Gemix

Fans of Candy Crush should feel right at home with this sparkly 2014 release that also has hints of Bejeweled.

Powered by premier software house Play’n GO, the unique setup features just a single payline across a 7x7 grid, brimming with bright colors and some fun mechanics that earn the game its place in the hearts of casual gamers.

Design

Gemix is no ordinary pokie.

The unique 7x7 grid is the first thing that grabs your attention, marking a shift away from most conventional video slot formations. Its use of the Cascading Reels mechanism means all symbols fall from view when clusters of 5 or more are made, replaced by a new set that drop from above.

There are three main features at play that all customise the game’s backdrop:

• Deep in the depths of the forest, the night-time scene of miner’s world is home to the miner, complete with his bushy brown bead and headlamp.

• Trees resplendent in a variety of gems reveal the princess’s world, where we meet the lollipop-wielding princess dressed in purple.

• Finally, look for the wizard sporting a big white beard, finished off with blue hat and cape in the wizard’s world. Typical wizardly applications are also in his possession: think a spell book and magic wand. In wizard’s world a stretch of water makes way for a picturesque dwelling sat out in front.

All three levels follow their own unique gameplay, with each featuring a separate Wild which is awarded randomly when you fail to make a winning combo.

Symbols comprise an array of precious stones, and to the left of the grid your current level plus a record of recent wins are recorded. The game’s Charge Meter is found along with the World Map on the right hand side, which we’ll touch on further below.

Charge Meter

Similar to the feature found in Reactoonz, the Charge Meter offers players a second chance at forming winning clusters, increasing in value as symbols are removed from play.

Once fully loaded, the Charge Meter will award players a multiplier worth 3x on all wins achieved until no further clusters are made. One of the following features is then activated once clusters cease forming:

• Chain Lightning: This sees 2 corner symbols fire out a bout of lightning, increasing the value of any symbols that are hit.
• Light Beam: Any symbols stunned by the light beam that emits horizontally and vertically are transformed.
• Crystal Warp: This feature selects one random symbol, plus all matching symbols to transform into one other symbol, making it easier to form winning clusters.
• Nova Blast: Nova Blast forces the explosion of one symbol at random, which then proceeds to destroy all adjacent symbols while new symbols fall from above to help with the formation of clusters.

Three Worlds with Different Wilds

Filling the entire playing board of patterns bumps players up a level, where you get to a enjoy a different game backdrop linked to the three worlds mentioned earlier.

Each of the worlds possess their own “no-win Wilds”, activated whenever you fail to land a win:

• Miner’s World: Watch as a maximum of 10 Wilds fall to slot into random positions on the board.
• Princess’ World: The edge symbol is the Wild in Princess’ World, which proceeds to transform symbols into Wilds across the grid, before running into another edge symbol.
• Wizard’s World: In Wizard’s World, a maximum of 8 Wilds show up anywhere on the grid, locking in place for the duration of following cascades when clusters are removed. Once the Charge Meter gets filled, these Sticky Wilds vanish and a Crystal Charge feature then comes into play.

As an added extra, there’s a ‘world bonus’ at stake for successfully navigating your way through all three worlds.

Medium Volatility

You’re likely to enjoy a succession of average sized wins in this popular title, which puts Gemix in the mid-range regarding volatility.

While there’s no Free Spins round, the game’s Charge Meter means you’ll never wait long before your bankroll gets a boost.

Gemix on Mobile

Gemix is a truly made-for-mobile game thanks to its vivid palette and unique setup geared mostly to casual gamers, able to run superbly on pretty much any handheld device.

The Verdict

This bedazzling offering from Play’n GO is more video game than casino slot, with its neon-lit graphics and infectious soundtrack that borrows evident inspiration from other popular titles in the genre.

Sure, it’s missing a Free Spins feature, and the game’s format may upset some traditionalists, but this is OK given the huge dose of entertainment on offer, while the game’s three worlds, each distinctly different to the next, add another dimension to the polished product.

If the success of Candy Crush is anything to go by, we expect this game to be around for years to come.

Gemix at Caxino Casino

Gemix, plus hundreds of other popular pokies, are available to play today at Caxino Casino. You can even try out your favourite games in free play mode before wagering any real money to decide which game is right for you.

FAQs

What are Cascading Reels?

Cascading Reels in Gemix eliminate all symbols from view following every spin whenever they form clusters of 5 or more.

How many bonus worlds are there?

The game features three different bonus rounds labelled 'Miner's World', 'Princess' World' and 'Wizard's World'. One of these features comes into play if no win materialises in the base game, awash with Wild symbols.

What is the game's RTP?

An RTP of 96.83% puts Gemix in the mid-range for online pokies.