Cubes 2 is a continuation of Cubes which takes the elements and expands them into larger, high-volatility territory. It starts out at a 5x5 grid, but can extend to an 11x11 due to its cluster pays mechanic and grid growth. This slot has a return to player of 96.33% and an average betting range from 0.20 to 100. Depending on the region and version, the maximum payout can reach 10,500x. This is a game for a certain kind of player. Someone who can appreciate the minimalist visual design of the game, but can handle the inner mechanics and upside that is deep and highly complex.
There's a certain level of skill that is required to pull off a design that is not only minimalist but visually deep as well. There is a depth here not often seen in the genre. Cubes 2 opts for pastel colored, 3D layered blocks that slowly rotate in the background. The heavily 3D designed layer is a pleasant contrast from the actual game layer, which resolves to a simple flat, colored 2D design. This is not 2D cotton layered with fantasy characters. There is no lore. Instead, the player is transported, visually at least, to a world of puzzles with coloured blocks of pastel hue at the core focus. All the while the game remains centered on mechanics rather than visuals layered in storytelling, a rarity in the genre. Cubes 2 features three main mechanics, which are Cluster Pays, Expanding Grid, and Corner Multipliers. This is how the game is played.
Firstly, the goal is to make clusters vertically or horizontally connecting matching cubes in groups of 5 or more. Each time you make a winning cluster, the grid will expand in size, starting with a 5x5 grid and going all the way to 11x11 grid. The more expanded the grid gets, the more likelihood there is of winning clusters, with one of the largest grids having the capability of winning in multiple spots at the same time.
On your starting 5x5 grid, there are also special corner multipliers at all of the corners of the grid. Each of the corners is marked with an x. When you make a winning cluster, one of these corners containing an x will reward you with the number of multipliers equal to the cluster, or more if there are multiple corners in the cluster at the same time.
Cubes 2 gives you two options for free spins modes that give you options to strategize within the puzzle. The first of these options is triggered by winning clusters of 5 or more different colours within the base game. Each player then chooses one colour to turn sticky, and all symbols of that colour will remain in place and grid size doesn't reset between spins. The sticky mechanic alongside grid growth gives potential for huge wins as sticky cubes worth 500x, 2,500x or 7,000x of the bet can pay huge wins themselves.
The other option is the Multi-Colour Free Spins mode which is activated when all four corner multipliers in the grid are the same colour. This mode allows more colours to be sticky and is better for extended runs although the maximum potential in some versions remains capped at around 7,500x. A Bonus Buy option is also available in some markets where players can purchase immediate access to either of the free spins modes for 109x or 129x the bet.
Cubes 2 is firmly classified as a high-volatility slot. RTP is listed at 96.33%, which is considered high. The maximum potential wins vary by source. While 10,500× your stake has become a benchmark, some recent versions and features suggest even higher. Given the numerous features like expanding grids, sticky cubes, multipliers, and retrigger potential, base wins during a free spins mode can be very lucrative as well.
Cubes 2 is best suited to players who enjoy abstract, puzzle-style slots, minimalistic themes, and highly volatile mechanics. It is a good fit for players who enjoy grid expansion, high volatility, and the potential for big wins. On the other hand, if the game you choose is going to be largely played for small wins and simple game mechanics, the volatility of Cubes 2 and the fast pace of the game may not be the best fit for you.
To conclude: Cubes 2 takes the idea of 'tetris / cube' inspired slot games, and pushes the idea into riskier territory, with clever mechanics, grid growth drama and sticky color features. It may not appeal to everyone, but for seekers of… something different… with sleek design but layered with depth… It stands out as a clever and ambitious Hacksaw Gaming release.
