Cherry Christmas

Created by established gaming studio Caleta Gaming, Cherry Christmas represents one of the more stripped-back, straightforward festive products to be released this season. With a simple matrix, unexciting symbols and not the most layered gameplay, this might not be the game to opt for this Christmas. This initial visual assessment, sadly, is supported by the game's poor mechanics and payout potential. With an RTP way under the industry average of 96% and with a meagre top payout per spin of just 1,000x the stake, this game is unlikely to make for a big earner. All around then, this game feels a little sad and not in keeping with the Christmas spirit. Cherry Christmas is available on mobile, tablet and desktop platforms.

Cherry Christmas Overview

In regards to the features available in this slot, it is all about the wilds. To win the top payout in this game, players need to land a perfect three wilds on the board at the same time. Do this, and 1,000x your stake will be awarded to you. Outside of their max win capacity, wilds also substitute for other regular icons to help players score more wins. The trick here is to purchase what the game calls a special spin. Buy one of these, and you will be guaranteed two wilds to land on reels one and two with the chance of triggering the max win with the third spinning reel. However, this move is expensive and does not guarantee the jackpot. All bonus features will be explained in more detail later in the review.

Cherry Christmas Theme and Symbols

In this online slot game, the overarching theme revolves around a generic yet charming Christmas setting, featuring a medley of animated symbols adorned with cheeky and endearing faces. The cartoon style of the visuals adds a playful touch, although it leans towards simplicity. The characters, ranging from stars and presents to festive ornaments, sport mischievous expressions that bring a light-hearted quality to the game. Despite the engaging animation, there's an intriguing nuance to the overall design— the sparsity of elements and the presence of empty space seem to imbue the game with an unexpected hint of melancholy.

In the backdrop of this online slot game, a cosy and animated Christmas hearth takes centre stage, becoming the visual focal point that sets the festive tone. The hearth radiates a warm glow, with animated flames flickering merrily, casting a gentle light on the surroundings. The mantle is adorned with festive decorations like stockings and holly, contributing to the traditional holiday charm. Behind the hearth, a wallpaper featuring a delightful repetition of Christmas trees creates a festive tapestry that extends the seasonal ambience throughout the game. The playing board for this game is the interior of the fireplace in the centre of the screen.

The symbols are split into low-paying, high-paying and special symbols. The low-paying symbols are the purple, blue and green presents with BAR written on them. The more valuable icons are the golden bells and the stars. The only special icon in this game is the cherry wild icon, which is also used to trigger the top payout.

Game Play

Cherry Christmas is played on a 3-reel, 1-row machine with 1 fixed pay line. To win combinations, players must land three matching symbols on pay lines moving from left to right, starting from the leftmost reel. The betting range for Cherry Christmas is 10p to £100 per spin. To adjust their bet levels, players can toggle their stakes up and down using the tool located at the bottom left-hand side of the screen.

Further information, including a short tutorial and a display of the paytable, can be found via the menu button in the right-hand corner of the screen. The spin and auto spin buttons are located in the centre of the screen. Volatility for this slot is rated in the medium to high range. The return to player percentage for Cherry Christmas is 93.38%, which is below average. The biggest payout that players can win on one spin is 1,000x the stake.

Cherry Christmas Features

Cherry Christmas places a significant emphasis on its wild features, presenting players with an enticing opportunity to secure substantial wins. The key to hitting the top payout involves landing three wilds simultaneously on the reels, a feat that rewards players with an impressive 1,000x their stake. Beyond their potential for massive payouts, wilds also serve as versatile symbols, substituting for other regular icons and boosting the chances of forming winning combinations.

For players seeking an extra edge, the game introduces a unique concept—the special spin. By purchasing this special spin, players are guaranteed two wilds to appear on reels one and two, heightening the anticipation of triggering the max win with the third spinning reel. It's important to note, however, that this strategic move comes at a cost and doesn't guarantee the coveted jackpot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cherry Christmas brings a delightful twist to the holiday slot genre with its focus on wild features and festive flair. The game's unique selling point lies in the pursuit of landing three wilds simultaneously, offering players a chance to unlock a generous 1,000x stake payout. Beyond the potential for substantial wins, the versatile wilds also enhance regular gameplay by substituting for other symbols. The introduction of the special spin adds an intriguing strategic element, allowing players to guarantee two wilds on specific reels while heightening the anticipation of hitting the elusive jackpot on the third reel. While the special spin comes at a cost and doesn't assure the jackpot, it adds an extra layer of excitement to the gaming experience.