Shivering Strings

Theme & Visuals

Shivering Strings presents a rather unsettling take on a puppet show, drenched in dark blues and purples. The visuals are sharp, with marionette characters that are both creepy and strangely endearing. The overall aesthetic feels like a twisted version of a classic children’s show, which is quite unique. The animations are smooth, particularly during winning combinations and bonus triggers, enhancing the overall immersive experience. However, the gloomy color palette might not appeal to players who prefer brighter, more cheerful themes. The sound design complements the visuals effectively, with a haunting soundtrack that adds to the game’s eerie atmosphere.

Mechanics & Betting

Shivering Strings operates on a traditional 5x4 reel grid with 40 fixed paylines. Players can adjust their bet size to suit their bankroll, with a range that typically caters to both casual players and high rollers. The base game features standard symbol payouts, and the gameplay revolves around landing winning combinations from left to right. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing players to quickly adjust their settings and access the game’s paytable and rules. There’s nothing particularly innovative about the base game mechanics; it’s a solid foundation that serves as a platform for the bonus features.

Bonus Features (Free Spins, etc.)

The main attraction is the “Puppet Master” free spins bonus, triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols. During free spins, one of the puppet symbols is chosen to become a sticky wild, increasing the potential for significant wins. The more scatters you land to trigger the bonus, the more free spins you get. There’s also a “String Cutter” feature that can randomly activate, slicing through the reels and awarding multipliers or instant wins. The combination of sticky wilds and random multipliers makes the bonus round quite volatile and potentially lucrative. It’s a feature set that’s becoming increasingly common from Hacksaw, and while it’s entertaining, it’s not groundbreaking.

Math Model (High Variance analysis)

Shivering Strings boasts a high volatility, meaning wins may be infrequent, but when they hit, they can be substantial. The RTP is set at a respectable 96.51%, which is within the industry average for online slots. The high variance nature of the game requires a cautious approach to bankroll management. Players should be prepared for dry spells and avoid chasing losses. This game is best suited for players who enjoy the thrill of high-risk, high-reward gameplay and have the bankroll to withstand periods of inactivity. The maximum win potential is quite high, offering the possibility of significant payouts for lucky players.

Pro Tip (How to play it)

Given the high volatility, it’s advisable to start with smaller bet sizes to prolong your gameplay and weather any dry spells. Focus on triggering the free spins bonus, as this is where the biggest win potential lies. Be patient and don’t increase your bet size drastically after a few losses. Remember to set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Consider using the autoplay feature with predefined loss limits to maintain control over your bankroll. Understanding the paytable and symbol values is crucial for making informed betting decisions.

Expert Verdict (Score 7/10)

Shivering Strings is a decent slot with an engaging theme and volatile gameplay. While the visuals are well-executed and the bonus features offer some excitement, it doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel and is fairly similar to other Hacksaw releases such as Undead Fortune. The high variance and RTP are standard for the provider, however, there may be more interesting choices from other providers. Overall, the game is a fun, but the similar gameplay to existing popular games may discourage experienced players. I give it a 7/10.