Stakelogic are back with another interesting addition to their successful ‘Runner’ series, in Runner Runner PopWins!
Runner Runner PopWins is the first slot, other than Avatar UX’s own titles, to take the PopWins mechanic out for a spin. Up until now, Avatar UX have had exclusive use of their own PopWins mechanic, but now others are licensing it for their own titles. Stakelogic are the first outside of Avatar UX to venture into the world of PopWins, and it’s safe to say that we’re excited to see how they handle it.
Runner Runner PopWins opens up a whole new world for the ‘Runner’ series, with not only a mechanical makeover but a visual one too. Previous Runner titles, including Runner Runner Megaways, may have the latest slot mechanics, but they’re lacking a certain appeal. Although Runner Runner PopWins still has its old-school vibes, the retro fruit machine design is a thing of the past.
Has Stakelogic put the PopWins mechanic to good use? Let’s play on and find out!
Base Game & Features
Runner Runner PopWins is a 5-reel slot with up to 118,098 ways to win. In order to form a winning combination, you will need to connect 3 or more of the same symbol types from left to right or right to left, starting from the left-most or right-most reel. The minimum bet available here is £/€0.20 (£/€0.40 Super Stake) per spin, and the maximum bet available is £/€10 (£/€20 Super Stake) per spin, with plenty of other options in between the two.
In terms of symbols, the highest paying regular symbol in Runner Runner PopWins is the Crown, followed by the Bar, Star, 7, Watermelon and Grape symbols. Low-paying symbols fall to Strawberries, Bells, Pears, Blueberries, Oranges, Cherries and Lemons. There is no Wild symbol present in either the base game or free spins.
Most of you are familiar with how the PopWins mechanic works thanks to Avatar UX and their PopWins titles, but for those of you who aren’t, here’s how it works.
PopWins
Each time a winning combination is formed on the reels, all winning symbols will pop and be replaced by 2 more, increasing the reel height.
This will continue until no more winning combinations are visible on the reels. Once complete, the reels will shrink back to their original 486 ways to win.
Super Stake
Ah, the Super Stake feature is back again, but what is its purpose in Runner Runner PopWins? Well, we are glad you asked!
If you choose to activate the Super Stake feature, your current bet will double. Please note, the Super Stake feature does not double the Paytable.
Once active, the Super Stake feature will award additional Prizes during the Free Spins round. In addition to this, the Super Stake will also throw in Multiplier symbols of either x2, x3, x4, x5, x6, x8, x10, x12, x15, x20x, x25, x50 and x100 into the base game, which multiply all wins for that particular spin.
Free Spins
During any spin in the base game, if all 5 reels happen to reach their maximum height of 6, you will automatically trigger the Free Spins round. Once active, you will first need to spin the Bonus Wheel to determine your Free Spins and starting Multiplier. You can be awarded anywhere between 8 and 15 Free Spins and between x2 and x25 starting Multiplier.
During the Free Spins round, all reels will start 6 high and will increase if all 5 reels expand on a single spin. At the start of each Free Spin, the minimum reset height will now be fixed at the new height level, rather than 6. In addition to this, the current Multiplier will increase by +1 for each winning combination or by +2 if the maximum reel height of 9 is reached.
Bonus Buy
For those outside the UK, you may benefit from a Bonus Buy option.
Runner Runner PopWins has 4 Options for you to choose from, all of which award a spin on the Bonus Wheel.
- Option 1 – Awards up to 15 Free Spins and a maximum starting Multiplier of x10. This option will cost 80x your current bet.
- Option 2 – Awards up to 15 Free Spins and a maximum starting Multiplier of x15. This option will cost 150x your current bet.
- Option 3 – Awards up to 15 Free Spins and a maximum starting Multiplier of x25. This option will cost 400x your current bet.
- Option 4 – Awards up to 15 Free Spins and a random starting Multiplier. This option will cost 200x your current bet.
Runner Runner PopWins Slot Demo Gameplay
Our Verdict
Runner Runner PopWins might not be as appealing to some as some of the more visually appealing instalments from its creator, AvatarUX, but they haven’t done a bad job in their first foray into the world of PopWins.
The classic fruity theme might resonate well with slot purists who believe wholeheartedly in the classic pub fruit style visuals at play here, and honestly, we do too. Our love for Fruit Slots is evident by our very name, and to see a PopWins mechanic with a classic theme makes us feel somewhat nostalgic.
An area in which Runner Runner PopWins shines is not just in the PopWins mechanic, but in its integration with Stakelogic’s revered Super Stake Feature. Without it, Runner Runner PopWins might have been fairly forgettable, but once more, they’ve integrated the Super Stake Feature well into a game to boost its appeal.
The overall potential of Runner Runner PopWins is 10,000x, which feels realistic if we think about the PopWins mechanic and what it can do. Some of Avatar UX’s own PopWins slot boasts super high figures that have never actually been hit, so while Runner Runner PopWins is technically a watered-down version of those, it at least feels possible.
Overall, Runner Runner PopWins may look humble in comparison to some of Avatar UX’s titles, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s available now at a range of UK casinos for players who want a mix of classic flavour and modern mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the RTP of Runner Runner PopWins?
Runner Runner PopWins has an RTP of 96.50%, which provides a fair return to players over extended gameplay. This is a competitive rate in the modern slot market and sits above many other games available at UK casinos. The RTP remains consistent whether you play in the base game or during free spins rounds. -
What is the maximum win on Runner Runner PopWins?
The maximum win potential on Runner Runner PopWins is 10,000x your stake. This substantial win is achievable through the PopWins mechanic, which can trigger reel expansions and multiplier combinations. While this is a high multiplier, Stakelogic has kept it realistic compared to some Avatar UX PopWins titles that feature unattainable figures. -
How do you trigger free spins on Runner Runner PopWins?
Yes, Runner Runner PopWins features a generous Free Spins round. You can trigger it when all 5 reels reach their maximum height of 6 during any base game spin. Once triggered, you spin the Bonus Wheel to determine your Free Spins (8-15 spins) and starting multiplier (x2 to x25). The multiplier increases by +1 with each win or +2 if you reach maximum reel height. -
Is Runner Runner PopWins available on mobile?
Yes, Runner Runner PopWins is fully optimized for mobile devices. As a modern Stakelogic title using HTML5 technology, the slot adapts seamlessly to smartphones and tablets while maintaining the full gaming experience. You can enjoy all features including the PopWins mechanic, Super Stake, and Free Spins on any mobile platform. -
Does Runner Runner PopWins have a bonus buy feature?
Yes, Runner Runner PopWins includes a Bonus Buy feature for players outside the UK. There are 4 options available: Option 1 (80x bet, up to x10 multiplier), Option 2 (150x bet, up to x15 multiplier), Option 3 (400x bet, up to x25 multiplier), and Option 4 (200x bet, random multiplier). This allows players to purchase direct access to the Free Spins round. -
What is the volatility of Runner Runner PopWins?
Runner Runner PopWins is classified as High Volatility. This means you can expect larger but less frequent wins, making it ideal for players who enjoy the thrill of bigger payouts and don’t mind longer dry spells. The PopWins mechanic and bonus features help manage volatility by offering significant win potential during free spins. -
What is the PopWins mechanic?
The PopWins mechanic is the signature feature: when winning symbols land, they pop and are replaced by 2 more symbols, increasing the reel height. This continues until no more winning combinations form, then reels return to their original 486 ways to win configuration. This explosive mechanic creates multiple winning opportunities on a single spin. -
What are the betting limits on Runner Runner PopWins?
Runner Runner PopWins offers flexible betting options. The minimum bet is £/€0.20 (or £/€0.40 with Super Stake), while the maximum bet is £/€10 (or £/€20 with Super Stake). With numerous options between the minimum and maximum, the game caters to both casual players and high-stakes bettors looking to maximize their potential wins.
