Bust the Bank from Microgaming: Slot Review - the heist is on!

This classic heist-themed slot was released by leading software producer Microgaming way back in 2013 so it was high time that we got around to reviewing it! The game revolves around 2 master thieves called Larry and Bob as they attempt to break into a security-tight bank vault at night and make off with bags full of cash. Standing in their way are a pack of ferocious guard dogs and a bunch of mean-looking security guards. Let’s find out if these robbers have what it takes to bust the bank successfully or will they be caught red-handed?

Bust the Bank has 5 reels with 243 ways to win and comes with features such as Free Spins, Wild Reels, and a Free Spin Adder.

Special Features

The first feature to highlight is that the game features a whopping 243 ways to win. Wins are formed by landing adjacent matching symbol combinations. The Wild symbol in the game is illustrated by the game logo and like most Wild symbols, its main job is to substitute for all other symbols apart from the Scatter, Safe, and Piggy Bank symbols to help form winning combinations on the reels.

The Scatter symbol is represented by a black bomb with a skull mask. If you manage to land 3 or more of these symbols then you will trigger the Free Spins bonus game. In this feature, you will be awarded 8 Free Spins and each time you land a Scatter symbol on the reels, you will be given an additional Spin. During Free Spins, reels 1 and 5 transform into fully Wild reels to further boost your chances of landing a big cash payout.

The Safe Bonus feature triggers when you land the Bank Safe bonus symbol anywhere on reels 1 or 5. When this symbol lands, coins from the safe will pour down and duplicate the coin award over every symbol below it. Keep your eyes peeled on the Piggy Bank symbol as if you land this symbol in any position on reel 3 then you will activate the Piggy Bank bonus feature. In this fun little game, you get to smash a piggy bank to receive a nice cash prize. Also, make sure to keep a lookout for Larry and Bob as when these thieves appear randomly on the reels and run across the screen then you will be awarded a bonus prize.

Theme, Graphics and Sound

To be fair, the graphics are a little dated when you compare it to the latest new releases but there is a certain charm to them. The game is set in front of a grey metallic background which no doubt is the entrance to the bank vault and the symbols are nicely detailed with a distinct cartoonish style. Symbols consist of the 2 thieves Larry and Bob, a security van, a bank, a security guard, a police car, and a clock. The animations are impressive as symbols burst into life when part of a winning combination. I really liked when the Dog symbol is part of a win as its eyes transform into love hearts when looking at a poodle passing by or when Larry and Bob transform the reels into Wild reels by way of exploding bombs in the Free Spins bonus game.

The music is suspenseful with a bit of a playful tone. It complements the banks and robbers theme of the game perfectly.

Win lines, Payouts and Jackpots

The game features 243 ways to win, a high RTP of 96.75%, and a low maximum payout worth 433X your stake.

Below is a summary taken from the PayOut Table from the game. The amount won for each combination depends on the value of the bet when you spin the reels.

Bet Range: 0.30, 0.60, 1.20, 1.80, 2.40, 3.00, 3.60, 4.20, 4.80, 5.40, 6.00..300.00

Based on a bet of 0.60:

• Bomb Scatter Symbol: 1.20 for 3X, 6.00 for 4X, 30.00 for 5X
• Bob Symbol: 2.00 for 3X, 5.00 for 4X, 30.00 for 5X
• Larry Symbol: 1.00 for 3X, 2.00 for 4X, 20.00 for 5X
• Security Guard Symbol: 0.50 for 3X, 1.00 for 4X, 10.00 for 5X
• Police Car Symbol: 0.40 for 3X, 0.80 for 4X, 5.00 for 5X
• Bank Symbol: 0.30 for 3X, 0.60 for 3X, 3.00 for 5X
• Security Van Symbol: 0.20 for 3X, 0.40 for 4X, 2.00 for 5X
• Clock Symbol: 0.10 for 3X, 0.30 for 4X, 1.00 for 5X
• Dog Symbol: 0.04 for 2X, 0.10 for 3X, 0.20 for 4X, 1.00 for 5X

Our Verdict on Bust the Bank

This game is made by Microgaming and it’s one of the most enjoyable bank heist-themed slots we have played in a long time. The presentation of the game does not contain any flashy graphics but it is well designed and has a nice set of bonus features to keep players entertained for countless hours. I was able to trigger the Free Spins bonus game quite regularly while playing and you can land some huge payouts in this feature with 2 Wild Reels in play and extra Spins when you land more Scatters. I found this slot to be of Medium variance so it won’t take you too long to bust the bank and land a nice cash prize. For slots with a similar heist theme, check out Hotline or The Wild Chase.

Help Larry and Bob make off with a fortune when you play Bust the Bank!