Aztec Trailz: Slot Overview

Soaring in like a legendary winged beast, the first-ever release from Phoenix Flames Studio arrives with the backing of one of the industry’s more familiar names, Blueprint Gaming. For its opening act, Phoenix Flames Studio has delivered Aztec Trailz, and while the title might not initially scream originality in a market packed with Aztec-themed slots, this one has a pleasant surprise in store. Rather than leaning on the usual formula, the studio has launched with a notably distinctive game built around an uncommon payout method and a set of equally offbeat features.

Anyone prone to dizziness might want to look away during the intro, as Aztec Trailz begins with a sweeping drop from the top of the trail down through dozens of rows to the lower area, where most of the action is likely to take place. The setting is a crisp jungle scene, with palms and a ground littered with carved stone blocks that become especially noticeable as symbols cascade into and out of the active grid. While it may not be the most breathtaking visual showcase, Aztec Trailz does separate itself somewhat from similar titles, though a more captivating soundtrack could have helped. The audio effects, some might say, feel reminiscent of the classic Gonzo’s Quest slot.

Each base game spin drops 24 symbols into a 6-reel, 4-row grid. Aztec Trailz doesn’t rely on ways or paylines to award wins. Instead, identical symbols must land touching one another horizontally or vertically, and any winning cluster has to start from the bottom row. Using a medium volatile model, Aztec Trailz offers an RTP of 95.5% when betting 20 p/c to $/€100 per spin, or 95.54% with the Extra Bet enabled. The Extra Bet increases the stake by 25% while doubling the chance of triggering free spins. With Extra Bet disabled, free spins land at a frequency of 1 in 300; with it enabled, this improves to 1 in 150.

Aztec Trailz displays symbol values on the pay table on a per-symbol basis. There are 5 standard paying symbols – three carved items, a mask, and an explorer. These pay 0.05 to 0.4 times the bet each, meaning a straightforward 4 OAK result returns 0.2 to 1.6x the bet. That said, there are multiple ways to potentially increase payouts. Helping connect combinations is the wild, which can replace any symbol except the scatter.

Aztec Trailz: Slot Features

The core objective in Aztec Trailz is to build the longest possible winning chain, climbing upward from the bottom. In this game, that’s referred to as creating a Trailz. Alongside Trailz themselves, you’ll also find Trailz Enhancers, free spins, and a bonus buy.

Trailz

When matching symbols connect from the bottom row up to the fourth row, it forms a Trailz. Once triggered, a new row is added to the grid. Rows keep being added until the Trailz is no longer linked to the top visible row. Upon reaching row 5, a multiplier of x2 is awarded, and it increases by +1 for every additional level the Trailz climbs.

Trailz Enhancers

At specific levels, players are granted enhancers that can assist in extending the Trailz. These are:

• Add Wild/s – 1 to 4 wild symbols are placed in random positions on the row. Additional random wilds can also appear on the row on top of the awarded wilds.
• Add Wild Row – an entire row of wild symbols is added.
• Extra Row/s – ensures the Trailz continues for 1 to 3 rows.
• Symbol Swap – moves symbols from the active Trailz into a position that allows the Trailz to keep going.
• Symbol Upgrade – upgrades all symbols within any Trailz(s) that reach that row to the next highest symbol on the paytable.
• Guarantee Bonus – guarantees the free spins feature will trigger. This is only available when the Extra Bet is active.
• Lifeline – awards a respin if the symbols on a row fail to extend the Trailz(s).

Free Spins

8, 10, or 12 free spins are awarded when 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols land, plus 2 extra free spins for each additional scatter symbol beyond that. During the feature, +1 free spin is added whenever a scatter symbol appears. Also in free spins, the Trailz’s height is held instead of resetting to the bottom. For instance, if you reach row 10, the next spin drops symbols into levels 7, 8, 9, and 10. Multipliers are also held during free spins, meaning the value reached on the previous spin becomes the starting multiplier for the next. Each Enhancer is limited to a single use in free spins.

Bonus Buy

For those who want direct access to free spins, Aztec Trailz includes two purchase choices. One grants 12 free spins for 100x the bet. The other awards 20 free spins for 250x the bet. Both options carry a return value of 95.66%.

Aztec Trailz: Slot Verdict

Anyone who assumed the Aztec-themed slot space had already been mined dry may want to reconsider, because Phoenix Flames Studio has managed to put a fresh spin on it. Aztec Trails carries hints of ELK Studios’ Gold games, Gonzo, touches of Rome Supermatch and Grim Reaper Supermatch from Nailed It Games, plus a vertical take on Infinity Reels for extra flavour. It’s a busy mix, so credit to Phoenix Flames Studio for taking a daring approach right out of the gate.

Of course, daring ideas don’t automatically make a great slot, but Aztec Trailz generally succeeds in blending its components into something that feels consistent. The first step is stacking 4 matching symbols to kick off the Trailz, after which the aim becomes building the win while taking advantage of the multiplier and the Trailz Enhancers—at least in theory. On the plus side, once the multiplier is introduced it rises with every level, and Enhancers show up fairly regularly. From there, it’s all about pushing matching symbols as high as possible to fully benefit from the added mechanics. That’s easier than it sounds, and strong wins didn’t come around especially often, while Aztec Trailz also isn’t the fastest-paced slot you’ll find.

If you’re curious about the ceiling, the structure extends to 70 levels/rows, and reaching the very top awards the game’s maximum payout of 10,000x the bet (up to 250,000 if this monetary amount comes first). Whether Phoenix Flames Studio intentionally drew inspiration from the titles mentioned or not, Aztec Trailz feels like it borrows ideas from several directions. Still, rather than feeling like a stitched-together imitation, Aztec Trailz offers players a distinctive experience worth a spin.