Hugo 2 slot review

Hugo 2 follows the adventures of our favourite troll again, this time as he uses the train tracks to travel far and wide and hopefully find some treasure!

After the success of Hugo, Play ‘n GO released Hugo 2 in 2017. This time, the cheerful troll has decided to get a move on, using the rails to get around. As a result, we’re presented with an entirely new series of symbols, animations and bonus features!

Some things have stayed the same, most notably the 5-reel, 3-row playing field as well as the 10 paylines format. I think by keeping the layout rather simple it doesn’t become too overwhelming since the game also boasts a large number of special features. Just like in Hugo, you can pick a bet between $0.10 and $100 per spin.

Even though the graphics of Hugo looked great, Hugo 2 picks it up a notch. The symbols are drawn with a little more detail, there are more animations and the game feels more alive. They also replaced the card symbols from the first game with completely original symbols. That’s something I always appreciate since it fits the theme much better.

In the same vein, the sound design has always been given some extra spice. The music felt a little more appropriate to the theme and a lot of the symbols had their own sound effect when they were part of a win. Hugo makes an appearance again of course, which means he has more lines to speak!

Symbols

As I mentioned before, Hugo 2 has a completely unique set of symbols to fill the reels. No card suits or fruit symbols but everything in the theme of the train. They are from highest to lowest:

• Beaver (Scatter): Get 3 on the screen at the same time and it activates the Free Spins mode with 10 free spins.
• Afskylia (Bonus): Get 3 at the same time and it activates the Bonus Game. Get 1 life with 3 Bonus symbols, 2 lives with 4 Bonus symbols and 3 lives with 5 Bonus symbols.
• Hugo (Wild): Substitutes all other symbols except the Scatter and Bonus symbols. Max. 5,000 coins with five-of-a-kind on a winning payline.
• Diamond: Max. 3,500 coins with five-of-a-kind on a winning payline.
• Gold Coins: Max. 2,500 coins with five-of-a-kind on a winning payline.
• Gold Bars: Max. 2,000 coins with five-of-a-kind on a winning payline.
• Skeleton Key: Max. 1,000 coins with five-of-a-kind on a winning payline.
• Mine Cart: Max. 750 coins with five-of-a-kind on a winning payline.
• Conductor’s Hat: Max. 750 coins with five-of-a-kind on a winning payline.
• Train Signal: Max. 500 coins with five-of-a-kind on a winning payline.
• Train Whistle: Max. 500 coins with five-of-a-kind on a winning payline.

All the symbols are subtly animated when they’re part of a winning payline. I thought it was an excellent application of some movement to create a livelier experience!

Features

Just like Hugo, this game has both a free spins mode and a bonus game. I think both of these are improved in Hugo 2. In total, the features are:

• Random Wilds: During the game, random wilds are added to the playing field. During the free spins mode, Wilds are added after the spin if 4 Free Spins symbols were collected.
• Multiplier: During the bonus game, multipliers can be added to the playing field when 4 Multiplier symbols are collected.
• Bonus Game: With 3 or more Bonus Symbols, the Bonus Game is triggered. This sees Hugo try to cross a chasm in order to get Afskylia’s treasure. More Bonus Symbols collected means more lives to try with!
• Free Spins: When there are 3 Scatter Symbols on the screen at the same time, this starts the Free Spins mode with 10 free spins. During the Free Spins mode, multipliers and Wilds can be applied to each spin, and additional free spins can be triggered.

I shouldn’t have to mention again that all the features look amazing, but I’m very impressed by Play ‘n GO. Especially the free spins mode and bonus game change a lot compared to the base experience.

During the Free Spins mode, Hugo is barrelling down the train tracks on a hand cart being chased by a train. Every spin he has a chance to collect either Wild or Multiplier symbols. When he gets 4 of either, or both at the same time, the game adds those 4 Wilds or Multipliers to the screen.

When you get to the end of the track, you’ll find a beaver blocking your way. This can be the end of the feature as the train catches up with Hugo. However, it’s also possible the beaver allows you to pass, giving you another 5 free spins to play with. During my time playing, I’ve seen it happen multiple times in a row!

The Bonus Game meanwhile sees Hugo explore a secret cave. Depending on the number of Scatter Symbols on the screen he’s given more or fewer lives. He has to cross a chasm with 3 stepping stones, and picking wrong will cost you a life. If you do manage to make it across the chasm that just leaves you to pick a key with which to open the treasure chest!

In Conclusion

Where a lot of sequels to popular slots are a boring rehash of the original, Hugo 2 did everything right. It’s bigger, better, prettier and more fun! I really enjoyed the bonus game and the free spins mode, which work the same as in Hugo but are given a completely new coat of paint.

The number of animations added is quite staggering, with many original animations only showing up once or twice during the bonus game for example. Odds are that just playing this game once will mean you miss out on the majority of unique animations this game has. I loved watching the way Hugo interacted with the traps during the bonus game, or how he raced down the tracks during the Free Spins mode.

I don’t really have much more to add other than to say I fully recommend this game. It plays similarly to Hugo except for the High Volatility this game has, and a max. win of 5,000x your bet. That might be the only thing I would note Hugo did better: it has lower volatility and higher max. win which might be a reason for people to stick with the original. I still found Hugo 2 to award wins quite regularly though, and the special features triggered often enough to make them appealing.