HippoPop Slot Review
AvatarUX have built a solid reputation with their PopWins series, and HippoPop continues that track record with refined execution. Released in May 2021, this game represents the developer’s commitment to polished mechanics rather than chasing industry trends. The PopWins mechanic itself has proven durable across multiple releases, and HippoPop demonstrates why the series maintains a dedicated following. With an unusual blend of Oaxacan art and African wildlife themes, the game creates visual interest that sets it apart within the PopWins catalogue. The game delivers exactly what PopWins players expect: a refined experience with reel expansion mechanics and meaningful multiplier progression. For those familiar with AvatarUX’s catalogue, this entry strikes a balance between the formula’s proven strengths and the polish players have come to expect from the developer.
Base Game & Features
HippoPop operates on a 5-reel grid with variable heights, starting at 3 symbols and expanding to a maximum of 6 symbols high during base game. The famous PopWins mechanic forms the foundation of gameplay: winning symbols pop and are replaced by 2 symbols, which progressively increases the reel heights and the number of ways to win. The game begins with 486 ways to win but can expand to a maximum of 65,536 ways, creating escalating excitement as symbols pop and multiply. Polished animations and immersive popping sounds combine to make reel expansion feel rewarding.
The base game includes a critical multiplier system. When all 5 reels reach 6 symbols high, the Base Game Multiplier unlocks and starts at 2x. This multiplier increases by 1 with each subsequent winning pop, climbing to a maximum of 8x. This progression adds meaningful depth to standard spins, rewarding extended base game sessions with escalating potential. The multiplier carries over into free spins without resetting, which is a defining characteristic of the game’s design.
HippoPop Free Spins & Bonus Features
Free spins trigger when all 5 reels expand to 6 symbols high during base game. Players receive 5 guaranteed free spins, though an optional gamble wheel offers the chance to increase this to 12 additional spins total. The trigger occurs approximately once every 240 spins on average, reflecting the game’s high volatility design. The gamble wheel adds engagement but introduces disappointment risk—losing streaks in the bonus gamble can undermine the excitement built during the unlock sequence. Extended free spin sessions with climbing multipliers can produce substantial payouts, particularly when the reels expand beyond their base maximum.
During free spins, the Golden Hippo Symbol becomes the premium pay symbol with height-based multipliers. At 6 symbols high, the hippo pays 2x of base value. At 7 symbols (reachable in free spins), it pays 3x. At 8 symbols high, it pays 4x. Any multiplier earned during base game carries over to free spins without resetting, allowing for potentially massive payouts when conditions align.
A Bonus Buy feature is available outside the UK at 85x your stake for direct access to free spins. Where permitted, this provides a reasonable alternative for players who want immediate access to the feature rather than waiting for organic triggers. It’s worth noting that UK players, subject to UKGC regulations, do not have access to this feature.
Our Honest Verdict
Rating: 7/10
HippoPop stands as a solid, polished addition to AvatarUX’s PopWins catalogue. The PopWins mechanic feels refined here, and the Oaxacan-inspired theme with African wildlife creates visual interest that distinguishes it from other entries in the series. The 96.10% RTP and high volatility provide reliable maths for extended sessions, particularly for players accustomed to this style of gameplay.
However, the game follows the established PopWins formula without major innovation. Base game pacing can feel sluggish for players accustomed to more frequent bonus activations—the 240-spin average trigger frequency and 20.50% hit frequency mean wins are less frequent but potentially much larger. The 48,150x maximum win, whilst requiring optimal conditions, does offer genuine upside for players chasing multipliers.
HippoPop suits existing PopWins enthusiasts who appreciate the slow-burn mechanic and don’t mind patient base game sessions for bigger payoffs. Newcomers might find more dynamic gameplay elsewhere. The game won for the CasinoBeats 2021 Game Innovation Award alongside CherryPop and TikiPop, recognising its as an outstanding entry in the PopWins series. For those patient enough to embrace extended base game sessions, HippoPop delivers polish and proven mechanics.
HippoPop FAQs
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What is the RTP of HippoPop slot?
The RTP of HippoPop PopWins slot is 96.1%, which represents a solid return to players and is competitive within the slot gaming market. -
What is the maximum win in HippoPop slot?
The maximum win in HippoPop is 48,150x your stake, representing one of the highest maximum win potentials in the PopWins series. -
How volatile is HippoPop slot?
HippoPop features high volatility with a rating of 330 and a hit frequency of 20.50%. This means winning combinations land less frequently but with greater win potential when they do occur. -
What is the PopWins mechanic in HippoPop?
The PopWins mechanic in HippoPop works by having every winning symbol ‘pop’ and be replaced by 2 symbols, increasing the reel height and the number of ways to win. The game starts with 486 ways to win and can expand to a maximum of 65,536 ways to win, continuing until no more winning combinations form. -
How do you trigger free spins in HippoPop?
Free spins are triggered in HippoPop when all 5 reels expand to 6 symbols high during base game. Players receive 5 guaranteed free spins, with an option to gamble on a bonus wheel for up to 12 additional spins total. The trigger occurs approximately once every 240 spins on average. Where permitted, the bonus buy feature costs 85x stake. -
What is the bonus buy cost for HippoPop free spins?
The bonus buy feature in HippoPop costs 85x your total stake (where permitted – notably unavailable to UK players). This gives you 5 free spins with a starting multiplier of x2 to x4. -
What are the HippoPop symbol payouts in free spins?
In the HippoPop free spins round, the hippo symbol payouts increase as reels expand: x2 of base value at 6 symbols high, x3 at 7 symbols high, and x4 at 8 symbols high. Any multiplier earned in base game carries over to free spins without resetting. -
What betting range does HippoPop offer?
HippoPop offers a betting range from 0.20 to 40.00 per spin, accommodating both casual and high-stakes players.
