Thunderkick, an independent slot development studio, has introduced a new addition to its content portfolio with the release of Milk the Cow, a 5×5 cluster pays slot that integrates both the wild field mechanic and a hold & win feature. This new slot game is distinguished by its whimsical bovine theme and offers players the possibility to achieve jackpot wins of up to 5000x their stake.
Key mechanic
The wild field mechanic, which has previously been utilised in titles such as “Archie O’Loggins and the Enchanted Masks,” plays a pivotal role in the gameplay of Milk the Cow. In the base game, when two cow wild symbols appear on the reels, the wild field feature is triggered. This mechanic creates a rectangular area that connects the two cow wilds, subsequently transforming all symbols enclosed within the rectangle into wilds. This transformation increases the potential for players to form winning combinations and enhances the overall volatility of the game.
Additionally, the slot introduces the field day feature, which draws from the same wild field mechanic. This feature is activated when two tractor bonus symbols land on the reels. A rectangle of ploughed soil forms between the tractors, and if a farmer symbol lands within this area, the bonus round commences. During the ensuing bonus, the designated field becomes fenced off, with adjacent grid positions converted into hot zones. Players are then awarded three respins, during which only hay, cow, and farmer symbols may appear.
Bonus feature
A distinctive element of the bonus feature is that each cow symbol landing within the fenced field becomes locked in place and resets the respin count to three. These cows start as bronze symbols, and as their respective meters are filled, they can be upgraded to silver and subsequently gold, thereby increasing their value. This upgrading mechanism introduces an additional layer of engagement and strategy to the feature.
Furthermore, the fenced playing area can expand if a farmer symbol lands in a neighbouring Hot Zone, allowing for greater coverage and the inclusion of more cow symbols. The ultimate objective within the bonus feature is to fill the entire 5×5 grid with cow symbols, which awards the grand jackpot of 5000x the player’s stake.
Mike Collins, Game Product Owner at Thunderkick, said:
We are always looking for bold new game concepts where we can fuse entertaining features and strong win potential with our signature artwork style.
Milk the Cow reintroduces the popular wild field mechanic that has proven a real hit with players, as well a unique take on the hold & win feature where progress meters level up payouts.”
