NetEnt Refreshes Iconic 2013 Slot with Space Wars Megaways XXXtreme Release

Last time we looked closer at a thrilling NetEnt slot was in January. Much like on that occasion, this Evolution-owned expert game studio is set to release their next darling based on another one of their iconic slots: Space Wars Megaways XXXtreme. More than a decade has passed since the original release, which was arguably the most cinematic from the 2013 roster. Let’s see if there’s anything beyond the halo of a sequel that would appeal to a broader audience of slotgoers when it comes out across NetEnt casinos on August 13.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Leveraging the popular Megaways mechanic, the sequel offers up to 117,649 win ways instead of 40 pay-lines. But one of the standout features of this game is the Re-Spin mechanic, a nod to the original game's iconic feature. However, in Space Wars Megaways XXXtreme, every winning Megaways combination triggers a Re-Spin, where the winning symbols are stacked, including Wilds, for payouts of up to 14,400x the bet.

The XXXtreme Factor

What sets Space Wars Megaways XXXtreme apart from other Megaways slots is the introduction of the XXXtreme Spins feature. This allows players to guarantee a minimum number of Megaways on every spin, significantly boosting the chances of hitting a big win. There are two options:

• 10,000 Megaways guaranteed for 10x your bet.
• 50,000 Megaways guaranteed for 75x your bet.

This feature will appeal to high-rollers and those who enjoy the thrill of high-risk, high-reward gameplay. The XXXtreme Spins can be activated at any time and will remain active until manually deactivated, adding another layer of control and customization to the game.

Flexible RTP and Betting Options

The game comes with several RTP (Return to Player) options, ranging from 88.40% to 96.14%, depending on whether the XXXtreme Spins feature is activated. The RTP options allow operators to tailor the game to their audience while giving players some insight into the game’s expected payout behavior.

Betting options are also flexible, catering to a wide range of players. The minimum bet is set at €0.40, while the maximum bet is a whopping €320, ensuring that both casual players and high-stakes gamblers can find a comfortable wagering level.

Final Thoughts

So far, NetEnt has been using the XXXtreme mechanic sparingly, mostly reserving it for their “legendary sequels and makeovers”, like Starburst XXXtreme and Twin Spin XXXtreme (with occasional cross-pollination like XXXtreme Lightning Roulette and XXXtreme Lightning Baccarat). The 2024 Space Wars slot with the added bells and whistles turned out, judging by the demo we played, quite nicely. We were unexpectedly pleased by frequent big wins in the base game, which is made possible due to the lack of a separate bonus mode. The handy complimentary XXXtreme bets also add that nitro boost during times when dopamine runs low. This game won’t blow your mind, but the more experienced and seasonal players alike should find value in the simple things, reminiscent of NetEnt’s golden days.