Jack and the Beanstalk 2 review
NetEntNetEnt’s Jack and the Beanstalk 2 transports players from the rustic fairytale setting of the original to a sleek corporate skyscraper in the clouds. This high-volatility sequel reinvents the classic story with a fresh art style, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a compelling set of bonus features. With an RTP ranging between 92.29% and 96.45%, and a maximum win potential of up to 20,000x your bet, this slot offers an exciting blend of nostalgia and modern slot design.
Theme and Visuals
Moving away from the enchanted forest and giant’s castle, Jack and the Beanstalk 2 reimagines Jack as a corporate climber in a high-rise office, complete with a quirky boss named Goaty McGoatface. The setting is a futuristic workplace high above the clouds, reflecting a playful twist on the original tale. The graphics are crisp and detailed, with a vibrant color palette that contrasts sharply with the more traditional fairy tale look of the first game. The soundtrack complements the corporate theme with a modern, upbeat tune that adds to the immersive experience.
Gameplay and Mechanics
This sequel features a 5x5 reel grid with 25 fixed paylines, offering plenty of opportunities to land winning combinations. The betting range suits a broad audience, starting from €0.20 up to €20 per spin. The game’s volatility is high, promising thrilling gameplay with the chance of significant payouts, though wins may be less frequent.
The paytable includes four bean symbols at the lower end, alongside thematic icons such as mugs, trophies, laptops, satellites, and the characters Goaty and Jack. Five matching symbols can reward from 1x up to 25x the bet, with wild symbols substituting for all regular icons. A line of five wilds pays 25x the stake, reinforcing the value of these special symbols.
Special Features
- Walking Wild Respins: Wilds appear stacked (2-5 high) on all reels except the leftmost one and carry a 3x multiplier. When a wild lands, it triggers a respin and shifts one reel to the left each respin, increasing potential multipliers and win combinations. Respins continue until all wilds have moved off the reels.
- Mystery Wilds: At the start of the base game spin, mystery wilds can randomly appear, selecting a stack size between 2 and 5, boosting excitement and win potential.
- Scatter Collection and Free Spins: Scatters collected during the base game unlock free spins. Collecting 3 scatters awards 5 free spins, while a super scatter triggers 5 super free spins.
- Golden Bean Coins: At the start of free spins, 3 Golden Bean Coins with random values between 1x and 10x are placed on the grid. These coins can increase in value and are collected as part of the bonus round mechanics.
- Bonus Round Symbols: During free spins, special symbols like Walking Rockets, Upgrade, Collector, Sharer, and Spreader can appear, enhancing the gameplay with additional features and multipliers.
- Super Free Spins: In this enhanced round, all Walking Wilds come fully stacked at 5 high, and the initial Golden Bean Coins start with a value of 10x, maximizing bonus potential.
- Feature Buy Options: Players can purchase bonus features directly: Bonus Hunt (1.5x bet) doubles the chance of triggering bonuses, Bonus Hunt Extreme (10x bet) increases it twentyfold, while free spins and super free spins are available for 75x and 250x the bet respectively.
RTP and Volatility
Jack and the Beanstalk 2 offers three RTP variants: 96.45%, 94.27%, and 92.29%, accommodating different player preferences and casino configurations. The game’s high volatility means that while wins may be less frequent, the potential rewards can be substantial, especially during the bonus rounds.
Maximum Win Potential
The maximum payout reaches an impressive 20,000x your stake, a significant increase compared to the original game. This elevated top prize aligns with the game’s high volatility and feature-rich design, creating an enticing challenge for players seeking big thrills.
Overall Impression
Jack and the Beanstalk 2 successfully modernizes a beloved NetEnt classic by blending familiar elements like walking wilds with fresh mechanics and a bold new theme. The corporate setting adds a humorous and unexpected twist to the original fairytale, while the game’s complex features and high volatility cater to contemporary slot enthusiasts.
Though it diverges from the original’s charm and atmosphere, the sequel offers a robust and engaging gameplay experience. The walking wild respins and sticky coin bonus rounds provide dynamic action, and the feature buy options allow players to tailor their experience. While it may not capture the same nostalgic magic, it stands as a worthy and ambitious follow-up that pushes the original concept into the modern slot era.