AvatarUX has established itself as a one-dimensional developer, yet they remain persistent despite their lack of mainstream success with the PopWins mechanic series. PiggyPop follows the same formula, focusing on increasing the number of rows and win ways by splitting symbol positions when winning combinations are landed. Unlocking the bonus round requires filling the base game grid to its maximum capacity, granting players Unlimited Free Spins. However, it’s important to note that the free spins tally resets to 3 after each win. With each spin, the unlimited multiplier increases, reaching its peak at 6×8 with 524,288 win ways. The bonus round showcases the golden pig symbol, which offers a 3x stake payout for a 6-of-a-kind combination, while the regular pig symbols reward 1.5x the stake. The PopWins mechanic triggers whenever a winning combination is formed, removing the winning symbols and splitting the positions in two. New symbols fill the empty spaces, expanding the grid and increasing the number of win ways. To trigger the Bonus Round, players must increase all reels to 6 rows in a base game spin sequence. The feature starts with a 4-symbol tall grid that can expand up to 6×8. During the feature, the grid resets to the height of the shortest reel and begins with 3 free spins. Players can increase the number of starting rows up to 6 using the upfront gamble wheel, but this comes with the risk of losing the entire feature. The free spins counter resets to 3 after every win, allowing for an indefinite number of spins in the Unlimited Free Spins feature. The global win multiplier increases by +1 per spin, with no upper limit. The Golden Pig symbol’s multiplier is determined by the number of golden pigs visible on the grid, and maxing out the grid adds an additional x2 multiplier to each golden pig. Non-UK players and those in eligible jurisdictions can access the Bonus Buy menu, allowing them to purchase the bonus round for 100x their stake. The win ways gamble can also be purchased for the same price. Additionally, players have the option to pay 400x their stake to start the bonus round with 6 rows and 93,312 win ways. A demonstration of the base game is provided before purchasing a spin on the bonus round win ways wheel. The video showcases a successful attempt, with the feature starting at the 0:55 mark of the 4:38-minute highlights video. Previous installments in the series received criticism for the time it took to fill the empty PopWins positions, but AvatarUX has made improvements in PiggyPop. However, there are still some pacing issues, such as the slight pause after hitting the spin button, which can become annoying. The Unlimited/Indefinite free spins round is a highlight, reminiscent of the classic streak respins feature. Accumulating a substantial global win multiplier is crucial, and the golden pig multipliers can have a significant impact when landed in sufficient numbers. The bonus buy menu offers appealing options, and the potential of 10,690x seems more realistic compared to previous installments. Pros of PiggyPop include the PopWins mechanic and the potential for high payouts, while cons include minor pacing issues and the pause after hitting the spin button. Other games in the PopWins series from AvatarUX include PapayaPop, CherryPop, and HippoPop, each offering their own unique themes and features with the PopWins mechanic.
