This Thunderstruck II review appraises one of the all-time great Norse mythology slots. A highly popular game from industry giants Microgaming, this May 2010 release was the sequel to the 2003 classic Thunderstruck.
From the exciting Wildstorm feature to an 8,100x maximum payout, there are many reasons why this game proved so popular with slots fans. Dive deeper into our Thunderstruck II review to discover more.
| Software Provider | Microgaming |
| Release Date | May 2010 |
| RTP | 96.65% |
| Volatility | Low |
| Max Win | 8,100x |
| Reels x Rows | 5 x 3 |
| Minimum – Maximum Bet | $0.30 - $60 |
| Number of Paylines | 243 |
| Themes | Norse Mythology |
Thunderstruck II Details, RTP and Volatility
The game is played on a 5x3 grid with 243 paylines, a setup that was certainly the norm at the time of its release. However, it also features an expanding wild mechanic that allows the reels to turn completely wild.
A flexible betting range begins with a budget-friendly $0.30 and reaches $60 for those with a larger bankroll. The slot also has a low volatility, implying that wins will be more frequent than average, but relatively small with it.
On the rewards end, the game boasts a maximum win of 8,100x your wager. Microgaming also improved the RTP from the game’s prequel, delivering a 96.65% rate this time.
Theme & Graphics in Thunderstruck II
Although the name doesn’t directly give it away, Thunderstruck II follows the legend of Thor and three other gods of Asgard. The release was also one of the major pioneers of Norse mythology-themed slots in the industry.
As you might predict given the theme, the likes of Thor, Odin, Loki and Valkyrie are among the highest-paying symbols. But other icons include a Viking Longship, Valhalla and Thor’s hammer, which functions as the scatter.
Thunderstruck II has inspired many other releases with similar themes, including one of our favorites, Gods of Asgard Megaways by Iron Dog Studios. Of course, that particular game boasts sharper graphics, as you’d expect from a newer release. In addition, Freya replaces the Valkyrie character.
Thunderstruck II Slot Features
Despite its age, there are two major features that are just as captivating as anything you’d find at new online casinos today. The next section of our Thunderstruck II review explains more.
Regular Symbols
Norse deities are the game’s premium symbols. Thor offers the highest payout, returning 16.67x your wager for five on a payline. Valkyrie, Loki and Odin all pay between 11.67x and 15x for five of their respective kinds. Alongside these, a Viking Longship and a depiction of Valhalla offer rewards of 0.5x for three, up to 10x.
Playing card icons A through 9 are the lower-paying symbols in this Thunderstruck II slot. These return 3.3x, 4.17x or 5x your bet for landing five on a payline.
Wilds
The game’s logo is wild and substitutes for all regular symbols. On its own, landing three, four or five wild symbols triggers a payout of 2.5x, 6.67x or 33.33x your bet, respectively.
Scatters
Thor’s Mjolnir functions as the slot’s scatter symbol. As a standalone icon, landing two to five scatters anywhere on the reels pays between 1x and 200x. However, three or more scatters will trigger the Great Hall of Spins feature.
Wildstorm
At random, Thor may descend onto the reels, surrounded by lightning and a storm. If this happens, one or more reels will transform to a stack of wilds. If all five reels fully transform, you’ll receive the max payout of 8,100x your stake.
Great Hall of Spins
Landing three, four or five scatter symbols triggers the Great Hall of Spins and there are four levels to unlock. A progress bar is visible at the top of the reels showing how often you’ve activated the feature and which level you’ll play.
Valkyrie Free Spins
This is the default free spins level, which appears the first time you trigger the bonus. Here, you’re awarded 10 free spins and all wins are multiplied by x5.
Loki Free Spins
The fifth time you trigger a free spins feature, this version of the bonus activates. It offers 15 free spins plus a Wild Magic symbol on the third reel, which can transform other symbols into wild magic symbols.
Odin Free Spins
This level is available on the tenth triggering of the bonus game. You’re awarded 20 free spins and a Wild Raven feature. During this, two ravens descend upon the reels, converting random symbols into x2 or x3 multipliers.
Thor Free Spins
On the 15th activation of the bonus round, you’ll enter the Thor level, with 25 free spins and a Rolling Reels feature. This removes winning symbols from the reels, allowing new icons to drop into the empty positions. In addition, the active multiplier increases to x2, x3, 4x and x5 with consecutive Rolling Reels wins.
How to Play Thunderstruck II Online
Thunderstruck II doesn't stray far from the established video slot formula. Three or more matching symbols on any of the 243 paylines, from left to right, triggers a win.
To start, select your base bet per spin via the coin stack symbol, then click the rotating arrow at the right of the screen. The double arrows above this allow you to configure up to 100 Autoplay spins, while the lightning bolt toggles turbo mode.
Try the Thunderstruck II Demo for Free before playing for real money
Now that you know about the slot’s features and mechanics, it’s time to practice. We recommend playing the free demo game embedded on this Thunderstruck II review page. That way, you can enjoy the slot without financial commitments, ahead of wagering for real money.
Thunderstruck II Review – Our Final Verdict
Despite being over a decade old, Thunderstruck has remained relevant, setting the pace for all Norse mythology slots in recent times. It’s a truly classic slot that offers a near-perfect balance of rewards and enjoyable gameplay.
Although the 8,100x max payout is not the biggest around, it’s not exactly bad either. Compared to other releases of the time, though, it’s a remarkable figure. The comparatively low betting limits aid the game’s appeal within a certain demographic, too.
A 2020 remastering of the graphics has also helped to keep the game fresh, though in all honesty, the visuals do betray its age. However, the gameplay is fantastic and the hype around the slot’s release was completely justified.
The Thunderstruck II free spins feature is especially impressive, thanks to its tiered “bonus-within-a-bonus” approach. Unlocking each level opens you up to a whole new gameplay experience. It’s an innovative incentive to keep you engaged, which isn’t exactly common today, but was revolutionary at the time.
Similar Slot Games
Here are some other Nordic-themed slots to try if Thunderstruck II is up your street.
- Gods of Asgard Megaways: This Norse mythology slot from Iron Dog Studios boasts a 96.70% RTP and up to 200,704 paylines.
- Thunderstruck: A classic slot from Microgaming with a max win of 30,000x and an RTP of 96.10% Released in 2003, it is the prequel to Thunderstruck II.
- Thunderstruck Wild Lightning: Stormcraft Studios offers an RTP of 96.10% in this high-volatility 5x4 slot with 40 paylines.
