Powered by NextGen Gaming and produced in partnership with Universal Studios, Psycho is a five reel 25 payline video slot based on the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock thriller of the same name.
Theme
The theme for this game is beautifully done. The background is dark and creepy with the neon Bates Motel to one side of the reels, with the iconic house on the hill at the other. In a cool nod to the film’s most famous scene, the reels spin over a shower curtain. The soundtrack adds to the sinister atmosphere and gives the impression that something truly terrifying could happen at any moment. The high value symbols include the two protagonists, Norman Bates and Marion Crane as well as motel room keys, envelopes of money and door peepholes.
Wild Symbol
The wild symbol in this game is pretty obvious as it portrays the word ‘Wild’ in a dramatic blood red hue. Any win using a wild symbol will be randomly multiplied by up to 20x. Also, a knife-welding hand slashes through the shower curtain at random intervals, adding more wilds onto the reels (as well as making you jump!)
Free Spins
The Bates family home on the hill acts as the scatter symbol, getting three or more of these on the reels will trigger the free spins round. The number of free spins you receive will depend on how many scatters were on the reels. Three scatters will award you 10 free spins, four scatters bags you 15 free spins and if you’re lucky enough to get five scatters then you’ll be rewarded with 20 free spins. Any winning combination achieved using a wild symbol during this round will be multiplied up to 40x. Getting another three or more scatters during the feature will retrigger more free spins.
Verdict
Psycho isn’t overly complicated but it is a real treat to play. So much thought and effort has been put into the design, the game pulls you into the world of the Bates Motel. Aesthetically, this game is stunning. On top of that the generous multipliers and random wilds, this game offers the potential for some pretty decent wins. What’s not to like?