Das xBoot

Das Boot, a 1981 movie, received critical acclaim and is considered one of Germany’s greatest films. Based on Lothar-Günther Buchheim’s 1973 book, it recounts his experiences aboard German sub U-96 during WWII. Nolimit City, known for their unconventional themes, has transformed this tale into Das xBoot, a complex slot packed with features.

Das xBoot Overview

Das xBoot is a blend of features from previous Nolimit slots, set against a backdrop inspired by the film. The game takes place in a murky sea beside a submarine, with a tense atmosphere enhanced by a Jaws meets Blade Runner 2049 soundtrack. Despite the wartime theme, it feels less intense compared to Nolimit’s previous release, Mental.

Playable from 20 p/c to $/€100 per spin, the base game features a 6-reel, 2-3-4-4-3-2 layout, offering 576 ways to win. This can expand to 75,712 ways under certain conditions. As expected from Nolimit, Das xBoot is highly volatile, rated 10 out of 10. RTP is variable, with the most generous being 96.03%. Wins occur at a 22.07% frequency, and free spins trigger every 211 spins on average.

Gameplay and Symbols

The game features 10 regular symbols, plus various special symbols. Low-paying symbols are 10-A card ranks, while high-paying symbols are five crew members: chefs, radio operators, engineers, periscope operators, and captains. The Kapitanleutnant is the most valuable, worth 20 times the stake for a six-symbol combination.

Das xBoot Features

Das xBoot is packed with features, including xNudge Wilds, xWays, xBomb Wild Multipliers, Silent Hunter Spins, and Wolf Pack Spins. Here’s a breakdown of these features:

xNudge Wilds

These 4-row high wilds always nudge to be fully visible, increasing their multiplier by +1 for each nudge. They land on reels 3 or 4, except during Silent Hunter Free Spins, where they only land on reel 4. All multipliers add up for the total win multiplier.

xWays

xWays symbols land on reels 2 or 5, revealing 2-3 instances of a random regular symbol. If multiple xWays symbols land, they all reveal the same symbol, expanding the reel height and increasing win ways.

xBomb Wilds

Landing an xBomb Wild increases the global win multiplier by +1 before exploding and removing all non-winning symbols. Exploded xBombs convert to wilds, and remaining symbols drop to the bottom, with new ones tumbling in. The multiplier carries over to free spins if triggered on the same spin.

Free Spins

Landing 3 or 4 scatter symbols (sonar displays) triggers 8 Silent Hunter Free Spins or 8 Wolf Pack Free Spins, respectively. Here’s how they work:

• Silent Hunter Free Spins: Reel 3 expands to 8 positions high (like a periscope). Matching symbols on reels 1 and 2, with a Periscope Wild on reel 3, trigger a torpedo launch sequence, increasing the win multiplier by +1. A successful hit makes the Periscope Wild cover reel 3, increasing its multiplier for each nudge down. Misses keep the Periscope Wild as a single wild. Scatters add +2 spins.
• Wolf Pack Free Spins: A torpedo tube appears under reels 2-5. Torpedo wilds drop xWays symbols into the torpedo area, starting at x2 and increasing with each subsequent torpedo wild up to x9. When all 4 positions are filled, the torpedo launches, revealing xWays symbols. These symbols transform into regular or wild symbols, depending on the reel. Launching a torpedo increases the win multiplier by +1. Scatters add +2 spins.

Bonus Buy

Players can buy their way into the bonus rounds:

• 75x the bet: Silent Hunter Free Spins (RTP 96.57%).
• 350x the bet: Wolf Pack Free Spins (RTP 96.58%).

Das xBoot: Slot Verdict

Das xBoot offers a higher complexity but is more approachable than Nolimit’s previous release, Mental. The theme and features are well-crafted, providing an engaging experience. The comic book graphics soften the wartime theme, but the tension remains high with its menacing soundtrack and features.

The variety of features, including the unique xNudge Wilds and xWays, adds depth to the gameplay. Wolf Pack Free Spins, in particular, offer high potential for massive wins. The game’s volatility and all-or-nothing nature reflect the perilous submarine hunts of WWII, making every spin exciting.

Despite the high volatility, Das xBoot offers a substantial max win of 55,200 times the stake, making it a rewarding experience for those who brave its depths. Nolimit City continues to push boundaries with creative themes and intricate gameplay, and Das xBoot is no exception.