Ercole

Every so often, a slot comes along that upends tradition, tossing aside the norms of design in favor of a totally new approach. Ercole, from Capecod Gaming, is such a game. This three-dimensional, combat/adventure slot based on the heroic deeds of Hercules makes the competition look like child’s play. The abundance of bonus features doesn’t hurt matters either.

Theme

Ercole is the Italian name of Hercules, the legendary hero. His legends, including the twelve labours of penance, form the thematic basis for this slot: gaming symbols include the Cretan bull, the multi-headed hydra, a ‘jolly’ lion (acting as wild) and the golden apple (a wild with a double win multiplier), the god Zeus as well as fearsome warriors and deities of both genders, the hero himself (acting as scatter), and the playing card values ace through jack. The soundtrack conjures up epics from other genres, with hints of Carmina Burana and the sound design of films like The Lord of the Rings. The reels stand before a red-gold sunset above the clouds, with mighty Hercules standing above with outstretched arms.

Betting Options and Functions

While Ercole will certainly win points for style, the betting structure is worth a closer look. This five-line slot features 15 adjustable paylines, with bet per line adjustable from 0.01–1.00: this yields an overall betting range of 0.01–15.00 times the betting currency per spin. All pop-up menus explaining game rules, payouts, or allowing players to adjust settings are located in the upper-right corner of the game screen. The overall theoretical return to player is an only-somewhat disappointing 94.52%.

Features

An epic-themed slots demands epic-themed bonus features, and Ercole does not disappoint. The main features is the Hercules Bonus. Players get three chances to throw massive boulders at flying beasts – each hit awards prizes, often of tremendous size. Reveal a scroll to advance to the next round of bonus play, where players choose one of five paths to fight a lion (barehanded, of course). Players who pass this trial advance to free spin mode, with the number of spins awarded depending on the outcome of the lion fight. The bonus can be re-triggered with free spin mode.

The foul, three-headed hydra acts as the gateway to the Mystery Bonus Game. Two adjacent symbols complete the beast to draw a win total decided within the feature. Finally, three separate jackpots are available on any spin, with highest win probabilities when base play is set to the highest bet level.

Our Take

Capecod Gaming has repeatedly distinguished itself as a company committed to style as well as substance in gaming, with a refreshing attention to detail in all of its titles and a tangible sense of passion for their work. Even by their high standards, though, Ercole is a coup. Sure to delight Classics scholars and slot gamers alike, this title is beautiful, original, and addicting, and should not be missed.