PRAGMATIC PLAY
"Queenie" was a popular name for girls in Victorian Britain, particularly in the East End of London, and is sometimes used as an affectionate nickname for the word 'Queen'. In today's review, it refers to one of the most eccentric characters in Lewis Carroll's tale "Alice in Wonderland" – the Queen of Hearts. This Queen of Hearts has graced the reels in numerous slots before, and this version comes to us from Pragmatic Play in collaboration with Wild Streak Gaming, offering players a moodier interpretation of the infamous Queen along with features such as a feature wheel, jackpots, and free spins.
Wild Streak Gaming slots often have a somewhat dated aesthetic, and Queenie is no exception. It shares a similar look and feel with other games from the developer, such as Gold Party. Whether this retro appearance is intentional or not is uncertain, but the graphics are likely to either attract or deter prospective players within moments. If you enjoy games with a vintage vibe, then Queenie might delight you. However, if you prefer a more modern aesthetic, Queenie may struggle to capture your interest. The same applies to Queenie's gameplay, which also carries a dated feel.
Peeking behind the scenes of the game mechanics, we uncover a highly volatile math model that yields a theoretical return to player (RTP) value of 96.51%. Available on any device, the gameplay unfolds on a 5-reel, 3-row game panel, offering 243 ways to win. Players can place bets ranging from 25 pennies/cents to $/€125 per spin, and there's also a feature buy function for those who wish to skip the base game, where applicable.
In terms of symbol payouts, combinations are formed starting from the leftmost reel, with matching symbols paying from left to right and requiring at least three of a kind. The lower-paying symbols include 9 to A card ranks, each offering the same value of 1x the bet for five of a kind. On the higher end, premium symbols include pocket watches, crowns, top hats, the Rabbit character, and the Queen of Hearts, which pay out 2 to 10 times the bet for five of a kind. The prominent red heart symbol serves as the wild, appearing on reels 2, 3, or 4. Not only does it substitute for all other symbols, but it also occasionally triggers the wheel feature as its secondary function.
Continuing from the previous point, whenever a wild symbol lands on the reels, there's a chance that the wheel feature will activate. Once triggered, a wheel, partially hidden behind the reels, emerges and spins once to award one of the following:
A cash prize ranging from 8 to 200 times the total bet.
A random multiplier between x2 and x100, which applies to the total win of the spin.
A random number of wilds is added to the screen on reels 2, 3, 4, or 5.
Activation of the jackpot feature.
Activation of the free spins feature.
When this feature is triggered, cards appear scattered across the screen, and players click on them one by one. Revealing three matching jackpot cards awards the corresponding prize. The four jackpots available are the Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand, worth 20x, 50x, 200x, and 4,000x the bet, respectively. There's also a chance of uncovering a Boost card, which increases the jackpot amounts by a random value between 5x and 800x the total bet.
If the feature wheel lands on a free spins segment, the indicated number of spins is awarded. During free spins, the rules remain largely the same as the base game, with the additional feature that whenever a wild symbol lands, it always triggers the wheel feature. This means that free spins can be retriggered if they are won from the wheel.
In instances where applicable, players have the option to purchase free spins for 100 times the bet. Upon purchase, the feature wheel spins to determine the number of free spins awarded.
Aspect | Queenie | Serengeti Kings | Hellcatraz | Santa’s Stack |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gameplay Mechanics | Tile-laying, pattern matching | Slot machine, free spins | Puzzle-solving, resource management | Stacking, dexterity |
Theme | Abstract | African wildlife | Prison break | Christmas, stacking |
Complexity | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate to high | Simple |
Target Audience | Adults, strategy gamers | Slot enthusiasts, animal lovers | Puzzle enthusiasts | Families, children |
Replayability | Moderate | Moderate | High | Moderate |
Luck vs. Strategy | Balanced | Luck-based | Strategy-driven | Luck-based |
Game Length | Medium | Short to medium | Medium to long | Short |
Components | Tiles, player boards | Reels, paylines | Cards, tokens, player boards | Santa figurine, stacking blocks |
Social Interaction | Low | Low | Moderate | High |
Learning Curve | Moderate | Low to moderate | Moderate | Low |
Popularity | Niche | Moderate | Niche | Niche |
Expansion/Variant Options | Limited | Limited | N/A | N/A |
Price Range | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
“Queenie” is an enchanting online slot game inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale, “Alice in Wonderland.” Developed by Pragmatic Play, this whimsical slot invites players to explore a virtual Wonderland filled with magical symbols, bonus features, and the promise of big wins. Let’s venture down the rabbit hole and unravel the game design secrets of “Queenie.”
Queenie possesses a certain charm, but it certainly helps if you appreciate Wild Streak's distinctive style to fully recognize it. The darker, more mature presentation of Alice in Wonderland is a refreshing departure from the typical psychedelic cartoon approach often seen in studios' adaptations. At times, we almost forgot we were playing an Alice game, especially with the unsettling gaze of the Queen. However, there are nods to Lewis Carroll's work throughout, with appearances by characters like the Rabbit and the Card Soldiers, adding to the minor celebration of his literary world.
One standout feature of Queenie is the heart symbol. While it lands frequently, it often teases players in the base game since its activation of the wheel feature is not guaranteed. However, when it does trigger, the game kicks up a notch, with most of the prizes it awards offering something special. While it may not reach the heights of games like White Rabbit or Plunderland, players can still enjoy up to 50 initial free spins from the wheel, along with the chance to land substantial multipliers and mid-range jackpots. Despite this, Queenie's payouts are capped at 4,200 times the bet. Nonetheless, there is entertainment value here for hardcore Alice fans or those who appreciate the physical, older style of play often found in Wild Streak/Pragmatic Play collaborations.
Unfortunately, Queenie didn't quite capture our hearts, which may or may not be ironic given the subject matter. If you're particularly drawn to the idea of receiving repeat wheel prizes during free spins, then by all means, give it a try. However, there are better options available in terms of both Wonderland-themed games and jackpot-style gaming experiences.