Thunderstruck II is the improved version of Microgaming’s popular slot of the same name. The sequel boasts slicker graphics, better sound effects, and various exhilarating features, including wilds, scatters, and free spins with multipliers.
The developers have substituted the standard paylines of the original with the ways-to-win payout mechanic that allows for up to 243 possible winning combinations on every spin. The game has medium to high volatility and a betting range of $/€0.30 to $/€60 per spin.
Thunderstruck II Slot Summary | |
Game Provider: Microgaming | Release Date: 2010 |
Game Type: Video Slot | Theme(s): Ancient civilizations |
Reels: 5 | Wild Symbols: Yes |
Rows: 3 | Scatters: Yes |
Paylines: 243 ways to win | Free Spins: No |
Payout/RTP: 96.65% | Bonus Game: No |
Volatility Level: Med-High | Progressive Jackpot: No |
Min Bet: 0.30 | Autoplay: Yes |
Max Bet: 60 | Max Win: 8000x |
Thunderstruck II Theme
Similarly to its predecessor, Thunderstruck II has a familiar theme that revolves around Norse mythology. The spinning action takes place in Valhalla where slain warriors reside under the leadership of the wise Odin. Apart from the one-eyed god, the reels are populated by several other deities, including the mighty hammer-wielding Thor, his mischievous stepbrother Loki, and the fair female warrior Valkyrie.
The sequel is significantly darker and more dramatic than the original slot. The brooding soundtrack perfectly fits the mythological theme of the game without distracting players from their gameplay. Larger wins are accompanied by the sounds of lightning strikes, which further improves the overall atmosphere of the game.
How Thunderstruck II Compares to Other Slot Games
As Thunderstruck II was released over a decade ago, it is no surprise its age has started to show compared to newer mythology-themed slots like Yggdrasil’s Hammer of Gods and Play’n GO’s Ring of Odin, among other examples. Both slots boast considerably better graphics and sound effects but Thunderstruck II outperforms them in terms of theoretical return to player.
More Similar Slots
- Odin: Protector of Realms by Play’n GO
- Hall of Gods by NetEnt
- Thor’s Lightning by Red Tiger Gaming
Thunderstruck II Symbols and Payouts
All symbols incorporated in Thunderstruck II were designed in line with the epic theme of the slot. The developers have used the tried-and-tested playing cards (A, K, Q, J, 10, 9) for the low payers but have crafted them to resemble ancient runestones in steel-gray hues.
The high-value symbols include the game’s logo, Mjölnir, Loki, Odin, Thor, Valkyrie, Asgard, and a longship. To earn you some money, the symbols must land in any position from left to right on adjoining reels. The scattered hammer Mjölnir is the only symbol that pays both ways.
Thunderstruck II Winning Combinations and Payouts | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Symbols | 2 Matches | 3 Matches | 4 Matches | 5 Matches |
Logo (wild) | – | x2.5 | x6.66 | x33.33 |
Mjölnir (scatter) | x1 | x2 | x20 | x200 |
Thor | – | x1 | x3.33 | x16.66 |
Odin | – | x1 | x3.33 | x15 |
Loki | – | x0.66 | x2.66 | x13.33 |
Valkyrie | – | x0.66 | x2.66 | x11.66 |
Asgard | – | x0.50 | x2 | x10 |
Longship | – | x0.50 | x2 | x8.33 |
Ace | – | x0.33 | x0.66 | x5 |
King | – | x0.33 | x0.66 | x5 |
Queen | – | x0.23 | x0.50 | x4.16 |
Jack | – | x0.23 | x0.50 | x4.16 |
10 | – | x0.16 | x0.33 | x3.33 |
9 | – | x0.16 | x0.33 | x3.33 |
Bonus Features Overview
Thunderstruck offers four distinct rounds of free spins as part of the Great Hall of Spins feature. Wilds and scatters are also incorporated into the gameplay to further boost your chances of striking it rich. The software developers have decided not to include a pick-me bonus game this time around. However, its absence hardly takes away from the appeal of Thunderstruck II, considering the abundance of free spins rounds.
Wild and Scatter Symbols
The Thunderstruck logo plays a twofold role. On one hand, it is wild and substitutes for all regular symbols in the game. On the other, the wild doubles the winnings from all combinations it helps create. The scattered hammer of Thor pays in any position and unlocks the rounds of free spins.
Wildstorm Feature
The Wildstorm feature triggers randomly during the base game. Whenever it activates, it can transform up to five reels into expanding wilds, which significantly improves the likelihood of forming winning combinations. The only downside is players cannot trigger a free spins round when the feature is active.
Free Spins
Players enter the Great Hall of Spins whenever three or more scattered hammers appear on the reels simultaneously. Multiple entries into the Great Hall unlock additional rounds of free spins with higher multipliers and better features. The mechanic is known as Paytable Achievements and is exclusively available in select Microgaming slots. Players can unlock the following free spins rounds:
- The Valkyrie round activates from the 1st trigger and awards 10 free spins with 5x multipliers.
- The Loki round starts off from the 5th trigger and involves 15 free spins with Wild Magic symbols that can randomly transform up to 15 icons into wilds.
- The Odin round can be unlocked after the 10th trigger and entails 20 free spins with the Wild Raven feature that can potentially award up to 6x multipliers on wins.
- The Thor round starts after the 15th trigger and plays on rolling reels that can produce multiple consecutive wins, with increasing multipliers after each winning combination.
Pros & Cons of Thunderstruck II
- The original bonus features keep players invested in the gameplay.
- The slot is compatible with both desktop and mobile devices.
- Players can win up to 8,000 times the bet.
- A good deal of patience is required to unlock Thor’s round of free spins.
- The higher volatility renders the game unsuitable for players on a tight budget.
- The game lacks a progressive jackpot.
Thunderstruck II FAQs
Is Thunderstruck II suitable for small-scale players?
Thunderstruck II has medium to high volatility and requires a larger bankroll, especially if your goal is to progress through the different free spins rounds. On the positive side of things, you can choose your free spins feature once you manage to unlock all four levels.
What is the house edge in Thunderstruck II?
This Microgaming release comes with a house edge of 3.35%, which is quite decent for an online slot. It certainly outperforms table games like double-zero roulette in this respect.
How many consecutive spins can I play in Autoplay mode?
Autoplay mode allows you to play anywhere between 10 and 100 rounds without having to constantly hit the spin button when the reels come to rest. We advise you to be cautious with this functionality as it can quickly drain your bankroll if you are not careful.