In the Zone: Slot Overview
A while back, software provider ELK Studios went on a classic slot binge, releasing games such as Win Win, Hit it Hard, and Knockout Diamonds. Proving that the pull of the past is too hard to resist, the team has once again found inspiration from yesteryear and mingled the spirit of an earlier time with modern twists and turns. The outcome is In the Zone, a modern fruit slot that squeezes quite a lot of gameplay onto its limited grid space, mixing old and new into something ELK Studios calls a ‘Modern Classic.’
If you’re used to ELK slots exploding off the screen with gorgeous graphics, deep gaming worlds, and popping artwork, you better take a deep breath before having a peek at In the Zone. That’s because, while In the Zone has been tastefully painted, it does look plain when judged by the developer’s own standards. A lot of developers’ standards, really, where the grid sits in a bare, brassy contraption in a bare, stripy room. The graphics probably aren’t going Luckycola to blow hair back, but fortunately, the gameplay is more intricate than a first impression might suggest.
A Simpler, Yet Rewarding Slot Experience
Despite the stripped-back aesthetic, In the Zone offers a slot experience that’s anything but simple. The game’s minimalistic design hides its more complex gameplay mechanics, with Bigways being the main feature. This mechanic allows for 2, 3, or 6 symbols to land on each reel, producing between 8 and 44 connecting paylines. Winning combinations occur horizontally or diagonally across the reels. It’s a fresh take on the traditional fruit slots, offering more ways to win.
The math model for In the Zone is high volatility, with an 8 out of 10 rating, which means the potential for big wins is definitely there, though it may take some time before they appear. While the RTP sits at 94%, which is a bit below the industry standard, the 16.3% hit rate adds a layer of challenge to keep players engaged. This slot may not be for everyone, but those who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay will find much to appreciate.
The Symbols of In the Zone
As with many fruit slots, In the Zone features familiar symbols such as cherries, lemons, and oranges. These are the low-value symbols, while watermelons, bells, bars, sevens, crowns, and diamonds make up the higher-value symbols. The payout for these symbols varies, with cherries paying out 1x the bet for 3 matching symbols, while diamonds can pay up to 25x the bet for 3 matching symbols.
The wild symbol also plays a key role in the game, substituting for any regular symbol to help form winning combinations. This can significantly improve the chances of landing a big win, especially when combined with other features.
Multiplier Madness
A defining feature of In the Zone is the multiplier system. Multipliers can randomly appear above any symbol (except scatters). Whenever a payline passes through a multiplier position, it multiplies the payout by the multiplier’s value. This can lead to some truly massive wins, especially when multipliers stack up across multiple paylines. Luckycola players, in particular, will find this feature a real highlight, as it offers opportunities for impressive payouts during regular spins.
Respins and Locked Reels
Another exciting feature in In the Zone is the respin mechanic. If two reels display the same symbols but there is no win, the two reels will lock in place while the third reel respins. This can be a game-changer as multipliers on locked reels remain in their positions, giving players another chance to land a big payout. Additionally, multipliers on locked reels are persistent, ensuring that they stay active throughout the respins, increasing the potential for huge wins.
Nudging Wilds: Adding to the Excitement
Nudging Wilds are a fun and unique feature in In the Zone. When a wild symbol lands on a reel, the reel will nudge down one step at a time. This triggers respins on the other reels until the wild is no longer in view. The multipliers on nudging reels follow their respective positions and are persistent, meaning that they stay active as the reel nudges down.
This feature can keep the action exciting, as the nudging wilds may continue to trigger additional respins, offering more chances for big wins. If you’re lucky enough to land several wilds in a row, you could be in for some seriously rewarding gameplay. Luckycola players will certainly appreciate the potential for big surprises in this feature.
Linked Spins: A Key to Bigger Wins
The Linked Spin feature is another standout in In the Zone. This feature links two or three reels together by landing identical symbols on them. Once the reels are linked, they spin together, increasing the likelihood of hitting a winning combination. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, as it can lead to more significant wins, especially when combined with the multiplier or wild features.
Bonus Game: Free Spins with a Global Multiplier
Hitting three scatter symbols triggers the bonus game, which awards free spins and a global multiplier. This bonus game is a welcome addition to In the Zone, providing a way for players to rack up even more winnings. The global multiplier starts at x1 and increases with every new free spin, multiplying the value of each win by its current value.
Landing additional scatters during the free spins will award more spins, keeping the action going. Players can also trigger additional features like Nudging Wilds and Linked Spins during the bonus game, making it a truly rewarding experience for those lucky enough to activate it.
X-iter: Boost Your Chances with Feature Buys
For those who want to increase their chances of triggering the bonus game or activating special features, In the Zone offers the X-iter feature. This allows players to buy into specific bonus modes. There are five modes to choose from, each with a different cost and reward.
The Bonus Hunt mode costs 3x the bet and gives players more than triple the chance of triggering the bonus game. The Multiplier Mania mode costs 10x the bet and guarantees at least one multiplier on each reel. The Locked Spin mode guarantees the Linked Spin feature for 25x the bet, while the bonus game can be bought for 100x. Finally, the Super Spin mode, which costs 250x the bet, guarantees that the leftmost and rightmost reels will only show diamonds.
In the Zone: Slot Verdict
In the Zone may be marketed as a ‘Modern Classic,’ but its simple visuals and classic fruit slot design may not appeal to everyone. However, those who appreciate a more straightforward approach to slot gaming will find it refreshing. The high volatility and unique features like multipliers, respins, and Nudging Wilds provide a rewarding gameplay experience that is sure to please Luckycola fans. While it may not have the elaborate graphics and themes of other ELK Studios slots, In the Zone offers plenty of excitement and the potential for big wins.
