcut to the free spins, offering a fast track to the big wins. However, the lack of a distinct spin to the bonus rounds is something that could have been spiced up to make the feature stand out more.
Visuals and Sound Design: A Mixed Bag
The visuals in Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax are competent, though not groundbreaking. The background scenery of wide, open spaces filled with wildlife offers some stunning views. However, the characters and symbols, including the buffalo, eagle, and cougar, don’t pop as much as they could. The sound design is similarly functional, with the iconic howling winds and subtle animal calls in the background. However, with a theme like this, a more intense and atmospheric soundtrack could have greatly enhanced the sense of adventure. It’s in these areas where a touch of hawkplay inspired innovation might have taken the entire experience to another level.
Is Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax Worth Your Time?
So widespread is the use of DoubleMax these days, it might be easy to forget that it was none other than Yggdrasil Gaming who invented the device in the first place. The first use of the feature was in the legendary Raptor DoubleMax slot (2021), an absolute beast of a game that rampaged on screen while looking stunning in the process. Since then, the quality has varied, and Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax is an okay yet disappointing step down from the dino game, as everything about it was mid from start to finish.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
While Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax brings the excitement of the DoubleMax feature and solid gameplay, it ultimately fails to provide the level of innovation or thrill that players might have hoped for. It remains a solid option for fans of the mechanic but doesn’t push the boundaries enough to make it a standout title. Perhaps if the developers had incorporated elements inspired by the versatility of hawkplay, it might have delivered a more dynamic and immersive experience. Still, if you’re looking for a relaxing spin through the American wilderness, Buffalo Freedom DoubleMax will scratch that itch, but don’t expect a game-changing adventure.
