Theme, Setting, and Visual Design
"License to Squirrel" is an online slots game developed by GameArt, a prominent software provider in the gaming industry. The game’s theme revolves around wildlife conservation, featuring a cartoonish squirrel as the main character. The setting is predominantly set in a dense forest environment with lush greenery and towering trees.
The visual design of "License to Squirrel" is vibrant and colorful, using cartoon-style graphics to convey the whimsical nature of the game. The background Licence to Squirrel image displays a serene forest scene at sunset, while the reels are framed by large, ornate wooden frames adorned with vines and leaves.
Symbol Design
The symbols in "License to Squirrel" include various animals native to forests, such as birds, deer, rabbits, and squirrels. These creatures appear on the five reels of the game’s 5×4 grid layout, which offers up to 50 paylines for players to win with.
Reels, Paylines, or Grid Mechanics
As mentioned earlier, "License to Squirrel" features a 5×4 grid layout with up to 50 paylines available. The reels themselves are divided into two sections: the main reel set and an additional set of three bonus reels.
Bonus Reels and Wild/Scatter Symbols
The game’s wild symbol is represented by a squirrel icon, which can substitute for any other symbols except scatter icons to form winning combinations. The squirrel also features as the highest-paying symbol in the game, with rewards ranging from 5x to 50x the bet per line.
The scatter icon is depicted by a map of the forest and serves as a trigger for the free spins feature. When three or more map symbols appear anywhere on the reels, the player earns a set number of free spins based on the triggering combination.
Core Gameplay Mechanics and Flow
"License to Squirrel" follows standard slot gameplay mechanics: players are required to place bets before each spin, which can be adjusted using the game’s +/– buttons. The minimum bet is 0.01 coins per line (0.50 credits in total) while the maximum bet is set at 100 credits.
Each spin of "License to Squirrel" begins with an animation displaying a squirrel swinging from a tree branch, before landing on its designated spot and starting the game’s background animation sequence.
Animations and Sound Design
The animations and sound design in "License to Squirrel" play a significant role in immersing players into the forest environment. Upon each win, animated graphics are triggered along with an assortment of sounds that include chirping birds, rustling leaves, and running water effects.
Bonus Features and Bonus Rounds
When three or more map symbols appear anywhere on the reels, a free spins feature is activated. Players are awarded between 10 to 20 complimentary games based on their triggering combination:
- Three map icons reward 10 free spins
- Four map icons award 15 free spins
- Five map icons trigger 20 free spins
During this time, additional features become accessible in the game, such as multipliers and extra symbols.
Special Icons
As players progress through each level of free spins (or "Forest Level"), new special icons appear on-screen to aid them with their gameplay. The "Wild Nut" symbol replaces all low-paying icons during this period but also activates the retrigger feature when three Wild Nuts land in any single spin.
The game further offers an "Acorn Multiplier" bonus, which awards a random 2x or 3x multiplier for each level completed.
Free Spins Mechanics and Variations
In addition to its initial free spins offer, "License to Squirrel" also provides players with extra incentives via retriggering features. When the Wild Nut symbol is part of any winning combination during a regular round or free spin, it creates an opportunity for additional levels within the feature.
The forest’s multi-level system introduces variations in payouts and reward values as players progress through higher levels – from level 1 to up to three possible level ups – each with its unique payout multiplier.