Hugo Goal Slot Machine
This 3-reel, 5-payline slot machine combines the classic subjects of soccer, comedy, and animation to deliver something that is quite unique in the slots market. The eponymous Hugo is a troll that loves his soccer but also wants to help you win big prizes in the process. Every part of this game is some kind of twist on a soccer game with penalty shoot-outs, free-kicks, and action replays all included to ensure the play is frenetic.
First impressions for our review team were that Hugo Goal online slot could be something a little bit different to what they’re used to, which is great news. Play’n Go is a developer that’s never afraid to push the envelope and it’s brilliant to see a slot take a more leftfield approach to the soccer theme, rather than just copying monotonous stereotypes.
It’s probably fair to say that soccer-themed slots have had a mixed track record in the gaming industry over the years. In soccer terms, RTG’s Football Frenzy was a boring 0-0 tie but then Soccer Safari by Microgaming was a seven-goal thriller. Play’n Go will be hoping that this release from their development team will prove to be more of a scorcher from 35 yards than an own goal off the butt cheek… so to speak.
Get Into the Action
As soccer fans ourselves, we’re always excited to play a new soccer-themed slot. However, it’s a genre that has rarely been served any justice when it comes to entertainment. We don’t just mean that with slots; Movies, TV shows, and songs have all failed repeatedly to effectively recreate the drama and passion encapsulated in the sport.
Our review experts were thrilled to see Play’n Go give the theme a crack with Hugo Goal online slot when it was released back in the summer of 2018.
The key to a quality slot game is something that keeps players coming back for more. Judging by the smart graphics, fun gameplay, and potential big wins, Hugo Goal has all the ingredients to finally offer a soccer slot that fans of the sport can be proud to play.
End-to-End Drama or Parking the Bus?
In soccer, winning can become a habit. That is certainly the case in Hugo Goal. If you don’t trigger a win on a spin, then there’s still the chance to land a payout. This slot introduces you to Hugo the troll and his friends of Don Croco, Afskylia, and Goat. The Action Replay feature is triggered if you land two Hugo, Afskylia, Don Croco, or Goat stacked symbols on the reels. If this happens then the remaining third reel will re-spin until you win.
Free-kicks are also a thing in Hugo Goal online slot. Don’t worry, you won’t be asked to lace up your boots and do your best recreated effort of David Beckham’s 93rd minute equalizer against Greece that sent England to the 2002 World Cup. Instead, if you land two Item stacked symbols on the reels then the third reel will re-spin once to give you an extra chance to hit a win. The Item symbols in this game consist of a football, whistle, pair of soccer boots, stop watch, and a pair of linesmen flags.
The Penalty Shoot-Out Bonus is where the best of the action happens. Everybody loves a penalty shoot-out in soccer. Well, everyone except those involved in them. Luckily, that isn’t the case in Hugo Goal. You’ll be desperate to be in the thick of the action. This bonus game feature is triggered by filling all the places on the reels with the same symbol.
If you manage this, then you will be taken to a penalty shoot-out scenario on screen. Hugo takes on the role of the keeper and, as the person in control of Hugo, you must save as many of the five penalty kicks as possible. Every save you make increases your win multiplier up to a maximum of x10. This means you can win up to 800x your bet.
The characters in Hugo Goal slot are also worth keeping an eye out for. Hugo himself acts as the Wild and will pay out x3 up to a maximum of 1600 credits. He also substitutes for all other symbols. Afskylia will add a x3 multiplier up to 500 credits. Don Croco will add a x3 multiplier up to 400 credits. Finally, Goat will add a x3 multiplier up to 300 credits.
There are plenty of payouts to play for outside of the bonus features. It’s worth noting that wins pay left to right and only the highest win is paid out per selected line.
Fancy a Kickabout?
The free Hugo Goal slot is available to play at a number of online casinos that offer Play’n Go slots. If you want to give it a try for free before you play for real money then check it out.
If You Like This…
As mentioned earlier, there have been a number of soccer-themed slots that have been met with mixed reviews by critics in the online gambling sector over the years. Microgaming’s Football Star slot proved to be one of the more positive releases of recent times. There was also Football Carnival from Playtech that was far from a disaster.
Our review team recommend giving both of those a try if you enjoy the soccer aspect of Hugo Goal online slot. If it was the animated side of the slot machine you loved, there is an ocean full of animated slots out there that will interest you.
The Full-Time Whistle – Our Verdict
We’ve always felt 3-reel slots today can be a bit of a minefield. In a world where 5-reel slots and the like are becoming more advanced and complex, it’s putting pressure on the 3-reel titles to get a bit more imaginative. Our reviewers felt Hugo Goal video slot achieves this. It revels in its simplicity but uses endearing characters, a popular subject, and the potential for some big wins to offer absorbing game play.
Hugo Goal undoubtedly exceeded our expectations during this slot review. It will give you the quick fix you might need from a 3-reel slot and could prove to be the old faithful you keep returning to in the future.
