Original Release: WMS, 2013
One of the showpieces of the WMS series of “Bluebird 2” computerized slot machines, Invaders was also one of the most famous of an early wave of “cascading reels” slots in the early 2010s
Invaders From the Planet Moolah (WMS, 2013)
Review by: C. M0use
The “cascading” or “avalanche” feature was an early example of increasingly popular online slots influencing brick-and-mortar games with their innovations, and Invaders is arguably the most recognizable of the first wave of these that started hitting casino floors in the early 2010s. In this case, some of the winning symbols in line wins can disappear and be replaced with new symbols that drop into the playfield, which in turn can create new winning lines. Each instance of this also adds to a checklist that eventually provides you with free spins – the first three cascading wins does nothing but from the fourth on you start with 7 free spins and can eventually build to a max of 50.
The game is listed around from 92 to 96% RTP, but seems pretty volatile. While the cascade feature looked exciting when it was new, in this game (as in most of them) it doesn’t mean much as each of the line wins you get is usually quite small (most often lower than your bet). The only big money in this one is in getting a big run on the bonus feature.
The novelty has mostly worn off with cascade games, at least in live casinos (some online slot developers still specialize in them), but this game is one that hangs around here and there as a nostalgic favorite for people who first encountered the concept with it. It’s also popular for its loud and absurd theming, though I felt that part was really hit or miss – to me it was kinda weak, just a bunch of typical redneck rural stereotypes, and I never understood why the aliens were farm animals. Also has kinda minimal animation and sound overall.
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