Quickspin Revisits Its Bandit Franchise with Thunder Rail Slot

Quickspin Revisits Its Bandit Franchise with Thunder Rail Slot

Quickspin

Rated 94.13/100%

362 Casinos | 123 Games

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Number of games

123

Country

Sweden

Founded

2012

• Slots

Quickspin has returned to one of its established slot universes with Sticky Bandits Thunder Rail, a new title that restructures and expands the thematic blueprint of the series. This installment shifts from classic Western motifs toward a grid-based framework while retaining recognizable elements such as outlaw narratives and layered Wild features. The game takes place in a stylized desert setting, where a train robbery scenario unfolds under the direction of the fictional Blackwood Gang.

The title presents a significant evolution in how features are integrated into gameplay. Rather than relying solely on linear payline functions, Thunder Rail employs an expandable 5×4 reel structure, capable of expanding to 7×7 during specific sequences. The inclusion of nine character-driven Wilds, each offering its functional variation, adds modular complexity to each round. The game initially supports 26 pay lines but can expand to 53 as new rows and columns unlock during Respins.

94.47/100%

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RTP%

96.07

Volatility

High

Layout

5×4

Max Win

Sticky Bandits Thunder Rail

No star

6 plays

29/05/2025

Quickspin

The slot's protagonists, Ezra Blackwood and Colt McKenna, are rendered as Wilds within the feature system, representing a crew of outlaws with various mechanical triggers. Their appearance during standard play can activate Respins, during which Wilds retain their position and engage their individual effects. Respins can continue as long as feature Wilds appear, although no more than one Respins can be triggered from a single spin.

Each Wild is designed to apply a particular function. Among the set are variants that expand vertically or diagonally, introduce 2×2 symbols, or assign payout or multiplier values to their position. Expansion Wilds increase the grid's dimensions by adding either rows or columns. The Extra Bet function allows a ninth character—the Mystery Wild—to join the set, which converts into one of the existing Wild types upon activation. Wild modifiers are restricted to Respins, and bonus symbols do not appear during these sequences.

The title's Bonus Game operates as a separate event, activated by three or more bonus symbols. When triggered, the grid expands to 7×7 and engages a hold-and-win mechanic. Symbols that land stick to the grid, while each spin depletes one life. When a new symbol appears, the counter resets. The feature concludes only when all three lives are lost without landing new symbols.

During the Bonus Game, symbol connection plays a pivotal role. Only tiles that are part of the “player area”—defined by their adjacency to one another—are included in the final reward calculation. This structural requirement creates an emphasis on placement, not just symbol value. Each symbol that lands may also carry an additional feature that interacts with adjacent symbols in vertical or horizontal lines.

The secondary modifiers in the Bonus Game introduce more variability. A “Grabber” symbol collects values from connected tiles without depleting them. A “Doubler” duplicates the value of adjacent symbols. The “Booster” adds its value to neighbors, while the “Re-Activator” refreshes previously used tiles. These cumulative features influence how values build during the round and determine the total payout once the Bonus Game ends.

The game offers multiple RTP configurations—96%, 94%, 92%, and 84%—to accommodate flexibility across different jurisdictions or operator preferences. The maximum payout is capped at 10,000x the stake, achievable within the Bonus Game if enough high-value symbols and multipliers are aligned and connected.

For those opting to bypass standard play, three Buy Features are available. The first initiates a random Wild feature for a base-level fee. The second sends the player directly into the Bonus Game with three to five bonus symbols, and the third ensures the Bonus Game begins with five bonus symbols, offering a potentially broader player area and stronger starting setup.

The addition of comic-inspired artwork and a distinctive score shifts the tone of Sticky Bandits Thunder Rail away from more traditional depictions of the Western genre. While earlier titles in the series leaned into scenic minimalism, this installment emphasizes narrative-driven sequences and graphic storytelling through both design and sound. This visual framing complements the layered functionality of its Wild system, tying character identity directly to feature activation rather than relegating narrative to a secondary role.

By adopting a more interconnected symbol architecture and expanding on its character-driven feature system, Quickspin has moved the Sticky Bandits series into more strategic territory. The title reframes standard slot mechanics by emphasizing positioning, adjacency, and chain reactions rather than relying solely on matching symbols or sequential paylines.