October is typically referred to as the Halloween month, when gaming studios typically launch a selection of spooky-themed titles to match the month’s vibe. Hacksaw Gaming, which is known for unique slot mechanics and a high level of visual presentation, has released an appropriately themed game called The Count. The Count is a 5-reel, 5-row video slot packed with dark, gothic visuals and fun gameplay mechanics with high-value potential. The maximum win potential is 12,500x the stake, with an RTP of 96.36%. The Count is an enjoyable release based on both themes and technical gameplay.

This review will examine The Count’s structure, features, bonus mechanics, and overall experience, and hopefully provide some insight into why we think it is worth playing this Halloween season.

The Count uses a straightforward yet adjustable layout with five reels and nineteen paylines that pay out from left to right, starting with the leftmost reel. The betting range can accommodate both lower-budget players and high-rollers, and the general exhibit of the game is uncomplicated, whether on desktop or mobile. Hacksaw Gaming's typical design is evident in the game. The images are of a gloomy and eerie nature, accompanied by ethereal background effects. The animation matches the horror theme perfectly without being banal, and it is through the utilization of excellent animation that the horror theme is depicted.

The Count employs a simple base-game format that shifts gears when the special symbols and bonus features become active. A win occurs when a combination of the same symbols appears on one of the nineteen available paylines, beginning with the far-left reel. The slot offers classic symbols representing thematic imagery, including bats, skeletons, and castles (with additional images of each symbol appearing as larger), and each of the lower-value conventional card values. The amount paid, or payout values, for each of these symbols is paid in mere instruction that changes with the Bet Config, which can be found in the paytable section.

As mentioned, in addition to the conventional symbols, the game features a variety of special symbols that are essential for finding the Count's full potential, namely, Blood symbols, Wild Bat symbols, Epic Wild Bats, and Free Spin (FS) scatters.

The Expanded Bloody Wild feature is one of the primary mechanics in The Count. It occurs when a blood symbol lands in a reel position.

If the Blood symbol is part of a winning combination, it doesn't just sit there; it expands into a Bloody Wild symbol that will cover multiple reel positions from the top of the reel down to the original position of the Blood symbol. Each expanded reel position counts as a wild symbol and can substitute for other symbols to help complete or upgrade winning combinations. The most valuable part of this feature is the potential multiplier values that can appear on the expanded Bloody Wilds. The multiplier values can be any number from 2x up to 500x. This increases the payout considerably. If more than one expanded Bloody Wild with a multiplier appears in the same win, the multiplier values of the Bloody Wild multipliers are added together before being multiplied by the total win.

This feature has strong volatility and win potential, specifically when combined with other wilds.

Another distinguishing feature is the Wild Bat symbol, which is yet another wild symbol but has its own unique multipliers.

In case of a win, the total win amount is multiplied by a factor (ranging from 2x to 500x) according to the respective Wild Bat symbol. In case of a winning combination with multiple Wild Bat symbols, their multiplier values are summed up before the application. To illustrate, if two Wild Bat symbols with 5x and 10x multipliers participate in a win, the total multiplier that is applied to the win will be 15x.

The practice of adding the multipliers not only motivates but also increases the potential of winning greatly when one or more Wild symbols are present.

The Epic Wild Bat is arguably the most powerful symbol featured in The Count. When the Epic Wild Bat lands on the grid, it will spread its multiplier value (between 2x and 500x) to all of the Expanded Bloody Wilds and Wild Bat symbols present on the grid.

As a result, all active wilds will receive the multiplier from the Epic Wild Bat, which results in generous payout opportunities. It is only one Epic Wild Bat that you can win at each spin, thus balancing the game but still giving the possibility of great payouts. This aspect truly boosts the excitement, as it can change a small win into a really wonderful one, especially in the free spin round where the Epic Wild Bat adds an extra layer of thrill.

The Count has a return to player of 96.36% and high volatility, which means that the player will win small amounts relatively often and will also occasionally get very large payouts. The expanded wild mechanics, additive multipliers, and fixed-step free spin bonuses work together to produce a high volatility experience, which is characterized by huge variations in wins, but large wins are still possible when they occur. The RTP is also constant across various modes, which may be an advantage for players who prefer consistency in performance no matter the game setup and modes.

Though the Count’s theme is based around horror, the overall look is fairly accessible, with no extreme gore. The color scheme uses dark purples, blacks, and reds, which is typical of vampire-themed slots. The visuals in the background bring to mind the insides of gothic castles, and sound effects that can be easily associated with the elements of the theme assist you in getting totally absorbed in the atmosphere without being a distraction to the gameplay. Animation is sparse but quite effective. The transitions between spins and when triggering features look smooth and maintain flow and pacing even after repeated plays through longer sessions. Technical development from Hacksaw Gaming has truly optimized what we would expect on a desktop device, right down to mobile devices and all major browsers.

The Count by Hacksaw Gaming is a perfect example of a game that combines horror with innovative mechanics and modern game structure. It is ideal for those players that like high volatility, multiplier-driven slots with feature-rich setups. The game is a continuous circle and gives several results, as it has Expanded Bloody Wilds, Wild Bat multipliers, and three free spin rounds. With a maximum win possible of 12,500x and a steady 96.36% RTP, it is fun and rewarding at the same time.

For players looking to try something different this Halloween season, The Count offers a healthy dose of atmosphere, depth of features, and win potential, making it easily one of our favorite releases from Hacksaw Gaming this year.