Carnival Queen 2

Thunderkick returns to its carnival theme with Carnival Queen 2, a follow-up that takes the original Carnival Queen idea in a bigger direction. The game uses six reels with adjustable heights, allowing the number of winning ways to grow from an initial 5,040 to a maximum of 117,649. 

With a top payout of 25,000x the stake and high volatility, it is aimed more at players who are comfortable with considerable ups and downs rather than those looking for steady returns. Exploding Wilds and cascading wins form the basis of the regular gameplay, while the Free Spins feature introduces an accumulating multiplier that can increase the value of successive wins.

Theme and Symbols

Carnival Queen 2 keeps the festival-inspired setting of its predecessor, using colourful imagery to create a recognisable carnival backdrop. Thunderkick has retained the original theme instead of taking the sequel in an entirely new visual direction, focusing its changes more heavily on the game layout and mechanics. 

The six-reel arrangement is particularly important here, as the reels do not remain at a fixed height throughout play. This gives the playing area a changing appearance and makes the expanded number of Pay Ways a central part of the presentation. Overall, the game combines a familiar setting with a more elaborate reel configuration.

Betting Options and Special Features

This online game starts with 5,040 Pay Ways across six reels, but this figure can increase to 117,649 as the reel heights change. Its RTP stands at 94.18%, and the high volatility rating suggests that winning patterns may come with substantial gaps between stronger results. Players chasing bigger payouts have a maximum win of 25,000x their bet to consider.

The standard game revolves around Exploding Wilds and the Avalanche mechanic. When a winning combination lands, the successful symbols disappear and replacements drop into the available positions. This allows further combinations to form during the same spin. Exploding Wilds are another important part of the base game, working alongside the changing reel configuration and its increasing number of available Pay Ways.

The Free Spins round provides a different opportunity to build up winnings. Retriggers can extend the feature, giving players additional spins, while the Infinite Multiplier increases whenever a winning Avalanche takes place. As successive wins occur, the multiplier continues to climb, making the sequence of avalanches particularly important during the bonus round.

Conclusion

Carnival Queen 2 takes Thunderkick's established concept and gives it a more extensive gameplay setup. The variable-height reels and increase to 117,649 Pay Ways are among its main characteristics, while Exploding Wilds and cascading combinations keep the base game focused on consecutive winning opportunities. 

Free Spins stand out thanks to the Infinite Multiplier, which grows with each successful Avalanche rather than remaining fixed throughout the feature. The 94.18% RTP and high volatility are important considerations, but the 25,000x maximum win provides a clear incentive for players willing to accept a less predictable playing experience.