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Unusual Suspects Slot - Features, Demo, RTP, Free Spins & Bonuses

Slot Unusual Suspects is a new release from Northern Lights Gaming, and is part of a growing collection of crime-themed slots. In contrast to other crime-themed slots (e.g., cops 'n' robbers) that use a classic cop and criminal setting, this game focuses on a team of detectives capturing suspects, wild frames, re-spins, and free spins to add an element of progression to the bonus round.

In Unusual Suspects, the game takes place over 5 reels and 4 rows with 20 fixed paylines. The default return to player (RTP) is 96.06% with medium-to-high Volatility and the highest jackpot of 12,000 times the total bet. Based on the combination of progressive gameplay and occasionally longer quiet stretches, this game would be ideal for players who want to experience feature-heavy gameplay.

This review of Unusual Suspects will go into detail about the Theme, symbols, paylines, wild frames, free spins, rtp, Volatility, bonus buy, Mobile compatibility, Demo Mode, advantages, disadvantages and if we think the game is worth testing.

Unusual Suspects Slot Screenshots

Unusual Suspects slot game
Unusual Suspects slot review
Unusual Suspects slot game review

Best Casinos to Play Unusual Suspects Slot

SoftwareNorthern Lights Gaming
Slot TypesVideo Slots
Reels5
Paylines20
Slot Game FeaturesSticky Wilds, Free Spins, Exploding Wilds, Bonus Trail
Min. Bet£0.10
Max. Bet£20
Jackpot12,000x Stake
Slot RTP96.06%

About Northern Lights Gaming 

Northern Lights Gaming is known for creating slots that bring together solid themes with advanced bonuses. The detectives and suspect Theme in Unusual Suspects provides an example of a well-integrated Theme.

Each aspect of the game's detective Theme is represented by different elements of the gameplay: each time a detective symbol appears, it brings you closer to progressing on the Boss Trail; each time a sticky wild frame appears, it earns you multiplier prizes; and each time you capture a suspect, it gets you closer to winning the big prize. 

Visual and Theme design 

Unusual Suspects is set in a gritty urban environment with flashing police lights, dark alleys, detectives, thieves and noir style. The design features a comic book feel to the character art and symbols that fit the Theme of the game. 

Higher value premium symbols include crime-related items (i.e. Handbags, dynamite, guns and handcuffs). Lower paying symbols include the card values a, k, q, j and 10. While this allows for simplicity to the pay table it also creates a unique look for the slot. 

SoftwareNorthern Lights Gaming
Slot TypesVideo Slots
Reels5
Paylines20
Slot Game FeaturesSticky Wilds, Free Spins, Exploding Wilds, Bonus Trail
Min. Bet£0.10
Max. Bet£20
Jackpot12,000x Stake
Slot RTP96.06%

Animations 

One area where Unusual Suspects really shines is with animation. When wilds appear they appear with an effect; when scatters appear, they nudge into position; and when a bonus sequence starts it looks like the detectives are chasing each other across the reels. Overall, the game presents itself as a film-quality production compared to many other typical crime-themed slots. 

Audio and Ambience 

Unusual Suspects uses jazz-influenced background music (in keeping with the noir genre), as well as crime-drama type sound effects. Police sirens, reels moving, wilds appearing, bonus moments all contribute to creating an atmosphere of suspense. 

While the audio enhances the overall mood of the game, the music does not overwhelm the player 
Overall players that enjoy ambient slots will likely appreciate the presentation of this slot. 

Gameplay and Paylines 

Unusual Suspects uses a 5-reel x 4 row format with 20 fixed pay lines. With all pay lines active on every spin there is no need to decide what number of lines to play. Payouts are paid out in order from left to right when matching symbols appear on active pay lines. 

The gameplay layout is simple enough to follow yet the feature system provides much added complexity. Even in the base game there are opportunities for exploding wilds, Sticky Wild Frames and detective wilds to occur so even non-feature rich spins may provide a sense of anticipation. The slot does not overload the reels with content but there is typically something occurring that suggests interaction. 

Symbols and pay table 

The pay table consists of basic card values (a, k, q, j & 10) as well as higher value premium symbols (handbag, dynamite, gun and handcuffs). The premium symbols offer higher payouts than the basic card values. There are also special symbols included in the game. Wild symbols serve as substitutes for regular symbols allowing them to complete pay lines. Exploding wilds transform random positions on the grid into wild symbols. Sticky Wild Frames can remain on the grid after a spin and become active when a detective symbol lands. The scatter symbol awards free spins. 

When any of these features are combined in some way it produces bigger payouts than just individual pay symbols landing. 

Exploding wilds 

Exploding wilds can occur in both the base game and free spins. When exploding wilds occurs random positions on the grid become wild symbols. Up to eight positions can be affected in a single spin. 
Wilds can instantly generate wins for multiple pay lines at once. Exploding wilds can particularly enhance wins that are very close to being completed with high value premium symbols. 

Sticky Wild Frames / Detective Wilds 

Sticky Wild Frames are perhaps the most significant feature in Unusual Suspects. These frames can land on reels and remain on those reels throughout additional spins. Additionally, frames can accumulate multiplier prizes up to 5x. 

Frames become active when a detective wild lands. At that point, framed positions convert into functional wilds helping to generate larger line wins 

There is also an added level of excitement watching for potential building on the reels. Players do not have to hope for random wilds anymore; instead, they know when a detective symbol shows up at exactly the right time and their feature comes alive. 

Free spins / Boss trail 

Free spins are awarded by getting either 3, 4 or 5 scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. Getting 3 scatter symbols awards 10 free spins; getting 4 awards 15 free spins; getting 5 awards 20 free spins. Sticky Wild Frames show up more frequently during free spins; thus making the bonus round more active. The addition that sets this apart from other free spin rounds is the Boss Trail - a progression-style bonus meter created by collecting detective symbols during free spins. Collecting detectives symbols captures suspects; thus potentially generating more free spins and/or higher multipliers. the Boss Trail adds a sense of direction to your free spins; allowing you to track your progress as you progress through the feature. 

Nudging scatter re-spin 

Another feature of Unusual Suspects is nudging scatter re-spin. If two scatter symbols appear but do not meet the requirement needed for free spins then the reels will nudge down one row and provide another opportunity for a third scatter symbol to appear. 

Although this feature guarantees entry into free spins neither does it guarantee success. The nudging scatter re-spin feature adds tension during near misses as well as provides interest in the base game. 

Feature Buy / Gamble 

Depending upon casino settings and local regulations some versions of Unusual Suspects have a feature buy option and/or gamble option. The feature buy option allows players to purchase direct access to free spins with a set multiplier applied to their current stake. The gamble option allows players to bet/risk their win in the base game for a chance to trigger the bonus round. Both options can add excitement however they also add risk. Purchasing bonuses does not guarantee profit and betting/gambling away winnings are possible. Availability of these options could be restricted due to local regulated casinos disabling them. 

Rtp/Volatility/Max Win 

The default RTP of Unusual Suspects is 96.06% although other versions (i.e., 94%, 92%, etc.) could be made available depending on casino market/region settings. Please refer to game information screen prior to wagering real money. The slot has medium-high Volatility. This means that results will not occur consistently but larger wins will occur more often when combining multiple mechanics (i.e., frames sticking, detectives landing, boss trail advancing). Max win is capped at 12,000 times total bet - placing it among other slots offering large potential rewards. 

Please note that RTP represents theoretical average returns over time and does not represent expected returns for any given session. Also, please note that Volatility represents variability between sessions, therefore bankroll management is essential. 

Wager/Bet range 

Wagers/bets generally run from approximately £0.10 per spin upward to £20 per spin although wager limits could vary by casino operator. 

With respect to wager/bet size: smaller wagers/bets tend to prolong sessions since Unusual Suspects is volatile. Conversely increasing wager/bet tends to produce larger maximum wins but does not affect chances of receiving free spins/wild frames/boss trail advances. 

Mobile Support 

Unusual Suspects was developed in HTML5 and functions properly on desktop/tablet/Mobile browsers. Although the 5x4 grid remains visible on small screens - animations function adequately without download requirements. 

Control functions operate smoothly with touch controls, additionally bonus sequence animations maintain clarity regardless of device utilized. 

Demo Version 

Since Unusual Suspects has numerous interconnected features using Demo Mode will aid players in understanding how exploding wilds / Sticky Wild Frames/detective wilds/scatter nudges/boss trail mechanics interact collectively.

 Demo Mode results do not reflect expected real-money results; however, Demo Mode will explain game pace. 

Comparison with Other Slots 

If you have enjoyed crime-themed slots similar to Hotline 2 or cops ‘n’ robbers, you may find Unusual Suspects familiar in tone but more mechanically layered. Many crime themed slots focus primarily on atmosphere whereas Unusual Suspects connects its detective Theme directly to its mechanics. 
As compared to simpler detective or western themed slots - Unusual Suspects seems moderner and more progressive in nature. the Boss Trail/sticky frames/detective interactions make Unusual Suspects stand out mechanically. 

Where can I find Unusual Suspects? 

Unusual Suspects can be accessed via select online casinos supporting gamesglobal/northernlightsgaming titles. Prior to registration, verify that your casino operator is licensed within your region/province/country, supports secure payment methods, and displays the RTP version available. 

Review of Player Experience

Unusual Suspects is geared towards players who prefer slots with heavy feature content, strong themes, and moderate to high Volatility. Due to its nature Unusual Suspects rewards patience much more than frequent repetitive spinning. Its best moments occur when several features connect: frames stay stuck / detectives land / boss trail moves forward / extra spins extend. 

Advantages / Disadvantages

Advantages: 

• A solid crime thriller Theme 
• Developed by Northern Lights Gaming 
• Played on 5 reels x 4 rows x 20 fixed pay lines 
• 96.06% default RTP 
• Max win of up to 12,000x 
• Exploding wilds and Sticky Wild Frames 
• Detective wilds and boss trail progression 
• Free spins awarding either 10 / 15 / or 20 free spins 
• Mobile friendly HTML5 format 
• Demo Mode usually available 

Disadvantages: 

• Lower RTP versions may be offered by some casinos 
• Volatility level is moderate to high which creates longer dry spells 
• Local casino operators may disable bonus buy/gamble options due to regulatory issues 
• The feature system could potentially confuse newcomers. Game availability is dependent on casino licensing. 

Final Verdict 

Unusual Suspects has been developed as a very polished and well-structured slot machine that is rich in mechanics. One of its strongest qualities is how well the features work together to develop the crime/drama theme. As well as sticky wild frames which are new to slots, the game also includes Detective Wilds, scatter nudges, and the Boss Trail. It feels like each element of the game is part of the chase. 

Not everyone will appreciate the complexity of this slot machine's feature system. Also, due to medium-high volatility, there may be longer dry spells than in other games. Nevertheless, if you like to see different layers of bonus systems, good graphics and a large max win potential, then unusual suspects could be one to try out. 

 FAQs 

What RTP (return to player) does Unusual Suspects have? 

The RTP of unusual suspects is 96.06%; however, it can sometimes be reduced to 94%, 92% or even down to 86%. 

What's the max win on this game?  

You could get up to 12,000 times your overall bet.  

How do I start the free spins round?  

Free spins start when you land at least 3 scatter symbols anywhere on the reels.  

How many free spins can I win?  

If you land 3 scatters, you'll receive 10 free spins; if you land 4 scatters, you will receive 15 free spins; and if you land 5 scatters, you will receive 20 free spins.  

 What is the 'Boss Trail'?  

During the free spin round, the "boss trail" is a progress-based bonus round that occurs after each detective symbol lands. Each time a suspect symbol is caught, players can either earn additional spins or increase their multiplier. 

Will Unusual Suspects run on my mobile device?  

Yes. The game is written in HTML5, so it should work on most modern browsers running on desktop, tablet & mobile devices.  

Can I play Unusual Suspects for free? 

 Yes. Most casinos offer a demo version of the game for new customers to try out before they deposit money into an account. Also, there are numerous slot review sites that also allow players to test games using demo mode.  

Are there bonus buy options available with unusual suspects? 

Some casinos allow players to purchase free spins. However, whether or not a player has access to these options is dependent upon the casino's settings and local laws and regulations regarding gaming.