Game Information
Review of the gaming machine HippoPop from Yggdrasil
Introduction
HippoPop — this is a bright and unusual slot from the studio AvatarUX, released under the aegis of provider Yggdrasil on May 31, 2021. The game is executed in a psychedelic style, inspired by Mexican folk art of Oaxaca, and invites players to embark on a magical journey through jungles alongside neon creatures.
Key features of HippoPop
- PopWins™ mechanic (winning symbols 'explode' and are replaced by two new ones).
- Up to 65,536 ways to win.
- Super volatility.
- Maximum win — up to 48,150x the bet.
- RTP — 96.1%.
Design and atmosphere
HippoPop impresses with its colorful and vibrant graphics. The symbols are set against the backdrop of a tropical forest, filled with glowing plants and fantastic creatures. The animations are smooth, the sound accompaniment is cheerful and energetic, creating a sense of participation in a celebration. The overall impression is positive, playful, and somewhat surreal, which distinctly contrasts with the concepts of the PopWins series.
Characteristics and symbols
Parameter table
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Developer | AvatarUX (under the Yggdrasil brand) |
| Release date | May 31, 2021 |
| Barabany / Linii | 5 reels, up to 65,536 ways to win |
| Rate range | €0,20 – €40 |
| Max. Wins | up to 48,150x the bet |
| RTP | 96,1% |
| Volatility | Supervisory |
Payouts for combinations (5 symbols)
- A, K, Q, J — 1x the bet.
- Fish — 1.5x the bet.
- Bird — 2x the bet.
- Frog — 2.5x the bet.
- Hippopotamus (High-paying) — up to 10x the bet.
Bonus functions and unique mechanics
HippoPop is fully based around the PopWins™ mechanic:
- PopWins™: after each winning combination, the symbols 'explode', and in their place appear two new symbols, increasing the height of the reels (up to 9 rows) and the number of ways to win.
- Non-paying spins: activated when filling a special indicator. During the free spins, the reels do not reset to the initial height, preserving the achieved configuration.
- Buy Feature: available in jurisdictions where permitted. The player can immediately transition to bonus spins at a fixed price.
- Wild and Scatter: in the classic sense, they are absent. Instead of this, wins are formed according to the principle of 'any adjacent symbols' thanks to the win-all-ways mechanism.
Expert opinions and recommendations
HippoPop — this is a slot for players ready for long sessions without partial wins, but with potentially huge payouts. Due to the super volatility, the bankroll should be calculated as a minimum of 200–300 spins.
Recommendations on strategies
- Start with a minimum bet (€0.20) to test the dynamics of the game.
- Do not enable autospins — it is important to control the growth of the balance and decide when to stop.
- If the goal is bonus spins, it is better to use the purchase function (if available), as entry into the free spins in the base game is rare.
- Use the demo version to practice tactics before playing for real money.
Mathematical model
- RTP: 96.1% — corresponds to the average level.
- Volatility: super volatile — bigger wins are rare, but they can compensate for long 'dry' periods.
- Hit rate: about 20.5%.
- Maximum win: 48,150x bet — one of the highest indicators in the PopWins series.
Compared to analogs
- JunglePop (AvatarUX) — also uses PopWins, but has a slightly higher maximum (50,000x) and similar volatility.
- CherryPop (AvatarUX) — predecessor of HippoPop with a maximum of 20,000x and fewer ways to win (up to 59,049).
- RagingPop (AvatarUX) — more aggressive theme, but similar mechanics and RTP of 96%.
Mobile version
HippoPop is fully adapted for mobile devices. The game works correctly on iOS and Android, supports all functions of the desktop version, including PopWins and non-stop spins. The interface scales automatically, management is intuitive and convenient even on small screens.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Unique PopWins™ mechanics.
- Very high potential for winning (up to 48,150x).
- Bright and memorable visual style.
- Full mobile adaptation.
- Ability to buy bonus spins.
Cons
- Super volatility — not suitable for cautious players.
- The absence of traditional Wild/Scatter can confuse beginners.
- Long 'problems' between big wins.
Locking
HippoPop — this is a bold, technically advanced slot that will appeal to fans of high-risk games with a big potential. It combines original mechanics, attractive graphics, and a serious mathematical model.
Overall rating: 9/10
Recommended for experienced players, ready for a patient and strategic game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the developer of HippoPop?
- The game was created by AvatarUX, and it is distributed through the Yggdrasil Gaming platform.
Is it possible to play HippoPop for free?
- Yes, most online casinos and review sites offer a demo version without registration.
Is there a jackpot in HippoPop?
- No, this is not a progressive slot. The maximum win is fixed — up to 48,150x the bet.
How often do free spins drop?
- Due to the high volatility — quite rare. The average frequency of entering the bonus is approximately 1 time in 150–200 spins.
Does the game support the Russian language?
- The interface depends on the casino, but the slot itself does not contain text elements, so the language does not affect the gaming process.