Mental: an unusual 3-2-3-2-3 grid, unlocking rows and multiplier wilds
Mental is one of Nolimit City's best-known titles, starting from an unusual 3-2-3-2-3 reel layout with 108 ways. This page of casinocasoola.biz explains the grid, the unlocking rows and the xSplit feature, then how to handle the game while a wagering requirement is running.
Visit the casino siteGame facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Studio | Nolimit City |
| Type | video slot |
| Layout | 5 reels in a 3-2-3-2-3 pattern, 108 ways that expand as rows unlock |
| RTP (theoretical return) | 96.08% |
| Volatility | extreme |
| Maximum win | 66,666x |
The RTP is the theoretical value published by the studio; casinos can choose between several configurations, so check the figure actually running in the game's info panel before you play for money.
The grid and unlocking rows
Mental's five reels are not all the same height: the odd reels show three rows and the even ones two, which gives the starting 108 ways. During play, further rows can unlock, raising the number of ways and with it the chances to win. Multiplier wilds attach to wins and multiply them, and features hit harder in the free spins round. According to the studio the maximum win is 66,666x the stake, and the theoretical return is 96.08 percent.
The role of xSplit
xSplit is a recurring Nolimit City feature that splits symbols to create more winning chances. In Mental it works together with multiplier wilds as the basis of the game's big payouts. The help screen sets out the exact rules; it is worth a look, because it helps explain why wins are spread so unevenly.
With a bonus: small stake, fixed budget
Among extreme-volatility games, Mental can produce particularly long dry spells. With bonus money this means the balance will probably run out before wagering is complete, with a small chance of a big hit instead. Illustrative example, not Casoola's terms: a €100 bonus with 35x wagering needs €3,500 of turnover; at 96.08 percent RTP the expected cost is about €137, and the actual result ranges far wider. If you still play it with a bonus, keep the stake well below the cap so that you are not tempted to raise it. Turnover is explained in the wagering guide.
Mental or Mental 2
The sequel, Mental 2, builds on similar foundations but with a higher 99,999x maximum and a slightly different 96.06 percent RTP. Both are extreme-volatility games, so the same rules apply to playing them with a bonus.