By Doug Holmes
Summary:
- ELK Studios releases Crescendo slot
- Betting range from $/€0.20 – $/€100
- Max win of 25,000x
If you enjoy poker but want something fresh, “Crescendo” from ELK Studios might just grab your attention. It’s not your usual slot, as it mixes traditional poker hands with modern slot mechanics, creating a unique blend of strategy, excitement, and unpredictability.
Instead of sitting at a virtual table, Crescendo takes players to a surreal setting filled with soft lighting, a checkerboard floor, and the northern lights glowing above. It’s not your typical casino backdrop, but the dreamlike design gives the game a distinct personality. While some poker purists might prefer a more realistic atmosphere, Crescendo’s visuals fit nicely with its experimental nature.
Crescendo is played on five reels, each showing symbols from a standard deck of 52 playing cards. Wilds can appear anywhere, substituting for any pay symbol, while each spin may reveal up to five features displayed above the reels. Bets range from 20 cents to €100 per spin, and the game runs on a 94% RTP with high volatility, so you can expect streaky sessions with the potential for big wins.
Winning combinations are based on standard poker hands, from simple pairs to five-of-a-kind. A pair pays as little as 0.1x your bet, while five-of-a-kind can pay up to 25x. The payout depends on your base win multiplied by the active multiplier, which can grow significantly during feature rounds.
Special Features
The game has five features that apply one after the other from left to right, for every matching card in a winning hand.
Every winning hand triggers a respin, and each respin adds a new feature to your “inventory,” up to a maximum of five. Depending on your hand, winning cards can become sticky, and the multiplier may increase for the next spin.
Some features add to your base win, others multiply it, and some can even turn matching symbols into wilds. For instance, if you’re just one card away from a straight or flush, you receive a free respin representing a second chance.
Bonus Game and X-iter Options
Landing three bonus symbols triggers five free spins, with all your collected features and multipliers carrying over. ELK’s signature X-iter system also appears here, letting players buy different bonus modes, ranging from smaller boosts to a full “super bonus” for 250x the original bet.
Final Thoughts
Crescendo is a creative reimagining of the classic poker game, where the rules are familiar, but the layers of features and multipliers keep every spin interesting. Whether you’re a poker aficionado or a slot player searching for something smarter and more tactical, Crescendo is worth a few spins.
